Japan Travel Guide

• Get the best of ancient Asia mixed with the super-modern in Japan
• Explore vibrant cities, stunning landscapes and incredible islands in this varied country
• Be awed by the sights and sounds of ultra-modern Tokyo
• See ancient shrines, temples and Buddhist sites in Kyoto and beyond
• Hop easily across to other Asian destinations for a full-on Asian gap year

Japan is famous for its unique cuisine. Some of the best-known dishes and ingredients include Sushi, which refers to any dish made with ‘sushi’ rice; sashimi, which is raw fish; skewers of chicken known as ‘yakitori’; Yakiniku (grilled meat, often beef or pork); Teppanyaki, which consists of meat, vegetables or seafood prepared freshly in front of you on a flat griddle; Tofu (a soybean product);  Miso soup; Tempura (battered & deep fried meat, seafood or vegetables) and Gyoza (stuffed dumplings).  Dishes are often accompanied by the Asian staple, rice, or by a variety of noodles, including Soba (made of buckwheat), Udon (thick noodles made of wheat) and Ramen (a noodle soup). Wash it all down with a shot of sake!

From December to February, much of Japan will see significant snowfall, on the side of the country that faces the Sea of Japan. Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto often have reasonably mild winters. 

From June to August, during the Japanese summer, high temperatures and humidity are the norm, and from May-June, Japan sees a short rainy season. August, September and October are known as typhoon season. During spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is mild and pleasant, making these ideal times to visit.

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.

To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.

 

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Japan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Japanese Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements  

If you’re visiting Japan, your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. No additional period of validity is required. You need a blank page for your visa stamp.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can get a visa on arrival in Japan for tourism or business for up to 90 days. You do not need to apply before you travel.

If you need a multiple-entry visa, you must ask the immigration officials when you arrive. 

If you want to stay longer, you can apply at your nearest immigration office for an extension for another 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the period of the extension.

For long-term stays or to work or study, you must meet the Japanese government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa you need. It is illegal to work in Japan without the correct visa no matter how informal or temporary the work.

If you overstay your permission to remain in Japan, you risk arrest, detention and a heavy fine.

For residency information, see the Japanese Immigration Services Agency website and read about living in Japan.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Japan guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Japan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Japan 

It is illegal to bring meat products including sausages, bacon and ham to Japan without permission from the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service. Penalties include a heavy fine and prison sentence.

Whale meat is available in Japan but importing it into the UK and EU is illegal. If you import whale meat to the UK, you can get a fine of up to £5,000 and a prison sentence. Customs officers will seize the meat.

Taking money into Japan 

Japan is still a predominantly cash-based society. You may have difficulty using credit and debit cards issued outside Japan. Cirrus, Maestro, Link and Delta cash cards are not widely accepted. Japanese post offices, 7-Eleven stores and JP Post Bank have cash machines that will accept some foreign cards during business hours.

Japanese people tend to be quite reserved and do not look kindly on loud or inappropriate behaviour.

A common custom in Japan is bowing as a greeting or to give thanks, and to show respect.  Men usually bow from the waist, with a straight back and arms at the side, while women will put their hands clasped in their lap.

When entering a Japanese home, it is the custom to remove your shoes, and slippers or sandals are often provided to wear indoors.

Penalties for involvement in crime are severe in Japan and there is a zero-tolerance policy for drugs.

Crime rates in Japan are fairly low. You should take the usual safety precautions when travelling, to avoid petty crime and theft, especially in the Roppongi area of Tokyo.

Travellers must avoid the nuclear exclusion zone around Fukushima.

You should visit your doctor around 8 weeks prior to travelling to discuss any possible vaccinations you may need.

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.

Japan’s climate varies depending on which area you visit, making this country an exciting all-season destination. While the East and West of Japan both have hot and humid summers, the East experiences heavy snow during the winter. Japan’s southern islands - Kyushu, Amami and Okinawa - have subtropical climates, while the northern island of Hokkaido has freezing winters and refreshing summers.

The best time to visit Japan’s main islands is during the spring from March until May, or in the autumn months of October to November. This is when the weather is cool and dry but still sunny. From the famous Sakura blossom in the spring to the lesser-known red foliage in autumn, Japan’s scenery is especially colourful during these times of year.

Japanese culture is deeply respectful and hierarchical. It is polite to bow to greet someone and to accept gifts with both hands. Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, and try to avoid eating, blowing your nose and loud behaviour while in public. It is customary to show up to events and meetings 5-10 minutes early.

Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.

For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.

At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.

We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Japan, as it’s regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.