Plan
your Japan adventure with key travel info on visas, money, culture,
safety, and when to visit. This complete Japan travel guide helps you
explore confidently and experience the country like a local.
Country: Japan
Continent / Region: Asia / East Asia
Capital City: Tokyo
Government Type: Constitutional Monarchy with Parliamentary Government
Population: Approx. 125 million
Official Language(s): Japanese
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~30% (higher in Tokyo & Osaka)
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+9 (Japan Standard Time)
Driving Side: Left
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type A/B – 100V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 119 (Fire & Ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 11–14 hours (direct to Tokyo)
Best Time/Months to Travel: March–May (spring) and October–November (autumn)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Visa-free for UK travellers
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required for short stays
- Visa Duration / Cost: 90 days; free entry
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines; Japanese Encephalitis recommended for rural travel
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Japan):
Average Daily Costs: £80 / £150 / £300+
Tipping Culture: No tipping culture; may be refused
Public Transport Options: Bullet trains (Shinkansen), metro, buses, ferries
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: ¥170–¥250 (metro)
Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; SIMs from NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au
Main Climate Type: Temperate, with tropical and subarctic zones
Average Temperature: Winter 0–10°C; Summer 25–35°C
Major Cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Sapporo, Hiroshima
Natural Attractions: Mount Fuji, Japanese Alps, hot springs, national parks, cherry blossoms
Popular Destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hokkaido, Okinawa
Main Religions: Shinto and Buddhism
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Sushi, ramen, tempura, wagyu, bento, matcha desserts
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Tokyo Skytree, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Hiroshima Peace Park, Himeji Castle
Overall Safety Rating: Extremely safe
Common Scams: Very rare; occasional bar scams in nightlife areas
Health Risks: Heatstroke in summer; seasonal allergies
Recommended Clinics: International clinics in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
Insurance Recommendation: Comprehensive travel insurance recommended
Internet Speed: Excellent 4G/5G; public Wi-Fi expanding
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Shibuya Crossing, Kyoto temples, Mount Fuji, Osaka Castle, Arashiyama, Miyajima Island, Tokyo Tower
Unique Experiences: Onsen bathing, tea ceremonies, sumo tournaments, ryokan stays, themed cafés
Hidden Gems: Kanazawa, Takayama, Naoshima art island, Koya-san temples, Otaru Canal
Popular Areas to Stay: Shinjuku & Shibuya (Tokyo), Gion (Kyoto), Namba (Osaka), Sapporo Station
Average Hotel Prices: £60 / £120 / £250+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Shinjuku Golden Gai, Roppongi, Dotonbori (Osaka), Sapporo Susukino
Local Drinks: Sake, Japanese whisky, highball cocktails, craft beer
Entertainment: Karaoke, arcades, izakayas, night-time city viewpoints
Car Rental: Available but unnecessary in major cities
Domestic Flights: Frequent between major regions
Trains: World-class network; Japan Rail Pass recommended
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: ¥600–¥800 starting fare; Uber limited
Best Markets: Nishiki Market (Kyoto), Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo), Kuromon Market (Osaka)
Popular Souvenirs: Matcha snacks, kimonos, pottery, chopsticks, electronics, KitKat flavours
Local SIM Card Providers: NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au
Typical Business Hours: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (daily)
Tap Water Safety: Safe to drink
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Japan has more vending machines per capita than any country in the world — over 4 million nationwide.