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
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
