Entry Requirements & Visas
Coming in 2028: JESTA Pre-Registration
Japan plans to introduce the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) by fiscal year 2028 (not 2026!). This online pre-registration system, similar to the U.S. ESTA, will require visa-exempt travelers from 71 countries to submit personal and travel information before arrival. Applications will be processed online within hours, with authorization valid for multiple entries over 2-3 years. For now in 2026, current visa-free entry remains unchanged—no pre-registration needed.
Expected cost: ¥1,500-3,000 (~$10-20). Stay updated on official implementation dates at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Japan (biometric passport required for visa-free entry). While Japan technically only requires validity for your stay length, it's strongly recommended to have six months validity to avoid issues with airlines or if transiting through other countries.
Ensure at least one blank page for entry stamps. Always carry your passport as it may be checked on trains or at accommodations.
Visa-Free Countries (2026)
Citizens of 71 countries including the US, EU nations, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and many others can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days (some countries get 15, 30, or 180 days). No work or study activities permitted under visa-free entry.
Check the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to confirm your country's specific requirements and duration limits.
Visa Applications (Required Nationalities)
If your nationality requires a visa, apply at a Japanese embassy or consulate 4-6 weeks before travel. Requirements: valid passport, completed application form, recent photo (4.5×4.5cm), detailed itinerary, proof of sufficient funds (approximately ¥10,000/day or bank statements showing ¥300,000+), return flight ticket, and hotel reservations.
Visa fees range from ¥3,000-6,000 depending on type and nationality. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Some countries can now apply for eVisa online through Japan's electronic visa system.
Border Crossings & Immigration
Main entry points: Narita Airport (Tokyo), Haneda Airport (Tokyo), Kansai Airport (Osaka), Chubu Airport (Nagoya), and various seaports for ferries from South Korea/China. Immigration involves fingerprinting and facial recognition for all foreign visitors, typically taking 30-60 minutes at major airports.
Fill out customs declaration (available online via Visit Japan Web) before arrival to speed up processing. No land borders—all entries are by air or sea only.
Travel Insurance Strongly Recommended
While not currently mandatory in 2026 (though Japan is considering requiring it by 2027-2028), comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Japan's healthcare is world-class but extremely expensive for foreigners—a simple doctor visit can cost ¥15,000-30,000, and hospitalization easily exceeds ¥1,000,000 without insurance.
Get coverage for medical emergencies (minimum ¥5,000,000 recommended), medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Policies start from ¥500-1,500/day depending on coverage level and age.
Stay Extensions
Visa-free 90-day stays can potentially be extended for another 90 days (total 180 days maximum) only for compelling circumstances like medical emergencies or family situations. Apply at regional immigration offices before your current stay expires, with fee of ¥4,000 plus supporting documentation.
Extension approval is discretionary and not guaranteed. Overstaying your visa results in detention, deportation, and entry bans. If planning longer stays, consider obtaining proper long-term visa before arrival.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management in Japan
Japan uses the Japanese Yen (¥). Exchange rate as of January 2026: approximately ¥147 = $1 USD, ¥161 = €1 EUR, ¥185 = £1 GBP (rates fluctuate daily). For best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise multi-currency account to convert money at real mid-market rates with transparent fees—typically saving 3-5% compared to traditional banks or airport currency exchanges.
Japan remains largely a cash society, especially outside major cities. Always carry ¥10,000-20,000 cash daily for restaurants, small shops, temples, and rural areas where cards aren't accepted.
Daily Budget Breakdown 2026
Money-Saving Strategies
Book Flights & Packages Early
Find best deals by comparing prices across multiple platforms: Trip.com for Asia-based flights and packages, Aviasales for comprehensive flight comparisons, Viator for activity bundles.
Booking 2-4 months advance can save 30-50% on peak season travel (cherry blossom March-April, autumn foliage November). Consider flying into secondary airports like Osaka Kansai instead of Tokyo Narita for potential savings.
Eat Like Locals
Konbini (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) offer fresh bento boxes (¥400-700), onigiri rice balls (¥100-200), and hot items 24/7. Standing soba/udon shops near train stations serve filling noodles for ¥400-800. Lunch sets (teishoku) at restaurants are 30-50% cheaper than dinner prices for the same food.
Supermarket basement food halls (depachika) discount fresh sushi and prepared foods 30-50% after 7-8 PM—perfect for dinner on a budget.
Transportation Passes Save Big
JR Pass 7-day (¥50,000 ordinary, ¥70,000 Green Car) pays for itself with just one Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka round trip (normally ¥28,000 each way). Purchase before arriving in Japan through authorized dealers or Klook.
City-specific passes: Tokyo Metro 72-hour pass ¥1,500, Kyoto Bus one-day pass ¥700, Osaka Amazing Pass ¥2,800 (includes 50+ attractions). IC cards like Suica/Pasmo offer 1-2% fare discounts vs paper tickets.
Free Attractions Galore
Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Outer Market, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Yoyogi Park. Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (10,000 torii gates), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Philosopher's Path, Nishiki Market. Nara: Nara Park with free-roaming deer, Kasuga Taisha approach.
All Shinto shrines have free access to grounds (inner halls may charge ¥300-500). Hiking trails nationwide including parts of Mount Fuji, Nakasendo Way, and Kumano Kodo are completely free.
Cash vs Card Strategy
Cash dominates: 60-70% of transactions still cash-only, especially at small restaurants, street vendors, temples, taxis, and rural areas. ATMs at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Japan Post accept foreign cards with lowest fees (typically ¥200-220 per withdrawal).
Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) accepted at: department stores, chains, hotels, major restaurants in cities. Mobile payment growing: PayPay, Line Pay work for foreigners with compatible cards. Tip: Withdraw ¥50,000-100,000 at once to minimize ATM fees.
Discount Passes & Coupons
Tokyo: Grutt Pass ¥2,500 for 2 months gives free/discounted entry to 100+ museums (pays off after 3-4 museums). Many temples offer combo tickets—Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji/Ginkaku-ji/Ryoan-ji shared ticket saves ¥300.
Student/senior discounts: 20-50% off at most museums and attractions (bring valid ID). Download official tourism apps for digital coupons: Kyoto City Official App, Visit Tokyo, Osaka Info often have restaurant and shop deals.
Smart Packing for Japan
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Versatile layers are key: Japan has four distinct seasons with humid summers (25-35°C) and cold winters (0-10°C). Spring/Autumn: Light sweaters, long pants, windbreaker. Summer: Breathable cotton/linen, shorts okay for casual areas, but pack light long pants for temple visits. Winter: Thermal underlayers, warm coat, scarf/gloves for northern regions.
Modest clothing recommended: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples/shrines. Avoid overly revealing clothing as Japan is conservative. Pack wrinkle-resistant fabrics since you'll be moving frequently.
Rain gear: Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket essential year-round—Japan gets frequent showers. June is rainy season with daily drizzle.
Electronics & Connectivity
Power adapter: Type A/B outlets (two flat pins), 100V 50/60Hz—same as USA/Canada but lower voltage. Bring universal adapter if coming from EU/UK/Australia. Most phone chargers auto-convert voltage.
Connectivity options: eSIM (instant activation via YesSim, 1-30GB plans from ¥1,000-5,000), pocket WiFi rental at airport (¥600-1,000/day with unlimited data), or SIM card from convenience stores. Hotel WiFi widely available but public WiFi limited.
Download offline: Google Maps offline mode, Google Translate app with Japanese language pack, Hyperdia train app, currency converter. Portable power bank (under 20,000mAh for flights) essential for navigation-heavy days.
Health & Safety Kit
Medications: Bring prescription meds in original labeled packaging with English pharmacy receipt (some common drugs like codeine are banned in Japan). Pack enough for entire trip plus extra—difficult to get refills without Japanese doctor visit.
First-aid basics: Motion sickness tablets for trains/boats, blister bandages for walking days, pain relievers, allergy meds if needed. Face masks recommended for crowded trains (still common post-COVID and during flu season).
Sun/insect protection: High-SPF sunscreen (50+) even in winter due to altitude in mountains, insect repellent for summer rural areas (mosquitos common in Kyoto gardens). Prescription glasses/contact lens solution as local brands differ.
Travel Gear Essentials
Bags: Compact daypack (15-20L) for daily exploring, avoid large backpacks on crowded trains. Consider packable tote for shopping—plastic bags now cost ¥3-5 per bag at stores. Luggage with 4 wheels ideal for navigating train stations.
Reusable items: Water bottle (tap water is safe and delicious nationwide), cloth shopping bag, chopsticks for eco-conscious travel. Hotel toiletries usually provided (toothbrush, razor, slippers).
Documents: Photocopy of passport, printed hotel reservations, insurance details, emergency contacts. Money belt or neck pouch for passport/cash in crowded areas like Shibuya crossing.
Footwear Strategy
Comfortable walking shoes are critical: Expect 10,000-20,000 steps daily on pavement and stairs at temples. Break in shoes before trip. Slip-on shoes highly recommended—you'll remove shoes constantly at ryokans, temples, some restaurants, homes, fitting rooms.
Hiking boots: If visiting Japanese Alps, Mount Fuji, or Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, pack proper trail shoes with ankle support and grip. Hokkaido snow season (December-March) needs insulated waterproof boots.
Indoor slippers: Many traditional accommodations provide slippers, but pack lightweight indoor socks/slippers if preferred. Sandals useful for summer and onsen bathroom areas.
Personal Care Items
Toiletries: Travel-sized within airline limits (100ml containers, 1L total in clear bag). Japanese hotels usually provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, but quality varies. Western-size deodorant hard to find—bring your own. Lip balm essential for dry winter air.
Women: Tampons less common than pads (bring supply), birth control if needed. Men: Western razors/blades available but expensive (¥1,500+ for cartridges). Quick-dry towel useful for onsen visits or unexpected rain.
Laundry: Coin laundries widespread (¥300-600/load), hotels often have laundry service. Pack quick-dry underwear and socks for 1-2 week trips to minimize luggage.
When to Visit Japan
Spring (March-May)
Peak season: Late March-early April for cherry blossoms (hanami), with Tokyo blooming March 25-April 5, Kyoto April 1-10. Weather mild 10-20°C, perfect for outdoor activities. Drawbacks: Highest prices (accommodation up 200%), massive crowds at popular spots, book 4-6 months ahead.
Best for: Photography, park hanami parties, temple visits with blooming plum/cherry trees. Early May has Golden Week holiday (April 29-May 5) with domestic travel surge and higher prices—avoid unless necessary. Late May offers post-bloom discounts.
Summer (June-August)
Hot and humid 25-35°C with 70-80% humidity. June rainy season (tsuyu) brings daily drizzle but lush greenery. July-August festival season: Gion Matsuri (Kyoto July 17), fireworks displays nationwide, Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori Aug 2-7). Hokkaido pleasant 20-25°C escape from heat.
Best for: Festivals, beach escapes in Okinawa, Mount Fuji climbing season (July 1-Sept 10), summer sumo tournaments. Avoid: Obon holiday week (mid-August) when locals travel. Typhoon season starts late summer with possible disruptions.
Autumn (September-November)
Arguably best season: Stunning koyo autumn foliage late October-early December (Hokkaido peaks late Sept, Kyoto mid-November). Comfortable 15-25°C, less humidity than summer, fewer tourists than spring. Food festivals showcase harvest: chestnuts, mushrooms, persimmons.
Best for: Photography in Kyoto temples (Eikan-do, Tofuku-ji), Nikko gorges, Hakone Lake Ashi. Onsen soaking surrounded by colored leaves. Mid-September still warm but post-summer rates. Late November sees first snow in north, lower prices before winter ski season.
Winter (December-February)
Cold 0-10°C in cities, sub-zero in mountains/north. Hokkaido snowfall paradise for skiing (Niseko powder December-March). Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka mild but crisp. Lowest prices except New Year (Dec 29-Jan 4) when businesses close and hotels triple rates.
Best for: Skiing/snowboarding Hokkaido/Nagano (1998 Olympics venues), hot springs after snow days, winter illuminations in Tokyo/Osaka, New Year shrine visits (hatsumode), fewer crowds at major sights, budget-friendly off-peak rates January-February.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Japanese Yen (¥). Current exchange rate approximately ¥147 = $1 USD, ¥161 = €1 EUR (January 2026). ATMs at 7-Eleven/FamilyMart/Post Office accept foreign cards. Cards increasingly accepted in cities but cash still dominates (carry ¥10,000-20,000 daily).
- Language: Japanese is primary language. English signage common in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka tourist areas, but limited spoken English outside major cities. Download Google Translate app with offline Japanese. Learn basic phrases: Sumimasen (excuse me), Arigato gozaimasu (thank you), Eigo wakarimasu ka (do you speak English?).
- Time Zone: Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC+9. No daylight saving time. Example: When it's 12:00 noon in Tokyo, it's 10:00 PM previous day in New York, 3:00 AM same day in London, 2:00 PM in Sydney.
- Electricity: 100V, 50Hz (eastern Japan including Tokyo) or 60Hz (western Japan including Osaka). Type A/B plugs (two flat pins, sometimes with ground). Lower voltage than US (110V) but most electronics auto-convert. Bring adapter for EU/UK/AU plugs.
- Emergency Numbers: 110 for police, 119 for ambulance/fire. English support available but limited—try to have Japanese speaker assist if possible. Japan Helpline (English 24/7): 0570-000-911. Medical interpreter hotline: 03-5285-8181.
- Tipping: NOT customary and can offend. Service charge included in prices. Exception: Some high-end Western hotels/restaurants expect tips from foreign guests, or leave ¥5,000-10,000 for exceptional ryokan service in envelope. Never tip taxis, bars, casual restaurants.
- Water: Tap water is safe, clean, and delicious throughout Japan. Hotels provide complimentary water, public drinking fountains common. Buy bottled water in vending machines (¥100-150) or konbini if preferred.
- Pharmacies: Look for "kusuriya" (薬屋) signs or drugstore chains: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, Welcia. Over-counter meds limited compared to Western countries—bring prescriptions. Pharmacies at major stations often have English-speaking staff.
- Internet & WiFi: Free WiFi at hotels, some cafes (Starbucks, Tully's), tourist information centers, and 7-Eleven stores. Public WiFi registration cumbersome. Best option: Rent pocket WiFi (¥600-1,000/day unlimited data) at airport or use eSIM from YesSim for instant connectivity.
- Safety: Japan is one of world's safest countries. Low crime rate, safe to walk at night in cities. Lost items often returned to police boxes (koban). Be cautious of rare bicycle theft and train gropers (chikan). Women: use women-only train cars during rush hour if uncomfortable.
- Etiquette Basics: Bow when greeting, remove shoes indoors (ryokans, temples, homes), don't eat while walking, keep phone on silent in trains/public transport, no trash cans (carry garbage until hotel), stand left on escalators (right in Osaka), pour drinks for others not yourself.
- Smoking Rules: Smoking banned on most streets (designated outdoor smoking areas only), banned in restaurants/bars unless separate smoking room. Vaping treated same as smoking. Heated tobacco (IQOS) popular but still restricted to smoking areas. Fines ¥2,000-30,000 for violating smoking bans.
