Japan: main airports
Japan has ten airports with active connections: Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Kansai and Osaka Itami, Nagoya Chubu Centrair as the main gateways from abroad, as well as Fukuoka, Sapporo New Chitose, Kagoshima, Naha/Okinawa and Shizuoka.
The country has one of the most efficient transport networks in the world: high-speed trains (Shinkansen), punctual subways and an IC card system (Suica, ICOCA, Pasmo) that simplifies every journey.
Japan: recommended activities
Japan: visa and entry requirements
Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, with a passport valid for the length of the stay.
Always check the updated requirements before departure; in recent years Japan has introduced digital pre-registration systems for some categories of visitors.
Japan: safety
Japan is generally considered one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates even in major metropolises.
The main risk for visitors is seismic: the country lies in a zone of high tectonic activity. Familiarise yourself with basic safety procedures (also displayed in hotels) and with the official Safety Tips app, useful for alerts in case of earthquake or typhoon. Typhoon season typically runs between August and October.
Japan: health situation
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry from Europe or North America. The Japanese healthcare system is of very high standard but can be expensive for non-residents: travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Tap water is safe throughout the country. Be mindful of summer heatwaves (July-August), particularly intense in major cities.
Japan: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). Despite the image of a hyper-technological country, cash remains widely used: always carry yen in cash, especially outside major cities, even though credit cards are now accepted at most tourist establishments.
Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can even come across as awkward if offered: good service is considered the standard, not an extra to be rewarded. Get an IC card (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) as soon as you arrive: it greatly simplifies travel on trains, subways and buses throughout the country.
Japan: travel guides
Sapporo: beer, parks and life under the snow
Kagoshima: the city in the shadow of an active volcano
Osaka: what to see in 1 day
Shizuoka: green tea in the shadow of Mount Fuji
Fukuoka: castle, shrines and evening yatai stalls
Nagoya: the castle with the golden fish
What to see in Tokyo in 1 day
