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Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for a first trip to Japan?
Seven days is enough for the 'Golden Route' of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka at a comfortable pace. Tokyo alone takes 3–4 days and Kyoto 2. With 10 days or more you can add Hiroshima or Hokkaido.
Is tipping expected in Japan?
No. There is no tipping culture in restaurants, taxis or hotels, and change is always returned in full. A 'gochisōsama' or 'arigatō gozaimasu' is all the thanks that is expected.
How much do I need to spend for tax-free shopping, and what is the consumption tax?
Consumption tax is 10% (8% on food and drink). Foreign visitors can shop tax-free from ¥5,000 per store per day; show your passport at the counter.
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
It costs ¥50,000 for 7 days. A Tokyo–Kyoto return (about ¥28,000) alone does not pay it off; it pays when you cover three or more cities by shinkansen, such as Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Tokyo. For one-way trips an IC card such as Suica is enough.
Do I need cash in Japan, or can I pay by card?
In cities, credit cards and IC cards (Suica, PASMO) work almost everywhere. Small shops in the countryside, temple admissions and festival stalls are often cash-only, so carry ¥10,000–20,000. Convenience-store ATMs accept foreign cards.
What are the emergency numbers in Japan?
Police 110, ambulance and fire 119, with English available. The Japan Visitor Hotline on 050-3816-2787 is 24 hours and multilingual for emergencies, illness and disasters.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Cherry blossoms peak in late March to early April (Tokyo, Kyoto) and autumn leaves in mid to late November. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid, and typhoons are most common in August and September. Winter brings snow and hot springs in Hokkaido, while Okinawa stays around 15 °C even in January.
Can I use an onsen if I have tattoos?
It depends on the facility. Many onsen still ban tattoos, but more allow them with a cover sticker or do not mind at all. The safe choice is a ryokan with a private bath (kashikiri).
What is the difference between a warning, a danger warning and an emergency warning in Japan?
Since 28 May 2026 the Japan Meteorological Agency's bulletins match alert levels: advisory = level 2 (check your evacuation plan), warning = level 3 (older people and others at risk evacuate), danger warning = level 4 (everyone leaves dangerous areas) and emergency warning = level 5 (take the best action to save your life). Danger warnings are new and cover heavy rain, landslides and storm surge.
What should I do if an earthquake hits while I am in Japan?
Protect your head and wait under a table until the shaking stops; do not rush outside. Near the coast, if the shaking is strong or a tsunami warning is issued, go to high ground at once. Buildings are highly earthquake-resistant and your phone will receive early warnings. In a hotel, follow staff instructions.
How much do ramen and hotels cost in Japan?
A bowl of ramen is about ¥1,000, conveyor sushi from ¥120 a plate and a convenience-store rice ball about ¥180. Capsule hotels cost ¥3,000–5,000, business hotels ¥8,000–15,000 and a ryokan with two meals ¥20,000–50,000 per person.
When can I climb Mount Fuji?
The climbing season runs only from early July to early September. Since 2025 a ¥4,000 trail fee and advance booking are required. 'Bullet climbs' without a rest are discouraged; most people stay a night in a mountain hut and watch the sunrise.
