Japan
Land of the Rising Sun — tradition meets cutting-edge modernity
Currency
¥
JPY
Japanese Yen
JPY
Cashless Payments
6 / 10
Moderately cashless-friendly
Japan has been rapidly adopting cashless payments, reaching about 40% cashless ratio by 2025. IC cards (Suica/PASMO) work on transit and at convenience stores. Credit cards are accepted at most chain stores, hotels, and restaurants. However, many smaller shops, temples, shrines, and rural areas remain cash-only. Always carry some yen.
Cash Advice
Japan uses bills (¥1,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000) and coins (¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500). Coins are heavily used — the ¥500 coin is worth about $3 USD. Bring a coin purse. Many smaller shops, temples, and vending machines are cash-only.
Daily Budget Guide
Meals & Transportation only — excludes accommodation · Prices in JPY
¥3,500–¥6,000
≈ $25–$40 USD
Convenience store meals (¥300–¥600), ramen shops (¥800–¥1,200), and gyudon chains. Subway/train travel with IC card (~¥800–¥1,500/day).
¥7,000–¥12,000
≈ $50–$80 USD
Casual restaurants and izakayas (¥1,500–¥3,000 per meal). Mix of trains and occasional taxi (~¥2,000–¥3,000/day transport).
¥18,000+
≈ $120+ USD
Sushi omakase, kaiseki, and fine dining (¥5,000–¥20,000+ per meal). Shinkansen travel and private transfers.
Tipping Guide
⚠️ Tipping can be considered rude or offensive in this country. Avoid tipping unless explicitly invited to.
Restaurants
Do not tip. Service is included in the price. Leaving money on the table may cause confusion — staff may chase you to return it.
Hotels
Tipping is not expected at hotels. At traditional ryokans, you may leave a small gift (not cash) for exceptional service, placed in an envelope.
Taxis / Drivers
Do not tip taxi drivers. Fares are metered and exact. Drivers will not accept tips.
Visa Requirements
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
Official Links
🔒Always verify you are on official government domains (.gov). Be cautious of third-party sites charging fees for free government services.
- 🔗Visa Information
Ministry of Foreign Affairs — official visa requirements and application procedures
- 🔗Japan National Tourism Organization
Official tourism board with travel guides, itineraries, and practical information
- 🔗Embassy & Consulate Finder
Find Japanese embassies and consulates worldwide
- 🔗Customs & Prohibited Items
Japan Customs — what you can and cannot bring into Japan
- 🔗Medication Import Rules
Ministry of Health — rules for bringing medicines into Japan
Rules & Restrictions
⚠️ Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
⚖️Legal
- Drug laws are extremely strict. Possession of even small amounts of marijuana, stimulants, or other controlled substances can result in years of imprisonment. Zero tolerance policy.
- Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and vape liquids cannot be purchased in Japan. You may bring a limited personal supply (up to 120ml of nicotine e-liquid) but cannot buy refills locally.
- Some over-the-counter medications from other countries (e.g. pseudoephedrine-based cold medicines, some ADHD medications) are prohibited. Check the Ministry of Health website before packing medicines.
🎭Cultural
- Do not eat or drink while walking. It is considered rude. Find a bench or designated eating area.
- Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, ryokans, and some restaurants. Look for shoe racks or slippers at the entrance.
- Be quiet on public transport. Phone calls on trains are considered very rude. Set your phone to silent (manner mode).
- Do not blow your nose in public. Step away to a restroom if needed.
- Tattoos may restrict access to onsen (hot springs), gyms, and public pools. Some onsen now allow tattoos or offer private baths.
🏥Health
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan.
Apps & Getting Around
Japan has one of the world's best rail networks. The Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major cities at speeds up to 320 km/h. In cities, use the extensive subway and JR train lines. Buy a Suica or PASMO IC card for seamless tap-and-go on trains, buses, and even vending machines. Consider a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for long-distance travel — it covers most JR lines nationwide. Taxis are clean and reliable but expensive. Buses are useful in rural areas.
Navigation
- Google MapsNavigation✅ Foreigner-friendly
Excellent for Japan — includes real-time train schedules, walking routes, and bus times. Works offline with downloaded maps.
- Navitime / Japan TravelNavigation✅ Foreigner-friendly
Specialized Japan transit app with detailed train routing, fare calculations, and platform numbers.
Food
- TabelogFood✅ Foreigner-friendly
Japan's top restaurant review app. More trusted by locals than Google Reviews. Partial English support.
Transport
- Suica / PASMO (Apple Wallet)Transport✅ Foreigner-friendly
IC transit cards that work on trains, buses, and convenience stores. Can be added to Apple Wallet or Google Pay.
- Uber JapanTransport✅ Foreigner-friendly
Available in major cities but limited compared to other countries. Primarily connects to licensed taxi drivers.
Other
- PayPayOther⚠️ Locals mainlyRequires local SIM
Japan's most popular QR code payment app. Requires a Japanese phone number to register. Not practical for short-term tourists.
Public Holidays 2026
Plan Your Trip
These are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Power & Plugs
Type
Type A
Voltage
100V
Frequency
50/60Hz
SIM Card Guide
Typical price range
¥2,000–¥5,000 (approx. USD $13–$33) for a 7-day data SIM
IIJmio (Japan Travel SIM)
Data-only SIM available at airports and electronics stores. 2GB–20GB plans for 7–30 days.
Mobal
Tourist SIM with data and optional voice. Can be ordered online and shipped to your hotel.
Sakura Mobile
Pocket WiFi rental and SIM cards. Available at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports.
Suggested Attractions
Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto)
Iconic thousands of vermillion torii gates. Open 24 hours, no entry fee.
Tokyo Skytree
Tallest tower in Japan at 634m. Observation decks at 350m and 450m with panoramic city views.
Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
Major theme park featuring Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, and more.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Powerful museum documenting the atomic bombing. Very affordable entry.
teamLab Borderless / Planets (Tokyo)
Immersive digital art museums. Book tickets online in advance — they sell out quickly.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Kyoto)
Stunning bamboo forest walk. Best visited early morning to avoid crowds.