Japan Travel Guide

Tokyo — Main Hubs

NRT · Narita International — primary international gateway. Narita Express (NEX) to Shinjuku: 90 min, ¥3,070.
HND · Haneda — closer to the city. Monorail or Keikyu line to central Tokyo: ~30 min.

Osaka / Kyoto Gateway

KIX · Kansai International (Osaka)
Haruka Express to Kyoto Station: 75 min, ¥1,880. Gateway for Kyoto, Nara, and the entire Kansai region.

JR Pass

Japan Rail Pass covers Shinkansen nationwide — extraordinary value for multi-city trips. Buy before arriving in Japan. IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) handle all urban transit.

Shinkansen

Tokyo–Kyoto: 2h15 on Nozomi bullet train. Tokyo–Osaka: 2h30. The Shinkansen network is the finest rail system in the world — punctual to the second.

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY ¥)
~150 JPY = 1 USD. Japan remains significantly cash-oriented — always carry yen.

Cash Culture

Many restaurants, temples, shrines, and smaller shops are cash only. 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart convenience store ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.

Tipping

Do not tip in Japan. Tipping is considered rude — it can be seen as insulting. Simply express gratitude verbally and with a small bow.

Value

Japan is moderate in cost. Ramen: ¥800–1,200. Convenience store meals: ¥400–700 (outstanding quality). Fine dining omakase: ¥20,000–50,000+.

Time Zone

JST — Japan Standard Time
UTC+9 year-round. Japan does not observe daylight saving time.

Vs. US Eastern

Tokyo is 14 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (13 hours in US summer).

Tokyo

Best: Mar–May (cherry blossom), Oct–NovAvoid: Jul–Aug (hot & humid) Four distinct seasons. Cherry blossom (late March–April) is iconic.

Kyoto

Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov Similar to Tokyo. Spring and autumn are magnificent — peak seasons are crowded and hotels book out months ahead.

Typhoon Season

Aug–Oct Typhoons can affect travel, particularly in September. Usually pass quickly but can disrupt flights and transport.

Language

Japanese — Three writing systems (hiragana, katakana, kanji). English signage is excellent in major tourist areas, airports, and the Shinkansen network.

Key Phrases

Sumimasen — Excuse me/Sorry
Arigatou gozaimasu — Thank you (formal)
Eigo wa hanasemasu ka? — Do you speak English?
Okaikei onegaishimasu — The bill, please

Cultural Notes

Bow slightly when greeting. Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants. Eat and drink while walking is considered rude in many areas.

Visa-Free Entry

US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, and most Western citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

Visit Japan Web

Japan's digital registration system allows pre-registration for smoother immigration. Apply at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp.

General Safety

Extremely Safe Japan is consistently among the world's safest countries. Violent crime is exceptionally rare. Lost wallets are routinely handed in.

Emergencies

110 — Police · 119 — Fire and Ambulance. English-speaking operators available on both lines.

Natural Hazards

Japan has earthquakes — familiarise yourself with the hotel's evacuation procedure. Tsunami warning systems are excellent. Follow local instructions immediately.

Japan

Destinations in Japan

Tokyo

Kyoto