Asia · Eastern AsiaUsable guideCountry in East Asia
Photo: (WT-en) Jpatokal at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Japan, known as Nihon or Nippon (日本) in Japanese, is an island nation in East Asia. Its insular character has allowed it to develop a unique and very intricate culture, while its closeness to other ancient East Asian cultures, in particular China, has left lasting influence. Despite belonging to a nation long at war, Japan's people have always placed emphasis on inner balance, tranquility and natural beauty. These traditional values have become increasingly important now that Japan has grown to be one of the world's most densely-populated countries, and its legendary work ethic makes life in its cities quite hectic. Japan's sophisticated cuisine has spread to all corners of the world, but it is only in the country of its birth where you can appreciate its true form. Japanese pop culture is enormously popular around the world, especially anime, manga and video games, driving tourism to this country.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Japan.
Cards and cash
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.
Tipping
Tipping is not a part of Japanese culture.
Modern Japanese mobile phones (携帯電話 keitai denwa or just keitai) use the global standards for 4G and newer.
Mobile networks
Tap water is safe and of good quality throughout the country.
Japan is a country obsessed with cleanliness and health hazards are few and far between. Food hygiene standards are very high and there are no communicable diseases of significance.
Covered in the guide
Most Japanese are very understanding of a foreigner not conforming instantly to their culture; indeed, many believe that their language and culture are among the most difficult to understand in the world, so they are…
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital and main financial center, modern and densely populated
large port city with a formal ancient garden, Hiroshima Castle, and the famous Atomic Bomb Dome
historic city on the west coast
ancient capital of Japan, considered the cultural heart of the country, with many ancient Buddhist temples and gardens
ancient port city with a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and European influences
first capital of a united Japan, with many Buddhist shrines and historical buildings
large and dynamic city located in the Kansai region
largest city in Hokkaido, famous for its snow festival
just off Hiroshima, site of the iconic floating torii gate
iconic snow-topped volcano, and highest peak in Japan (3776m)
mountaintop headquarters of the Buddhist Shingon sect
"Art Island" with many museums and installations off the coast of Shikoku
island off Niigata, former home to exiles and prisoners, now a brilliant summer getaway
one of the most well-preserved and picturesque historic villages in the nation
unspoiled wilderness in northeastern Hokkaido
the farthest-flung bit of Okinawa, with spectacular diving, beaches and jungle cruising
Places in Japan on the World Heritage List.
Himeji Castle
Listed 1993
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Listed 1996
Itsukushima Shrine
Listed 1996
Yakushima
Listed 1993
Shirakami-Sanchi
Listed 1993
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier
Listed 2016
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
Listed 1994
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama
Listed 1995
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
Listed 2007
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Listed 1998
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
Listed 2004
Shrines and Temples of Nikkō
Listed 1999
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Northernmost island and snowy frontier. Famous for its wide open spaces, cold winters, and Ainu culture.
Central Circuit, Eastern Circuit, Northern Circuit, Southern Circuit
Largely rural north-east part of the main island Honshu, best known for seafood, skiing and hot springs.
Coastal plain of Honshu, includes the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama.
Mountainous middle region of Honshu, dominated by the Japan Alps and Japan's fourth-largest city, Nagoya.
Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu
Western region of Honshu, ancient capital of culture and commerce, including the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
South-westernmost Honshu, a rural region best known for the cities of Hiroshima and Okayama.
Smallest of the four main islands, a destination for Buddhist pilgrims, and Japan's best white-water rafting.
Southernmost of the four main islands, birthplace of Japanese civilization; largest cities Fukuoka and Kitakyushu.
Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima
This semi-tropical southern island chain was an independent kingdom until it was annexed in 1879; its traditional customs and architecture are very different from those of the rest of Japan.
Okinawa Island, Daito Islands, Miyako Islands, Yaeyama Islands
Public transport and paid services in Japan.
By train
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…
By boat
Boats are a surprisingly uncommon means of transport for the island, as all the major islands are linked together by bridges and tunnels.
By bus
Local buses (路線バス rosen basu) are the norm in big cities and small towns.
By plane
Japan's excellent Shinkansen network means that flying is rarely a necessity.
By taxi
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.
By rideshare
As of 2025 actual rideshare services are limited to small trials, mostly in remote country locations too small to sustain regular taxis.
By car
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.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Japan.
Finding apps for Japan…
Other ways to travel:PlanNavigateIC cardsBy bicycleBy thumbAccessibility
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Tokyo · International · HND
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Tokyo
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 9° | 10° | 13° | 18° | 23° | 26° | 29° | 31° | 27° | 22° | 17° | 11° |
| Avg. low | 1° | 1° | 4° | 9° | 14° | 18° | 22° | 23° | 20° | 15° | 9° | 3° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 80 | 75 | 124 | 135 | 148 | 185 | 153 | 134 | 211 | 246 | 120 | 83 |
| Humidity | 75% | 76% | 76% | 77% | 79% | 82% | 83% | 81% | 82% | 82% | 80% | 78% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$70
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$190
Per person, per day
Luxury
$490
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $105 | $285 |
| Food and drink | $15 | $40 | $95 |
| Local transport | $10 | $20 | $45 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $65 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Japan. U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator review your travel insurance policy for coverage monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Japan.
Travel tipsBetter prompts, smarter routes and honest budgets. How to get a useful trip plan from an AI assistant, and what to check before you book.
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Travel tipsNavigate Japan's rail network after the JR Pass price hike. Compare regional passes, master the SmartEX app, and use digital Suica IC cards on your phone.
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ItinerariesExperience Japan's classic Golden Route without the crushing crowds. Master Yamato luggage delivery, dawn visits to Fushimi Inari, and quiet hidden temples.
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Culture & historyDemystify the ritual of Japanese hot springs and traditional ryokan inns. Master the onsen washing sequence, kaiseki dinner etiquette, and tattoo policies.
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InspirationTen places with real character and room to breathe, from Ohrid's lakeside churches to Argentina's high-altitude vineyards.
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Travel tipsFive countries where women travelling alone find safe streets, easy transport and a warm welcome, with practical advice for each one.
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