What is the best time to visit Japan?

The best time to visit Japan depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Mount Fuji. Check weather patterns for Asia before booking.

What currency does Japan use?

Japan uses the Japanese yen (¥). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in Japan?

Sushi & Sashimi is one of Japan's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Ramen and Wagyu Beef. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit Japan visa-free?

72 countries can enter Japan without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is Japan safe for tourists?

Japan is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia.

Capital

Tokyo

Language

Japanese

Currency

Japanese yen (¥)

Population

123.2M

Timezone

UTC+09:00

Visa-free access

72 countries

Travelling to Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asian mainland, it is bordered to the west by the Sea of.

Japan is located in Eastern Asia, Asia. The capital is Tokyo, and the official language is Japanese. The local currency is the Japanese yen (¥). With a population of 123.2M, Japan is one of the larger country in Asia.

Japan offers visa-free entry to 72 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 90 days. 9 more can apply for an eVisa online. The remaining 116 passport holders need to apply at an embassy.

Top places to visit in Japan

Mount Fuji

The symmetrical stratovolcano rises to 3;776 metres as Japan's ultimate sacred peak; its snow-capped cone is a masterclass in volcanic geometry formed over 100;000 years; witness the 'Diamond Fuji' phenomenon from Lake Tanuki at sunrise when the sun aligns perfectly with the crater; the thin air at the summit smells of cold basalt and ancient ash while the wind howls through the torii gates.

Kinkaku-ji

A Zen Buddhist pavilion where the top two floors are entirely shrouded in pure gold leaf; reflecting 14th-century Muromachi-era extravagance; the structure sits poised over the Kyoko-chi pond designed to mirror the 'Pure Land'; arrive exactly at opening when the morning light hits the gold; turning the water into a shimmering liquid gilding; the surrounding moss-slicked gardens muffle the city's hum.

Todai-ji

The world’s largest bronze Buddha statue sits within the Daibutsuden; an 18th-century timber hall that remains one of the largest wooden structures on earth; the massive pillars contain a hole exactly the size of the Buddha's nostril for ritual crawling; enter during the morning chanting when the scent of sandalwood incense is thick; the scale of the 15-metre bronze figure creates a heavy; humbling gravitational pull.

Itsukushima Jinja

A 12th-century Shinto shrine built over the Seto Inland Sea; featuring a vermilion 'floating' torii gate that stands 16 metres tall; the architecture uses a pier-like structure to prevent the buildings from touching the sacred soil of Miyajima; visit at high tide when the sea swallows the foundations; the sound of waves lapping against the hand-painted timber gallery creates a rhythmic; aquatic sanctuary.

Himeji Castle

The 'White Heron' castle is a 17th-century defensive masterpiece of 83 wooden structures and winding; maze-like paths designed to trap invaders; its brilliant white plaster walls are fireproofed with layers of crushed seashells; climb the steep six-storey keep at midday; the natural light illuminates the intricate joinery and massive cypress support pillars; the air is cool and smells of aged wood and history.

Fushimi Inari-taisha

A Shinto nexus defined by 10;000 vermilion torii gates that form a vivid orange tunnel up the 233-metre Mount Inari; the fox statues guard a network of paths established in 711 AD; hike the upper trails at dawn before the crowds arrive; the flickering shadows of the gates create a hypnotic staccato effect in the low sun; the sound of forest crows is the only break in the spiritual silence.

See all 20 places in Japan →

What to eat in Japan

Explore all Japan dishes →

Japan visa requirements

Visa-free

eVisa / eTA

116

Visa required

Countries that can visit Japan visa-free

72 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 90 days.

Europe

Asia

United Arab Emirates90d

Americas

Oceania

eVisa and eTA for Japan

9 countries can apply online before travelling. Processing typically takes 1–7 business days.

Asia

Africa

Before you go to Japan

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Japan immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Currency: Japanese yen

The local currency is ¥. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: Japanese

Japanese is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check Japan's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for Japan

Select your passport for an instant result.

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Japan 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore Japan

20 places, 6 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · Japan

Japan — your questions

It depends on your passport. 72 countries can enter Japan visa-free. 9 can apply for an eVisa online. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.