Japan
At Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, believers rub incense smoke on ailing body parts, while neon in the Ginza shopping district exudes sophisticated affluence. Iconic Mt. Fuji rises above trendy hot springs resorts, an electric cable car soars above 400,000-year-old Lake Ashi, and the Shinkansen bullet train speeds to ancient Kyoto. With so much to see, let Friendly Planet help you find the perfect Japan travel package -- at an incredible discount too!
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. Booked on one of our packages with Scheduled Dates? 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
The trip to Japan was a wonderful trip. Both the trip and the Friendly Planet service will make you want to travel with them again! Great trip with great service.
Gaylene Weathers, Wichita, KS
Japan Panorama
Overall the Taj Mahal Express was a great experience and value for you money ....Very Glad we had the opportunity to go ....Friendly Planet does a great job with your tours ....We've been to Japan also with you and look forward to going on more Friendly Planet Tours.
nancy macker
Taj Mahal Express