Japan Travel Guide and TipsEnsure your trip to Japan runs smoothly with our helpful Japan travel guide.

Mount Fuji

What vaccinations do I need to get before visiting Japan?

You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Japan and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus and Japanese B Encephalitis are recommended.

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in Japan, so much so that they actually sell bottled tap water over there. However, if you would prefer to drink mineral water, it is readily available in restaurants, shops and hotels.

What is the food like in Japan?

One of the best things about visiting any country is sampling its cuisine. Many Japanese restaurants specialize in one particular type of food and only sever that. Sushi, is of course the most famous dish, but Japanese food does not stop with raw fish; other specialties include teriyaki (marinated beef/chicken/fish seared on a hot plate), sukiyaki (thin slices of beef, bean curd and vegetables cooked in soy sauce and then dipped in egg), and tempura (deep fried sea-food and vegetables).

If everything so far sounds a bit meat and fish orientated don't be alarmed - there are vegetarian options in Japan. Try the wonderful zaru soba (buck-wheat noodles served cold), a bowl of Udon (thicker noodles) in a mountain vegetable soup, tofu steak or a vegetable okonomiyaki (savory pancake). If you are feeling adventurous you could try natto, a sticky and slightly smelly concoction made of fermented soya beans.

Is Japan safe for female travellers?

With respect being deeply embedded in Japanese culture, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for solo females. Foreigners in general might attract some attention from locals but it is very rare that this would be more than just curiosity. One unique but excellent feature you will find in Japan is that there are a number of female-only accommodation and transport options so you should feel even safer. Although Japan is incredibly safe, basic precautions should still be taken, and women should be alert if they find themselves alone late at night.

Is Japan family friendly?

Japan is incredibly family-friendly, offering attractions like Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and interactive museums, alongside cultural experiences such as temples and tea ceremonies. Safe, clean, and with efficient public transport, it’s easy to explore with kids. Family-friendly amenities are common, and activities like feeding deer in Nara Park or enjoying Mount Fuji add adventure. Japanese cuisine, with options like ramen and sweet treats, appeals to all ages, while the country’s hospitality ensures a warm welcome for families.

What currency is used in Japan?

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (YPJ)

Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars and other major currencies can be exchanged at the airport, post office, banks or major hotels. While credit cards are becoming increasingly popular in Japan, they are not as commonly used for making purchases as in western countries so you are best to pay in cash where possible. Avoid cash machines at banks as these do not normally accept foreign-issued cards. Instead use the Post Office cash machines from which you will be able to take out money using Visa cards, MasterCard, Cirrus or Maestro.

How much do things cost in Japan?

It's no secret that Japan is on the higher end of the price scale and one of the biggest expenses most travelers will have is transport. Trains in Japan are popular, comfortable and efficient but these wondrous machines can cost up to hundreds of dollars for a single ticket, especially for the bullet train. The Japan Rail Pass is around USD $300 for a week and is worth the money if you intend on travelling around a lot.

Food is actually much cheaper than you might imagine with a three-course set sushi meal coming in at less than USD $20. Street food snacks won’t usually cost more than a few dollars and a large beer can be found in a bar for less than USD $5. Japan has many temples and shrines that don’t charge admission but some of the more popular ones can cost up to about USD $10.

Is tipping customary in Japan?

Tipping is not part of Japanese culture at all. The Japanese strongly believe in respect and that good service should be standard, not something you should pay extra for. Be polite and graciously thank your waiter or hotel concierge but don’t leave a tip. If you do feel the urge to tip, be sure to place the money in an envelope and to leave it on a table as handing the money over in person is considered rude. Be aware that your tip might be refused. The only exception to this rule is that tour guides who work extensively with foreigners might have become accustomed to receiving a tip, in this case a small gratuity is usually appreciated.

What should I shop for in Japan?

Japan is a paradise for shopaholics and an excellent place to go searching for souvenirs. Travelers will find everything from anime and character paraphernalia, like Hello Kitty, to traditional fabrics and handicrafts. An authentic Japanese kimono, a set of decorated chopsticks or a beautiful fan are some of the better-known cultural purchases available but equally, Japan is a great place to look to the future with top-of-the-range electronics going for very reasonable prices.

What plugs does Japan use?

Standard voltage is 100 volts. Primary sockets generally use Type A and Type B plugs which have flat 2-pin plugs, similar to those in North America. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adapter.

Is Wi-Fi readily available?

Despite Japan being an incredibly high-tech country with an impressive internet penetration, due to low-cost data plans, free Wi-Fi connections in cafes and bars aren’t as common as they are in other countries, even less developed ones. Wi-Fi can still be found but you might need to look a bit harder for it. If you’re organised, you can get a free Wi-Fi card when you arrive at the airport, courtesy of NTT (Japan’s largest telecom), which will allow you to connect to tens of thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. You can also purchase portable pocket Wi-Fi online before your trip and collect it at the airport. Alternatively, if you use a smartphone you can purchase an E-sim app where you can buy data to be used in Japan.

What time zone is Japan in?

Japan observes Japan Standard Time (JST) and they also observe daylight savings times.