Before

You Go

Passports and Visas

For a stay of up to three months for the purpose of tourism, EU nationals and citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries, do not need a visa. Citizens of some countries, including the UK and parts of the EU, may extend this stay by another 90 days at immigration offices in Japan (at least 10 days before the expiration date).

Visa Information

∑ mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa

Travel Safety Advice

Visitors can get travel safety information from the US State Department and UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Each year, Japan experiences over 1,000 earthquakes large enough to be felt, but most are nothing to worry about. The Tokyo Government has issued a useful Earthquake Survival Manual with simple safety guidelines to follow in the event of stronger tremors.

US

∑ travel.state.gov

UK

∑ gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Earthquake Survival Manual

∑ metro.tokyo.jp/english/guide/bosai/index.html

Climate

During spring (April–May) and fall (October–November), the weather is usually mild and pleasant. The rainy season lasts from early June to mid–July, while typhoon season peaks in August and September. July and August tend to be incredibly hot and humid, and winter can bring temperatures low enough for snow in the regions outside the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Customs Information

An individual is permitted to carry the following within Japan for personal use:

Tobacco products

Alcohol

Cash

Medicines

Insurance

It is wise to take out an insurance policy covering theft, loss of belongings, medical problems, cancellations, and delays. It is important to confirm that your policy covers medical costs since these can be extremely high in Japan.

Language

Tokyo is well signposted in English, and it is not hard for visitors to find their way around. Many, especially younger, Japanese people do speak at least a little English, but may use Japanese pronunciation – for example taxi becomes takushi, and hotel is hoteru.

Vaccinations

No inoculations are needed for Japan.

Booking Accommodations

As well as Western-style hotels, Tokyo offers a few idiosyncratic options. Ryokans are traditional inns which may have an on-site onsen (hot spring), and serve breakfast and dinner. At the opposite end of the scale, capsule hotels are highly modern, and offer inexpensive sleeping pods. These make for convenient short stays, but aren’t suited to visitors who want space to unpack their suitcase.

For help with booking accommodations, visit the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Japan National Tourism Organization

∑ jnto.go.jp/ja-search/eng/index.php

Money

Although ATMs are very common in Tokyo, some do not accept foreign credit or debit cards, and some may not operate 24/7, so it is still worth carrying around some cash at all times. Cards can be used at major stations to buy JR train tickets and are accepted by most taxis.

Travelers with Specific Needs

The visually impaired are well provided for in Tokyo, but people in wheelchairs occasionally have issues at small stations without elevators, and pedestrian over- and underpasses, despite a 2008 law requiring barrier-free access. Accessible Tokyo provides information about disabled access and facilities in the capital, as well as Yokohama and Kamakura.

Accessible Tokyo

∑ accessible.jp.org

Closures

Monday

Weekends

Public holidays

Need to know Before You Go

At a Glance

CURRENCY

Japanese Yen (¥)

Average daily spend

Need to know Before You Go

ESSENTIAL PHRASES

Need to know Before You Go

Electricity Supply

Power sockets are type A and B. Standard voltage is 100v and the frequency is 50 Hz (east) and 60 Hz (west).

Need to know Before You Go