Japan

Japan is unlike anywhere else on earth. It is a country where ancient temples sit in the shadow of neon-lit skyscrapers, where centuries-old food traditions are practiced with as much precision as ever, and where the everyday rituals of life feel like a quiet kind of art form. Whether you are navigating the electric chaos of Tokyo, wandering the ancient streets of Kyoto, or soaking in a remote mountain onsen, Japan rewards curiosity at every turn. Come with an open mind, a willingness to slow down, and an appetite and Japan will surpass every expectation you bring with you.

Japan's Fast Facts

Language

Japanese

Capital City

Tokyo

Currency

Yen

Budget Range

Visa Info (learn more here)

Find out what kind of visa you need here.

Regions of Japan

Japan Travel Guide: Featured Destinations

Tokyo

Kyoto

Osaka

Hiroshima

Mount Fuji

Nara

Your Japan Travel Guide: Itineraries to Help You Plan Your Trip (By Region)

Japan is best experienced as a multi-city journey. For a 2-week itinerary, consider anchoring in Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka, with day trips layered in between. The Shinkansen (bullet train) makes moving between regions fast and seamless.

Know Before You Go to Japan

Japanese

Note: English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist areas and hotels. Learning even a handful of Japanese phrases will go a long way — locals deeply appreciate the effort, and it often opens doors that a phrasebook alone cannot.

こんにちは
Konnichiwa

kon-nee-chee-WAH

hello / good afternoon

ありがとうございます
Arigatou gozaimasu

ah-ree-GAH-toh go-ZAH-ee-mahs

thank you

すみません
sumimasen

soo-mee-MAH-sen

excuse me / I’m sorry

お願いします
Onegaishimasu

oh-neh-GAH-ee-shee-mahs

please

英語を話せますか?
Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?

AY-go wo hah-nah-seh-mahs-KAH

do you speak english?

_をください
_wo kudasai

___wo koo-dah-SAH-ee

please give me ___ (ordering food/items)

いただきます
Itadakimasu

ee-tah-dah-KEE-mahs

said before eating

ごちそうさまでした
Gochisousama deshita

go-chee-SOH-sah-mah deh-SHEE-tah

Said after finishing a meal

Tipping

Do not tip in Japan. Tipping is considered rude in Japanese culture — it can imply that the staff member needs charity, which is deeply offensive. Service in Japan is considered a point of pride, not something that warrants additional payment. This applies to restaurants, taxis, tour guides (except for tip-based tours), and other services. Saying arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) is all that is expected and appreciated in Japan.

Cash Culture

Japan is still heavily cash-based, particularly outside of major cities. While credit card acceptance has improved in recent years, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. However, many restaurants, smaller shops, temples, shrines, and other businesses are cash-only, and many of these are the best places to experience the culture of Japan. In fact, you will also need cash to load money onto your transit card (Suica or Pasmo).

Getting Around: The Train System of Japan

Japan’s train network is one of the best in the world, known to be punctual, clean, and extensive. But it can be confusing. There are a few different train companies operating various train stations, some of which may be only a few blocks from each other in cities.

For trains and buses within a metro area you can use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo on all lines within the city. These can be purchased at train stations with cash and your passport to get the tourist cards. You can continue to load money on the card throughout your travels at various IC card loading points in different train and metro stations. Having one of these cards is necessary and makes navigating local trains and buses seamless. This can be purchased at the airport metro station when you first arrive. (You may want to carry some yen with you or your local currency to exchange into yen to be able to purchase these cards when you first arrive in Japan. There are also ATMs available to use at the airports.)

For longer train and bus trips to different towns and cities, you will need to purchase other transportation tickets. One option is to get a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, giving you unlimited travel between regions over a designated period of time. You can use this calculator to determine how much your travel will cost and if the JR Pass is worth it. The pass can be ordered in advance and picked up at JR stations with your passport. Even with the pass, you will need to reserve seats on certain trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet train). This is the train that you will use to go between different cities within the country. For those who are not purchasing the JR Pass, you can go to a JR train station and purchase your necessary train tickets at the station. (The kiosks are in English.) You can also talk to the tourist information centers at major train stations about transportation options because there are some train and bus options that are primarily priced for and available to international tourists.

Onsen Etiquette

Japan’s hot spring baths (onsen) are a cultural institution and one of the most relaxing and rewarding experiences the country offers. A few essential rules: the onsens are always nude and separated by gender so always wash your body thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the communal bath; do not bring towels into the water; keep your voice low; and be aware that most onsen do not permit guests with visible tattoos, as tattoos have historical associations with organized crime in Japan (this can vary and you can look this up in advance if necessary).

Earthquakes

Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire (along with Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, and New Zealand) and experiences frequent seismic activity. Most earthquakes are minor and go unnoticed, but it is worth familiarizing yourself with basic earthquake safety before your trip. Your hotel will have procedures in place. Download the Safety tips app provided by the Japan Tourism Agency (iOS or Android). It sends you earthquake and tsunami alerts and includes emergency guidance in 15 different languages.

Temple and Shrine Etiquette

Japan has thousands of temples (Buddhist) and shrines (Shinto), and visiting them is an important part of discovering Japanese history and culture. At shrines, it is customary to bow slightly before passing through the torii gate, rinse your hands at the temizuya (water basin) before approaching the main hall, and make a small offering before praying. (All this is customary but not required for tourists visiting Japan.) Photography is generally allowed in grounds but may be restricted inside buildings — look for signage. Dress modestly, speak quietly, and move at a respectful pace. These are active places of worship, not only tourist attractions. To visit the interior of some of the more important temples and shrines, you may have to pay a small fee so make sure to bring yen cash. You will have to remove your shoes when walking around the interior of some of these spaces. There are also different fortunes and omens that you can purchase at the different shrines. The tickets to the temples and these fortunes make for nice souvenirs.

For those who are particularly interested in visiting shrines around Japan, you can purchase a special book and collect different stamps and calligraphy (goshuin – 御朱印) at the shrines for a small amount. This collection is often seen as a pilgrimage. For a more touristy option, consider finding Eki stamps at different temples and tourist destinations that are free and collecting them in a stamp book that can be purchased at stationary shops around Japan. (It is recommended not to combine Eki stamps with Goshuin calligraphy in the same notebook.)