Before you ask.

Many passports get in without one, usually for up to 90 days — but it depends on your passport. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list. Residents of the US, UK, Australia, Canada and a few others can apply online for a tourist eVISA; at the airport the notice must be shown live on your phone, not as a screenshot.

Yes. Japan’s tourism organizations recommend it for every visitor: care is good but can be expensive. Look for a policy that pays the hospital directly.

Free Wi-Fi exists at airports and convenience stores but comes and goes. If you rely on maps, set up an eSIM before you fly or rent a pocket Wi-Fi at the airport.

100 volts everywhere. Most phone and laptop chargers are fine (look for “100–240V”). Single-voltage hair dryers may need a converter.

Late March–early April for cherry blossoms, mid-October to early December for autumn leaves. June–July is the rainy season, August–September can bring typhoons. See the month-by-month chart.

Both. Cards work in most city shops, restaurants and taxis, but restaurants are where they fail most. Keep enough yen for a meal and a bus fare. Seven Bank and Japan Post Bank ATMs are the easiest for foreign cards.

No. Restaurants, taxis and hotels don’t expect it. A thank-you does the job.

From November 1, 2026 you pay the full price, then get the tax back when you leave: spend ¥5,000+ (before tax) in one store on one day, keep the goods in your carry-on, and scan your passport at the airport kiosk within 90 days.

¥3,000 per departure since July 1, 2026 — almost always already included in your plane ticket.

Some cities add a small tax per person, per night — Kyoto and Tokyo do, for example. Rates are set locally.

Only if you cover long distances. Prices rose on October 1, 2026 (7 days, ordinary: ¥53,000). Price your actual tickets first.

They all work on trains, buses and in convenience stores across Japan. Get one on day one — cards often don’t cover short train fares.

Every big airport has a train, a bus and taxis. From Narita, the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner; from Haneda, the Keikyu Line or the monorail. Pick by your luggage, not just the clock.

Send them ahead. Airport counters and most hotels deliver bags to your next hotel, often the same or next day — then ride the train with a day bag.

110 for police, 119 for fire or an ambulance. The Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787) answers 24/7 in English, Chinese and Korean.

Japan is well prepared. Install the free “Safety tips” app before you go — it sends alerts in 14 languages.

Doable, but plain-looking food often uses fish stock (dashi), and many dishes use sake or mirin. Ask about the stock and sauces every time, and carry a card in Japanese.

Yes — clean, free, and at stations, sights and most convenience stores. The red square button is stop.

Watch three periods: New Year (late Dec–early Jan), Golden Week (late Apr–early May) and Obon (mid-Aug). Book early and check opening days.

Locals in Japan who check things before we write them. No faces, no influencer selfies — just answers.

Day-by-day trip plans: ready-made from our tested library, or tailor-made around your dates and people. Booking opens in November 2026.

No. We tell you what to book and when; you book it yourself.

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