Japan Travel Guide

Visas and Entry Requirements

British citizens don’t need to apply for a visa in advance. You are given permission to stay for up to 90 days on arrival for tourism, and your passport must be valid for the whole of your stay, with a blank page for the entry stamp. You can fill in your immigration and customs forms online before you fly using Visit Japan Web. Japan’s departure tax, the International Tourist Tax, rose to 3,000 yen from 1 July 2026 and is usually included in your air ticket. Rules can change, so always check the UK government’s entry requirements for Japan before you travel.

Health and Medicines

Healthcare in Japan is excellent but expensive, so take out travel insurance that covers medical treatment. Check the vaccine advice on TravelHealthPro before you go. Japan has very strict rules on medicines: some common products sold in the UK, including Vicks inhalers and decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, are banned, and some prescription medicines need a permit. Check with the Japanese Embassy before you travel if you take regular medication. In an emergency, call 119 for an ambulance or 110 for the police.

Weather & When To Go

Japan’s weather varies by season. Spring (March to May) brings mild temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms, while summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and rainy. Autumn (September to November) offers cooler weather with colorful fall foliage, and winter (December to February) is cold with snowfall in northern areas and ski resorts.

The best time to visit Japan is typically in spring for cherry blossoms (March-April) or autumn for fall colors (October-November), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is stunning.

When to Go: Japan’s Seasons

Japan’s big holiday periods are Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August) and New Year. Trains and hotels are very busy, so we plan around them where we can.

Money

The currency is the Japanese yen. Cards are now widely accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants and stations, but cash is still useful at small restaurants, temples, markets and in rural areas. ATMs in 7-Eleven stores and post offices accept foreign cards. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture, and leaving money can cause confusion, so there’s no need to tip.

Staying Safe

Japan has some of the lowest crime rates in the world, and it’s safe to walk around cities at night. The main natural risks are earthquakes and, from about August to October, typhoons. Buildings are designed for earthquakes, and hotels explain what to do in an emergency. Follow official instructions and check the latest UK travel advice for Japan before you go.

Local Customs and Etiquette

• Shoes off: remove your shoes in homes, ryokan, temples and some restaurants, and use the slippers provided.
• Onsen hot springs: wash thoroughly before getting into the bath, don’t put your towel in the water, and be aware that some baths don’t allow visible tattoos. We can find tattoo-friendly or private baths.
• On trains: keep your voice down and don’t talk on the phone.
• Eating: don’t stand chopsticks upright in rice or pass food from chopstick to chopstick, and try not to eat while walking in busy streets.
• Kyoto’s Gion: some private lanes are closed to visitors, and geiko and maiko should never be photographed without permission.

Food and Drink

Japanese food is one of the great reasons to visit. Try sushi at Tokyo’s Toyosu or Tsukiji Outer Market, ramen in tiny counter restaurants, tempura, okonomiyaki in Osaka and Hiroshima, and kaiseki, the beautiful multi-course dinners served in ryokan. Department store food halls and convenience stores are surprisingly good for snacks. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for Japan?

No. British citizens don’t need to apply for a visa in advance and can stay for up to 90 days as a tourist. Your passport must be valid for your whole stay. Always check the latest UK government advice before you travel.

Is Japan expensive to visit?

Japan can be very good value. Hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto and ryokan stays can be pricey, especially in cherry blossom season, but food, local transport and many sights are cheaper than you might expect. A simple lunch of ramen or a bento box costs much less than a similar meal in London.

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?

It depends on your route. The pass covers most JR trains, including many bullet trains, and is good value if you’re making several long journeys, such as Tokyo to Kyoto, Hiroshima and back. For shorter trips, single tickets are often cheaper. We’ll work out the best option for your itinerary.

Can I use credit cards in Japan?

Yes, in most hotels, shops, stations and larger restaurants. Carry some cash for small restaurants, temples, shrines and rural areas. ATMs in 7-Eleven stores and post offices accept foreign cards.

Do you tip in Japan?

No. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture, and staff may try to return the money. Excellent service is simply expected.

What plug sockets are used in Japan?

Japan uses 100V and two flat-pin plugs, the same as in the USA, so bring a UK-to-US adaptor. Most phone and laptop chargers work fine on 100V.

Can I go to an onsen with tattoos?

Some onsen and public baths don’t allow visible tattoos, though the rules are becoming more relaxed. Small tattoos can often be covered with a plaster. We can choose ryokan with private baths or tattoo-friendly hot springs.

Plan Your Japan Holiday

Ready to start? Explore our Japan bespoke holidays, read about Japan’s regions, browse our Japan hotels, or see our 23-day China, South Korea and Japan holiday. To start planning, request a video call with our specialist.