Japan

   ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

• A valid passport and onward or return ticket are required to enter Japan.
• Passports must be valid for the intended period of stay in Japan.
• US passport holders may enter Japan as tourists visa-free for a stay of up to ninety days.
• Many Asian countries require six months validity remaining on passports. Airlines in Japan will deny boarding to foreigners that do not meet the proper requirements for their destination country as well as foreigners not meeting visa requirements for countries that do no offer "airport visas".

VISA REQUIREMENTS

• All foreign nationals over the age of sixteen are required to provide fingerprint scans and be photographed on arrival to Japan. This will be followed by a short interview.
• You may be required to present your passport to be photocopied on checking into accommodations in Japan. Hotels are obligated by the Japanese government to keep the photocopies for purposes of preventing the spread of infectious disease and terrorism.

• Read more at: US Department of State Profile for Japan

LANGUAGE

• Japanese is the official language, with some areas of the country speaking non-standard dialects.
• English is widely taught in junior high and high school and may be understood in varying degrees, especially by young people.
• Korean and some Chinese dialects may also be understood in some areas.
• Most road signs and many maps for subways and trains are written both in Japanese and English.
• Some major cities have higher populations of residents originating from various parts of the world, requiring road signs to be translated into other major languages in place of English.

CURRENCY

• The unit of currency in Japan is the yen (JPY or ¥).
• International credit cards including Visa and MasterCard, and occasionally American Express and Diners Club, are acceptable at major establishments in large cities. Check with your credit card company to find out if you will be charge a fee for international transactions.
• Japan is a largely cash-based society. Outside of major cities and at smaller establishments, credit cards may not be accepted.

TIME ZONE:

• GMT +9

VOLTAGE:

• 100V, 50Hz (Eastern Japan)/60Hz (Western Japan)

PLUG TYPE:

Japan uses Type A and B plugs.

IMPORT & EXPORT RESTRICTIONS

For travelers 20 years of age and older, you are allowed free import of:

• 200 cigarettes
• 50 cigars
• 10 individual packages of heated tobacco products
• 250g of other kinds of tobacco or a combination
• 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages (of about .75L each)
• 2 oz of perfume
• Gifts and souvenirs up to a value of JPY 200,000
• Gold bullion (not less than 90% purity) up to 1kg
• Personal effects

• For detailed import and export regulations, please consult the IATA Travel Centre.

   TRAVELERS’ HEALTH & SAFETY

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

• Please visit the CDC.gov website for recommended immunizations to visit Japan.

OTHER SAFETY NOTES

• Crime against US citizens in Japan remains rare and generally involves theft or vandalism.
• Drink spiking remains a concern at bars and entertainment venues, especially in Roppongi and Kabuki-cho in Tokyo. Never accept a drink from a stranger, and do not leave drinks unattended.
• Please be aware that Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, and other entertainment and nightlife districts in major cities may have a yakuza (criminal syndicate) presence, and violence between competing syndicates is not uncommon.
• You must carry your passport with you at all times to show authorities.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking a drug that is illegal in Japan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines. This also applies to certain prescription drugs that doctors in the United States may prescribe.
• Japan is located in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and is prone to natural disasters including earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and landslides. The Japan Tourism Organization's Safety Tips app and the NHK World app push government emergency alerts to your cell phone in English.

LOCAL LAWS AND CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Accessibility: The law in Japan prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. However, there are no penalties for non-compliance with disability laws. Older buildings are unlikely to be retrofitted for accessibility.
• Photography: It is illegal to photograph many government buildings, as well as airports. Japanese people also tend to prefer that foreigners ask their permission before being photographed, if possible.
• Prescription drugs: Please contact the embassy for specific questions about your prescription medications, especially Adderall and other prescription stimulants. DO NOT attempt to bring cannabis-derived products into or out of Japan.
• Tattoos: Tattoos are seen as taboo by many Japanese due to their association with the yakuza. Some venues may ban visible tattoos, and most public onsen (hot springs) and bathing houses have strict rules regarding guests with tattoos. Our local partners can suggest appropriate venues with fewer restrictions on tattoos if you or your party are concerned.

   GRATUITIES

In Japan, tipping is not customary; although, as a foreign visitor, you may be able to tip in some situations. These guidelines are for situations in which you feel someone has gone above and beyond to provide exemplary service. Note that outside tourist areas accustomed to foreigners, it can be seen as an insult to offer a tip. You can tell a taxi driver to keep the change but may be refused. Drivers for transfers and touring do not expect tips and will almost always decline. Some restaurants and hotels automatically add a service charge.

Tipping should be done in either Japanese Yen (JPY) or USD and is noted here in JPY. When possible, tips should be given to the intended recipient discreetly in a sealed envelope.

Another exception to the rule is your personal maid in an upscale Japanese inn, called a ryokan. For the maid, place around ¥3,000 in an envelope and give it to her when she escorts you to your room, not when you are checking out. This is not compulsory, and often not expected, but serves as a thank you for her understanding and service, especially if you do not speak Japanese or have some sort of health issue (like an allergy) which may require extra work.

Amounts are listed as per person, unless otherwise noted.

• Hotel porter: JPY 500 per bag
• Guide (English speaking) – full day: JPY 4,000 per day
• Guide (English speaking) – half day: JPY 2,000 per day
• Private guide/driver throughout trip: JPY 3,000 per day
• Maid at ryokan: JPY 3,000 per room per stay

   WEATHER

Japan experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The weather can vary significantly depending on the region, as Japan stretches from north to south, encompassing a range of climates.

Spring (March to May):

• Spring is one of the most popular seasons in Japan due to the cherry blossoms (sakura) blooming.
• Temperatures are mild, ranging from cool to warm.
• March is still cool, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom in southern regions and gradually moving northward.

Summer (June to August):

• Summer in Japan can be hot and humid, especially in July and August.
• Temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F) in many parts of the country.
• The southern and western regions may experience typhoons, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Autumn (September to November):

• Autumn is characterized by mild temperatures and colorful foliage.
• September is still warm, and temperatures gradually cool down as the season progresses.
• October is a popular time for autumn foliage viewing.

Winter (December to February):

• Winter can be cold, especially in northern and inland areas.
• Coastal areas tend to have milder winters.
• Snowfall is common in the northern regions, and some areas, like Hokkaido, are known for winter sports.