Japan

Japan's location on islands at the outermost edge of Asia has had a profound influence on its history. Close to mainland Asia, yet far enough to keep itself separate, Japan has experienced alternating periods of closure and openness. Until the mid-19th century, Japan was able to turn on or off its connection to the rest of the world, accepting foreign cultural influences in fits and starts.

Recorded Japanese history begins in the 5th century, although archeological evidence of settlement stretches back 50,000 years. The mythical Emperor Jimmu is said to have founded the current Imperial line in the 7th century BCE. Archeological evidence, however, has only managed to trace the Imperial line back to the Kofun Period during the 3rd to 7th centuries CE, which was also when the Japanese first had significant contact with China and Korea. Japan then gradually became a centralized state during the Asuka Period, during which Japan extensively absorbed many aspects of Chinese culture, and saw the introduction of Mahayana Buddhism and Confucianism. During that period, Prince Shotoku, the regent of Japan, sent envoys to Tang China to learn more about Chinese culture and practices and introduce them to Japan.

The first strong Japanese state was centered in Nara (Heijo-kyo), which was built to model the then Chinese capital Chang'an. This period, dubbed the Nara Period was the last time the emperor held political power. Power fell into the hands of the Fujiwara clan of court nobles (kuge) during the Heian Period, when the capital was moved to Kyoto (Heian-kyo), also modeled after the Chinese capital Chang'an. It remained the Japanese imperial residence until the 19th century. Chinese influence reached its peak during the early Heian Period, during which Buddhism became a popular religion among the masses. This was followed by the Kamakura Period, when the samurai warrior class gained political power. Minamoto no Yoritomo, the most powerful of them, was dubbed shogun by the emperor, and ruled from his base in Kamakura. In the Muromachi Period, the Ashikaga shogunate came to power, ruling from their base in Ashikaga. Japan descended into the chaos of the Warring States Period in the 15th century.

Japan was unified towards the end of the Warring States Period, known as the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, under the influence of the powerful warlords Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, ruling from their bases in Kiyosu and Osaka respectively. Tokugawa Ieyasu completed unification of the country in 1600 through his victory at the Battle of Sekigahara, and founded the Tokugawa Shogunate, a feudal state ruled from Edo, or modern-day Tokyo. Although the Emperor and his court nobles continued to rule in name from the imperial capital in Kyoto, in practice, absolute power was concentrated in the hands of the Shogun. A strict caste system was imposed, with the Shogun and his samurai warriors at the top of the heap and no social mobility permitted.

During this Edo Period, Tokugawa rule kept the country stable but stagnant with a policy of strict isolationism while the West rushed ahead. U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry's Black Ships arrived in Yokohama in 1854, forcing the country to open up to trade with the West. This resulted in the signing of unequal treaties, leading to the collapse of the shogunate, and power being returned to the emperor in the Meiji Restoration of 1868. The imperial capital was relocated from Kyoto to Edo, now renamed Tokyo. Japan observed Western colonization in Southeast Asia and the division and weakening of China, which they had for so long considered to be the world's greatest superpower. Vowing not to be overtaken by the West, Japan launched itself headlong into a drive to modernize at frantic speed, and became the first non-Western country to industrialize. Adopting Western technology and culture wholesale, Japan's cities soon sprouted railways, brick buildings and factories. The disastrous Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, which flattened large parts of Tokyo and killed over 100,000 people, was barely a bump in the road.

From day one, resource-poor Japan had looked elsewhere for the supplies it needed, and this soon turned into a drive to expand and colonize its neighbors. During the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–95, Japan took control of Taiwan, Korea and parts of Manchuria, and its victory against Russia in the 1904–05 Russo-Japanese War cemented its position of strength. With an increasingly authoritarian government, Japan overthrew the Korean monarchy and annexed Korea in 1910. During World War I, Japan participated in the war as part of the Allies and subsequently gained control of several German colonies in the Pacific and China.

In 1931, unruly elements in the army staged the Mukden Incident as a pretext to occupy Manchuria, which encouraged other extremists in the military and made the country increasingly militaristic and totalitarian. Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China in 1937, invaded British Hong Kong and Southeast Asia in 1941, and by the middle of 1942, had an empire stretching across much of eastern Asia and the Pacific. In 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, destroying a small portion of the U.S. Pacific fleet but drawing the U.S. into the war, whose tide soon started to turn against Japan.

Japan was forced to surrender in 1945 after the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 1.86 million Japanese civilians and military personnel had died, well over 10 million Chinese and other Asians, and Japan was occupied for the first time in its history. The Japanese government has been lukewarm at best in apologizing for or even acknowledging the atrocities committed during World War II, which remains a major bone of contention in diplomatic relations with other Asian countries, in particular its neighbors China and South Korea.

The Emperor kept his throne but was turned into a constitutional monarch. Thus converted to pacifism and democracy, with the U.S. taking care of defense, Japan now directed its prodigious energies into peaceful technology, and re-emerged from poverty to conquer the world's marketplaces with an endless stream of cars and consumer electronics, attaining the second-largest GDP in the world after the United States.

But frenzied growth could not last forever, and in 1989, the bubble well and truly burst. In the 1990s, Japan's lost decade, the real estate bubbles deflated, the stock market fell by half, and the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 leveled parts of Kobe and killed over 6,000 people. The economy has yet to fully recover from its doldrums, with deflation driving down prices, an unsupportable burden of government debt, and a polarization of Japanese society into "haves" with permanent jobs and "have-not" freeters drifting between temporary jobs. National anxiety has also increased because neighboring China is taking a more assertive regional stance, and has overtaken Japan to become the world's second largest economy. Nevertheless, Japan continues to be home to many of the world's leading high technology corporations, and the Japanese maintain one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Tragedy struck again in March 2011 with the Great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. Japan's worst disaster since World War II claimed the lives of over 15,000 people with another 2,500 missing. Many cities and towns in northern Tohoku located along the Pacific coast were severely damaged or destroyed.

In May 2019, Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne after the abdication of his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito. This marked the first Imperial succession from a living emperor since Emperor Kōkaku abdicated the throne in 1817.

Japan is a constitutional monarchy, modeled after the British parliamentary system. The Imperial House of Japan is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy house in the world, traditionally said to have begun in 660 BC. The constitution enacted after World War II redefined the emperor's role to be entirely ceremonial; unlike European monarchs, he is not even the source of sovereign power, nor is it "his" government. The few government functions he performs are always done following instructions from the Cabinet.

The legislative branch is the National Diet, consisting of the upper House of Councillors and the larger and more powerful lower House of Representatives. Both are popularly elected under a parallel system, where some seats are filled by individual candidates and others are filled from a party list. The Cabinet forms the executive branch of government. It is led by the prime minister, who is elected by the Diet; the prime minister appoints ministers to the Cabinet, a majority of whom must be members of the Diet. The Supreme Court and three tiers of lower courts form the judicial branch.

Japan has several major political parties, which have shifted, merged, and split over time. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which is generally conservative and pro-business, has been in power almost continuously since 1955. Led by geriatric bureaucrats, mired in factional politics and endless minor scandals, the LDP as of 2025 continues to govern with no compelling alternatives in sight.

As an island nation shut off from the rest of the world for a very long time (with only some contact with China and Korea), Japan is very homogeneous, and over 99% of the population is of Yamato (i.e. Japanese) ethnicity. The largest minority are Koreans, around 1 million strong, many in their 3rd or 4th generations. There are also sizable populations of Chinese, Filipinos and Brazilians, although many of the latter are of Japanese descent. Though largely assimilated, the resident Chinese population maintains a presence in Japan's three Chinatowns in Kobe, Nagasaki and Yokohama. Indigenous ethnic minorities include the Ainu on Hokkaido, gradually driven north over the centuries and now numbering around 50,000, and the Ryukyuan people of Okinawa.

Japan's population started shrinking in 2008, and since efforts to increase the birth rate have largely fallen flat, immigration is increasingly being used to fill in the gaps. Particularly in Tokyo quite a few service industry workers now hail from China, Vietnam or Nepal.

The Japanese are well known for their politeness. Many Japanese are thrilled to have visitors to their country and are incredibly helpful to lost and bewildered-looking foreigners. Younger Japanese people are often extremely interested in meeting and becoming friends with foreigners as well. Do not be surprised if a young Japanese person (usually of the opposite gender) approaches you in a public place and tries to initiate a conversation with you in English. On the other hand, many are not used to dealing with foreigners (外人 gaijin, or 外国人 gaikokujin) and are more reserved and reluctant to communicate.

Foreign visitors are rarer outside the major cities, and you may encounter moments when entering a shop causes the staff to seemingly panic and scurry off into the back. They're just afraid that you'll try to address them in English and they'll be embarrassed because they can't understand or reply. A smile and a konnichiwa ("Hello") often helps.

Having been in the Chinese cultural sphere for much of its history, substantial Chinese influences can be seen in Japanese culture. They have been seamlessly blended with native Japanese customs to give rise to a culture that is distinctly Japanese.

During the Edo Period, Japanese culture was strongly influenced by Confucianism. The Tokugawa Shogunate instituted a rigid class system, with the Shogun at the apex, a small group of feudal lords called daimyō below him, and the other samurai below that, followed by a vast population of commoners below them. At the bottom below even the commoners was a group of outcastes called the burakumin, who took on jobs considered "unclean" such as undertakers, butchers and executioners. Commoners were expected to pay respect to samurai (at the risk of being killed if they didn't), and women were expected to be subservient to men. Samurai were expected to adopt a "Death before dishonor" attitude, and would typically commit suicide by self-disembowelment (harakiri/seppuku) rather than live in shame. Although the Edo Period ended with the Meiji Restoration in 1868, its legacy lives on in Japanese society. Honor remains an important concept in Japanese society, employees are still expected to be unquestioningly obedient to their bosses, and women continue to struggle for equal treatment.

Japanese people are fiercely proud of their heritage and culture, and hold on to many ancient traditions that go back hundreds of years. At the same time, they also seem to be obsessed with the latest technology, and consumer technology in Japan is often several years ahead of the rest of the world. This paradox of being traditional yet ultramodern often serves to intrigue visitors.

It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a private home, and often in certain traditional accommodations or temples.

The most important holiday in Japan is the New Year (お正月 Oshōgatsu), which pretty much shuts down the country from 30 December to 3 January. Japanese head home to their families (which means massive transport congestion), eat festive foods, and head out to the neighborhood temple at the stroke of midnight to wish in the New Year. Many Japanese travel to other countries as well, and prices for airfares are very high.

In March or April, Japanese head out en masse for hanami (花見, lit. "flower viewing"), a festival of outdoors picnics and drunken revelry in parks, cleverly disguised as cherry blossom (桜 sakura) viewing. The exact timing of the famously fleeting blossoms varies from year to year and Japan's TV channels follow the progress of the cherry blossom front from south to north obsessively. Top sakura spots like Kyoto are packed with tourists. Peak hanami often coincides with the start of the new school & financial year on April 1, which means lots of people on the move and full hotels in major cities.

Japan's longest holiday is Golden Week (29 April to 5 May), when there are four public holidays within a week and people go on an extended vacation. Trains become crowded and flight and hotel prices are jacked up to multiples of normal prices, making this a bad time to travel in Japan, but the weeks immediately before or after Golden Week are excellent choices.

Summer brings a spate of festivals designed to distract people from the intolerable heat and humidity. There are local festivals (祭 matsuri) and impressive fireworks competitions (花火 hanabi) throughout the country. Tanabata (七夕), on 7 July (or early August in some places), commemorates a story of star-crossed lovers who could only meet on this day.

The largest summer festival is Obon (お盆), held in mid-July in eastern Japan (Kanto) and mid-August in western Japan (Kansai), which honors departed ancestral spirits. Everybody heads home to visit village graveyards, and transport is packed.

Christmas Day (25 December) is not a public holiday in Japan, but most Japanese people nevertheless celebrate it by ordering fried chicken from KFC for their Christmas meal. If you wish to partake in this tradition, be sure to place your orders well in advance, as the high volume of orders received for this day means that you're not guaranteed to snag a meal by just showing up on the day. Christmas Eve is considered to be one of the most romantic days of the year in Japan, and restaurants will be fully booked by young couples looking to have a romantic night out, so be sure to make your dinner reservations well in advance.

Valentine's Day (14 February) is typically celebrated in Japan by women giving chocolates to men, of which there are two types: giri-choco (義理チョコ, lit. "obligation chocolate") is given as a courtesy to male colleagues, classmates, acquaintances etc., while honmei-choco (本命チョコ, lit. "true feelings chocolate") is given to a man the woman has romantic feelings for. Men will reciprocate the favor by giving giri-choco to their female colleagues, classmates, etc., or honmei-choco to their romantic partners, on White Day (14 March), so-named because white chocolate was traditionally given on this day, though in modern times all kinds of chocolate, including dark chocolate may be given.

1 January — New Year's Day (ganjitsu 元日, gantan 元旦 or o-shōgatsu お正月)

2 and 3 January — New Year's Bank Holidays

Second Monday in January — Coming-of-Age Day (seijin no hi 成人の日)

11 February — National Foundation Day (kenkoku kinen no hi 建国記念の日)

23 February — The Emperor's Birthday (tennō tanjōbi 天皇誕生日)

21 March — Vernal Equinox Day (shunbun no hi 春分の日)

29 April — Showa Day (shōwa no hi 昭和の日)

3 May — Constitution Day (kenpō kinnenbi 憲法記念日)

4 May — Greenery Day (midori no hi みどりの日) - some gardens and zoos admit free entrance for all

5 May — Children's Day (kodomo no hi こどもの日) - Some museums, gardens etc. admit free entrance for children

Third Monday in July — Marine Day (umi no hi 海の日)

11 August - Mountain Day (yama no hi 山の日)

Third Monday in September— Respect-for-the-Aged Day (keirō no hi 敬老の日) - Many museums and gardens admit free entrance for the aged, typically 60 or older

23 September — Autumnal Equinox Day (shūbun no hi 秋分の日)

Second Monday in October — Sports Day (supōtsu no hi スポーツの日)

3 November — Culture Day (bunka no hi 文化の日) - Many museums and gardens admit free entrance for all

23 November — Labor Thanksgiving Day (kinrō kansha no hi 勤労感謝の日) - Some museums and gardens admit free entrance for all

31 December — New Year's Bank Holiday

Holidays based on the seasons, such as equinoxes, may vary by a day or two. Additional bank holidays, also known as compensation holidays, are usually added if any holiday falls on a Sunday, and in cases when two dates for holidays are close together.

Most Japanese people take additional time off around New Year's, during Golden Week, and during Obon. The most important festival is New Year's Day, and many shops and restaurants close for at least 2 days during this period. However, convenience stores remain open, and many temples conduct New Year's Day fairs, so it's still not difficult to find food to eat.

The Imperial era year, which counts from the year of ascension of the Emperor, is often used for reckoning dates in Japan, including transportation timetables and store receipts.

The current era is Reiwa (令和), which began on 1 May 2019 with the ascension of Emperor Naruhito to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Reiwa 8 corresponds to 2026; the year may be written as "R8" or just "8". You may see dates written down in the format of year/month/day; for example, "8/4/1" is 1 April 2026.

The Western Gregorian calendar is commonly used. Japan has celebrated its festivals according to the Gregorian calendar since 1873 and no longer uses the Chinese calendar, with the exception of some festivals in the Ryukyu Islands.

Japan has two dominant religious traditions: Shinto (神道 Shintō) is the ancient animist religion of traditional Japan. At just over 1,200 years in Japan, Buddhism (仏教 Bukkyō) is the more recent imported faith. Christianity (キリスト教 Kirisutokyō), introduced by European missionaries, was widely persecuted during the feudal era but is now accepted, and a small percentage of Japanese are Christian, concentrated in western Japan.

Generally speaking, the Japanese are not a particularly religious people. While they are strongly influenced by Buddhist philosophies and regularly visit shrines and temples to offer coins and make silent prayers, religious faith and doctrine play a small role (if any) in the life of the average Japanese. Thus it would be impossible to try to represent what percentage of the population is Shinto versus Buddhist, or even Christian. According to a famous poll, Japan is 80% Shinto and 80% Buddhist, and another oft-quoted dictum states that Japanese are Shinto when they live, as weddings and festivals are typically Shinto, but Buddhist when they die, since funerals usually use Buddhist rites. Neither Buddhism nor Shinto demand exclusivity, so most Japanese practice a mix of both religions.

At the same time, Shinto and Buddhism have had an enormous influence on the country's history and cultural life. The Shinto religion focuses on the spirit of the land, and is reflected in the country's exquisite gardens and peaceful shrines deep in ancient forests. When you visit a shrine (神社 jinja) with its simple torii (鳥居) gate, you are seeing Shinto customs and styles. If you see an empty plot of land with some white paper suspended in a square, that's a Shinto ceremony to dedicate the land for a new building. Buddhism in Japan has branched out in numerous directions over the centuries. Westerners are probably most familiar with Zen (禅) Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the 14th and 15th centuries. Zen fit the aesthetic and moral sensibilities of medieval Japan, influencing arts such as flower-arranging (生け花 ikebana), tea ceremony (茶道 sadō), ceramics, painting, calligraphy, poetry, and the martial arts. Over the years, Shinto and Buddhism have intertwined considerably. You will find them side by side in cities, towns, and people's lives. It's not at all unusual to find a sparse Shinto torii standing before an elaborate Buddhist temple (お寺 o-tera).

Christianity is evident almost exclusively in a commercial sense. In season, variations of Santa Claus, Christmas trees and other non-religious Christmas symbols are on display in malls and shopping centers throughout metropolitan areas. A Christian minority exists in Japan, and there was historically a group called Kakure Kirishitan (隠れキリシタン) or "hidden Christians" who went underground when Japan persecuted Christianity. However, this group is all but extinct nowadays, having become mainstream Christians or Shinto/Buddhist for the most part. At 1-2% of the Japanese population, Christianity is not very visible and most Japanese people will have wrong or no knowledge of even basic tenets of Christianity. Conversely, a lot of Christian imagery (mainly Gothic cathedral architecture styles) is used in anime, manga and video games; this is less so due to religious reasons or undertones in the works, but rather due to the fact that a lot of Japanese think that imagery is aesthetically pleasing.

The Japanese are proud of their four seasons, but the tourist with a flexible travel schedule should aim for spring or autumn.

Spring is one of the best times of year to be in Japan. The temperatures are warm but not hot, there's not too much rain, and March–April brings the justly famous cherry blossoms (sakura) and is a time of revelry and festivals.

Summer starts with a dreary rainy season (known as tsuyu or baiu) in June and turns into a steam bath in July–August, with extreme humidity and the temperature heading as high as 40 °C. Avoid summer, or head to northern Hokkaido or the mountains of Chubu and Tohoku to escape. The upside, though, is a slew of fireworks shows (花火大会 hanabi taikai) and festivals big and small.

Autumn, starting in September, is also an excellent time to be in Japan. Temperatures and humidity become more tolerable, fair days are common and fall colors can be just as impressive as cherry blossoms. However, in early autumn typhoons often hit the southern parts of Japan and bring everything to a standstill.

Winter is a good time to go skiing or hot-spring hopping, but as some buildings lack central heating, it's often miserably cold indoors. Heading south to Okinawa provides some relief. There is usually heavy snow in Hokkaido and northeast Japan due to the cold wind blasts from Siberia. The Pacific coast of Honshu (where most major cities are located) has milder winters than the Sea of Japan coast: it may be snowing in Kyoto while it is cloudy or sprinkling rain in Osaka, an hour away.

There are multitudes of books written on Japan. A good place to begin is one of the many recommended reading lists such as sites like The Crazy Japan Times or Japan Visitor. Some recommended books include:

Untangling My Chopsticks (ISBN 076790852X), by Victoria Abbott Riccardi. Set mainly in Kyoto.

My Mother is a Tractor (ISBN 1412048974), by Nicholas Klar. A former English teacher with a witty and informative take on Japanese society. Written from the depths of the Japanese countryside.

Hitching Rides with Buddha (ISBN 1841957852), by Will Ferguson, is about a Canadian English teacher who hitches rides across the country, following the blooming cherry blossoms. It is a funny, serious, and honest evaluation of all sorts of aspects of Japanese culture.

Culture Shock: Japan (ISBN 1558688528). A part of the "Culture Shock" series, this is an excellent overview of the culture and lifestyle of the Japanese. A good resource for a long or work-related stay in Japan or even for interaction with Japanese people.

All-You-Can Japan (ISBN 1453666354), by Josh Shulman, is a travel guide that offers a wise and economical travel strategy. The author was born and raised in Japan, and writes this short guide in a casual, easy-to-read language.

Television shows about Japan:

Japanology Plus (and its prior incarnation Begin Japanology) – Produced by NHK World-Japan, these long-running series explore a plethora of topics in Japanese culture and customs, from arts and foods to robots and refrigerators, as well as some unexpected topics like batteries or scissors.

Travel-oriented shows produced by NHK World-Japan include Journeys in Japan and Train Cruise.

Much of the government's travel information is available in English.

Travel Japan multilingual website is run by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Good for an overview by prefecture or topic.

Japan47Go is a bilingual database site by Japan Travel and Tourism Association. More than 110,000 spots and events can be searched by date, topic, region etc.

Most prefectures' official guide sites are multilingual. See respective prefecture articles.

Guidoor is a digital platform for smaller municipalities' official tourist information. As of 2023, about a quarter of all municipalities provide information on the platform in Japanese, English, and other languages.

No visa is required for a same-day transit between international flights at the same airport, so long as you do not leave the secured area.

Visitors with tickets for onward travel to a third country may be granted a Shore Pass for a maximum of 72 hours with their permitted stay area limited to the vicinity of the port of entry. The port of departure does not have to be the same as the port of entry. Instead, it only needs to be in its vicinity.

Shore Passes are granted at immigration discretion and airlines may hesitate to allow you to board if you have a multi-day layover and are relying on getting on. Getting a transit visa in advance is always a safer option.

Travellers entering Japan with anything other than a temporary visitor visa are required to obtain a "Residence Card" (在留カード), colloquially known as a gaijin card, within 90 days of arrival and carry it at all times in lieu of their passport. Those staying for 90 days or less may complete this registration, but they are not obligated to. This will be invalidated upon exit from Japan, unless a re-entry permit is held.

Foreigners must typically fill out a disembarkation form for immigration, a declaration form for customs, and a quarantine form if required. The Visit Japan Web service can be used to electronically submit all required forms in advance. After completing the forms, present the QR code to the immigration and customs stations.

Drug laws are stricter in Japan than in many other countries. Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs that are legal in other countries are not allowed in Japan. Ignorance is not considered an excuse, and you can expect to be jailed and deported if caught. See the Japan Customs website for details, or check with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. (See also § Drugs.)

Some over-the-counter medications, notably pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Claritin-D, Sudafed, Vicks inhalers) and codeine (some cough medications), cannot be brought into Japan.

Some items that may not be brought in can be found locally with restrictions: for example, Benza-Block L, a common cold medicine in Japan, contains pseudoephedrine, with the restriction that one person may only buy one box from one pharmacy at a time.

Some prescription medicines (mostly strong painkillers) are also banned even if you have a prescription, unless you get a yunyu kakuninsho (輸入確認書, "import confirmation document"), which typically takes 1-2 weeks to obtain. Some drugs may need additional import/export certificates.

You may also require permission in order to import drug-filled syringes, such as EpiPens.

Drugs used to treat ADHD are restricted: amphetamine (Adderall) is completely illegal, while methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) and atomoxetine (Strattera) may require permission depending on the amount.

Cannabis and CBD/THC products, though trending towards legalization in the West, are illegal in Japan.

By law, Japan also forbids the importation of most meat, fruit, vegetable and plant products, in some cases punishable by imprisonment and/or fines of up to ¥3 million.

Once in Japan, you must carry your passport or trusted traveler card (see below) with you at all times. If caught in a random check without it (and nightclub raids are not uncommon), you'll be detained until somebody can fetch it for you. First offenders who apologize are usually let off with a warning, although you could be fined up to ¥200,000. You are also required to show the latest entry sticker if availing of products that are not available to Japanese residents (e.g. JR Pass, special train fares for foreigners).

All foreigners (except those on government business and certain permanent residents) age 16 and older are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures. This may be followed by a short interview conducted by the immigration officer. Entry will be denied if any of these procedures are refused.

Foreigners who travel frequently to Japan may be able to take advantage of Japan's Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) to expedite arrival procedures. Among the requirements in order to use the service, you must possess a passport from a country that has visa-free arrangements with Japan, have never been deported, and have never been criminally convicted.

Tourists that qualify for the TTP include those holding premium credit/debit cards issued by a global brand (such as MasterCard, Visa or American Express) that have visited Japan at least once within the last 12 months. United States citizens enrolled in Global Entry (the US Trusted Traveler Program) are also eligible under the same travel requirements.

The fee to apply for the program is ¥4000. Upon approval, you will receive a registered user card valid for either 3 years or until the expiration date of your passport, whichever is sooner. The card will allow you to use the automated immigration kiosks at most international airports, bypassing the staffed immigration counters. You can also carry the card on you in place of your passport, and it will suffice as identification if requested by authorities; the main exception is for tax-exempt shopping, for which both passport and card are required.

It is important to note that TTP travelers do not receive the "temporary visitor" landing permission stamp on their passport, which is required to receive travel passes or tickets restricted to foreigners such as the Japan Rail Pass. In these instances, you will have to undergo standard immigration procedures to receive the stamp.

Most international flights arrive at Narita Airport (NRT IATA) or Haneda Airport (HND IATA) near Tokyo, or Kansai Airport (KIX IATA) near Osaka. Many flights from major Asian cities also serve Chubu Centrair Airport (NGO IATA) near Nagoya, Fukuoka Airport (FUK IATA) on Kyushu Island, and Chitose Airport (CTS IATA) near Sapporo, Hokkaido Island.

Just about every sizable city has an airport although most only offer domestic flights and a few services to China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Depending on the destination, transiting via a neighboring country can sometimes be cheaper and/or faster than via a major Japanese hub. For example, travelling to Okinawa from Taipei takes 1.5 hours, compared to three hours from Tokyo.

Airports are generally easy to get through and not particularly crowded assuming you avoid the main holiday periods — namely New Year's (end of December – beginning of January), Golden Week (end of April – beginning of May), and Obon (mid-August), when things are more hectic and expensive.

Japan's two major airlines are flag carrier Japan Airlines (JAL, 日本航空 nihon kōkū) and All Nippon Airways (ANA, 全日本空輸 zen nippon kūyu, or just 全日空 zennikkū). Low-cost carriers have become popular with cheap domestic and international flights, and Narita is now a hub for low cost carriers, including Jetstar Japan, Skymark, and Peach.

There are international ferries to Japan from South Korea, China and Taiwan. These are not always price competitive with air tickets, and also often have long travel times. As of January 2024, there are no regular ferries between Russia and Japan.

Ferries from South Korea's second city Busan offer an alternative to flying. To Fukuoka, Camellia Line operates a ferry service that takes 8 hours. To Shimonoseki, Kanbu Ferry has daily service. To Osaka, Pan Star Line offers thrice-weekly service. Tsushima Island is the closest part of Japan to South Korea, and day trips from Busan are practical.

Shanghai-Osaka/Kobe: Japan-China Ferry, weekly service from China that alternates between Kobe and Osaka.

Tianjin-Kobe: China Express Line, weekly service.

Suzhou-Shimonoseki: Shanghai-Shimonoseki Ferry, 3 per week

Keelung-Ishigaki: Yaima Line ferry, once or twice a week

For sorting through transport schedules and fares, Navitime and Hyperdia are useful companions, although some features are limited to subscribers. Google Maps and Apple Maps can give detailed train and bus directions including platform numbers, but given the plethora of choices on popular routes it can be hard to filter results. You'll often have better results using apps like Jorudan's Japan Transit Planner to navigate the train system, then use Google or Apple for walking from the stations.

English timetables for long-distance trains are available on the websites of JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central and JR Kyushu. Timetables for the Tokaido, San'yo and Kyushu Shinkansen can also be viewed in English at Tabi-o-ji.

Navitime and Tabi-o-ji offer options to exclude the Nozomi and Mizuho trains from search results, which will benefit holders of the Japan Rail Pass. On Navitime, select the Japan Rail Pass option under Tourist Pass; on Tabi-o-ji, select to exclude Nozomi and Mizuho trains.

In most of Japan, addresses use a hierarchical scheme that's quite different from Western addresses. Most roads have no name; instead, cities are split into neighborhoods with names, which are divided into numbered districts (丁目 chōme), which are subdivided into numbered street blocks. Addresses are written in order from largest to smallest; an example address ending in 名駅4丁目5-6 or 名駅4-5-6 would be the neighborhood of Meieki (名駅), district 4, block 5, house 6. (Addresses are usually written in English as "Meieki 4-5-6" or "4-5-6 Meieki", although the post office recommends the confusing "5-6 Meieki 4-chome".) Additional numbers may be appended for the floor or room number.

Numbering for districts, blocks, and houses is often not sequential; numbers are usually assigned chronologically as buildings are built, or based on distance from the city center. Small signs near street corners display the ward/neighborhood and district in Japanese (such as 名駅4丁目, Meieki 4-chōme); they often include the block number, but sometimes not, in which case the signs are very unhelpful since a district could be a dozen or more blocks. A building's entrance will usually show the block and house number (such as 5-6, sometimes written 5番6号), but not the district.

The lack of road names makes it difficult to give directions; maps and especially navigation apps are a blessing in Japan. A minute spent checking a map can save you half an hour of aimlessly walking.

Most places are described in terms of the walking distance from the nearest train station, and relative to local landmarks. Business cards very often have little maps printed on the back to make navigation easier (at least if you can read Japanese).

Many train stations have maps of the local area that can help you find a destination if it is reasonably close to the station.

Police boxes (交番 kōban) also have detailed maps of the area. Going to a kōban to ask for directions is perfectly normal (it's why they're there), although the policemen usually don't speak much English.

Google Maps and Apple Maps in Japan are very accurate, even showing the insides of buildings. However, it may occasionally misinterpret an address and lead you to the wrong location.

See also: Japan#Buy

One of the first things any visitor to Japan should do is purchase a transportation IC card (交通系ICカード koutsūkei ai shī kādo). IC cards can be used to pay for public transport and at convenience stores, vending machines and restaurants in all the major cities.

Public transport fares are calculated automatically no matter how complicated your journey or how often you transfer; just tap on and off at the start and end of your trip. IC cards are also accepted in lieu of paper tickets for some bullet trains when journeys are purchased online in advance.

Most railways support IC cards; simply tap your card on the turnstile as you go in, and do the same as you go out. Most buses support IC cards as well, but their usage depends on the bus; you either board via the front door and tap once to pay a flat fee, or you board via the back door and tap in and then alight via the front door and tap out.

IC cards sometimes give a small discount over cash payments. Children under 6 travel for free. Children between 6 and 11 are eligible for child (子供用 kodomo-yō) cards entitling holders to half fares. Buying one requires ID, so bring the child's passport to a commuter pass office (定期券売り場) in any larger station.

Japan offers one of the most efficient rail transportation systems in the world, the crowning jewel of which is the Shinkansen (新幹線), popularly known in English as the bullet train, the world's first high-speed rail line.

The Japan Rail Pass offers — with a few exceptions — unlimited travel on all Japan Railway (JR) services including bullet trains, limited express and regular commuter trains. This used to be an incredible bargain, but you need to travel a lot to make this pay off now. See Rail travel in Japan#Japan Rail Pass for the pros and cons, and some sample computations on whether it's worth it.

There are also regional and local rail passes offered by the various JR companies (such as the JR East Rail Pass), as well as by the subway and private rail companies. Discount tickets are also sold, such as the Seishun 18 Ticket.

Japan's excellent Shinkansen network means that flying is rarely a necessity. Flying remains, however, the most practical mode of reaching Japan's outlying islands, most notably for connections from the mainland to Hokkaido and/or Okinawa. Flying is also useful for getting around sparsely-populated Hokkaido, as the Shinkansen network there is limited.

Tokyo's Narita Airport handles a few domestic flights, but most domestic flights leave from Haneda (HND IATA) to the south of the city. Similarly, while there are some domestic flights from Kansai International Airport, more use Itami (ITM IATA) to the north of Osaka, and Kobe's airport also fields some flights. Narita–Haneda or Kansai–Itami is quite a trek, so allow 3-4 hr to transfer. Chubu, on the other hand, has many domestic flights and was built for easy interchange.

List prices for domestic flights are very expensive, but significant discounts are available if purchased in advance. Japan's largest carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL, 日本航空 Nihon Kōkū) and All Nippon Airways (ANA, 全日空 Zennikkū) offer special fares where international visitors can fly domestic segments anywhere in the country at reduced rates. The most common discount ticket is called the Japan Explorer Pass (JAL) or the Experience Japan Fare (ANA), offer discounted economy fares. This is a particularly good deal for travel to Hokkaido or the remote southern islands of Okinawa. Alternatively, the airlines offer a Welcome to Japan Fare (JAL) or Visit Japan Fare (ANA). If you reserve on the airlines' respective international websites, the offers for international travelers may be displayed as the cheapest ones, but if you try on the Japan website (in English and in yen), the regular discounts for a purchase in advance may be cheaper.

Low-cost carriers in Japan's domestic air market include Jetstar Japan, Peach Aviation, Fuji Dream Airlines, Skymark Airlines, StarFlyer and Air DO. Some of these airlines offer online bookings in English (Fuji Dream and StarFlyer do not). StarFlyer offers a discounted fare to foreigners on select routes. Their most basic offers may not include checked baggage (which is sold as an option), and if you reserve via a third-party website you may not be able to purchase the option.

ANA, JAL, and their subsidiaries offer a special standby card, the Skymate Card, to young passengers (up to the age of 22). With the card, passengers can fly standby at half of the full published fare, which is usually less than the equivalent express train fare. The card can be obtained from any JAL or ANA ticket counter with a passport-sized photo and a one-time fee.

Boats are a surprisingly uncommon means of transport for the island, as all the major islands are linked together by bridges and tunnels. The fares are generally fixed (some promotions may be applicable) regardless of purchase date although they can be comparable to or higher than discounted airline tickets.

Luggage is practically limited only by what you're able to carry, there are generally no size or weight checks. It's not uncommon to see school groups, sports teams, or military traveling in groups in shared accommodations with all their gear although truckers traveling with cargo are sometimes segregated to their own floors and facilities. You can also pay extra to bring a vehicle.

Booking is typically done by phone although tickets for some long distance ferries can be bought online through the operators' websites or sometimes third party agencies. The booking platforms are not necessarily very sophisticated but can be translated and used to book tickets with reasonable success. Otherwise, it's entirely possible to purchase tickets at the pier (leave some time before departure, especially if you need to navigate language barriers, but passengers can usually board up until minutes before the scheduled departure time--this is not an airplane).

Long-distance overnight ferries like those linking Okinawa and Hokkaido are booked with accommodations divided into classes that range from a mat on the floor of an expansive shared tatami room to hostel-style bunk rooms with privacy curtains/shutters to cruise ship style private hotel rooms and suites with their own en suite toilet, sink, and bathtub.

Food and purchasing options on board are relatively competitively priced and may include vending machines, a small shop/convenience store, and restaurant service ranging from a small cafe to a large buffet spread for specified mealtimes. Passengers are also welcome to bring their own food and drink (including alcohol) for consumption on board. On longer trips (particularly in second class) the primary means of entertainment is alcoholic — this can be fun if you're invited in, but less so if you're trying to sleep. Select lines have entertainment on board (performances/shows) and most have gender segregated bathhouse facilities available to all (bring your own or buy a towel on board for a couple hundred yen if traveling without room accommodations as they are not otherwise provided by the ferry).

For some smaller islands, boats may well be the only practical option. Hovercrafts and jet ferries are fast but expensive, with prices varying between ¥2000-5000 for an hour-long trip. Slow cargo boats are more affordable, a rule of thumb being ¥1000 per hour in second class, but departures are infrequent. There are also some inexpensive and convenient short-distance intercity ferries such as the Aomori-Hakodate ferry.

Local buses (路線バス rosen basu) are the norm in big cities and small towns. Bus fares are either fixed (you pay once, when entering or exiting the bus) or distance-based (you board the rear of the bus, grab a numbered ticket, and match the number with the fare displayed on a board at the front of the bus when it's time to get off). Many buses accept IC cards. Buses are indispensable in less-populated areas, and in cities such as Kyoto where there is not much local rail transit. The electronic board almost always includes a display and recorded voice announcements of the next stop — usually only in Japanese, although some cities (like Kyoto) make a welcome exception. However, if asked most drivers will be glad to tell you when you've reached your destination.

Highway buses (高速バス kōsoku basu; ハイウェイバス haiwei basu) are plentiful in Japan, and are a major mode of intercity transportation and cheap alternative to rail travel, especially for overnight travel. Many companies have adopted a dynamic pricing model, where fares are based on the time of day, the type of seating on the bus, and how far in advance the ticket is purchased.

Major operators of highway buses include the Willer Express, Japan Bus Lines, Keio Bus, and the JR Group. Regional transit operators also operate long-distance buses. Tickets for such buses can be purchased online (probably the cheapest option), at the point of departure (at a surcharge), or, with a command of some Japanese, at convenience stores. Most companies offer online reservations in English and several other languages.

Airport buses aka limousine buses (リムジンバス rimujin basu) travel from major train stations and hotels to airports. Such buses also travel frequently to their own terminals in the city.

You will find taxis everywhere in Japan, not only in the city but also in the country. Taxis are clean and completely safe, though a bit expensive. But sometimes, they are the only way to get where you are going. Taxi meters are strictly regulated and clearly visible to the passenger. If you are not sure if you have enough money for the trip, your driver may be able to guess the approximate cost of a trip beforehand. If you get a cost estimate beforehand, some taxi drivers will stop the meter at the estimated price regardless of how much further the destination may be. Taxi fares are higher at night. Tipping is not customary and would most likely be refused.

Taxi apps are increasingly common and the largest player is GO, which has an English-language app that takes the hassle out of communicating your destination. Beware that if you hail a taxi with an app, you cannot board it at or near a regular taxi stand and will often need to walk a block away to escape the geofence. These apps will provide the approximate fare, although trips are still charged by the meter and can fluctuate. Many taxi companies will add a fee for immediate phone or app hails; this booking charge is higher for taxis reserved in advance. Some taxi companies offer fixed-fare rides for smartphone hails.

It's often faster and cheaper to hail taxis on the street, although outside train stations and other transfer points you should board at a taxi stand. (The taxi stand will usually either have a long line of patient passengers, or a long line of idle taxis.) If the destination is a well-known location, such as a hotel, train station, or public facility, the name alone should be enough. Even in the major cities, you are very unlikely to encounter a taxi driver who can speak English, so having the Japanese name or address of your destination can be very helpful. Likewise, have staff at your hotel write down the names and addresses of places you want to visit in Japanese to show your taxi driver.

In Japanese taxis, the driver controls the opening and closing of the rear left passenger door. Try to avoid closing your door when you board the taxi. Taxi drivers have a reputation for speeding and aggressive driving, but there are very few accidents involving bad drivers.

All licensed taxis in Japan have green license plates. Illegal cabs will have standard white or yellow plates and should be avoided.

As of 2025 actual rideshare services are limited to small trials, mostly in remote country locations too small to sustain regular taxis. The Uber and Didi apps work but can generally only be used to hail taxis.

Rental cars and driving in Japan are rare in or around the major cities, as public transport is generally excellent and gets you almost everywhere. In addition, the roads of major cities like Tokyo are plagued with massive traffic jams and parking is expensive and difficult to find, so driving there is more of a hindrance than anything else. However, many rural areas can really only be explored with your own transport, so driving should certainly not be dismissed out of hand, especially on Hokkaido. Often the most feasible option is to combine the two: take the train out to the countryside and then pick up a rental car at a station. JR's Ekiren has outlets at most larger train stations and often has discounted train & car packages.

An international driver's license, Japanese license or translated national license will be required if you wish to rent a car or drive in Japan, and must be carried at all times. See the main article for details. Driving is on the left.

Japan has many great cycling routes. Rentals can be found throughout the country, especially near popular routes like the Shimanami Kaido Bikeway. Even very rural roads are well paved, but as Japan is quite mountainous, you will need your lowest climbing gear a lot.

In cities, it is a great idea to use a bicycle to get around, explore the city and see your sights.

Japan is an excellent country for hitchhiking, although some Japanese language ability is highly recommended. See Hitchhiking in Japan for a more detail and practical tips for this.

Though the cramped cities and older buildings present many barriers to those with disabilities and other mobility issues, Japan is a very wheelchair accessible country. Japan has switched into high-gear to create a "barrier-free" society.

The vast majority of train and subway stations are wheelchair accessible. Anyone who needs special assistance can inform station staff at the ticketing gates and will be guided to the train and helped off the train at a station. Most trains and local buses (but not long-distance buses) have priority seats (優先席 yūsenseki). The Shinkansen generally does not, but you can always reserve a seat (for a fee, or for free with a Japan Rail Pass). On a wheelchair, you can park in the hallway between cars, reserve a wheelchair seat (which are limited; JR recommends booking 2 days in advance, and you should keep your travel times flexible), or reserve a private room.

The major tourist attractions are partially adapted generally provide some sort of accessible route. While discounts are available for those with disabilities, disability identification cards not issued in Japan may not be accepted.

Hotels with wheelchair-accessible rooms can be hard to find and are often labeled "barrier free" (バリアフリー baria furii) or "universal" (ユニバーサル yunibāsaru) instead of "accessible". Even if an accessible room is available, most hotels require booking via phone or email.

The Japanese were also a nation of castle-builders. In the feudal days, you could find several castles in nearly every prefecture. Because of bombings in World War II, fires, edicts to tear down castles, etc. only 12 of Japan's castles are original, meaning that their main keeps or donjons (天守閣 tenshukaku) date back to the Edo Period or earlier. Four of them are on the island of Shikoku, two just north in the Chugoku region, two in Kansai, three in the Chubu region, and one in the northern Tohoku region.

The original castles are:

Japan also has many reconstructed castles, many of which receive more visitors than the originals. The donjons of these castles have been rebuilt in modern times. However, other structures may be original. For example, Nagoya Castle's southeast, southwest, and northwest turrets all date back to the castle's original construction. Okinawa's Shuri Castle is unique among Japan's castles, because it is not a Japanese castle; it was the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom and built in a distinctive Ryukyuan architectural style, with a much stronger Chinese influence than Japanese-style castles.

Ruins typically feature only the castle walls or parts of the original layout are visible. Although they lack the structures of reconstructed castles, ruins often feel more authentic without the concrete reconstructions that sometimes feel too commercial and touristy. Many ruins maintain historical significance, and some have original structures that are still standing. One of the most notable ones is Kyoto's Nijo Castle, which is not listed as an original because its main keep burnt down and was not reconstructed, but the palace buildings that served as the lord's residence are among the finest and best preserved in all of Japan.

Japan is famous for its gardens, known for its unique aesthetics both in landscape gardens and Zen rock/sand gardens. The nation has designated an official "Top Three Gardens", based on their beauty, size, authenticity (gardens that have not been drastically altered), and historical significance. Those gardens are Kairakuen in Mito, Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, and Korakuen in Okayama. The largest garden, and the favorite of many travellers, is actually Ritsurin Park in Takamatsu.

Rock and sand gardens can typically be found in temples, specifically those of Zen Buddhism. The most famous of these is Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto, but such temples can be found throughout Japan. Moss gardens are also popular in Japan and Koke-dera, also in Kyoto, has one of the nation's best.

Pure Land gardens dating back to the Heian Period were built to represent the Buddhist Paradise. They all feature a large central pond in front of the Amida Hall. They're simplistic to such an extent that those who are unaware would not likely even view them as gardens at all. The Byodoin Temple in Uji, Motsuji Temple in Hiraizumi, and Joruriji Temple in Kizugawa are among the most famous of those that remain.

Regardless of your travel interests, it's difficult to visit Japan without at least seeing a few shrines and temples. Buddhist and Shinto sites are the most common, although there are some noteworthy spiritual sites of other religions, as well.

Buddhism has had a profound impact on Japan ever since it was introduced in the 6th century. Like shrines, temples can be found in every city, and many different sects exist. Some temples also offer meditation classes in English.

Some of the holiest sites are made up of large complexes on mountaintops and include Mount Koya (Japan's most prestigious place to be buried and head temple of Shingon Buddhism), Mount Hiei (set here when Kyoto became the capital to remove Buddhism from politics, the head of the Tendai sect of Buddhism), and Mount Osore (considered to be the "Gateway to Hell", it features many monuments and graves in a volcanic wasteland).

Many of the nation's head temples are located in Kyoto, like the Honganji Temples and Chion-in Temple. Kyoto also has five of the top Zen temples named in the "Five Mountain System" (Tenryuji, Shokokuji, Kenninji, Tofukuji, and Manjuji), along with Nanzenji Temple, which sits above all the temples outside of the mountain system. Kamakura also has its own five: Kenchoji, Engakuji, Jufukuji, Jochiji, and Jomyoji Temples. Eiheiji Temple is also a prominent Zen temple, although it was never part of the mountain system.

Nara's Todaiji Temple and Kamakura's Kotokuin Temple are famous for their large Buddhist statues. Todaiji's is the largest in the nation, while the Kamakura Daibutsu is the second largest, meditating outside in the open air.

Horyuji Temple in Horyuji, just south of Nara, is the world's oldest wooden structure. The beautiful Phoenix Hall in Uji is seen on the back of the ¥10 coin.

Shinto is the "native" religion of Japan, so those looking to experience things that are "wholly Japanese" should particularly enjoy Shinto shrines as they truly embody the Japanese aesthetic. The holiest Shinto shrine is the Grand Ise Shrine, while the second holiest is Izumo Shrine, where the gods gather annually for a meeting. Other famous holy shrines include Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, the Kumano Sanzan, and the Dewa Sanzan, Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, and Shimogamo Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine, and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

Japan's introduction to Christianity came in 1549 by way of the Portuguese and Saint Francis Xavier. He established the first Christian church in Yamaguchi at Daidoji Temple, whose ruins are now part of Xavier Memorial Park, and the Xavier Memorial Church was built in his honor. When Toyotomi Hideyoshi came into power, Christianity was banned and Christians were persecuted. In Nagasaki, 26 Japanese Christians were crucified. There is a memorial for these martyrs in the city, and the Oura Church, the oldest church left in the nation, built in 1864.

The Shimabara Rebellion, a Christian uprising, led to the ousting of the Portuguese and Catholic practices from Japan, along with approximately 37,000 beheadings of Christians and peasants. In Shimabara, you can visit the ruins of Hara Castle, where the Christians gathered and were attacked. Oyano's Amakusa Shiro Memorial Hall explains the Shimabara Rebellion and the persecution of Christians. When the nation reopened, Christianity was still not legal and Christians were tortured. You can see one of these sites at Maria Cathedral in Tsuwano.

You can often find Christian objects in temples and shrines because many of these objects were hidden there when Christianity was forbidden.

Japan has a handful of well-known Confucian temples. As Japan's gateway to the world for many centuries, Nagasaki's Confucian Temple is the only one in the world to be built by Chinese outside of China. Yushima Seido in Tokyo was a Confucian school and one of the nation's first institutes of higher education. The first integrated school in the nation, the Shizutani School in Bizen also taught based on Confucian teachings and principles. The schoolhouse was modeled after Chinese architectural styles. The first public school in Okinawa was a Confucian school given to the Ryukyuan Kingdom along with the Shiseibyo Confucian Temple.

The three must-visit places for World War II buffs are Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and the main island of Okinawa. Okinawa is where some of the most brutal battles occurred between Japan and the United States, and the area is crawling with remnants from its dark past. The Peace Park, Prefectural Peace Museum, Himeyuri Peace Museum, and the Peace Memorial Hall in Itoman are some of the best places to learn more, see artifacts, and hear accounts of the battles that took place here.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki are important sites in many ways. Hiroshima is the first city ever to be attacked by an atomic bomb, as well as the deadliest. After Hiroshima was devastated, the bombing of Nagasaki days later led the Japanese to surrender, ending the war. Even those who are not particularly interested in World War II may find the atomic bomb sites interesting, as issues surrounding nuclear weapons and the threat of nuclear war remain a concern. Fifty-eight other places (including Tokyo, of course) were bombed, as well, so there are lesser-known memorials in those cities.

U.S. citizens (only) can take a tour to visit Iwo Jima.

88 Temple Pilgrimage — an arduous 1,647-km trail around the island of Shikoku

Chugoku 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage

Narrow Road to the Deep North — a route around northern Japan immortalized by Japan's most famous haiku poet

The UNESCO World Heritage site "Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining" is made up of 23 sites around the country, most of them in Chugoku and Kyushu. These are places like mines, railways, ironworks and ports from the Meiji era, which are among the most notable of Japan's first Western-style industrial sites. Separately listed is the silk mill of Tomioka.

Japan, during feudal times, was dominated by a system of clans, including the samurai, a hereditary warrior caste. Sites of nobility dating to the pre-industrial era can be found across the island country.

With its snowy mountainous terrain, Japan is an excellent destination for skiing and snowboarding. Japan's climate means that many ski resorts get excellent powder, and a lot of it: on average, resorts in the Japanese Alps get 10 m (33 ft) and Hokkaido slopes get a whopping 14 m (46 ft) or more! Skiing in Japan can be inexpensive compared to other countries, with cheaper lift tickets, budget accommodation, and cheap meals. Rental gear is reasonably priced, but as Japanese on average have smaller feet, you should consider bringing your own boots. The easiest way to get to many slopes is to take public transit (rail and buses), and ship your ski/snowboard gear to the slopes (see § Courier services).

It shouldn't be surprising that in a country where more than 70% of the terrain is forests and mountains, outdoor activities abound. Hiking is very traditional and popular in Japan. You can find many small trails across the country, and plenty of rugged terrain in Japan's many national parks. Hikes can also be part of a spiritual experience, such as climbing the 2446 stone steps of the holy Haguro mountain through an amazing primeval forest.

Ascending one of Japan's many mountains is within the capabilities of any traveller. You can reach the summit of some mountains almost entirely by car, or with only a short easy walk. Mount Aso is one of the world's largest volcanic calderas, and a paved road brings cars and pedestrians right up to the summit. Or, you can take the ropeway, which was promoted as the world's first ropeway over an active volcano.

Around 300,000 people every year climb Mount Fuji, a mountain famous as an icon of Japan. On the most popular route, you will need to use your hands for support, but no actual climbing is required; you can easily climb Fuji with just adequate clothing, some basic gear (sunscreen, headlamp, etc.), and 1–2 days in your itinerary. It's easily doable if you're not too out of shape.

Golf is popular with the Japanese. Golf courses are typically 1–2 hours' drive outside the city. (Shuttles from the nearest train station are often available with a reservation.) Midweek prices can be found starting at ¥6,000. Expect it to take the whole day, with travel time, a round of golf, and relaxing in a hot bath afterwards. Since most players are local businessmen, singles are not allowed on most courses (so make sure you have at least two players), and rental equipment will have a limited selection (you can ship your clubs and shoes to the range cheaply; see § Courier services).

Japan is not really known for its beaches, with the notable exception of subtropical Okinawa. Japanese cities (many of which are coastal) often expand right up to the coast line. Where there are beaches, they tend to only be visited in summer; as soon as September comes, lifeguards stop patrolling the beaches, and Japanese beachgoers disappear as a result. Surfing is somewhat popular, as the surf can be very good on both coasts during typhoon season (Aug-Oct) on the Pacific coast, and during winter on the Sea of Japan coast. There are also some excellent spots for snorkeling and diving, with the manta rays and hammerheads of Okinawa at the top of the list. Aside from marine life, corals, and World War II wrecks, you can also visit Susami, outside Kushimoto, and send your friends a postcard from one of the world's deepest underwater mailbox, 10 meters underwater.

While boating and river sports are not very common, a few fun activities can be found, such as going river rafting in some of the last wild rivers in Japan in the Iya Valley.

Baseball (野球 yakyū) is hugely popular, and is played in many high schools and by professionals. See Baseball#Japan for details.

Soccer (サッカー sakkā) plays second fiddle to baseball. The top men's league is the Japan Professional Football League, and there is a professional women's league, the Japan Women's Professional Football League.

Basketball (バスケットボール, basuketto bōru or バスケ basuke). The professional league, "B-league", has 24 teams in B1 division and 14 teams in B2 division as of 2024.

Sumo wrestling (相撲 sumō) is a popular Japanese sport. The biggest events are the six honbasho (本場所, "main tournaments") throughout the year. Professional wrestling (プロレス puroresu) is also very popular.

Horse racing (競馬 keiba) is a big business in Japan, and one of the few forms of legal gambling. The Japan Cup, held annually at Fuchu's Tokyo Racecourse, is one of the premier events on the international horse racing calendar.

The Formula One Japanese Grand Prix is a big draw in Japan. The circuit is in Suzuka. Japanese Grand Prix is the only circuit to have an overhead racing bridge that is a part of the circuit.

The Japan Golf Tour tournaments are played on numerous courses throughout Japan.

Karaoke (カラオケ) was invented in Japan and can be found in virtually every Japanese city. Pronounced kah-rah-oh-keh, it is abbreviated from the words "empty orchestra" in Japanese; most locals won't have any idea what you're talking about if you use the English carry-oh-kee. Most karaoke places occupy several floors of a building. You and your friends have a room to yourself — no strangers involved — and the standard hourly rate often includes all-you-can-drink alcohol, with refills ordered through a phone on the wall or through the karaoke machine. The major chains all have excellent English-language song selections. Old folks prefer singing enka ballads at small neighborhood bars.

You operate the karaoke machine yourself. It lets you queue up songs to be played in order. (At 4 minutes per song, 15 songs would keep you singing for an hour.) These days, many machines use a tablet or touchscreen which you can use to search for songs by a variety of criteria; if you can get one of these set to English, great. You can also look up songs in the phonebook-sized catalogs, which is what you'll have to do if you can't get a tablet in English, or at older places that just have a large remote control. Once you find the song's 4- to 6-digit number, aim the remote at the karaoke machine like a TV remote, type in the number (it will appear on the screen, so you can check that it was entered correctly; if not press 戻る to go back), and press 転送 or "send" to confirm and add it to the queue.

Also ubiquitous are pachinko parlors. Pachinko (パチンコ) is a form of gambling that involves dropping little steel balls into a machine; more balls are awarded depending on where they land. The air inside most pachinko parlors is hot and sweaty, with ear-splitting noise. (Legally you can only trade the balls for prizes, but gamblers always opt for "special prize" (特殊景品 tokushu keihin) tokens which they sell back for cash at a separate booth elsewhere in the building or in a nearby alley. Because the booth is off-site, it's a separate business and therefore not illegal.) Even in a declining market, nearly 10% of all Japanese — mostly middle-age businessmen — play at least once a week, and pachinko generates more gambling revenue than Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore combined.

Video arcades, known in Japan as game centers (ゲームセンター gēmu sentā, often shortened to ゲーセン gēsen), though sometimes difficult to distinguish from pachinko parlors from the outside, have arcade games rather than gambling, and are often several floors high. Video games are the norm here, although you may be surprised at the variety of games. Aside from the usual action and fighting games, there are also rhythm games such as Dance Dance Revolution or the much easier for beginners Taiko Drum Master (太鼓の達人 Taiko no Tatsujin), difficult-to-define oddities such as Derby Owners Club (which can only be described as a "multiplayer online card-collecting role-playing horse-racing simulator"), and bizarre inventions like Chō Chabudai-Gaeshi! (超・ちゃぶ台返し! "Super Table-Flip!") where you literally bang on a table and flip it over angrily to relieve stress while racking up points. Game centers usually also have non-video games, which almost always include claw crane games (クレーンゲーム kurēn gēmu) where you can win anything from stuffed animals and trinkets to expensive smartphones and jewelry, and sophisticated photo sticker booths (プリクラ puri-kura, shortened from the brand name Print Club).

Japan's national game is Go (囲碁 igo, or just 碁 go), a strategy board game. While the rules are simple, the strategy and tactics are very complex. On a sunny day, the Tennoji ward of Osaka is a good place to join a crowd watching two Go masters go at it.

Another popular board game in Japan is shogi (将棋 shōgi) or Japanese chess. The general mechanics are similar to Western chess, but shogi is a much more complex and dynamic game.

Mahjong (麻雀 or マージャン, mājan) is also relatively popular in Japan, and frequently features in Japanese video and arcade games, although it's associated with illegal gambling, and mahjong parlors can be quite seedy. Mahjong uses tiles with a variety of Chinese symbols and characters. Players draw and discard tiles trying to complete a hand with particular sets of tiles (typically, four sets of either three identical tiles or three in a straight flush, plus one identical pair). While gameplay is similar, scoring is drastically different from the various Chinese versions.

The Japanese love music (音楽 ongaku) in all styles.

Traditional Japanese music (邦楽 hōgaku) uses a variety of instruments, many of which originated in China, but developed into unique forms after being introduced to Japan. The most common instruments are the shamisen (三味線, a 3-string picked or plucked instrument), the shakuhachi (尺八, a bamboo flute), and the koto (箏, a 13-string picked zither). Taiko (太鼓) are drums that are unique to Japan, and range in size from small handheld drums to enormous 1.8-metre (5.9 ft) stationary drums. Taiko also refers to the performances, which are very common at festivals. Outside of traditional Japanese music, these instruments are not frequently used.

Western classical music (クラシック[音楽] kurashikku [ongaku]) is moderately popular in Japan with people of all ages. There are 1,600 professional and amateur orchestras (オーケストラ ōkesutora) in Japan; Tokyo is home to nearly half of them, including eight full-time professional orchestras. There are also well over 10,000 choirs (合唱 gasshō, コーラス kōrasu or クワイア kuwaia); the Japan Choral Association has more information.

With the arrival of Western pop music in the 20th century, Japan created its own forms of pop music. These have largely died out except for enka (演歌), sentimental ballads in Western pop styles composed to resemble traditional Japanese music, typically sung in an exaggerated emotional style.

Jazz (ジャズ jazu) has been very popular in Japan since the 1930s. Jazz coffee shops are a common way to listen to jazz.

J-pop and J-rock flood the airwaves. Punk, heavy metal, hip hop, electronic, and many other genres also find niches in Japan where they get their own Japanese interpretation. J-pop is often associated with idols (アイドル aidoru), young music stars manufactured by talent agencies. Although many are one-hit wonders, quite a few idol groups turn into long-lasting acts: SMAP and Morning Musume have been popular for decades, while AKB48 has rocketed to the top to become the best-selling female group in Japan, with offshoots in other Asian countries as well. However, these are also controversial as aspiring singers are made to sign contracts that give them little control over their personal lives, including a ban on dating to maintain the illusion of "availability" to their fans.

Concerts (ライブ raibu, "live") are easy to find. Depending on the event, you may be able to buy tickets at convenience stores (using a numeric code to identify the right concert), online, at record stores, or in various pre-sale lotteries. (Some sellers may require you to have a Japanese credit card with a Japanese billing address, so you may need to try multiple methods to find one you can use.) You can buy day-of tickets at the venue, assuming the concert isn't sold out, but large venues may not even sell tickets at the door. Rather than doing general admission, tickets may be numbered to divide the audience into smaller groups which are admitted in order. Music festivals (ロック・フェスティバル rokku fesutibaru, shortened to ロックフェス rokku fesu or just フェス fesu) are also popular, drawing tens of thousands of people. Fuji Rock Festival is Japan's largest festival, and covers many genres. Rock In Japan Festival is the biggest festival where only Japanese artists are allowed to perform.

The most well-known types of traditional Japanese performing arts originated in medieval or pre-modern Japan, and feature melodramatic period stories of historical events, romance, or moral conflicts. While the old Japanese language they use can be off-putting, an important part of these art forms is the intricate visual aspects of their traditional costumes and emotional expressiveness.

Bunraku (文楽) is a type of puppet theater. An actor and two stagehands precisely control each puppet, while a narrator performs the exposition and all dialogue with improvised shamisen accompaniment.

Kabuki (歌舞伎) is a popular type of dance-drama. It's known for the elaborate costumes and makeup that performers wear. Kabuki tells its stories through the expressions and dances. Actors fly above the audience on wires and make dramatic entrances and exits via aisles down the middle of the audience, complex revolving stages, and trap doors.

Noh (能 nō or 能楽 nōgaku) is an older type of musical drama. Minimalist and probably boring for the average visitor, noh uses wooden masks and stark movements on identical bare sets, and tells its emotional stories through the lyrics, which are in an old form of Japanese (difficult for even native speakers to understand). It's sometimes described as "Japanese opera", although it's closer to chanted poetry rather than actual singing.

Traditionally used as comic intermission between acts in a noh play, kyōgen (狂言) consists of short (10 minute) plays, often using stock characters such as servants and their master, or a farmer and his son.

Much less well-known is taishū engeki (大衆演劇), a vague term meaning "theater for the masses" or "popular theater". Superficially, it's similar to kabuki, with elaborate Edo-period costumes, but the melodrama is turned all the way up. Every performance is a new tale, as these plays are not scripted, but invented during the morning's rehearsal; the simple stories are easy to understand even without a translation, with the good guys obviously triumphing over the bad guys. The second half showcases actors mostly solo performing traditional dances with modern flashing stage lights and fog machines. You may find these accessible shows to have cultural similarities to variety shows, revues, or even drag shows.

Comedy in Japan is markedly different from the Western style. Japanese are very sensitive about making jokes at the expense of others, so Western-style stand-up comedy isn't very common. Most Japanese comedy relies on absurdity, non sequiturs, and breaking the strict social expectations. Most Japanese also love puns and wordplay (駄洒落 dajare), although these can cross the line into groan-inducing oyaji gyagu (親父ギャグ "old man jokes"). Don't bother attempting irony or sarcasm; Japanese rarely use these, and they're likely to take your statement at face value instead.

Japan is also home to various types of minimalist solo storytelling such as rakugo (落語), kōdan (講談) and rōkyoku (浪曲). All these, as well as numerous other genres, are often performed at traditional vaudeville-like theatres called yose (寄席).

Japan is famous for geisha, although they're often misunderstood by the West. Literally translated, the word 芸者 (geisha) means "artist" or "artisan". Geisha are entertainers, whether you're looking for song and dance, party games, or just some nice company and conversation. Geisha train from a young age to be exquisite, high-class entertainers. They're often employed today by businesses for parties and banquets. Although traditionally expensive and exclusive, you may be able to see geisha perform for as little as ¥3,000, or for free at a festival. In the largest Japanese cities, it's easy to spot a geisha if you look in the right part of town.

Tea ceremony (茶道 sadō or chadō) is not unique to Japan, or even to Asia, but the Japanese version stands out for its deep connection to Japanese aesthetics. The focus of a Japanese tea ceremony is not so much the tea as making guests feel welcome and appreciating the season. Due to the influence of Zen Buddhism, Japanese tea ceremony emphasizes a uniquely Japanese aesthetic called wabi-sabi (侘寂). A very rough translation might be that wabi is "rustic simplicity" and sabi is "beauty that comes with age and wear". There are tea houses across Japan where you can be a guest at a tea ceremony. The most common type of "informal" ceremony usually takes 30 minutes to an hour; a "formal" ceremony can take up to 4 hours.

Japan is also well-known for its martial arts, with judo (柔道 jūdō) and karate (空手) being the best known ones internationally. There are opportunities to spar with Japanese opponents while you are visiting, but you may need to make arrangements through your home dojo, and you may also watch competitions and performances. There are also other internationally lesser-known martial arts you might want to explore while in Japan such as aikido (合気道) and kendo (剣道).

Japanese pop culture is famous the world over, with anime, manga and video games in particular having been exported to the West with great success. However, while you are visiting, it is worth checking out some genres that are not as well-known outside Japan. One such genre is called tokusatsu (特撮), which are live action films or television series that make heavy use of special effects. Famous examples of tokusatsu include Godzilla, Ultraman, Super Sentai (which served as the inspiration for Power Rangers in the U.S.) and the less internationally known Kamen Rider.

Japan has an estimated 200,000 festivals (祭 matsuri) throughout the year. Festivals are held for a variety of reasons, the most common being to give thanks (e.g. for a successful rice harvest) and bring good fortune. Although most festivals are small events sponsored by local shrines or temples, there are hundreds that are large city-wide affairs, any of which would be a nice addition to your itinerary if they overlap your schedule.

The main event at many large festivals is a parade of floats, which are usually lifted and carried by hand by several dozen men. Often a shrine's kami (spirit/deity) will be ritually put in a portable shrine (mikoshi) and carried around the neighborhood as part of the parade. At some festivals, anyone can take a turn helping to carry a float for a few minutes. Fireworks (花火 hanabi) are also a common event at festivals, particularly in the summer; in Japan, this is the most common use of fireworks. The rest of the time is spent enjoying the booths and entertainment. Food stalls have traditional festival foods like takoyaki, shaved ice (かき氷 kakigōri), and skewered hot dogs. A traditional game at festivals is goldfish scooping (金魚すくい kingyo sukui): if you can catch a goldfish using the flimsy paper scoop, you get to keep it. Other common games include ring toss and cork guns.

Festivals are a time for the neighborhood and community to come out and celebrate together, whether it's a family, young couples making a date of it, or just a group of friends. Nearly everyone will put on a colorful yukata (浴衣) robe, while many of the people working at the festival wear happi (法被) coats. (Street clothes are perfectly fine, too.)

The JNTO website has a list of several dozen festivals throughout the year in English. Some of the most well-known festivals are:

Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり Sapporo Yuki-matsuri) in Sapporo (February, 7 days starting the second week) — elaborate snow and ice sculptures

Hakata Dontaku (博多どんたく) in Fukuoka (May 3–4) — Japan's largest festival, drawing over 2 million people during the Golden Week holidays

Kanda (神田) in Tokyo (May, Sa-Su closest to May 15 in odd-numbered years)

Hakata Gion Yamakasa (博多祇園山笠) in Fukuoka (July 1–15) — famous for racing one-ton floats

Gion (祇園) in Kyoto (July, the whole month but particularly 14-17 and 21-24)

Nebuta (ねぶた) in Aomori (August 2–7)

Awa-Odori (阿波踊り) in Tokushima (August 12–15) — folk dance festival

There are also several nationwide festivals:

New Year's (正月 Shōgatsu) (December 31 - January 3)

Hina matsuri (雛祭り) (March 3) — during the "Doll festival", families pray for their girls, and arrange displays of dolls of the emperor and his court

Tanabata (七夕) (around July 7; in Sendai, August 5–8; some places based on lunar calendar) — sometimes called the "Star Festival", celebrates the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (the stars Vega and Altair) who could only meet on this day each year

Obon (お盆) or Bon (盆) (three days usually around August 15, but date varies by region) — when spirits of the deceased return to this world; families have reunions, and visit and clean ancestors' graves

Shichi-Go-San (七五三, "Seven-Five-Three") (November 15) — for girls age 3 and 7 and boys age 3 and 5

Some local festivals are more eccentric. Hari Kuyō ("needle memorial") festivals are held throughout Japan to express thanks to old or broken needles and pins. Hadaka ("naked") festivals are actually common throughout Japan, but the most well-known one is the Eyō Hadaka matsuri (会陽裸祭り) at Saidai-ji in Okayama. Thousands of men wearing just loincloths scramble to catch lucky sacred items thrown into the crowd, which will bring them a year of happiness. Naki Zumō (泣き相撲, "crying sumo") festivals throughout Japan have competitions where two sumo wrestlers holding babies see which baby will cry first as priests provoke them by making faces and putting on masks. And the Kanamara matsuri (かなまら祭り) in Kawasaki is famous for celebrating the male genitalia.

As a nation made of volcanic islands, it's not surprising that in Japan hot springs (温泉 onsen) are commonplace. Japanese have pondered for centuries what the best hot springs in the country are, and they've come up with quite a few. Bathing is a big deal in Japan, and be it a scenic onsen hot spring, a neighborhood sentō bath or just an ordinary household tub, bathing Japanese style is a pleasure. Whereas a Western "bath" is used for washing in, "baths" in Japan are for soaking and relaxing, more like a hot tub. Washing is done first outside the tub.

Onsen are the pinnacle of the Japanese bathing experience. Clusters of hot spring inns pop up wherever there's a suitable source of hot water. The most memorable onsen experience is often the rotenburo (露天風呂): outdoor baths with views of the surrounding natural scenery.

While most onsen are run commercially and charge fees for entry, especially in remote areas there are free publicly maintained baths that offer minimal facilities, but, more often than not, stunning views to make up for it. To find those off the beaten track inns, check out the Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns (日本秘湯を守る会 Nihon hitō o mamoru kai), which has 185 independent lodges throughout the country.

Sentō (銭湯) are public bath houses found in any large city. Intended for people without their own home tub, they are typically quite utilitarian and are slowly dying out. Some, however, have gone upmarket and turned into "spas" (スパ supa), which are public baths for stressed-out salarymen, often with a capsule hotel (see § Sleep) bolted on the side. As you might expect, these come in varying degrees of legitimacy — beware any place advertising "esthe", "health", or "soap" — but most are surprisingly decent.

Foreign visitors typically visit hot springs by stopping at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, some of which feature hot springs as one of their main attractions (the other main attraction usually being the elaborate kaiseki meals). This requires some research and planning to decide where you want to go (most ryokan are in small towns in the country) and to fit it into your schedule. But don't focus exclusively on inns; many onsen have no lodging, making them cheap and quick to stop at, although many are hard to get to without a car or bicycle.

Many onsen and sento prohibit the entry of visitors with tattoos. Intended to keep out yakuza gangsters (who often sport full-back tattoos), the rule is usually applied with a modicum of common sense, but heavily tattooed visitors will, at the very least, receive curious looks and may be asked to leave.

Japanese are understanding of the funny ways of foreigners, but there's one rule where no exceptions are made: you have to wash yourself and rinse off all foam before entering the bath. Baths in Japan are generally used naked, although you can instead use private baths (by reservation or attached to your room, usually at an extra cost) or stay clothed in a foot bath. It is a major faux pas to let your towel touch the bath water, so you cannot use one to cover your privates for modesty; either leave it to the side or do as the locals do and wrap it around your hair. If you have long hair, make sure you tie it up neatly before entering the bath.

Super sentōs are sentos that offer additional services beyond regular sentōs, often similar to spa treatments. They often have multiple baths, saunas, relaxation rooms and sometimes even a restaurant. Most establishments open until 23:00–01:00, while some stay open until 02:30, and there are even a few that open for 24 hours.

For easy cash withdrawal, ATMs (ē tī emu), also known as "cash corners" (キャッシュコーナー kyasshu kōnā), are ubiquitous in Japan and can be found at most convenience stores and train stations. Oddly, some close at night or on weekends, although this restriction is slowly going away. Also, at night the additionally charged fee might be higher. While not all banks accept foreign cards, most of the large banks including Japan Post, Mizuho, SMBC and Aeon do. See Shopping in Japan for the full list. A particularly convenient option for travelers is 7-Eleven Bank ATMs, which can be found in every branch of 7-Eleven and are usually open 24/7.

Most ATMs charge ¥110 or ¥220 for withdrawals, which is added on top of the amount you withdraw when invoicing the final amount to your bank. Aeon Bank is the only one that doesn't charge a fee for any Visa/MasterCard withdrawals. E-net (found in most FamilyMarts) has started charging ¥660, so try to avoid them. If you can, withdraw ¥50,000 or ¥100,000 at a time to minimize the fee impact.

Dealing with physical bank branches is notoriously cumbersome and best avoided. If you need to exchange cash, dedicated money changers are faster and offer better rates, but can be hard to find outside major airports and the like. If you need a locally-issued credit card (for an online service that performs region checks, for instance), there are a multitude of online-only virtual Visa cards available, and prepaid Visa gift cards can be purchased from major convenience store chains. If you're actually living in Japan and need to set up a bank account or get a Japanese credit card, see Working in Japan#Money.

Quite a few restaurants, small shops, and even some lodgings only accept cash, particularly in smaller towns and more isolated areas. You should carry enough cash or check that your preferred payment method is accepted in advance.

Some coin lockers, laundries and beach showers only accept ¥100 coins and some change machines may only accept ¥1,000 bills. Additionally, some machines have not been calibrated to support the new bills introduced in 2024. If you see a sign with phrasing like "新1000円未対応" ("new ¥1,000 bill not yet supported"), "新紙幣は使えません" ("new bills can not be used") or an image of the new bills crossed out, you will need to change your bills for old ones.

Always keep a sizable stack of reserve money. If you run out for any reason (wallet stolen, credit card blocked, etc.) it can be difficult to have any wired to you. Western Union has a very limited presence even in the larger metropolitan areas. American Express cardholders have more emergency options: the AmEx office in Tokyo can print replacement cards for same-day pickup, and have the ability to send emergency funds to certain locations around the country if needed.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but some cafes, bars, and restaurants may still only accept cash and/or IC card. Visa, MasterCard and JCB are widely accepted. Discover and American Express are usable where JCB credit cards are accepted.

As of 2026, credit/debit cards are also increasingly accepted for tapping on/off subways and private trains. The major holdout continues to be the JR Group, so you will likely still need to get an IC card as well.

There are two types of payment machine in Japan:

EMV/FeliCa machines are compatible with Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as Japan-specific IC cards such as Suica.

FeliCa machines are compatible with Japan-specific IC cards such as Suica only.

Look for the EMV/FeliCa machines displaying the international contactless logo and say "touch" (タッチ tacchi) to pay with your foreign credit card.

Smart cards are a popular means of payment and are locally known as "IC" cards (meaning "integrated circuit"). IC cards can be used to pay for public transport, and for goods and services at convenience stores, vending machines and numerous restaurants in all the major cities. There are many different brands of IC card to choose from.

The most common cards are JR East's Suica and the Tokyo area PASMO, both of which can be purchased for ¥500 at train stations in Tokyo. The cards are completely interchangeable, but Suica charges a small fee for a refund (¥220), while PASMO does not. The cards can be recharged at train stations and convenience stores. The cards can store up to ¥20,000 worth of value. Welcome Suica is a Suica card targeted at tourists. The card is available at Narita and Haneda airports and major train stations in Tokyo, no deposit required. The card can be recharged at the same places as the regular Suica but expires after 28 days and cannot be refunded. Avoid using these for storage lockers close to expiration; because your card is also your key, when the card expires you will not be able to re-open the locker.

IC cards of other regions, such as Kansai's ICOCA or Chubu's TOICA, can be used interchangeably with Suica and PASMO. However, IC cards can only be refunded in the same region from which they were purchased. An exception is TOICA, which can be refunded at JR Central's shinkansen ticket offices in Tokyo (Tokyo station or Shinagawa station), Yokohama (Shin-Yokohama station), Odawara, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka.

Digital Suica, PASMO and ICOCA cards are available on Apple devices with NFC functionality. This means you can travel and pay throughout the country using only your iPhone or Watch. The cards are available via the Apple Wallet app, no deposit required. Tap your device at the train station ticket gate or store payment machine for validation. The cards are not available on Android devices sold outside Japan. Digital IC cards cannot be refunded to a non-Japanese bank account.

Should you still have leftover balance on your card by the time you are leaving Japan or the card is about to expire, you can spend the money at restaurants, convenience stores, or at the duty-free shops at the airport.

Many banks no longer handle foreign cash exchange or outsource it to Travelex. Specialized currency exchange shops provide better rates than banks (for example, the Access Ticket chain of shops in Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka often has rates within 1% of mid-market for US dollars, euros, and British pounds) and generally work more quickly. They also often sell discounted train and bus tickets and restaurant vouchers. These shops can usually be recognized by displays of foreign banknotes at their windows or with the words "money exchange" or similar. US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, British pounds, and Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand dollars can be easily exchanged at these shops. Singapore dollars are the most widely accepted Asian currency, followed by the South Korean won, Chinese yuan, Hong Kong dollars, and New Taiwan dollars. Less-used Asian currencies like Philippine pesos, Vietnamese dong, Malaysian ringgit, and Thai baht are now accepted at currency exchanges in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. There are also foreign currency exchange machines in many shopping centers in large and medium-sized cities; they offer a rate 5-10% below the mid-market rate even for US dollars so avoid them if you can, but outside the largest cities, they may be the only option.

If you are exchanging amounts over ¥200,000 (whether cash or traveller's checks), you will be required to provide identification that includes your name, address, and date of birth. Since passports usually do not show your address, bring along another form of ID such as a driver's license that shows your address.

Retail hours are surprisingly limited, typically 10:00-20:00, though most shops are open on weekends and public holidays except New Year, and close on one day a week. However, you will always find something you could need to buy at any time of day. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson are ubiquitous and usually operate 24/7.

Thanks to a tradition of omiyage (souvenirs given to friends, family, and colleagues), a history of regions specializing in particular crafts, as well as development programs like One Village One Product, Japan has nearly perfected the art of local products (名物 meibutsu). Pretty much every dot on the map, no matter how small the town, has some product it's known for. The most common ones are food; some are fresh foods such as fish or cooked dishes you would have to eat while there, but many others are packaged foods, beverages, or ingredients that can be brought home. Local products also include arts and crafts; while some are mere trinkets, others would serve well as decorative keepsakes or practical items to use at home. Local products are a large part of Japan's domestic tourism market, so they're generally easy to find; you can almost always find shops near major train stations and roadside stations selling them, although prices may be slightly better if you shop around town.

Japan is known for its upscale department stores (デパート depāto), the nicest of which feature beautiful interior architectural ornamentation and still employ uniformed women to operate the elevators while informing customers where to find items. Depāto typically have a food court and groceries in the basement, while the roof often has a garden (which doubles as a beer garden during the summer) and some affordable eateries.

¥100 shops (百円ショップ hyaku-en shoppu) are a Japanese institution: they sell household goods, packaged food, gag gifts and much more, and everything costs ¥108 (food and soft drinks) or ¥110 (all others) after tax. These are a good option for finding cheap gifts or even travel adapters. Major chains include Daiso, Can Do (キャンドゥ), Seria (セリア), and Silk (シルク). There are also convenience-store-like ¥100 shops such as Lawson Store 100 which carry a limited range of fresh food like sandwiches, drinks and vegetables. Another popular discount store chain called Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ), often abbreviated to Donki (ドンキ), carries a wider range of price points.

Second hand is very popular in Japan, and the quality of 2nd-hand products in Japan is really worth considering this an option, e.g. for electronics, music equipment, clothes, or outdoor and camping equipment. See Shopping in Japan#Second hand shops for famous shops.

Many Westerners come to Japan in search of anime (animation), manga (comics), hentai (erotic manga), and video games. One of the best places to shop is Akihabara in Tokyo.

Battery-powered small electronics and still cameras made for sale in Japan will work anywhere in the world. There are no great bargains to be found, but the selection is unparalleled. However, if you are buying other electronics to take home, it's best to shop at stores that specialize in "overseas" configurations, many of which can be found in Tokyo's Akihabara. Japanese AC runs at 100 volts, so check devices' ratings; if it's not rated for 100–120 V, using it without a step-down transformer can be dangerous.

When it comes to casual fashion, Japan is hard to beat. Tokyo and Osaka in particular are home to many shopping districts, and there is an abundance of stores selling the latest fashion, particularly those catering to youths.

Japan's main contribution to jewelry is the cultured pearl, developed by Mikimoto Kōkichi. The pearls are widely available, although there is little if any price difference to buying them outside Japan. For those who insist on getting their hands on the "authentic" stuff, Mikimoto's flagship store is in the Ginza district of Tokyo, while the small town of Toba still hosts Mikimoto's Pearl Island.

Then of course there is kimono, the classic Japanese garment. While very expensive new, second-hand kimono can be had at a fraction of the price, or you can opt for a much cheaper and easier to wear casual yukata robe. See purchasing a kimono for buying your own. When wearing a kimono, it should always be wrapped left over right; doing the reverse is a major faux pas as that is only done when dressing the dead.

There is a 10% consumption tax on most sales in Japan. The only exceptions are take-away food and non-alcoholic beverages, which are subject to a lower 8% tax. Foreign visitors can claim a refund on the consumption tax if they spend at least ¥5,000 (before tax) per day per participating shop, and they bring the items out of Japan with them.

There is no clear rule if tax is included or not in a displayed price. Supermarkets will mostly always show both prices. Budget restaurants will most likely display tax-included prices. Fancy eateries on the other hand may often leave the tax out of their quoted prices, so not to appear too expensive.

The word zeinuki (税抜) means tax-excluded, zeikomi (税込) means tax-included. If you cannot find out any words in the price card, most of them are tax-included.

Tax-free shopping is available for tourists spending over ¥5,000. You must present your actual passport (not a copy) at the counter.

Tipping is not a part of Japanese culture. Japanese people are uncomfortable with being tipped and are likely to be confused, amused or possibly even offended if tipped. The Japanese pride themselves on the service given to customers, and a further financial incentive is unnecessary. If you leave a tip in a restaurant, the staff will probably come running after you to return the money you 'forgot'. Many Westernised hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge, and family restaurants may add a 10% late-night charge after midnight.

Occasionally the hotel or inn will leave a small gratuity envelope for you to tip the maids, though it is completely optional. Never leave a cash tip on a table or hotel bed, because the Japanese consider it impolite if it is not concealed in an envelope. Exceptions to the no-tipping culture are high-end ryokan (see § Sleep) and interpreters or tour guides.

Known for their pervasiveness and the (notorious) variety of products they sell. Most will take ¥1,000 bills, and some types, such as train ticket machines, will take up to ¥10,000; none accept ¥1 or ¥5 coins, and only some accept ¥2,000 notes. Some vending machines refuse the "new" (2024) notes, while some still refuse the new ¥500 coin (in occasional cases). Have a double-check before using.

With exceptions such as some train ticket vending machines, those in airports or tourist sites, credit cards are not accepted. However, IC cards like Suica and PASMO are often accepted for payment, particularly in train stations.

Vending machine drinks are a fun only-in-Japan indulgence, but at ¥120-190 per drink, they can add up, and will generally cost less at a supermarket or drugstore (but not so from a convenience store). Machines that stock drinks from smaller companies, like Cheerio or Two-Down, charge less, starting at ¥100.

Most Japanese food is eaten with chopsticks (箸 hashi). Eating with chopsticks is a surprisingly easy skill to pick up, although mastering them takes a while.

Never place or leave chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice; You can rest chopsticks across the edge of your bowl, plate or chopstick rest.

Never pass something from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks.

Licking the ends of your chopsticks is considered low-class.

Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls is rude.

Pointing at things with your chopsticks is rude. (Pointing at people in general is rude; with chopsticks, doubly so.)

Spearing food with your chopsticks is generally rude and should be used as only a last resort.

You shouldn't "whittle" your disposable chopsticks after breaking them apart (which would imply you think they're cheap), but for cleanliness it is good manners to put them back in their paper wrapper when you're finished eating.

Most soups and broths, especially miso, are drunk directly out of the bowl after you've chopsticked out the larger bits, and it's also normal to pick up a bowl of rice for easier eating. For main-dish soups like rāmen you will be given a spoon. Curry rice and fried rice are also eaten with spoons.

Many restaurants give you a hot towel (o-shibori) to wipe your hands with (not your face) as soon as you sit down.

Japanese never put soy sauce on a bowl of rice. Japanese don't like to waste food (including soy sauce, so don't pour more than you need), but it's fine in most restaurants if you leave some food on your plates.

In all types of Japanese restaurants, staff generally ignore you until you ask for something. Say "sumimasen" ("excuse me") and maybe raise your hand at a large restaurant. Restaurants will present you with the bill after the meal. Pay at the counter when leaving — do not leave payment on the table and walk out. Tipping is not customary in Japan, although many sit-down restaurants apply 10% service charges and 24-hour "family restaurants" usually have a 10% late-night surcharge.

Never criticise a chef's cooking or ask for any changes to be made to a dish, especially in fine dining restaurants. Japanese chefs take great pride in their professionalism and expertise, and would be incredibly offended by this.

The number of restaurants (レストラン resutoran) in Japan is stupendous, and you will never run out of places to go. Japanese almost never invite guests to their homes, so socializing nearly always involves eating out. Eating out is generally cheaper than in Western countries, though still expensive by Asian standards, if you stick to a basic rice or noodles meal at a local joint. At the other end of the spectrum, fine dining can be very expensive indeed.

Some restaurants have implemented a dual pricing system to account for the extra effort it takes to serve foreigners. If you can speak and read Japanese, you might be able to get the local price by asking for the Japanese menu.

Menus will, for most establishments, be in Japanese only; however, many restaurants have models (many in exquisite detail) of their meals in their front window, and if you can't read the menu it may be better to take the waiter or waitress outside and point at what you would like. There may be photographs of the food labeled with names and prices.

Many cheap chain eateries have vending machines where you buy a ticket and give it to the server. At many of these restaurants, you'll have to be able to read Japanese or match the price from models or picture menus, along with some of the kana (characters) to the choices at the machine. Some other places have all-you-can-eat meals called tabehōdai (食べ放題), byuffe (ビュッフェ, "buffet"), or baikingu (バイキング "Viking", because "smorgasbord" would be too hard to pronounce in Japanese).

The Michelin Guide is considered by many Western visitors to be the benchmark of good restaurants in Japan, but there are plenty of equally good eats to be had without the Michelin price tag, and many top restaurants are left out by choice. Tabelog (食べログ) is the go-to directory for Japanese people looking at restaurant reviews, with famously tough ratings: a 3.5 out of 5 is considered extraordinarily high. While the interface is available in English, most reviews are only in Japanese.

Japan is considered by many to be one of the world's centers of fine dining. Japan is tied with France for first place as the country with the most Michelin-star restaurants. Unfortunately, Japanese fine dining can be somewhat inaccessible to foreign visitors; online bookings are typically not an option, staff typically speak little to no English, and some fine dining establishments do not accept reservations from new customers without an introduction from one of their regular diners (although Michelin-listed places will). If you are staying in a top-end luxury hotel, the concierge may be able to score you a reservation at one of these places provided you make the request well in advance, and there is also a cottage industry of online reservation brokers that can arranges tables — for a fee, of course. Unlike in other countries, most Japanese fine dining restaurants do not accept credit cards, and you will be expected to pay for your meal in cash.

Traditional Japanese inns (see § Ryokan) are a common way for travellers to enjoy a fine kaiseki meal. The elaborate meals featuring local seasonal ingredients are considered an essential part of a visit to a ryokan, and factor heavily into many people's choice of inn.

Practically every town and hamlet in Japan boasts its own "famous" noodle (麺 men) dish.

There are two major noodle types native to Japan: thin buckwheat soba (そば) and thick wheat udon (うどん). Chinese egg noodles or rāmen (ラーメン) are also very popular but more expensive (¥500 and up) and typically include a slice of grilled pork and a variety of vegetables. Slurping your noodles is acceptable and even expected. According to the Japanese, it cools them down and makes them taste better. Any remaining broth can be drunk directly from the bowl.

Perhaps Japan's most famous culinary exports are sushi (寿司 or 鮨), usually raw fish over vinegared rice, and sashimi (刺身), plain raw fish. Most sushi restaurants keep a handy multilingual decoding key on hand or on the wall. However, sushi in Japan often bears little similarity to what Western visitors may be used to back home; do not expect to find California rolls or volcano rolls in Japan. Sushi in Japan tends to be simple, just fish and rice, with an emphasis on freshness.

At the finest sushi restaurants, the chef puts a dab of fiery wasabi radish into the sushi, and glazes the fish with soy sauce for you. Thus, such sushi restaurants don't have individual bowls of soy sauce or wasabi. Most restaurants, though, provide them at the table. (Turn nigiri sushi upside down before dipping, as the soy sauce is to flavor the fish, not to drown the rice.) Slices of pickled ginger (gari) refresh the palate.

When eating sushi, it's perfectly acceptable to use your fingers. Good sushi is always made such that you can put the entire piece into your mouth at once.

The teppanyaki (鉄板焼き, confusingly known in the U.S. as "hibachi") and self-grill yakiniku (焼肉, Japanese-style "Korean barbecue") cooking methods, as well as the deep fried tempura (天ぷら) battered shrimp and vegetables originate here. Meat (especially beef) can be fiercely expensive, like the famous marbled Kobe beef, which can cost thousands per serving. Tempura has entered the Japanese fine dining repertoire, and there are numerous fine tempura omakase restaurants in which the chef deep-fries the dish in front of you and puts it directly on your plate to be eaten immediately.

Other uniquely Japanese foods include okonomiyaki (お好み焼き, "cook it how you like it", a batter with cabbage, meat, seafood, and vegetable fillings of your choice, often self-cooked at your table) and yakitori (焼き鳥, grilled skewers of every chicken part imaginable).

Japanese curry (カレー karē) is very distinct from Indian curry. Curry powder was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century by the British. The Indian curry brought by the British was too spicy for Japanese tastes, but they altered the recipe to make it sweeter and thicker. Curry restaurants can be found throughout the country, but there are also localized versions, such as Kanazawa Curry, Bizen Curry, and Kuwana Curry. Soup curry is a famous dish in Hokkaido. Curry udon and other curry combinations are also quite popular.

However, homesick Indians need not fret. Indian curry (インドカレー indo karē), which in Japan is primarily based on North Indian styles, has exploded in popularity in Japan in the 21st century, and in the major cities, there are many restaurants operated by Indian and Nepali immigrants that serve it.

Shokudō (食堂 "cafeteria" or "dining hall") serve up simple, popular dishes and teishoku sets at affordable prices (¥500-1,000). When in doubt, go for the daily special or kyō no teishoku (今日の定食), which nearly always consists of a main course, rice, soup and pickles. A staple of the shokudō is the donburi (丼), meaning a bowl of rice with a topping.

A closely related variant is the bentō-ya (弁当屋), which serves takeout boxes known as o-bentō (お弁当). While travelling on long-distance trains, don't forget to sample the vast array of ekiben (駅弁) or "station bento".

Department store basements are often huge spaces filled with expansive amounts of fresh food from throughout the country and local dishes. You can get bento boxes, take out food on a stick, bowls of soup, and often find samples of treats to try. You can also find restaurants in department stores, often on the top floors.

Various types of hot pot (鍋 nabe), as well as a number of stewed food items known as oden (おでん) are popular in Japan during the winter. You can often find pseudo-Western dishes, which were adapted from European and American cuisines, but often heavily Japanized. See the Japanese cuisine and Western food in Asia articles for more details.

During the summer months when it's not raining, many buildings and hotels have restaurants on their rooftops and serve dishes like fried chicken and french fries, as well as light snacks. The specialty is, of course, draft beer (生ビール nama-biiru). You can order large mugs of beer or pay a fixed price for an all-you-can-drink (飲み放題 nomihōdai) course lasting for a set period of time (usually up to 2 hours). Cocktails and other drinks are also often available as part of all-you-can-drink sets.

Japanese fast food restaurants offer decent quality at reasonable prices. Many chains offer interesting seasonal choices that are quite tasty. Fast food chains offer the range from classic Japanese food through to modern American junk food.

There are also a number of Japanese family restaurants (ファミレス famiresu or ファミリーレストラン famirii resutoran), serving a wide variety of dishes, including steak, pasta, Chinese style dishes, sandwiches, and other foods. Though their food is relatively uninteresting, these restaurants usually have illustrated menus, so travellers who cannot read Japanese can use the photos to choose and communicate their orders.

If you're travelling on the cheap, Japan's numerous convenience stores (コンビニ konbini) can be a great place to grab a bite to eat; they are everywhere and almost always open 24/7. Major chains include 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart. You can find instant noodles, sandwiches, meat buns, and some small prepared meals, which can be heated up in a microwave in the store. An excellent option for food on the go is onigiri (or omusubi), which is a large ball of rice stuffed with (say) fish or pickled plum and wrapped in seaweed, and usually cost ¥100-150 each (as of Mar 2019).

For those really on a budget, most supermarkets (sūpā) have a wide variety of ready-to-eat meals, bentos, sandwiches, snacks and the like, generally cheaper than convenience stores. Some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day. Supermarkets and greengrocers (八百屋 yaoya) are also the best place to buy fruit, which tends to be expensive in Japan.

One Japanese institution worth checking out is the depachika (デパ地下) or department store basement food court, featuring dozens of tiny specialist stalls dishing up local specialties ranging from exquisitely packed tea ceremony candies and $100 melons to fresh sushi and Chinese takeaway. They're often a little upmarket pricewise, but discount heavily towards the end of the day: look for little red half price (半額 hangaku) and X% off signs (eg. 2割, read ni-wari, means 20% off).

Although the situation is improving in major cities, strict vegetarians (much less vegans) may have serious difficulty finding a meal that does not include animal products, particularly as the near-ubiquitous Japanese soup stock dashi is usually prepared with fish and often pops up in unexpected places like miso, rice crackers, curry, omelettes (including tamago sushi), instant noodles and pretty much anywhere salt would be used in Western cuisine. Soba and udon noodle soups virtually always use bonito-based katsuodashi, and typically the only vegetarian-safe item on the menu in a noodle shop is zarusoba, or plain cold noodles — but even for this the dipping sauce typically contains dashi.

Your best bet for finding vegetarian food is Indian and Italian restaurants, which are quite common even in smaller towns. Other options include temples serving Buddhist cuisine (Mount Koya is particularly famous for this), kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi shops and, in larger towns, dedicated vegetarian or macrobiotic (自然食 shizenshoku) restaurants.

Travelling in Japan with food allergies (アレルギー arerugī) is very difficult. Awareness of severe allergies is low and restaurant staff are rarely aware of trace ingredients in their menu items.

A serious soy (大豆 daizu) allergy is basically incompatible with Japanese food. The bean is used everywhere, including soybean oil for cooking. Keeping a strict gluten-free diet while eating out is also close to impossible. Most common brands of soy sauce and mirin contain wheat, while miso is often made with barley or wheat. Commercially prepared sushi vinegar and wasabi may both contain gluten.

On the upside, avoiding dairy products is straightforward, as they are uncommon in traditional Japanese cuisine. Peanuts and other tree nuts are basically not used in Japanese cooking, with the exception of a few snacks and desserts. Peanut oil is rarely used.

Due to the very small size of the Muslim and Jewish communities, finding halal or kosher food is very difficult in Japan, and you will need to do some advanced planning before your trip. Muslim visitors can contact the Japan Islamic Trust, while Jewish visitors can contact the Jewish Community of Japan for more information.

If you're looking for an evening of food and drink in a relaxed traditional atmosphere, go to an izakaya (居酒屋, Japanese-style pub), easily identified by red lanterns with the character 酒 ("alcohol") hanging out front. Many of them have an all-you-can-drink (飲み放題 nomihōdai) deals at about ¥1,000 for 90 minutes (on average), although you will be limited to certain types of drinks. Food is invariably good and reasonably priced. Most izakaya have a compulsory cover charge, with a complimentary snack to go with it.

A common Japanese institution is the snack (スナック sunakku). These small neighborhood bars are usually run by an aging woman addressed as mama-san ("Ms. Mom"); besides serving food and a limited selection of drinks (often just beer and whiskey), she's a surrogate mother for patrons to converse with and get advice and even an occasional scolding from. Many are dive bars filled with cigarette-smoking regulars; an occasional visit from foreigners may be welcomed, but if you don't speak some Japanese you're undoubtedly missing some of the appeal. Somewhat related are hostess clubs (キャバクラ kyaba-kura, short for "cabaret club"), where attractive female hostesses will provide conversation, pour drinks, entertain, and to some degree flirt with male clients, and charge upwards of ¥3,000/hour for the service, Tourists will probably feel out of place and may even be denied entry altogether. The hostesses are professional flirts, not prostitutes, and most hostess clubs prohibit physical intimacy or sexual conversation topics. There are also host clubs (ホストクラブ hosuto kurabu or ホスクラ hosu kura) where the roles are reversed, and female customers pay for attractive male company instead. In both of these, you will generally be expected to buy drinks for your host/hostess, and not doing so will greatly upset them as these make up a significant part of their income. A girls bar (ガールズバー gāruzu bā or ガルバ garuba) is similar to a hostess club, except that the attractive women are bartenders and stay behind the bar when chatting with customers. These are typically cheaper than hostess clubs, but just like in hostess clubs, you will be expected to buy drinks for your bartender. A seku kyaba (セクキャバ) is the erotic version of the hostess club, in which limited physical intimacy is allowed.

Unlike in the Anglosphere, a club (クラブ kurabu) is not a nightclub, but instead is the posh equivalent of the hostess club, with a much more private experience. These are typically patronized by the who's who of Japanese society such as politicians, celebrities, company presidents or elite professional athletes, and the hostesses are expected to be more polished and well-educated in a wide range of "high class" conversational topics like current affairs and business news. These are typically very expensive, and require you to be introduced by one of their regular customers, meaning that you will not be admitted if you just show up at the door.

Dedicated gay bars are comparatively rare in Japan, but the districts of Shinjuku ni-chome in Tokyo and Doyama-cho in Osaka have busy gay scenes. Most gay/lesbian bars serve a small niche (muscular men, etc.) and will not permit those who do not fit the mold, including the opposite sex, to enter. While a few are Japanese only, foreigners are welcome at most bars.

Izakaya, bars and snacks typically have cover charges (カバーチャージ kabā chāji), usually around ¥500 but on rare occasions more, so ask if the place looks really swish. In izakayas this often takes the form of being served some little nibble (お通し otōshi) as you sit down, and no, you can't refuse it and not pay. Some bars also charge a cover charge and an additional fee for any peanuts you're served with your beer.

Karaoke parlors serve drinks and snacks. Orders are placed via a phone on the wall, by pressing a button to summon staff, or in high-tech ones using the karaoke machine's tablet or remote control.

If you're just looking for a jolt of caffeine, go to Starbucks or one of its Japanese competitors such as Doutor or Excelsior. But for a more calm and unique experience, the Japanese coffee shop, kissaten (喫茶店), has a long history. Most are one-of-a-kind affairs and reflect the tastes of their clientele. A peculiar kind of kissaten is the jazz coffee shop; these moody joints for jazz buffs are strictly for quiet listening, and not for conversation.

Maid cafés (メイド喫茶 meido kissa or メイドカフェ meido kafe) and other cosplay restaurants have employees dressed as French maids pamper their clients while serving them non-alcoholic beverages and food.

Vending machines (自動販売機 jidōhanbaiki, or jihanki in slang) are omnipresent in Japan and serve up drinks 24 hours a day at the price of ¥120-150 a can/bottle. In addition to cans of soft drinks, tea and coffee, you can find vending machines that sell beer, sake and hard liquor. In winter, some machines will also dispense hot drinks — look for a red label with the writing あたたかい (atatakai) instead of the usual blue つめたい (tsumetai). Vending machines that sell alcoholic beverages are usually switched off at 23:00.

Sake is a fermented alcoholic beverage brewed from rice. The Japanese word sake (酒) can mean any kind of alcoholic drink, and in Japan the word nihonshu (日本酒) is used to refer to what Westerners call "sake". Sake is around 15% alcohol, and contrary to popular belief, is usually not served hot, but often chilled; defaulting to room temperature is in most cases safe. Bottles and menus often show the nihonshu-do (日本酒度), a "sake level" that measures the sweetness or dryness of the brew, the average today being around +3 (slightly dry). When making a purchase, price is often a fair indicator of quality.

Shōchū (焼酎) is the big brother of sake, a stronger-tasting distilled type of alcohol. Traditional shōchū are most commonly made of rice, yam, or grain, but can be made of other materials like potatoes, too. Typically around 25% alcohol and often cheap at less than ¥1000 for a big 1L bottle, these can be served straight, on the rocks, or mixed with hot or cold water. Shōchū industrially made out of sugar is often used and served as a kind of cooler mixed with juice or soda known as a chū-hai, short for "shōchū highball".

Umeshu (梅酒), inaccurately called "plum wine", is prepared by soaking Japanese ume plums (actually a type of apricot) in white liquor so it absorbs the flavor, and the distinctive, penetrating nose of sour dark plum and sweet brown sugar is a hit with many visitors. Typically about 10-15% alcohol, it can be taken straight, on the rocks (ロック rokku) or mixed with soda (ソダ割り soda-wari).

Japanese whisky ([ジャパニーズ] ウイスキー [japanīzu] uisukī), popular domestically for over 150 years, has also come to international attention and won numerous awards. It can be had neat/straight (ストレート sutorēto) or on the rocks (オン・ザ・ロック on za rokku or simply ロック rokku), but it's much more common to dilute it, the same as with shōchū. The most common preparation is a highball (ハイボール haibōru), 1 part whisky and 2 parts soda water over ice. Another common drink uses cold mineral water (水割り mizu-wari) in the same proportions, or in the winter, hot water (お湯割り o-yu-wari).

There are several large brands of Japanese beer (ビール biiru), including Kirin, Asahi, Sapporo, and Suntory. Yebisu is also a popular beer brewed by Sapporo. In Japanese restaurants, beer is typically served in various sizes of bottles (瓶 bin), or draft (生 nama meaning "fresh"). Most Japanese beers are dry pilsners, with strengths averaging 5%, which pair well with Japanese food but are definitely light in flavor. Even the few dark beers like Asahi Super Dry Black are actually dark lagers, so despite their color they're still not very full-bodied. Microbreweries are quickly picking up steam, and their kurafuto biiru (クラフトビール "craft beer") or ji-biiru (地ビール "local beer") bring some welcome diversity to the market. They haven't caught on in most restaurants yet, but they're not too difficult to find; besides brewpubs and good liquor stores like the widespread Yamaya (店舗 or やまや), other good places to look are department store basements and shops near train stations selling local specialties.

Japanese wine (ワイン wain) is actually quite nice but costs about twice as much as comparable wine from other countries. Several varieties exist, and imported wine at various prices is available nationwide. Specialized stores and large department stores offer the most extensive offerings. Most wine, red and white, is served chilled and you may find it hard obtaining room-temperature (常温 jō-on) wine when dining out. Japan's best known wine region is the Katsunuma region in Yamanashi prefecture.

The most popular beverage by far is tea (お茶 o-cha), provided free of charge with almost every meal, hot in winter and cold in summer. There is a huge variety of tea in bottles and cans in convenience-store fridges and vending machines. Unless specified, tea is usually Japanese green tea; Western-style black tea is called kōcha (紅茶), and Chinese oolong tea (ウーロン茶 ūron cha) is also popular. Traditional Japanese teas are always drunk neat, without the use of milk or sugar. Japan also has its own adaptation of Western milk tea, often labelled "royal milk tea", which is widely available at most convenience stores, supermarkets, vending machines, cafes and Western restaurants. Compared to traditional English tea, Japanese royal milk tea uses more milk and less water, making giving it a creamier texture.

Coffee (コーヒー kōhī) is quite popular in Japan. It's usually brewed to the same strength as European coffee; weaker, watered down coffee is called American. Canned coffee (hot and cold) is a bit of a curiosity, and widely available in vending machines for about ¥120 per can. Most canned coffee is sweet, so look for brands with the English word "Black" or the kanji 無糖 ("no sugar") if you want it unsweetened.

There are many uniquely Japanese soft drinks and trying random drinks from vending machines is one of the little traveller's joys of Japan. Calpis (カルピス Karupisu) is a kind of yogurt-based soft drink that tastes better than it sounds. The famous Pocari Sweat (ポカリスエット Pokari Suetto) is a Gatorade-style isotonic drink. A more traditional Japanese soft drink is Ramune (ラムネ), nearly the same as Sprite or 7-Up but noteworthy for its unusual bottle, where one pushes down a marble into an open space below the spout instead of using a bottle opener.

American soft drink brands are widely available. The only choices for diet soda will be Diet Coke, Coke Zero, or Diet Pepsi. In Japan, the term "juice" (ジュース jūsu) is a catch-all term for any kind of soft drink — including even Coca-Cola and the like — so if it's fruit squeezings you want, ask for kajū (果汁). Extremely few are 100% juice. Water is commonly encountered in the form of plastic bottles of water. The tap water is safe to drink, and you can find filling stations for water bottles through Refill Japan, or by asking for water at a friendly restaurant.

While Western-branded hotels (ホテル hoteru) can be found in Japan's larger cities, it is Japanese brands that rule the roost. Some of the Japanese hotel chains include:

ANA IHG Hotels - the only Western-branded hotel chain with widespread Japanese presence, it operates Intercontinental Hotels, Crowne Plazas and Holiday Inns across Japan.

Okura Hotels & Resorts is a brand of upscale and luxury hotels. They also own the midscale chains Hotel Nikko and JAL Hotels.

Rihga Royal

Prince Hotels

Full-service five-star hotels can turn pampering into an artform, but tend to be rather bland and generic in appearance, despite steep prices starting from ¥20,000 per person (not per room). On the other hand, three- and four-star business hotels are relatively reasonably priced when compared to prices in major European or North American cities, and even two-star hotels provide impeccable cleanliness and features rarely found in the West in that price range.

However, there are several types of uniquely Japanese and far more affordable hotels:

Capsule hotels (カプセルホテル kapuseru hoteru) are the ultimate in space-efficient sleeping: for a small fee (normally ¥3,000–4,000), the guest rents a capsule, sized about 2 x 1 x 1 m and stacked in two rows inside a hall containing tens if not hundreds of capsules. Capsule hotels are segregated by sex, and only a few cater to women.

On entry to a capsule hotel, take off your shoes, place them in a locker and put on a pair of slippers. You will often have to surrender your locker key at check-in to ensure that you do not slip out without paying! On checking in you will be given a second locker for placing your belongings, as there is no space for them in the capsule and little security as most capsules have simply a curtain, not a door. Beware though if there is a curtain, since probing hands may enter it.

Many capsule hotels are attached to a spa of varying degrees of luxury and/or legitimacy, often so that entry to the spa costs perhaps ¥2,000 but the capsule is only an additional ¥1,000. The cheapest capsule hotels will require feeding in ¥100 coins to use the shower. This being Japan, there are always vending machines on hand to dispense toothpaste, underwear and sundries.

Once you retire into your capsule, you will usually find a simple control panel for operating the lights, the alarm clock and the inevitable built-in TV. If you oversleep, you may be hit with another day's charge.

In Tokyo's Shinjuku and Shibuya districts the capsule hotels run at least ¥3,500, but have excellent free massage chairs, saunas, public baths, disposable razors and shampoo, magazines, and coffee in the morning. Your capsule "door" is just a curtain that keeps light out. You will likely hear a steady stream of drunk and sleepy business men crawling into their capsules above and across from you before falling into a mild snore.

Love hotel (ラブホテル rabu hoteru) is a euphemism; a more accurate term would be "sex hotel". They can be found in and near red light districts, but most are not in those areas. Many of them are often clustered around highway interchanges or main train stations. The entrance is usually quite discreet, and the exit is separated from the entrance (to avoid running into someone one might know). You rent a room by the night (listed as "Stay" or 宿泊 shukuhaku on the rate card, usually ¥6,000-10,000), a couple of hours ("Rest" or 休憩 kyūkei, around ¥3,000), or off hours ("No Time Service"), which are usually weekday afternoons. Service charges, peak hour surcharges, and taxes can push your bill up by 25%. Some will accept single guests, but most will not allow same-sex couples or obviously underaged guests.

They are generally clean, safe, and very private. Some have exotic themes: aquatics, sports, or Hello Kitty. As a traveller, rather than a typical client, you (usually) cannot check in, drop your bags, and go out exploring. Once you leave, that is it, so they are not as convenient as proper hotels. "Stay" rates also tend to start only after 22:00, and overstaying may incur hefty additional "Rest" charges. Many rooms have simple food and drinks in a refrigerator, and often have high prices. Take some food and drinks with you instead. The rooms often feature amenities such as jacuzzis, wild theme decoration, costumes, karaoke machines, vibrating beds, sex toy vending machines, and in some cases, video games. Most often, all toiletries (including condoms) are included. Sometimes the rooms have a book that acts as a log, where people record their tales and adventures for posterity. Popular love hotels may be entirely booked up in the cities on weekends.

Hidden cameras have been found in love hotels, planted by other guests or even occasionally the hotel management. Videos of these supposed tousatsu (hidden camera) are popular in adult video stores, although many such videos are staged.

Business hotels (ビジネスホテル bijinesu hoteru) are usually around ¥10,000 per night and have a convenient location (often near major train stations) as their major selling point, but rooms are usually unbelievably cramped. On the upside, you will get a (tiny) en suite bathroom. Some major chains of cheaper business hotels include Tokyu REI Hotels, known for its generously sized rooms, Sunroute Hotels and Toyoko Inn.

Local business hotels, farther from major stations, can be significantly cheaper (double room from ¥5,000/night). English is rarely spoken, so pre-book online. For two or more, the price can often compete with youth hostels if you share a twin or double room. Full payment is often expected on check-in, and check-out times are early (usually 10:00) and non-negotiable unless you are willing to pay extra. At the very bottom end are dirt-cheap hotels in the labourers' districts of the major cities, such as Kamagasaki in Osaka, or San'ya in Tokyo, where prices start from as little as ¥1,500 for a tiny three-mat room that literally has only enough room to sleep. Designed for homeless day laborers who earn just barely enough to pay the accommodation fee, walls and futons can be thin, and their hygiene standards are often not up to scratch.

Ryokan (旅館) are traditional Japanese inns, and a visit to one is the highlight of a trip to Japan for many. A night at a ryokan for one with two meals starts at about ¥8,000 and goes up into the stratosphere. ¥50,000 a night per person is not uncommon for some of the posher ones.

Ryokan usually operate on a fairly strict schedule and you will be expected to arrive by 17:00. Before dinner you will be encouraged to take a bath — see Public baths in Japan for the full scoop. But first, you should change into your yukata robe, which you wear during your whole stay. For dinner, ryokan typically serve kaiseki cuisine, traditional meals that consist of a dozen or more small dishes, elaborately prepared and presented from carefully chosen seasonal ingredients. The food in a good ryokan is a substantial part of the experience (and the bill), and is an excellent way to try some high-class Japanese cuisine. While some ryokan have a few rooms with Western beds, usually you sleep on futon bedding, which is not a convertible couch but a comfortable mattress rolled out for you on the tatami. Breakfast in the morning is more likely to be served communally in a dining hall at a fixed time. A Japanese breakfast is the norm, meaning rice, miso soup and cold fish.

A last word of warning: some establishments with the word "ryokan" in their name are not the luxurious variety at all but guesthouse-like inns (some minshuku are included). The price will tell you the type of lodging it is.

Minshuku (民宿) are the budget version of ryokan, and similar in concept to a B&B. At these family-run houses, the overall experience is similar to ryokan but the food is simpler, dining is communal, bathrooms are shared, and guests are expected to lay out their own futon (although an exception is often made for foreigners). Consequently minshuku rates are lower, hovering around ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 with two meals (一泊二食 ippaku-nishoku). Cheaper yet is a stay with no meals (素泊まり sudomari), which can go as low as ¥3,000.

Minshuku are more often found in the countryside, where virtually every hamlet or island, no matter how small or obscure, will have one. The hardest part is often finding them, as they rarely advertise or show up in online booking engines, so asking the local tourist office is often the best way.

Pensions (ペンション penshon) are similar to minshuku but have Western-style rooms, just like their European namesake.

Kokuminshukusha (国民宿舎), a mouthful that translates quite literally into "people's lodges", are government-run guest houses. They primarily provide subsidized holidays for government employees in remote scenic spots, but they are usually happy to accept paying guests. Both facilities and prices are usually more comparable to ryokan than minshuku standards; however, they are almost invariably large in size and can be rather impersonal. Popular ones need to be booked well in advance for peak seasons: sometimes almost a year in advance for New Year's and the like.

Youth hostels (ユースホステル yūsu hosuteru, often just called yūsu or abbreviated "YH") are another cheap option in Japan. Hostels can be found throughout the country, so they are popular among budget travellers, especially students. Regular hostels (independent if HI or not) are typically ¥2,000–4,000. It can become more expensive with the official HI youth hostels if you opt for dinner and breakfast and are not a Hostelling International (HI) member, in which case the price for a single night may be over ¥5,000. For HI members, a simple stay can cost as little as ¥1,500 depending on location and season. As elsewhere, some are concrete cell blocks run like reform schools, while others are wonderful cottages in scenic spots. There are even a number of temples that run hostels as a sideline.

Do some groundwork before choosing where to go, the Japan Youth Hostel page is a good place to start. Many have curfews (and sometimes a lock-out period during the day when all guests must leave), and dorm rooms are often gender segregated.

Regular hostels can easily be found on the common hotel reservation websites.

Riders' houses (ライダーハウス raidā hausu) are super-budget dorms intended primarily for bikers, both motorized and pedal-powered. While anybody is generally welcome, these are generally located deep in the countryside and access by public transport is impractical or impossible. Generally run as a hobby, riders' houses are very cheap (¥300/night is typical, free is not unheard of), but facilities are minimal; you're expected to bring your own sleeping bag and there may not even be a kitchen or a bath. Long stays are also discouraged and some ban stays of more than one night. These are particularly common in Hokkaido, but can be found here and there around the country. The definitive directory is Hatinosu (Japanese only).

Camping is (after nojuku, see below) the cheapest way to get a night's sleep in Japan. There is an extensive network of camping grounds throughout the country; naturally, most are away from the big cities. Transportation to them can also be problematic, as few buses may go there. Prices may vary from nominal fees (¥500) to large bungalows that cost more than many hotel rooms (¥13,000 or more).

Camping wild is illegal in most of Japan, although you can always try asking for permission, or simply pitch your tent late and leave early. Many larger city parks may in fact have large numbers of blue, plastic tarpaulin "tents" with homeless in them.

Campsites in Japan are known as kyanpu-jo (キャンプ場), while sites designed for cars are known as ōto-kyanpu-jo. The latter tend to be far more expensive than the former (¥5,000 or so) and should be avoided by those setting out on foot unless they also have lower-key accommodation available. Campsites are often located near onsen, which can be quite convenient.

The National Camping Association of Japan helps maintain Campjo, a Japanese-only database of nearly all campsites in Japan. The JNTO website has an English-language list with a smattering of camp grounds, and local tourist offices are often well informed.

For the real budget traveller wanting to get by on the cheap in Japan is the option of nojuku (野宿). This is Japanese for "sleeping outside". Some young Japanese do this when they travel. Thanks to a low crime rate and relatively stable climate, nojuku is a genuinely viable option if you're travelling in a group or feel confident doing it on your own. Common nojuku places are basically anywhere that has some kind of shelter and public toilets nearby.

Japan is blessed with cheap public bathing facilities pretty much everywhere: notably onsen or hot springs. Even if you cannot find an onsen, sentō (public bath), or sauna is also an option. See Public baths in Japan.

Nojuku is really viable only in the summer months, although in the northern island of Hokkaido, even in summer the temperature may dip during the night. On the other hand, there's much more scope for nojuku on Okinawa (although public facilities on the smaller islands are lacking).

Nojuku is not really recommended for first-time travellers to Japan, but for those with some experience, it can be a great way to get into the onsen culture, meet other fellow nojuku travellers, and most of all travel very cheaply when coupled with hitchhiking.

See also: Meditation in Japan

Shukubō (宿坊) are lodgings for pilgrims, usually located within a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine. The experience is broadly similar to a ryokan, but the food will be vegetarian, toilets and showers will usually be shared, and you may be required to participate in the temple's activities, which includes waking up really early to join the monks for morning prayers (which can begin as early as 05:00). Some Zen temples offer meditation lessons and courses. Shukubo can be reluctant to accept foreign guests, but one place where that will not be a problem is the major Buddhist center of Mt. Koya near Osaka. Check the web-site of the Koyasan Shukubo Association for more details. Prices generally range from ¥9,000 to ¥15,000 per night.

There are a number of guest houses (ゲストハウス) in Japan. Sometimes this is just a synonym for "hostel", but other guest houses are run from someone's private home. Whereas a minshuku is a destination unto itself, guest houses are simply places to stay, and often have convenient locations in cities or nearby suburbs. They may have shared dormitory-style accommodation, and unlike a minshuku or B&B usually don't offer meals. Most will have a curfew as well. Some cater to foreign visitors, although some Japanese language ability will be helpful for finding, booking, and staying at one.

Particularly in Japan's dense cities, hospitality exchange (民泊 minpaku) through sites like AirBnB has become very popular. This can be a good way to find a great deal on premium lodging and experience what a typical home is like for many Japanese.

Many of the listings will be for "mansions" (マンション manshon), which in Japanese is a common marketing term that really means "condominium". Mansions are typically in high-rise buildings with many amenities, unlike apartments (アパート apaato) which are usually inexpensive flats.

Minpaku is a great boon for rural areas with few hotels, but in cities they are strictly regulated. Hosts must register with the government, display a license number on their listing, and comply with limits on when they can be rented out. To get around this, some hosts may attempt tricks like asking you to make a one-night reservation and pay under the table for the additional nights; this is illegal, and would leave you with no recourse if you have problems with your rental.

If you're staying for a longer period, you might be able to drastically reduce your living costs by staying in a gaijin house. Weekly mansions (short-term apartments) have become popular for residents (typically businessmen on long-term assignment or young singles) and are accessible even to visitors. Renting an apartment is a ridiculously complex and expensive process. See Working in Japan#Accommodations for more information.

Even in Tokyo, the trains completely stop running around 01:00, so if you are out after then and want to avoid paying for a cab or even a capsule hotel, there are a few options for killing the hours until the first morning train. If you need to find one of these options fast, station attendants will typically be able to point you in the right direction. Conveniently, many of these facilities are usually clustered around train stations, and they are used to accepting people who have missed the last train home.

In bigger cities, especially around the major stations you can find Internet or Manga cafés. Membership costs around ¥300 one time. Here you can also watch TV, play video games, read comics and enjoy the free drink bar. Prices vary but usually are around ¥400/hour. They often have a special night rate for the period when no trains are running (from around midnight until 05:00 for ¥1,500). Customers are typically given the choice between a computer-equipped or TV-equipped but separated cubicle, while others offer amenities such as a massage chair, a mat to sleep on or even a shower. Some even have private rooms. The cubicles are open towards the top and light can shine in or you might hear the other guests. Expect to pay around ¥2,500–3,000 for 9 h in a cubicle or private room, in case you are looking for a proper sleep.

It is not an especially comfortable option, but it is perfect for checking the next day's train schedule, downloading pictures from your digital camera, writing home, and resting a bit. Often, you may be surrounded by snoring locals who have missed the last train home.

This is only an emergency option if you cannot find anything else and you are freezing outside. Karaoke bars offer entertainment rooms until 05:00 ("free time") for ¥1,500-2,500. Works only with at least 3 people.

Some onsen or sentos stay open all night, especially the ones inside some hotels. You don't necessarily have to have a room at such a hotel, but may still spend the night in the bath and resting areas. These onsen or sentos are known as "super" sentos, and have a 'relaxing area' with amenities such as tatami mats, TV, vending machines and books. Often, for a reasonable fee (on top of the bathing cost), you will be allowed to crash the night on the tatami or in a room with large reclining chairs.

Prices for such overnight onsen or sentos start are ¥1,000–1,500. However, they sometimes have a cutoff time, after which you have to pay for the "next day", often in the middle of the night when you least will want to have it.

In the warmer months, people sleeping or napping on streetsides outside the bigger train stations is a common sight. Many of them just missed their last trains and prefer spending three or four hours waiting for the first train on the asphalt rather than three or four thousand yen for a short-term stay in a hotel or public bath.

While this is definitely the least comfortable way to sleep through the night, it is especially popular with college students (who have no money), and absolutely tolerated by police and station staff; even drunkards sleeping next to their own puke will not be disturbed in their booze-induced sleep.

Medical facilities in Japan are on par with the West, and the better known hospitals are usually equipped with the most cutting edge medical technology. For Japanese citizens and residents, the cost of medical treatment is made affordable by the government's national health insurance system. However, for those not covered by it, the cost of medical treatment is expensive. While foreigners in Japan for an extended period (eg. those on Work or Student visas) are allowed access to the national health insurance system on the same terms as citizens, it is not available to tourists on short visits, so be sure to have your travel insurance in order before your trip. However, if you have not made arrangements prior to arrival for any reason, Sompo Japan sells travel insurance for visitors that can be applied for online after arrival.

Most Japanese doctors and nurses are unable to communicate in English. The website of the US embassy maintains a list of hospitals and clinics which have English-speaking staff available.

Japan: the official guide (Japan National Tourist Organization). A guide for when you are feeling ill in Japan. List of medical institutions with English-speaking staff and how to use medical institutions is available.

Japan Visitor Hotline ☏ +81 50-3816-2787. The Japan National Tourism Organization has a 24/7 visitor hotline. Also respond to inquiries related to the COVID-19. Information about COVID-19

Street crime is extremely rare, even for female travellers roaming the streets alone late at night, but it is still no excuse to ditch your common sense. Women travelling alone should take care as they would in their home countries and never hitchhike alone, though taxis are usually safe.

Pickpocketing does sometimes happen: be sure to take the usual precautions in crowded places such as trains and at Narita Airport.

Women on crowded rush-hour trains may be targeted by molesters (痴漢 chikan). Some trains have female-only carriages during rush hour in an effort to combat sexual harassment and upskirting.

A lot of heavy drinking goes on in the evenings and occasionally drunks may be a nuisance, although alcohol-related violence is extremely rare.

The infamous yakuza (ヤクザ), the Japanese gangsters, do not target people not already involved in organized crime. Don't bother them and they will not bother you.

Red-light districts in large cities can be seedy, but are rarely dangerous for visitors. However, some smaller backstreet bars and shops that tout themselves on the street have been known to lay down exorbitant cover charges or drink prices. In some extreme cases, foreigners have reported being drugged at such establishments and then charged as much as ¥700,000 for drinks that they do not remember ordering (notably in the Roppongi and Kabukichō districts of Tokyo). Never go into a place that is suggested by someone that you just met. This goes especially for the street touts in places like Kabukichō. Touting is illegal in Japan.

Bogus monks often wait outside touristy shrines and temples and approach you to ask for donations or sell you religious trinkets; you should not give any money to them. Japanese Buddhism is part of the Mahayana school: monks and nuns do not go on alms rounds, and instead prepare their own food in the monastery. If you wish to make a donation, you should do it at the offering box or the office in the temple; genuine temples will never use high-pressure tactics to solicit donations. Genuine monks and nuns will also never sell you religious items in the street; if you want to buy some Buddhist trinkets, do so at the temple shop.

Prostitution is illegal in Japan, but creative interpretation of the letter of the law combined with lenient policing means that Japan still has a large and vibrant sex industry, mostly geared towards the domestic market. Foreign customers are by and large not welcome, and even establishments that accept them often tack on a hefty "foreigner tax".

HIV remains a concern, and infection rates for syphilis have been surging in the 2020s, particularly in Tokyo.

In large cities, especially in red-light districts, there are some kiosks labeled "free information centers" (無料案内所); these provide information for sex-related businesses. If you need general visitors' information, look for a Tourist Information Center (観光案内所) instead. Also be aware that in Japan, the term "health" is often used as a euphemism for prostitution that stops short of actual coitus, but you can tell what type of service is being offered from the Japanese name: the pseudo-English term ヘルス (herusu) is only used to refer to sexual services, while legitimate health establishments will use the Sino-Japanese term 健康 (kenkō).

Contrary to its reputation for very efficient and comprehensive public transport, outside of major cities, Japan is a very car-centric culture. Street patterns in much of the country have remained unchanged for centuries, so many roads are small and full of blind corners.

Japanese drivers treat traffic lights differently than other drivers. When the light is green at a pedestrian crossing near an intersection, Japanese drivers will often turn onto you. Usually, they will turn halfway and then stop, allowing you to cross, though it is not unheard of for them to charge forwards at full speed, ignoring people who are crossing. Crossing the street when the light is red is illegal, and this is sometimes enforced.

Japan is considered to be very safe for gay and lesbian travellers, and violence against homosexuals is quite rare. There are no laws against homosexuality in Japan, and major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka have a large gay scene, but same-sex relationships are not recognized by the government, and open displays of your orientation are still likely to draw stares and whispers.

Japan is one of the world's most ethnically homogeneous countries, and many Japanese continue to have insular attitudes towards foreigners. Although Article 14 of the Japanese constitution promotes equality and discourages discrimination, the reality is that there are no specific laws against racial or ethnic discrimination. Immigrants and half-Japanese people are sometimes subjected to abuse and discrimination. The tourism boom since the end of COVID has led to a spike in anti-foreigner, in particular anti-Chinese sentiment, and many Japanese politicians and activists are riding this wave into high office.

The average tourist is unlikely to experience racist abuse in any way, shape, or form, and violent attacks against foreigners are virtually unheard of. A few establishments, particularly in the nightlife/sex industry, will refuse entry to all foreigners. Many Japanese claim that the prohibitions are due to language barriers or perceived social incompatibility (for example, foreigners may not understand proper etiquette) and not racism, and indeed some (but not all) places that usually refuse service to foreigners may make an exception if you are able to speak Japanese or bring a Japanese friend. Some establishments may ban foreigners of specific nationalities, with Chinese citizens being the most common targets.

Banks are often reluctant or unwilling to give cash advances to foreigners, stemming mainly from stereotypes of untrustworthiness. If you need to get a cash advance from your bank then Japanese language proficiency, or a Japanese friend to vouch for you, will strongly help your case.

Japanese people in general are quite self-conscious about their English skills and fear that their English ability might be evaluated by others. For that reason, some may be hesitant to talk to you. Communicating with them in Japanese or complimenting their English might help put them at ease.

Japan is prone to earthquakes (地震, jishin). The entire country is situated on four converging tectonic plates that constantly rub against together. Earthquakes in Japan can be very destructive and violent.

Every few days, somewhere in Japan is rattled by a quake large enough to be felt, but most of them are completely harmless. Japan is well-prepared for such disasters, though, and has very strict building codes that require buildings to be engineered to withstand major earthquakes. Japan has an early warning system that detects earthquakes and notifies areas that will be affected, giving from a few seconds up to a minute's notice. Use this invaluable time to cover up before the actual jolt.

If you are by the sea and experience even a moderate quake, look for tsunami warnings (also in English) on NHK TV (channel 1) and Radio 2 (693 kHz). Most tremors and small quakes will merit only a scrolling announcement in Japanese at the top of the screen. If you are near the sea and experience a major earthquake, evacuate to high ground immediately; do not wait for a warning.

Every neighborhood has an evacuation area, most often the local playground. Many schools are set up as temporary shelters. They will be labeled in English. If you are travelling with others, plan to meet there and be aware that portable telephones will likely not work.

There are lots of resources to learn about and prepare for disasters. It almost goes without saying, but this should be done in advance. Once a disaster strikes, you may have neither the time nor the ability to go online and read a lengthy document.

Disaster Prevention Portal Site – From the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Japan Official Travel App – The Japan National Tourist Organization's app includes safety information

Disaster Preparedness Tokyo – Handbook from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Hundreds of pages about earthquake safety, disaster preparation, and survival.

Drug laws in Japan are stricter than those in many Western countries, particularly for smuggling, and there is a strong stigma against drug consumption in Japanese society. Laws do not distinguish between hard and soft drugs, so possession of even personal-use quantities of cannabis can land you a prison sentence of several years. Drug trafficking is punishable by up to life imprisonment.

If you have prescription drugs, check with the Japanese Embassy prior to your departure to find out whether your medicine is allowed in Japan. If it is illegal, they should also be able to give you information regarding what medicines you can buy in Japan to use in place of your prescription while you are there.

Medicines containing stimulants (like Adderall or Vicks inhalers with pseudoephedrine) are strictly banned under the Stimulants Control Law. Do not bring them.

There are venomous snakes called habu (ハブ) in Okinawa, although not in unusual numbers. You are unlikely to be bitten by one, but if you are, seek medical help immediately, as anti-venoms are available.

Bears have become an issue in Japan. Besides general information about bears, check if your destination has any bear incidents. Attacks are rare, but if you are hiking in Hokkaido or Honshu, especially in mountainous areas or the Shiretoko Peninsula in autumn, consider buying a bear bell (熊鈴 kuma-suzu) and attaching it to your backpack to scare them away.

Especially in the countryside, be aware of the Japanese giant hornet (大雀蜂 or 大スズメバチ ōsuzumebachi), a subspecies of the Asian giant hornet; it is about 4 centimetres (1.6 inches) long and can sting repeatedly and painfully. Every year, 20–40 people die in Japan after being stung by giant hornets. A hornet defending its nest or feeding spot will make a clicking sound to warn away intruders; if you encounter one, retreat. If you are stung, receive prompt medical attention, as prolonged exposure to the venom could cause permanent injury or even death.

Volcanoes, storms and typhoons are primarily a potential issue if you are mountain-climbing or sailing, so check the latest information before heading out. Stick to designated footpaths in volcanic areas as volcanic gas may be an issue. Typhoons are rarely physically dangerous, but they still wreak havoc with the schedules of planes, ferries and, if there are landslides, trains and buses.

Japan uses the same Type A two-pin and Type B three-pin electrical sockets as North America. The two-pin socket is much more common even in new construction, and older ones are unpolarized meaning they won't accept plugs where one blade is wider than the other. Travel adapters that support non-Japanese plugs, including three-pin or polarized US plugs – without providing actual ground (just a tab to be grounded by you) or polarisation – can be picked up at any electronics store like Yodobashi or Bic Camera.

Electricity is delivered at 100V (somewhat lower than the 120V used in North America), and at 50 Hz (eastern half of Japan) or 60 Hz (western half). These only make a difference for large items like household appliances; the vast majority of overseas electronic devices like phone chargers and laptops will work fine in Japan.

The Japanese-language national newspapers Yomiuri Shimbun (読売新聞) and Asahi Shimbun (朝日新聞) are the two most widely circulated newspapers in the world. Other major national newspapers include the Mainichi Shimbun (毎日新聞) and Sankei Shimbun (産経新聞). The Nikkei (日本経済新聞) is Japan's main financial newspaper, and the most widely-circulated financial newspaper in the world.

The Japan Times (¥200 daily, ¥250 Sunday) from Tokyo is Japan's largest and oldest English-language daily newspaper, and is sold bundled with The New York Times International Weekly. Yomiuri Shimbun also prints English-language The Japan News daily, and The Nikkei Weekly (日経ウィークリー) covers business news from Japan every Monday. Many other English publications have gone online-only.

Urban areas in Japan can be incredibly noisy, with a cacophony of clattering pachinko parlors, jingles playing on repeat at discount stores, and machines looping recorded messages warning you that the traffic light is green or the truck is reversing. If you're sensitive to noise, bring headphones to block out some of the noise.

Public toilets can be found in railway and metro stations, larger supermarkets, shopping complexes, department stores, and parks. Public toilets in Japan are free. Convenience stores and fast food outlets may not welcome use of their toilets by non-customers. Public toilets in Japan are generally quite clean and often include disinfectant for cleaning the seat. A lack of toilet paper seems to be a problem of the past.

You will find both Western-style porcelain thrones for sitting and floor-level units for squatting. (If you're unfamiliar with these, it's simple: pull your pants down to your knees, and squat facing the curved hood of the toilet. Get closer to the hood than it looks like you need to, or else you might miss.)

In private homes and home-style accommodations, you will often find toilet slippers, which are to be worn inside the toilet and only inside the toilet.

Most visitors come away impressed by the undeniable fact that Japan is the world's leader in toilet technology. High-tech devices known as washlets (ウォシュレット) incorporate features like seat warmers, hot air dryers and tiny robotic arms that squirt water. The device is operated via a control panel and may incorporate over 30 buttons (all labeled in Japanese) at first glance bearing more resemblance to a Space Shuttle navigation panel than your average WC.

The first key to solving the puzzle is that the actual flush mechanism is usually not operated by the control panel: instead, there is a lever, switch, button, or knob somewhere and it is thus entirely possible to take care of your business without using the washlet features. (In rare cases, mostly with very high-end gear, flushing is integrated; if lifting your bottom off the seat doesn't do the trick, look for buttons labeled 大 or 小, meaning a big or small flush respectively, on a wireless control panel on the wall.) Otherwise, the button for flushing will always be at the far end of the panel and have a large "whirlpool" picture on it.

The second key to exploration is that there is always a big red button labeled 止 with the standard "stop button" symbol ⏹ on the panel — pressing this will instantly stop everything. Older models have a lever nearby that controls the flow of a sprayer.

Typical additional controls include the following:

Oshiri (おしり) - "buttocks", for spraying your rear - typically shown in blue with a stylized butt icon; this action can be unnerving, but travelers should not be afraid - by the second or third attempt it will seem normal

Bidet (ビデ) - for spraying your front - typically shown in pink with a female icon

Kansō (乾燥) - "dry", for drying off when finished - typically yellow with a wavy air icon

Other, smaller buttons can be used to adjust the exact pressure, angle, location and pulsation of the jet of water. Sometimes the seat of the toilet is heated, and this can also be regulated. To be polite and save energy, you should leave the cover down on heated toilet seats.

Some washlets have built-in scent removers/cover-uppers, which may or may not have a button that allows for manual control. If there is no button that allows you to control it, it will (hopefully) turn off when the toilet senses that the lid is down.

No, it isn't just your imagination! There are almost no rubbish bins in Japan, anywhere. You are supposed to take your trash home with you.

About 30% of the vending machines have bins for the bottles they sell. You are supposed to take off the lid and throw it in a separate place. Also supermarkets mostly have recycle bins for bottles, milk cartons, food packaging, but not for general waste.

Though, some 7-Elevens have a bin for general waste and in public toilets you might be lucky and find a general waste bin.

Coin laundries are common in Japan.

Japanese people tend to be tolerant of blunders in this regard by foreigners. There are a few serious etiquette breaches that will meet with universal disapproval (even when demonstrated by foreigners) and should be avoided if at all possible:

Never walk on a tatami mat wearing shoes or even slippers, as it would damage the tatami.

Never leave your chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice (this is how rice is offered to the dead).

Never enter a bathtub without washing yourself thoroughly first. (See Public baths in Japan for details.)

Learn a little of the language, and try to use it. They will be complimentary if you try, and there is no reason to be embarrassed. They realize that Japanese is very difficult for foreigners and are tolerant about your mistakes; on the contrary, they will like you more for trying.

The average Japanese person bows over 100 times a day; this ubiquitous gesture of respect is used for greeting, saying farewell, thanking, accepting thanks, apologizing, accepting apologies, etc. Men bow with their hands to their sides. Women bow with their hands together in front. Women's hands look like they are settled in their lap when bowing (not in a prayer position). The exact degree of the bow depends on your position in society relative to the receiver of the bow and on the occasion: the largely unwritten rules are complex, but for foreigners, a "token bow" is fine, and better than accidentally performing a deep formal bow. Many Japanese will gladly offer a handshake instead or in addition; just be careful that you don't bump heads when trying to do both at the same time.

When you are handing something to someone, especially a business card, it is considered polite to present it holding it with both hands.

Business cards in particular are treated very respectfully and formally. How you treat someone's card is seen as representing how you will treat the person. When accepting a card, use both hands to pick it up by the corners, and take the time to read the card and confirm how to pronounce the person's name. It's disrespectful to write on a card, fold it, or place it in your back pocket (where you'll sit on it!).

Registers often have a small dish used to give your payment and receive change.

When giving money as a gift (such as a tip at a ryokan), you should get pristine unused bills from the bank, and present them in a formal envelope.

When you are drinking sake or beer in a group, it is polite not to fill your own glass but to allow someone else to do it. Typically, glasses are refilled well before they are empty. To be especially polite, hold up your own glass with both hands while one of your companions fills it. (It's fine to refuse, but you have to do so frequently; otherwise, a senior person at your table might fill your glass when you're not looking.)

Gift-giving is big in Japan. If you'll be meeting friends, relatives, colleagues or business partners, it'll be appreciated if you give them a souvenir (omiyage), ideally something small, consumable and representative of your home country: candy, cookies, alcohol, soap and stationery are popular options. The wrapping of the gift is at least as important as the contents, and if you're giving the gift to a group like a family or office, it should be shareable and individually portioned. Don't be surprised to get return gifts to balance out the obligation they incurred by receiving gifts from you!

In the unlikely event you are invited to a Japanese home, a gift is basically mandatory. An easy option is to visit a department store basement, which has beautifully packed gift boxes of food for this purpose. Flowers work too, but consult a florist to avoid accidentally giving a funeral or romantic bouquet.

Gifts of money are expected for major events like weddings and funerals. Numerous rules of etiquette too complex to cover here apply, so consult a local for guidance regarding amounts, proper presentation, etc.

Expressing gratitude is slightly different from obligatory gift-giving. Even if you brought a gift for your Japanese host, once you return, it is a sign of good etiquette to send a handwritten thank-you card: it will be much appreciated. Japanese guests always exchange photos that they have taken with their hosts so you should expect to receive some snapshots and should prepare to send yours (of you and your hosts together) back to them. Depending on their age and the nature of your relationship (business or personal), an online exchange may suffice.

Humility is highly valued in Japan, and bragging about your achievements will not be well-received. It is also customary to politely turn down any compliments you receive from others. Don't say "thank you" to a compliment, as that will come across as arrogant.

It's obligatory to show respect for the elderly and authority figures in Japan. If you're on public transportation, give up your seat for them. If someone in a position of authority requests you to do something, you are expected do it. Japanese authority figures take a very dim view of people who challenge or undermine them. Some priority seats (優先席 yūsenseki, or シルバーシート shirubā shīto, "silver seats") on many trains are set aside for the disabled, elderly, pregnant women, and people with infants.

There are not many trash cans in public; you may have to carry around your trash for a while before finding one. Japan is very conscious of recycling. Most disposable containers are labelled with a recycling symbol in Japanese indicating what type of material it is. Some types of recycling bins you'll often see are:

Paper (紙 kami)

PET/Plastic (ペット petto or プラ pura)

Glass bottles (ビン bin)

Metal cans (カン kan)

Burnable trash (もえるゴミ moeru gomi)

Non-burnable trash (もえないゴミ moenai gomi)

Punctuality is highly valued, and generally expected thanks to Japan's reliable public transit. If you're meeting someone and it looks like you'll arrive even a few minutes late, Japanese prefer the reassurance of a phone call or message if you can send one. Being on time (which really means being early) is even more important in business; Japanese employees might get scolded for arriving even one minute late to work in the morning.

When riding on Shinkansen and limited express trains, it is considered good manners to ask for permission from the person behind you before reclining your seat ("Isu o taoshite mo ii desu ka?"), to which they will almost always oblige. Likewise, the passenger sitting in front of you would often do the same to you, and you should respond with a nod of your head.

Hospitality in Japan means giving visitors and guests the very best, no matter how much it inconveniences the host. For example, asking for directions on the street can sometimes prompt the stranger to go out of their way to walk you all the way to your destination. You'll particularly notice this during a homestay, where you'll be offered use of the bath before the rest of the family, and may be given the host's bed while they sleep on the couch. In Western culture it would be polite to refuse such accommodation, but in Japanese culture you should apologize for inconveniencing them, which serves as acceptance of their generosity. Similarly, while entertaining guests it's common for the host to putter around busily in the kitchen and elsewhere, which is meant to create an air of "all your needs are being met"; rather than offering to help them, you should just sit and enjoy the peaceful moment they're offering for you.

Shoes (and feet in general) are considered very dirty by the Japanese. Avoid pointing your soles at anybody (such as resting your foot on the opposite knee when seated) and try to restrain children from standing up on seats. Brushing your feet against somebody's clothing, even by accident, is very rude.

In many buildings, you're expected to take your shoes off when you enter, leaving them in a lowered entryway or a shoe locker. You can borrow slippers if any are available (although they are usually only in sizes for typically smaller Japanese feet), wear socks or go bare foot.

Wearing shoes inside such a building is seen as disrespectful, as it brings dirt and/or evil spirits inside the building. For related reasons, it's preferred if you can both remove and put on your shoes using your hands as little as possible.

In some traditional settings, you may be expected to sit in seiza posture, kneeling on the floor. This is the traditional way to sit on tatami mats, with or without a cushion. However, today even most younger Japanese can't sit this way for more than a few minutes without their legs going numb, so most foreigners have no hope. Give it a try to be respectful, but when your legs start aching, say "Sumimasen" ("Excuse me") and change your posture to something less formal but still polite: men may sit cross-legged, and women usually sit with both legs to one side.

The Japanese consider back slaps rude, especially if they're coming from someone they just met. Hugging is typically reserved only for romantic couples.

Point with an open hand, not a finger, and tell people to come by waving your hand facing down, not up.

Avoid shouting or talking loudly in public. Talking on a mobile phone on a train is considered rude, and many trains have signs advising you not to use them. (Sending text messages, however, is considered de rigueur.)

Blowing your nose in public is considered rude, much like flatulence. (Quietly dabbing at a runny nose with a tissue is fine.)

Smoking is increasingly banned in public. Most smokers will be found huddled around designated smoking areas.

Saving face is a very important concept in Japanese culture. Particularly in business settings, Japanese people will rarely say "no" if they are not interested in a deal, and would instead say something more indirect such as "I'll think about it" or "maybe" instead. Body language is also used for this in place of words; if your question is met by someone loudly breathing in through their teeth, sometimes accompanied by scratching the back of the head (a gesture that conveys embarrassment), the answer is actually "no". Unless it is by a boss or someone from a position of seniority, mistakes are typically not pointed out, and doing so will likely cause major embarrassment.

Privacy is highly valued in Japan. Always ask for permission before photographing people, even in public.

The word four (四 shi) sounds like "death" (死 shi), so many Japanese buildings skip floor 4 entirely.

Japanese people generally do not discuss their country's politics openly and freely. Initiating political discussions might come across as awkward or even rude.

Japan's territorial disputes and complicated relationships with Russia, China, and the two Koreas are sensitive issues that are best not discussed.

World War II — a touchy and complicated topic, especially with older people. While it is generally best avoided, the vast majority of Japanese people bear no animosity against the United States, and American visitors will get a particularly warm welcome, as most Japanese admire American culture.

Try not to discuss misconducts of American soldiers stationed in Japan.

Avoid talking about Japan's historical marginalization of the Ainu and Ryukyuan people, as well as the Burakumin, as these can engender strong reactions from some locals.

For most tourists, dressing for daily sightseeing in Japan puts you at a disadvantage: you will most likely stand out, no matter how you dress, next to the throngs of salarymen (male office workers) in suits and children in school uniforms. Japan is known for being very fashionable, whether dressing in kimono, tailored suits, or the latest trends from Harajuku.

First and foremost: wear shoes that can easily slip off and on, and keep a pair of socks handy as needed. Athletic shoes are acceptable, but keep them tied loosely so you can slip them off and on. Dress shoes are acceptable as well, as are quality walking sandals (not flip-flops), although sandals are not common outdoor wear for locals. Japanese culture sees shoes as being dirty, and before entering someone's house, certain restaurants, dressing rooms, and temples (to name a few), you must remove your shoes. The older generation of Japanese tend to group steps into two types: wooden ("clean") and concrete or stone ("dirty"). If you are going to be stepping on to wood, take your shoes off and place them to the side; there might even be a cubby hole for you to put your shoes in.

And don't forget socks, as it's generally more common to wear socks when in temples and houses, if you don't have slippers available. Japanese people are known for their love of socks, and sock stores selling high quality and colorful socks are found in most cities. Many of the socks sold in Japan are made there. So, bring a pair of socks in your bag while you're sightseeing, if you aren't wearing them. Tights are acceptable for women. Footsies and under the ankle socks are handy, especially if you're going for the "no socks" look.

Shorts are uncommon, and generally only worn by children and teens. Though a common item in tourist summer apparel, instead try stylish jeans or slacks, or capri pants for keeping cool in warm weather. In the summer, women wear sun dresses from trendy stores and breathable slacks made of fabrics like linen. Keep it stylish and comfortable.

In business situations, suits are standard; companies will let you know if you can or should wear casual dress. Suits are worn out for after work drinks and entertainment.

For clubbing and nights out, dress casual cool. Japanese women generally do not wear skin tight, super short dresses and cleavage is rarely shown, unless at the beach. Women dressed in tight short dresses and very sexy looks are often stereotyped as sex workers or escorts. When visiting Tokyo, for example, you will see young women and men dressed in subculture styles, such as Harajuku, Lolita, and punk.

If you plan on visiting a hot spring or public bath, they're almost always used nude (except for rare mixed-gender baths). For men, speedos or trunks are fine at a bath that allows bathing suits; for the beach, boardshorts are also okay. For women, a modest swimsuit is better than a skimpy bikini if you're visiting a bath that allows bathing suits; for the beach, bikinis are okay. At public or private pools, you may have to wear a swimming cap; they may be provided for you, or you can bring your own.

Japan in the summer can be extremely warm and humid. The Japanese frequently wipe sweat from their face with a colorful handkerchief (ハンカチ hankachi), use a fan (扇子 sensu for a folding fan, 団扇 uchiwa for a flat fan) to keep themselves cool, or (for women) use umbrellas (傘 kasa) to shade themselves. Purchasing one or all of these items is not only a smart way to stay cool, but can provide a lasting memento from your visit. In historic and tourism areas you will find shops selling beautiful fans and umbrellas. Both are affordable investments, though they can be pricey if you wish to have a real work of art. However, most Japanese use cheap but beautiful fans – many made in China – in their every day life, only to replace them when they become hard to close or worn. Cheap flat paper fans are often distributed for free at festivals and events.

Traditional umbrellas can be bought at gift shops, and stylish umbrellas for rain and shine can be purchased at women's accessory and clothing stores throughout the country. Handkerchiefs are popular for both men or women. Some look like traditional cotton handkerchiefs you'd use to blow your nose, others are small towels. Japan's fabulous depāto (department stores) carry all colors, makes and models of these necessities. It's an affordable luxury – you can find men's and women's handkerchiefs from high end designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry for ¥1,500 or less. You'll also find locally made versions in gift shops and stores throughout the country. Keep them in your purse or pocket, and wipe your brow when necessary.

Rain umbrellas are often cheap plastic, and available at every convenience store for about ¥500. Since they all look alike, they're sometimes treated as a communal resource. When you go in a store, you leave yours at the door, and when you leave, you simply grab an identical one, whether or not it was the one you brought. Some stores instead have bags to keep your umbrella from dripping on the floor. Hostels usually have umbrellas to lend, as do some other lodgings and businesses. Rather than toting your own umbrella around, you may find it more convenient to buy a cheap one (if you even need to), "donate" it to your hostel, and buy a new one in your next city.

Religious freedom is respected by most Japanese, and people of all faiths are generally able to practise their religion without any major problems. You are expected to dress and behave in a respectful manner whenever you visit religious sites.

As in many other Asian countries, swastikas are Buddhist symbols representing peace and do not represent Nazism or antisemitism in any way, and you will notice the symbol is actually pointing in the opposite direction. Swastikas are often used on maps to mark the locations of Buddhist temples and monasteries.

When visiting a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple, follow the appropriate cleansing procedure at the chōzuya or temizuya before you enter. Using your right hand, fill the dipper with water. Rinse your left hand, then your right hand. Then, cup your left hand and fill it with water, using it to rinse your mouth. Do not touch the dipper directly with your mouth. Spit the water onto the rocks. After that, rinse your left hand one more time. Finally, turn the dipper upright so the remaining water spills down to rinse the handle before returning the dipper.

International dialing prefixes vary from company to company. Check with your operator for more details. For international calls to Japan, the country code is 81. Phone numbers in Japan have the format +81 3 1234-5678 where "81" is the country code for Japan, the next digits are the dialing zone where the local number is located (can contain from one to three digits) and the remaining digits (six to eight digits) are the "local" part. When calling within Japan, the long-distance prefix (trunk code) is 0, and this is usually written in the number, like 03-1234-5678; when calling Japan from abroad, leave off the "0". Phone numbers starting with 0120 or 0800 are "free-dial" numbers, and are free to call from any landline (payphones included), while phone numbers starting with 0570 are "navi-dial" numbers, which are variable-rate numbers used by businesses (one number works nationwide, but you are charged based on the distance between your phone and the closest call center operated by the company).

To dial abroad from Japan, the international access code is 010 (or "+" on mobile phones). You may also need to dial a carrier code before the access code, either 001 (KDDI) or 0033 (NTT).

Emergency calls can be made from any phone (except VoIP phones) free of charge: call 110 for police or call 119 for fire and ambulance.

A skeletal network of payphones (公衆電話 kōshū denwa) is kept as backup for emergencies. Train stations are usually the best place to find one. In the unlikely event that the mobile phone network is down due to some disaster and you need to call overseas, look for gray phones (they allow international calls), dial 0033-010-number and have plenty of ¥100 coins on hand.

Modern Japanese mobile phones (携帯電話 keitai denwa or just keitai) use the global standards for 4G and newer. In a nutshell:

5G coverage is ubiquitous in cities.

4G/LTE phones should work, but check your device's compatibility: your device may not support the frequency bands used in Japan.

3G/2G phones do not work in Japan.

If your phone is up to spec, your home carrier should have a roaming agreement with one of the major Japanese carriers. Purchasing a roaming plan from your carrier is almost certainly the easiest option to maintain mobile service in Japan. Coverage is generally excellent, unless you are heading to a remote mountainous area.

You can also buy a prepaid data-only SIM card in Japan, but the country is a bit awkward when it comes to tourist SIMs. Instead of obtaining one directly from a major mobile carrier, you purchase a prepaid SIM from a virtual network operator which uses one of the major networks' infrastructure. By far the easiest place to do this is at the airport after passing through customs. eSIMs are widely available, and you can generally choose a prepaid plan based on price alone — network quality doesn't differ much in Japan, and most tourist SIMs use the NTT Docomo network anyway. Unfortunately, as of 2026, in practice tourist SIMs are limited to 4G/LTE, even when they advertise 5G support.

If you can't purchase a SIM at the airport, your best options in town are usually a Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera store. These stores carry a range of prepaid SIMs which you purchase and set up yourself. You can also buy prepaid SIMs at konbinis such as 7-Eleven, although the selection is usually quite limited.

If you will be staying in Japan for a long time, you can consider getting a Japanese phone number, although this is much more difficult than obtaining a data-only tourist SIM. You will need to visit one of the major mobile carriers in town, and they typically require a residence card and proof of a Japanese address at a minimum. The major carriers are: NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile.

As much as anywhere else, Japanese people use their phones more for messaging than phone calls. By far the most popular messaging app is LINE.

Postal services are provided by Japan Post.

You can send postcards to anywhere in the world for ¥100 (some postcards are sold with domestic postage of ¥85 included, so you may only have to pay for a supplemental ¥15 stamp when mailing). Red public mail deposit boxes (simply called posuto ポスト) are found throughout Japan. They usually have two slots, one for postcards and small letters, and the other for larger envelopes and overseas and express mail. (Slots are to help them sort mails - it doesn't matter if you choose the wrong slot.)

Courier services (宅配便 takuhaibin) cannot carry letters, but are useful for sending packages, documents, and even luggage to/from airports, cities, and hotels. Golf clubs and skis/snowboards can be sent directly to the sporting destination. Couriers guarantee next-day delivery to practically all locations in Japan, excluding Okinawa and other far-flung islands, but including remote rural locations like ski resorts. You can send and receive items at most convenience stores, as well as hotels and airports.

The largest courier is Yamato Transport (ヤマト運輸 Yamato Un'yū), often called Kuro Neko (黒ねこ "black cat") after their logo, with their service known as TA-Q-BIN (宅急便 takkyūbin ), to the point that their trademark is often used colloquially to refer to all courier services in general. Other couriers include Sagawa Express and Nittsu (Nippon Express).

Public Wi-Fi is reasonably common but almost always requires going through an annoying registration process. A simple way of getting around the registration process is the Japan Free Wi-Fi app by NTT, which will allow you to connect without having to register every time.

If you need access to a full computer, your best bet is Internet and manga cafés.