Japan
Tours & Packages to Japan
Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Japan? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Tokyo |
| Weather | Temperatures vary in Japan depending on location. In general, October and April are the best times to visit when temperatures are mild. May through July are the rainiest months, and June through August are hot and humid. Be sure to take a sweater regardless of where or when you are traveling. Winters can be very, very cold. |
| Entry requirements | 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. |
| Shopping | 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. |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | There are no vaccination requirements for travelers. There is no risk of malaria. Note: Many over-the-counter cold medicines like Vicks Inhalers and Sudafed contain small amounts of amphetamines and are illegal in Japan. |
| Power & Adapters | 100 volts. Plugs A, B. View more information about electrical standards around the world. |
| Tipping | Tipping is not a common practice in Japan and is not expected. 10% service charges are usually added to restaurant bills and no further tipping is necessary. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are ATMs available in Japan?
ATMs generally only work for cards issued from Japanese banks with the exception of Cirrus.- Can I take my cell phone?
See our blog post on using your cell phone abroad.
Videos
Articles
Check out our blog for our latest articles on Japan.
Rave Reviews
My trip to Japan was the most memorable trip yet. Friendly Planet thought of everything ahead of time, had suggestions prior to my trip, and helped with my many questions. The guides were experienced and went out of their way to make our trip exciting. I would definitely book from Friendly Planet again, without hesitation! Thank you Friendly Planet!
Audrey Russ, Philadelphia, PA
Japan Panorama
Loved every minute of this trip. The hotel was great - centrally located, modern, clean, a five star all-the-way. Singapore Airline was wonderful - didn't think I could take the 10hr trip but it wasn't difficult at all, with all the in-flight entertainment. Round trip transfers went smooth. And the included full buffet breakfast was an added surprise. I went with my adult daughter and son and they really loved Japan and can't wait to return. I am a former travel agent and I know how many things that are out of your control can happen. I am telling anyone who is interested in travel to contact your company. I've been on many tours and this was one of the best - both for what is included and for the price. P.S. When I called your office, I got to speak with a real human (how many times does that happen in today's world) who was pleasant and able to answer all my questions and correct any problems I had with my booking.
Kathleen Russo, Wynnewood, PA
Tokyo Express