Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Japan.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[81] (03) 3224-5000; US Embassy in Tokyo, 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420, Japan; TokyoACS@state.gov; https://jp.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
81
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 110
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Japan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north
Currency (Code)
Yen (JPY)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
100 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Japanese
Major Religions
Shintoism, Buddhism, Christianity
Time Difference
UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
required
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Tokyo (includes Imperial Palace, Skytree, Mount Fuji, Disneyland); Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park; Historic Kyoto; Island Shrine of Itsukushima; Historic Nara; Himeji Castle; Nagasaki; Okinawa
Major Sports
Sumo wrestling, karate, judo
Cultural Practices
Taking off shoes when entering someone's house; bowing 45 degrees to show respect; shaking hands in Japan is less widespread than in other countries; making the slurping sound when eating noodles.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not expected by the majority of service workers.
Souvenirs
Silk kimonos, designer fashion and electronics, beauty products, bento boxes, art supplies, bamboo and paper wagasa umbrellas, printed tenugui cloth items, hand fans, tanuki statues; ceremonially dressed dolls, kites, and folk toys; maneki neko good fortune cat items
Traditional Cuisine
Sushi — small rolls of vinegar-flavored cold cooked rice typically served with a garnish of raw fish; Japanese curry — meat and vegetables in a simple curry sauce with Japanese spices and usually served on top of plain steamed rice
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, March 28, 2024
