Japan

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Japan. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days.

US Embassy/Consulate

[81] (03) 3224-5000; US Embassy in Tokyo, 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420, Japan; TokyoACS@state.gov; https://jp.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

81

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 110

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north

Currency (Code)

Yen (JPY)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

100 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Plug Type APlug Type B

Major Languages

Japanese

Major Religions

Shintoism 69%, Buddhism 66.7%, Christianity 1.5%, other 6.2%; note: many people practice both Shintoism and Buddhism

Time Difference

UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Yes

International Driving Permit

required

Road Driving Side

Left

Tourist Destinations

Tokyo (includes Imperial Palace, Skytree, Mount Fuji, Disneyland); Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park; Historic Kyoto; Island Shrine of Itsukushima; Historic Nara; Himeji Castle; Nagasaki; Okinawa

Major Sports

Sumo wrestling, karate, judo

Cultural Practices

Taking off shoes when entering someone's house; bowing 45 degrees to show respect; shaking hands in Japan is less widespread than in other countries; making the slurping sound when eating noodles.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not expected by the majority of service workers. This includes restaurant servers, hotel employees, and cab drivers. Some even regard tipping as rude or degrading. Staff connected with tourism, such as tour guides, may be grateful for tips.

Souvenirs

Silk kimonos, designer fashion and electronics, beauty products, bento boxes, art supplies, bamboo and paper wagasa umbrellas, printed tenugui cloth items, hand fans, tanuki statues; ceremonially dressed dolls, kites, and folk toys; maneki neko good fortune cat items

Traditional Cuisine

Sushi — small rolls of vinegar-flavored cold cooked rice typically served with a garnish of raw fish; Japanese curry — meat and vegetables in a simple curry sauce with Japanese spices and usually served on top of plain steamed rice


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, September 06, 2023