Japan

Capital: Tokyo
Population:  127 million
Currency: Japanese yen (JPY)
Languages: Japanese
Drives on the: Left
Time zone: JST (UTC +9)

U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least 90 days after your return date, though we strongly recommend at least six months. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Japan for stays up to 90 days. See the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information.

If you do not hold a U.S. passport, you are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas and meeting all entry requirements. If a visa is required, we recommend using a fee-based visa service, such as our preferred provider VisaHQ.

More information about passports & visas.

Immunizations are not currently required for travel to Japan.  However, you may wish to consult your doctor regarding any concerns or recommendations prior to departure. 

Note: Many over-the-counter cold medicines like Vicks Inhalers and Sudafed contain small amounts of amphetamines and are illegal in Japan. 

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Temperatures vary in Japan depending on location.  During the months of May and October, the temperature averages in the 70’s.  During the months of July through September, the temperature is generally in the 80’s.  In November, the temperature is in the 60’s.  The winter is very cold. 

You will spend most of your time touring, and if you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, by all means, take both pairs. Shoes with good traction are also recommended.  Packing to dress in layers is another way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Natural fabrics such as cotton are particularly comfortable in the warm, dry climates.  Please be sure to pack a hat to protect you from the sun. Overnight temperatures are cooler, so pack a light sweater to keep you warm during the evenings, and an umbrella or a poncho for the unexpected rain that may come your way. You will be required to take off your shoes when visiting some temples. Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are in order for most every occasion as you travel. 

The official currency in Japan is the Yen.  Hotels and some stores and restaurants accept major credit cards.  For “street shopping,” you will need the local currency.  Many ATMs do not accept credit/debit cards that are issued outside of Japan.  Notify your bank prior to departure to avoid problems using your credit or debit card abroad.

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.

Japan has a wide range of items that will appeal to a variety of tastes and budgets.  From high-end items such as porcelain to local packaged seaweed, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind items you can’t find anywhere else!  

The best items to shop for in Japan are pearls, silks, pottery, cloisonné, lanterns, furniture, lacquerware, dolls, red coral, cameras, karate gear, green tea, carp kites, Imari porcelain, good-luck charms from shrines, and packaged seaweed. 

You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances.  We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. The electrical current in Japan is 100 volts with 50 cycles; the plugs are A and B. View more information about electrical standards around the world. 

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? See our blog posts on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad.