Welcome to Japan

Mystical, yet modern, Japan never falls to amaze first-time or returning visitors. You certainly won’t run out of experiences in this island nation, whether you’re soaking up the urban frenzy of Tokyo or skiing Nagano’s snow-covered peaks, soaking in hot springs or overnighting in a traditional ryokan guesthouse.

Explore quiet, untouched temples throughout the country. Wiggle your toes in the sand and splash in the crystal-clear water of Jodogahama and Ibusuki beaches. Join Japanese residents as they celebrate the annual ritual of hanami, stopping to appreciate the ubiquitous spring blossoms.

Hike through the enchanting Yakushima forest or the Sagano bamboo forest. Join a traditional Japanese matcha tea ceremony. Admire beautiful kimonos and graceful geishas in Kyoto’s Gion district.

And eat … indulge, really, in sushi, Kobe beef, soba, yakitori, ramen. A great meal is always just around the corner. Bask in everything Japan has to offer, then plan your return visit to see even more.

Unique Facts

• Need a snack? Japan has the highest number of vending machines in the world, even in restaurants. You can get food, hot and cold coffee, soda, water and more.
• Japan is comprised of more than 6,800 islands. Of course, you’re most likely to visit Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu or Shikoku, but that’s a lot of islands!
• Slurp your noodles – it’s considered polite!
• If you want to soak in one of the onsen (hot springs) and you have a tattoo, you may be out of luck. Tattoos are frowned upon in Japan and if you enter the water with one, that water would be considered dirty. Luckily, many of the hot spring locations will offer you a bandage to put over you tattoo so that you may still enter.
• Bow instead of shaking hands. The lower the bow, the more respect you are showing the other person.

Language

Japan’s official language is Japanese.

When To Go

The best time to go to Japan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

Airports

Narita Airport, Tokyo
Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Kansai Airport, Osaka
Central Japan Airport, Nagoya

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Ethiopia: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A and B. Standard voltage: 100V. Frequency: 50/60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Yen

Getting Around

Driving in Japan is complicated. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls can be very high. City traffic is often very congested.

Driver’s License

Foreign visitors must obtain an international driving permit.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Tokyo
1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku,
Tokyo 107-8420 Japan
Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000
Fax: 81-3-3224-5856
TokyoACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center Tokyo Office
10F Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Bldg.
(in front of JR Yurakucho station)
Tel: 033-201-3331

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance, Fire: 119
Police: 110

Safety and Security

Crime in Japan is generally low and usually involves personal disputes, theft or vandalism.