Your honest guide to Japan.

Japan Travel FAQ

Do tourists need a visa to visit Japan?

Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and most Western countries receive a 90-day visa waiver on arrival - no advance visa required. Japan introduced a Visit Japan Web pre-registration system (not mandatory but speeds up arrival). From 2025 Japan implemented a tourism tax of ¥1,000 per person at major entry airports. Travellers arriving via cruise ship or some land borders may have different rules. Always check the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs list for your specific nationality.

What is the best time to visit Japan?

March-April (cherry blossom season) and October-November (autumn foliage) are the most popular times and for good reason - the weather is mild and Japan is at its most photogenic. Expect higher prices and crowds at major sites. May-June offers good weather before the rainy season (tsuyu) hits mid-June to mid-July. September is warm and mostly dry. Winter (December-February) suits those interested in skiing (Hokkaido, Nagano) or avoiding crowds at Kyoto temples.

How much does a trip to Japan cost per day?

Budget travellers staying in capsule hotels or hostels (¥3,000-5,000/night), eating ramen and convenience store meals, and using local transport can manage ¥8,000-12,000 per day (approximately $55-80). A comfortable mid-range trip - business hotel, two restaurant meals, a couple of paid attractions - runs ¥18,000-28,000 per day ($120-190). High-end ryokan stays and kaiseki dinners push costs to ¥50,000+ per day easily.

Is the JR Pass worth buying for Japan?

It depends on your itinerary. The 7-day JR Pass (¥50,000) covers unlimited shinkansen on the main Tokaido-Sanyo line and most JR local trains. If your route includes Tokyo-Kyoto-Hiroshima-Osaka return, it pays for itself. If you're staying in one region or only doing Tokyo-Osaka one-way, individual tickets often cost less. Calculate your planned routes on Hyperdia or Japan Guide before buying. Purchase in advance outside Japan - prices are higher if bought in Japan.

Is Japan safe for solo travellers?

Japan consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world for solo travellers, including solo women. Violent crime is exceptionally rare. Solo dining is culturally normal - many restaurants have solo counter seats designed for it. The biggest practical challenges are language (very little English outside cities and tourist areas) and navigating train systems, both of which Google Translate and Google Maps handle well.