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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Japan travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: May 23, 2024 08:16 ET

Fukushima nuclear power plant and surrounding area

Following the 2011 incident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japanese authorities have placed restrictions, including travel and overnight stay bans, on the plant's surrounding area due to the risk of exposure to radiation. Restricted areas are clearly identified.

Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Assistance of Residents Affected by the Nuclear Incidents – Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Tensions on Korean Peninsula

The regional security situation on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could deteriorate suddenly. Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests. Military exercises and activities may also escalate tension.

Remain vigilant
Monitor developments to stay informed on the current situation
Follow the instructions of local authorities, including the Cabinet Secretariat's guidance on civil protection

Cabinet Secretariat Civil Protection Portal

Crime against foreigners is generally low. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs from time to time. Be cautious in entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan, especially in these four in Tokyo:

If you are the victim of a crime, file a police report at the closest station of the incident. Occasionally, local police may be hesitant to prepare a report for foreigners. If this happens, contact the Embassy of Canada to Japan for assistance.

Drug trafficking

An increasing number of travellers report having been used as unwitting drug couriers.

Penalties for drug-related criminal activities are severe. Even unsuspecting individuals transporting packages containing narcotics can be criminally charged and face long jail sentences.

Be wary of individuals, even those you know, who ask you to carry a package to Japan on their behalf.

Useful links

Drugs, alcohol and travel

International Drug Smuggling Scams

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

There are reports of incidents where staff, or other customers at bars and nightclubs, have mixed drugs and copious amounts of alcohol into drinks of unsuspecting clients. These incidents are particularly frequent in the districts of Kabukicho and Roppongi in Tokyo. The intend is usually to defraud, overcharge services, rob or assault the person.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. There have been incidents of overcharging at bars and clubs. Disputes over overcharging have led to violence.

Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements and contact your financial institution as soon as possible if irregularities

Overseas fraud

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Inappropriate physical contact may occur on busy subways and trains. There are women-only train cars during rush hour on some subway and train lines.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are generally good throughout the country. However, roads may be narrow.

Japan Road Traffic Information Center (in Japanese)

Public transportation

Taxis are generally safe.

Use only officially marked taxis
Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged
Have your destination written in Japanese as drivers may not understand English

Taxis in Japan – Japan National Tourism Organization

Train and subway

Travel by subway and train is quick and convenient. Signs are usually in Japanese but signage in English is becoming more common, especially in larger cities and at tourist destinations.

General safety information

Emergency information and advice for tourists is available from the Japan National Tourism Organization .

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Japanese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Japan. If you plan to travel to other countries in the region, check passport validity requirements for the countries you plan to visit.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodations arrangements and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Japanese officials will photograph and fingerprint visitors upon arrival. Exceptions may apply.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Registration

Japanese regulations require that visiting foreigners give detailed information when checking in at hotels or other lodging facilities.

Foreigners must also allow their passports to be photocopied.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
making multiple trips to endemic areas
staying for extended periods in rural areas
visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

In this country, risk of dengue is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is very good. Service is available throughout the country.

Services in English could be limited, especially in rural areas. The cost of health-care services is similar to Canada. As a foreigner, you will likely have to pay in advance or provide a document proving that the bill will be paid prior to discharge.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Health insurance for foreign workers

As a Canadian working in Japan, you must have medical and health services coverage for the duration of your stay. If not provided by your Japanese employer, you must subscribe to the national health insurance plan.

If you need to consult medical professionals, the following organizations can refer you to medical facilities with English and other foreign language-speaking staff:

Japan National Tourism Organization
Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Centre (in Japanese)
AMDA International Medical Information Center

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

In many cases, arrested or detained suspects are denied oral or written communication with anyone other than their lawyer or a Canadian consular representative for an extended period.

If you are detained, even for a minor offence, you may be held without charge for up to 23 days. Police officers may begin their initial questioning before you see a lawyer. You could also be in detention for weeks or months during the investigation and legal proceedings.

Overview of the criminal law system in Japan
Arrest and detention

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Japan has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to drugs, including recreational drugs and cannabis. Severe penalties are imposed for the possession of even a small quantity.

Medications

Certain medications are banned in Japan, including:

amphetamines
methamphetamines
pseudoephedrine

You may bring a one-month supply of prescription medication or a two-month supply of non-prescription medication into Japan, as long as the medication does not contain narcotics (including codeine). You cannot bring banned substances with you, even with a prescription.

You must have a doctor’s note that states your full name, address, the reason for use, and dosage, along with your prescribed medication. Local authorities may also request a detailed listing of the contents of the medication.

If you wish to bring in larger supplies of medication or bring in prescription medication that contains narcotics, you must apply in advance for import certification. You should do so several months prior to arrival.

Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan – Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Japanese law doesn't prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Japan.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Japan, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

If you acquire 2 or more citizenships at birth, you can keep them all, including Japanese citizenship, until the age of 18. At 18, you must choose between your Japanese citizenship or other citizenships within a 2-year period.

Japanese family law is different from Canadian family law.

In Japan, joint custody of a child after separation is not a legal option if one of the parents is a Japanese national. As a result, access rights for a non-custodial parent can be limited, if granted.

If you are involved in a custody or other family law dispute in Japan, consult a Japanese family lawyer.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Japan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Japan, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Japanese court.

If you are in this situation:

act as quickly as you can
contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
consult a lawyer in Canada and in Japan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
Travelling with children
The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Identification

You must carry your passport or residence card at all times.

A photocopy will not satisfy authorities. Police officers in Japan may ask for your identification documents at any time.

If you fail to do so, you could face arrest or detention.

Working in Japan

Working without an appropriate visa is illegal. Offenders may be subject to imprisonment, a fine and deportation.

If you are considering employment offers in Japan, contact the Japanese embassy or consulate nearest you before coming to Japan.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Teaching English

You should carefully review a contract to teach English before you sign. There have been incidents of employers not adhering to their contractual obligations.

Ensure that all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated in the contract and that you meet all requirements before accepting an offer.

Drinking and driving

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe.

Under Japanese law, it’s forbidden to:

drive if you have been drinking
lend a car to someone who has been drinking
serve alcohol to someone who has to drive

If you are a passenger in a car whose driver is under the influence of alcohol, you both are subject to prosecution.

The currency of Japan is the yen (JPY).

Credit cards are accepted in most major hotels and restaurants, but Japan is a predominantly cash-based society.

ATMs are widely available, but many don’t accept foreign debit cards.

Typhoons usually occur between June and October. During this period, even small storms can quickly develop into major typhoons. Southern areas, including Okinawa and surrounding islands, are more vulnerable.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to Japan during the typhoon season:

know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
Large-scale emergencies abroad
Japan Meteorological Agency

Seismic activity

Japan is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to a multitude of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, volcanic eruptions. Strong earthquakes occur, as well as tsunamis.

Earthquakes

Each year, Japan experiences thousands of earthquakes of varying magnitudes, some triggering tsunamis. Deaths, injuries and significant damage may occur.

Earthquakes - Government of Canada

Japan is prone to tsunamis. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

Tsunami alerts - U.S. Tsunami Warning System

There are a number of active volcanoes. The Japan Meteorological Agency lists active volcanoes and associated warnings.

If you are travelling near a volcano, check for the latest activity and warnings. Always follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

Volcanic alert levels and warnings - Japan Meteorological Agency

Seasonal risks

Snowstorms occur in western Honshu and Hokkaido from December to March.

Avalanches can occur in mountainous areas, including at ski resorts. These can cause power disruptions, make roads impassable and limit the ability of responders to reach these areas in case of emergency.

Information in case of natural disasters - Japan National Tourism Organization

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

police: 110
medical assistance: 119
firefighters: 119

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Japan, in Tokyo, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

When calling from within Japan, the area code is preceded by a 0. There is no 0 when calling from outside Japan. If placing a call to a cellular phone number, you do not need to enter the code.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Book Travel
Credit Cards

Japan Reopening to Canadian Travellers: What You Need to Know

Information may change on a day-by-day basis. While we make every effort to keep the information here updated, the responsibility to keep abreast of ever-changing travel restrictions is ultimately your own.

A few weeks ago, Japan began allowing independent, unaccompanied travel to travellers for the first time since the pandemic begun, but still with visa procedures in place.

On October 11, 2022, Japan will finally be open. Fully open.

The country has announced that it will open its borders to visa-free travel for independent travellers. No more border capacity limits, no need for package tours – Japan is on the cusp of fully free travel just like pre-pandemic times.

Japan Travel Restrictions

As of October 11, 2022, independent tourists will again be able to enter Japan for the purpose of tourism.

Previously visa-free countries like Canada will be visa-free once again, and Canadians will be able to enter Japan and stay for up to 90 days for the purposes of tourism.

Of course, tourists will have to fulfill other entry obligations, including showing either proof of vaccination (including a third booster dose) or proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

How Can Canadians Enter Japan?

Until now, Canadians have been able to enter Japan via guided and unguided package tours. However, given the significant procedural hurdles in place, the uptake of the tours has been rather low, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise.

As of October 11, travellers coming from Canada will no longer need to book package tours or apply for an e-visa.

However, Canadians will need to present proof of vaccination with at least three doses upon entering Japan in order to avoid testing and quarantine requirements. Your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination will suffice.

In addition, you’ll also need to complete a health questionnaire to be granted entry.

Current Health Requirements in Japan

March 18, 2022 marked the date that Japan’s state of emergency was lifted in all 18 remaining prefectures, meaning that COVID cases have dropped sufficiently low enough that life can return to semi-normal.

Restaurants are fully open once again, as are movie theatres, museums, cultural events, and generally any other tourist attractions.

There are no vaccination requirements for any of the above, nor will there be any vaccination checks.

There are still some minor restrictions in place, such as “non-certified restaurants” only being able to seat up to four people per table, but that shouldn’t have a big impact on your trip.

Masks are required in all indoor spaces as well as all outdoors where you “may encounter other people”, which basically means they’re required all the time. Despite things being a bit different with restrictions at home, don’t forget to maximize your baggage allowance with sufficient face masks.

How to Get to Japan

To East Asia, Aeroplan naturally comes to mind with its fantastic rate of 75,000 points one-way in business class, as long as the overall routing falls at or under 7,500 miles in distance flown — which includes all direct flights from North America.

West Coast residents in particular will benefit from Aeroplan’s fantastic sweet spot of only 55,000 points one-way for a direct flight from Vancouver or Calgary to Tokyo.

Air Canada flights can still be priced exorbitantly under dynamic pricing, so using your eUpgrades with the “Latitude Attitude” strategy is the optimal way to upgrade into a business class seat.

For those who dabble in the US credit card game , you can book a one-way trip in ANA First Class for just 55,000 Virgin Atlantic miles from the West Coast and 60,000 Virgin Atlantic miles from the East Coast.

This is arguably the best sweet spot that currently exists out there, and there’s nothing quite like bottomless Hibiki 21 whiskey and Japanese fine dining in the sky to celebrate Japan’s long-awaited reopening.

With Alaska Mileage Plan , you can also fly direct on on Japan Airlines for 60,000 miles in business class and 70,000 miles in First Class , another excellent sweet spot to aim for on your first academic or commercial visit to Japan in the post-pandemic era.

Japan Airlines First Class award space is quite plentiful 14 days prior to the date of departure.

After what feels like an eternity of being closed off to the world, Japan is finally set to fully reopen their borders to tourism as of October 11, 2022.

No visa requirements, no package tour bookings – simply book your flight and go, just like 2019.

Have your proof of vaccination with three doses and you’ll be all set to enter the island nation known for its history, scenery, and world-famous cuisine.

And make sure to get your flight and hotel bookings in now, as we’d expect award space to tighten up significantly and hotel prices to soar now that the world’s most highly-anticipated border reopening has finally taken place.

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Entering Japan

Below is a basic introduction to the Japanese immigration system. Contact your closest Japanese embassy or consulate outside Japan or an immigration bureau inside Japan for official advice.

All foreigners, including foreign residents, get fingerprinted and photographed upon entering Japan as a measure aimed at preventing terrorism and other illegal activities. Excluded from this procedure are persons under the age of 16 and a few special groups, such as diplomats and visiting dignitaries.

All foreigners receive a status of residence when entering Japan. There are more than twenty statuses of residence, including "temporary visitor" for tourists, and a range of statuses for students , workers and relatives of Japanese nationals and residents.

If you are a citizen of one of the over 50 countries with which Japan has a "general visa exemption arrangement", you need only a valid passport to enter Japan as a "temporary visitor". Otherwise, you need to obtain a visa before entering the country. Temporary visitors from most countries are allowed to stay for up to 90 days.

If you are a citizen of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, you have the possibility to extend your stay to a total of up to six months. You still initially enter Japan on a 90 day permit, but can then apply for an extension at an immigration bureau in Japan.

Visitors to Japan are encouraged to use Visit Japan Web to digitally submit immigration and customs-related information ahead of their arrival for a smoother entry into the country without the need to fill out paper forms. The system can be used to also create a tax exemption QR code for an enhanced tax-free shopping experience.

Temporary visitors are not allowed to engage in any paid activities. However, short term studies at Japanese language schools are permitted.

All foreign tourists in Japan are required to carry their passports with them at all times.

Longer stays for the wealthy and digital nomads

If you are a citizen of one of the over 50 countries with which Japan has a "general visa exemption arrangement" and have savings of over 30 million yen, you and your spouse may qualify to stay in Japan for up to one year for the purpose of sightseeing and recreation. Likewise, professionals with an annual income of over 10 million yen may qualify to work remotely from Japan for up to six months. Respective visas (for "long-term residents for sightseeing/recreation" or "digital nomads") have to be obtained before traveling to Japan.

White-collar work

Foreigners who wish to work in Japan need to get a work visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate outside of Japan to enter the country on a status of residence permitting work.

There are over a dozen such statuses of residence, each allowing the holder to work only in a specific professional field, for example, journalism, arts, research, education, engineering, entertainment, business management, international services, etc. If you change jobs while you are in Japan and your new job falls into a different professional field (e.g. from education to engineering), you will need to change your status of residence.

A university degree or considerable professional experience in the applicable field is required to qualify for most work visa types. Most also require you to have a prospective employer as a sponsor. Residence permission is granted in periods of 4 months to 5 years and is extendable.

Workers may bring their spouses and children to Japan on a dependent visa. Dependents are not allowed to engage in any paid activities unless they get permission from the immigration office, but even then, they may work only a set maximum number of hours per week.

Other work and trainees

The so-called "Specified Skills" status allows for work in one of over a dozen professional fields, including construction, hospitality, nursing and manufacturing. Applicants do not need a degree but have to pass a technical skills test and know some Japanese. There are two types: Type 1 allows workers to stay in Japan for up to five years, but they may not bring their family. Type 2 is for more highly qualified workers, can be extended indefinitely and allows for the family to live in Japan. Type 1 holders may upgrade to type 2 after five years.

Furthermore, there is the "Technical Intern Training Program", which lets foreign workers acquire skills at a workplace in Japan that they could not otherwise acquire in their home countries. After a few years, participants become eligible to switch to the above-mentioned "Specified Skill" type 1 status. Most trainees come from South East Asia.

Working holidays

This is a special visa type that allows some paid activity for citizens of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and a few other countries between the ages of 18 and 30. Consult the working holiday visa page for details.

Foreigners who wish to study in Japan (except for short term studies at language schools ) need to get a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate outside of Japan in order to enter the country on a status of residence that permits long term studies.

Sponsorship from an educational institution in Japan and proof of sufficient funds to cover all your expenses during your stay are required to qualify for a student visa. Residence permission is granted in periods of between 3 months and 4 years and 3 months and is extendable.

Students must not engage in paid activities unless they get permission from the immigration office. Even then, students may work only a set maximum number of hours per week.

Foreigners who are married to a Japanese national or to a permanent resident of Japan can obtain a spouse visa, which allows them to engage in any paid activity in Japan. Residence permission is granted in periods of 6 months or 1, 3 or 5 years and is extendable.

Staying in Japan

Inside Japan, most immigration-related matters, such as extending residence permission or changing the status of residence, are handled by the Immigration Services Agency, which has bureaus across the country.

Residence card

All new foreign residents are issued a residence card upon initially entering Japan at Narita , Haneda , Kansai or Chubu airports. New residents arriving through different ports can get their cards at their municipal offices.

The residence card is an important document required for opening a bank account , obtaining a cell phone , converting a drivers license and similar activities. It stores the holder's personal information, including the current address, the status of residence and period of stay. Foreign residents are required to carry their residence card with them at all times.

Extending residence permission

Most statuses of residence allow you to stay in Japan for a period between three months and five years. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at an immigration bureau inside Japan before the expiry date of your current residence permission.

The application process is relatively simple, provided that you still fulfill the conditions for the specific status of residence. It typically takes a couple of days or weeks for the application to be processed, and you are allowed to remain in Japan during that time even if your previous residence permission expires in the meantime.

Changing status of residence

It is possible to change your status of residence (e.g. from instructor to arts or from student to engineer) at an immigration bureau inside Japan. You will have to provide similar documentation as you would when applying for a new status of residence at an embassy or consulate outside of Japan.

Re-entry permits

Foreign residents who wish to temporarily leave Japan for longer than a year, need to get a re-entry permit before departing Japan; otherwise, they lose their status of residence. Re-entry permits can be obtained at immigration offices in Japan. For absences of less than one year, re-entry permits are not required.

Permanent residence

Foreign residents, who have shown good conduct and have sufficient assets or ability to make an independent living, can be granted permanent residence if they reside in Japan for a certain number of consecutive years. For highly-skilled professionals and spouses of Japanese nationals, the minimum amount of years is typically one to five years, while for others it is typically ten years. Permanent residence status is indefinite and allows for any paid activity.

Naturalization

Foreigners, who have resided in Japan for at least five consecutive years (less if married to a Japanese national), have shown good conduct, have never plotted against the Japanese government, have sufficient assets or ability to make an independent living and are willing to renounce any other citizenship held, can be granted Japanese citizenship.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

A guide to japanese visas, japan customs, guide to the animal quarantine service, the ministry of foreign affairs, immigration services agency of japan.

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Government of canada services and information in tokyo, japan.

Email: [email protected]

Hours of operation:

Telephone: 81 (3) 5412-6200

Fax: 81 (3) 5412-6289

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 81 (3) 5412-6444

Website: IRCC web form

Services and information provided to Canadians by the Embassy of Canada to Japan, in Tokyo.

Embassy visitor security measures

Visitor access requires photo identification
Visitors and their belongings will be subject to security screening (metal detector / x-ray machine)
the Embassy continues to be a mask-friendly environment
visitors exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19, including cold or flu symptoms, are asked not to enter the Embassy
hand hygiene and physical distancing (where possible) remain in effect

Book an online appointment and submit your application in person at the Embassy in Tokyo, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to noon (except Embassy closure dates )
Use the drop-off box at the Consular section of the Embassy in Tokyo, Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 5:00pm
Send your application by traceable mail to: Embassy of Canada, Attn: Consular section – Citizenship Services, 7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-8503

Notes: Quebec birth certificates issued after January 1, 1994 are acceptable; those issued prior to this date require an updated birth certificate .

Contact the Vital Statistics authority to replace your Canadian birth certificate.

Proof of citizenship applications - Children: If you are a Canadian citizen and your child was born in Japan, refer to the application document checklist (PDF). Refer to the guide for application on paper or online .

Official birth certificate for a child born in Japan:

Both documents are issued by Japanese municipal offices.

To support the identity of a child born in Japan, 2 pieces of ID are required, in addition to the Japanese birth certificate . For example:

Mother and Child Handbook (Boshi techo)
Health insurance card (Hoken sho)
Resident certificate (Jumin hyo)
Hospital appointment card (Shinsatsu ken)
Hospital birth certificate
Foreign passport

The primary document used to establish the name record is your child’s official Japanese birth certificate. If you present documentation containing a name (or names) that is in accordance with Japan's naming convention, but is not the name the applicant identifies with, the applicant may seek a legal change of name once in Canada in accordance with the policies/procedures of the province or territory of residence.

Translation: Any non-English/French documents must be accompanied by the English or French translation (and an affidavit if applicable). Translations may be done by:

a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada); or
a person who is fluent in English/French and Japanese - an affidavit from the person who did the translation must be sworn in the presence of a notary public (website in Japanese only). The Embassy does not offer this notary service.

E-certificate: You can choose to receive an e-certificate instead of a paper certificate ( print it ).

Other citizenship related applications accepted: Search of citizenship records and Renunciation of Canadian citizenship

Processing time: Check the current processing times . Urgent application processing is available for special cases. If your child does not yet have the certificate of Canadian citizenship but needs a Canadian passport urgently, please contact us at [email protected] . You can also track your application online.

Dual citizenship: Canada permits dual or multiple nationality. However, in accordance with Japanese law, a Japanese citizen having a foreign nationality must choose either of the nationalities. See the Ministry of Justice of Japan for details.

For information on dual Canadian citizens’ travel to Canada, see: Dual Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport . For additional Citizenship assistance, consult the Citizenship Help Centre .

Payment method

You must pay online for all your citizenship services before submitting your application. Submit a printed copy of your payment receipt. Other methods of payment are not accepted.

All requests for getting a certified criminal record check from Canada must go through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada (RCMP) . Please follow the RCMP’s steps for getting a certified criminal record check and contact an RCMP accredited company to receive instructions.

The Embassy/Consulates of Canada do not provide any forms nor take fingerprints.

For questions, please contact the RCMP .

Refer to About Divorce and Separation .

There are several ways in which divorce procedures are carried out in Japan. You should seek legal advice on how to proceed with your divorce. A list of legal service providers and lawyers can be found at Ask Travel under General Consular Services.

You do not need to report your divorce to the Embassy. We do suggest, however, that you have a copy of your divorce certificate (rikon todoke no juri shomeisho) translated and notarized as required.

Refer to Marriage outside Canada .

Marriages can be registered at ward or city offices throughout Japan. Canadians planning to marry in Japan should contact the ward or city office of your choice for detailed information.

As part of the marriage registration process in Japan, the ward or city office will require you to submit proof that you are legally free to marry. This evidence is accepted in the form of a marriage affidavit that you must swear in person at the Canadian Embassy or Consulates.

Services at the Embassy:

Services to notarize marriage affidavits are provided on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 14:00 to 16:00. You must book your appointment online in advance and bring the following documents to your appointment. Under normal circumstances, you will receive your notarized document on the spot.

Your valid Canadian passport
Please fill out this template prior to your appointment, but do not sign until you are asked to do so at the Embassy.
Proof of divorce such as your divorce certificate, if applicable
Payment is accepted by credit card only (Visa or MasterCard only; in Canadian dollars only) by filling out the credit card authorization form. Other methods of payment are not accepted.

Services at other Consulates in Japan:

Please contact them directly to book your appointment.

For residents of Tohoku, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku and Okinawa:

Please contact the Embassy's consular section by email at [email protected] for information on the Signature Witness Service rendered by designated local law firms in your region.

It is not necessary for the non-Canadian fiancé(e) to be present at the appointment at the Embassy/Consulate.
The local authorities require the Japanese translation of the marriage affidavit when you register your marriage. The Embassy and the Consulates do not offer translation services but will provide you a courtesy copy of the Japanese translation template for the marriage affidavit.
Once your marriage is registered with the ward or city office, you should ensure that you keep the original Certificate of Marriage Registration ("kon-in todoke no juri shomeisho" or 婚姻届の受理証明書) as this becomes your proof of marriage. The Embassy/Consulates cannot issue a marriage certificate nor request one from the local authorities in Japan on your behalf.
If you wish, you can contact your province or territory of residence in Canada to see if they will register your marriage and issue you a certificate.

Recognition by Canada of marriages in Japan

Marriages that are legally performed in a foreign country are usually valid in Canada, and you do not need to register them in Canada. If you have questions about the validity of your foreign marriage, contact the Vital Statistics Office of your province or territory. Japanese immigration authorities may require evidence of this fact. The information in Marriage Overseas can attest to this fact.

外国の法律に従って行われる結婚は通常カナダでも有効です。結婚を再びカナダで登録する必要はありません。外国で成立した結婚の有効性に関してのご質問は地元の州の人口動態統計局にお問い合わせ下さい。日本の入国管理局はこの事実確認のための資料を求める場合があります。その場合は海外での結婚に関するこちらのリンクをご案内下さい。

Same-sex marriage abroad

Marriage regulations and rules may vary according to each ward or city office. Please contact the office of your choice to confirm their policies on same-sex marriage.

If you require a marriage affidavit, please see the Marriage abroad section.

New : The Apostille Convention came into effect in Canada on January 11, 2024, and Canadian documents are now authenticated with an apostille. Visit Changes to authentications services in Canada for more information.

The Embassy of Canada in Tokyo continues to authenticate documents issued by the Government of Canada or notarized in specific provinces and territories. Service fee of $50 applies per apostille. You may send the following documents to the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo for authentication.

Documents issued by the Government of Canada
Vital statistics documents issued by all provinces and territories
All documents issued or notarized in the following provinces and territories:
Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Yukon

If your document was notarized in the provinces and territories listed above, you may send it to the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo no matter where it was originally issued.

Competent authorities in the following provinces will be responsible for authenticating all other documents issued or notarized in their respective provinces. These documents must be submitted to the competent authorities and will not be authenticated at Canadian embassies or consulates.

Alberta : Ministry of Justice of Alberta

British Columbia: Ministry of the Attorney General of British Columbia

Ontario : Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery of Ontario

Quebec : Ministère de la Justice du Québec

Saskatchewan : Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of Saskatchewan

If you documents were issued in Japan, they must be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for authentication/issuance of apostilles.

For notarial services other than authentication indicated above, please contact a local notary public office first. When local service providers are unavailable, certain notarial services may be provided at the Embassy and Consulates of Canada in Japan by appointment only, such as administering oaths, declarations, marriage affidavit; witnessing a signature on a document; certifying and authenticating true copies of an original document. Fees apply to each service offered.

Please inquire with the Embassy by email at [email protected] and provide your full name, daytime phone number, and details of the type of service you require. As there are a number of documents that we are unable to notarize, please be sure to send us a scan of the document requiring notarization when you are contacting us.

If we and the notary public are unable to notarize your document, contact the requesting institution for further instructions.

Notarial services are provided on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 14:00 to 16:00. You must book your appointment in advance by email at [email protected] . Under normal circumstances, you will receive your notarized document on the spot.

Online booking is available only for marriage affidavit requests.
Appointments must be made by email at [email protected] to request all other notary services.
Walk-in clients cannot be accommodated.

Credit card (Visa or MasterCard only; in Canadian dollars only)

For Credit card payment (both mail-in and in person), it must be accompanied by a completed Credit Card Authorization form . This form authorizes the Government of Canada to charge your credit card for payment of services.

Cash payment is not accepted.

New: Book an appointment online for in-person passport services as of March 25, 2024.

Apply for a passport in Japan:

Step 1 - Select and complete your passport application . For adult applications, you can renew your passport if eligible, or you must apply for a new passport .

Adult renewal application (PPTC482)
Adult new application (PPTC040)
Child application (under 16 years of age) (PPTC042)

Step 2 - Pay your application fees online and print a copy of the receipt. Other methods of payment are not accepted.

Step 3 - Submit your application with a copy of the online payment receipt and all other requirements by one of the following 3 options:

In person: Book an appointment online and submit your application package at the Embassy in Tokyo, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to noon.
Use the drop-off box at the Consular section of the Embassy in Tokyo, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
By traceable mail: Send your application package to Embassy of Canada, Attn: Consular section - Passport Services, 7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-8503

Note: Contact the courier company you used for delivery info. We will contact you only if additional information is required.

Processing times: Check processing times

Lost, stolen or damaged passports: See Lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found passports .

Child passports

Proof of Canadian citizenship is required for a passport application for a child. If your child needs a passport urgently, but do not have a proof of citizenship yet, request a limited-validity travel document . Email [email protected] for assistance.
Submit a photocopy of both parents’ valid signature ID for the first child application.
Proof of parentage for children born in Japan can be the certificate of acceptance of birth registration (shussho todoke juri shomeisho), or the family register (Koseki).
Either parent can be the applicant (if you’re not separated or divorced ). The Canadian parent can sign as “other parent” and guarantor if they meet the guarantor requirements.

General passports

Dual Canadian citizens require a valid Canadian passport to travel to Canada.
The Embassy does not take passport photos. Ensure photo specifications are respected, including plain white or light-coloured background.
If supporting documents are not in English or French, you must provide an official translation . Find a list of Canadian certified translators .
Express service is not available in Japan. You may apply for a temporary passport or emergency travel document . Email [email protected] for urgent travel needs.
Contact the issuing authorities to transfer visas to your new passport.

The only acceptable method is to pay online for all your passport services before you submit your application. Please submit a printed copy of your payment receipt. Other methods of payment are not accepted.

Refer to Benefits for Canadians living abroad .

For more information, see the Agreement Between Canada and Japan on Social Security .

Visit EduCanada for more information on studying in Canada, including scholarships available to international students, study permit and visa information, and more.

International scholarships for Japanese citizens

Prince Takamado Visiting Student Scholarship at Queen’s University
Princess Takamado English Essay Contest

Additional scholarship opportunities are listed on the EduCanada Scholarship Search Tool .

Academic networks and organizations

Japanese Association for Canadian Studies (in Japanese only)
Canadian Literary Society of Japan (in Japanese only)
Japanese Association of Quebec Studies (in Japanese only)
Japan Studies Association of Canada
Japan-Canada Academic Consortium
Canada-Japan Co-op Program
Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

Public Affairs Section (Academic Relations)

Embassy of Canada

[email protected]

Visa and immigration to Canada

The Visa and Immigration section at the Embassy of Canada to Japan is closed. Services have been transferred to the Visa office in Manila, Philippines .

Apply to travel, study, work or immigrate to Canada .
Find a visa application centre (VAC) to book an appointment to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
Submit an enquiry using the IRCC web form to contact a visa office.

Permanent residents of Canada: Find out how to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) .

Visa and immigration to Japan

Canadians who wish to receive information about Japanese visas such as procedures, fees, or processing times should consult the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Japan if you are in Canada. If you are in Japan and have questions concerning immigration and residence procedures, please contact the Immigration Services Agency of Japan .

Please also consult our Japan Travel Advice page.

Refer to Voting in an election while outside Canada . Courier services arranged by the Embassy of Canada to Japan for sending voting ballots to Canada during federal general elections or by-elections is free of charge.

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Japan

Passport Health offers a variety of options for travellers throughout the world.

People say that you can never visit the same Japan twice. It’s a country that embodies what it means to be innovative and progressive in every way.

There is something in Japan for every type of traveller. From the bamboo forests of folklore to spectacles of architecture. For foodies, Japan is a sushi paradise and even a small nigiri shop on the corner can put some of the most decadent establishments at home to shame.

There are temples and gardens in Kyoto that aren’t anything short of magical. The cherry-blossom season in Hanami is one of the most tranquil and beautiful sites Asia has to offer.

Do I Need Vaccines for Japan?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Japan. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Japan: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , Japanese encephalitis , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers
Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
Japanese Encephalitis – Mosquito – Cases can occur on all islands except Hokkaido. Most common from July to October.
Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Japanese encephalitis poses a threat to travellers to Japan. While the disease is most common in rural areas, outbreaks have occurred in urban centers in recent years. Vaccination is the best form of protection against the virus.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now .

Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Japan?

A passport valid for the duration of your intended stay is required to enter Japan. Tourist visas are not required for stays up to 90 days but business visas are required. You may not apply for a visa if you have already entered Japan as a tourist. If you overstay the 90 days you are violating Japanese federal law and may be subject to fines, deportation, and barred from re-entering the country.

Sources: Embassy of Japan and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Currency restriction for both entry and exit is 1,000,000 Japanese yen. If travelling with more, it must be declared.

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

What is the Climate in Japan?

Much like most places in the U.S., the majority of Japan remains temperate and experience the four seasons. The country boasts many different landscapes. Although it is small, from one end to the other, the island can differ year round. Regardless of the time of year, Japan does experience a high percentage of humidity and will be rainy off and on.

Sendai – Located in one of the most northeast parts of Japan, this region experiences cold winters with snowfall. Summers are warm, but rainy. Summer temperatures generally rise to around 29 degrees.
Tokyo – The Japanese capital is one of the most visited cities. It falls within the subtropical climate zone, with very mild winters and humid, wet summers. Winters are usually on the dry side as a good part of Tokyo is inland.
Kumamoto – A smaller city located on the southwest side of the country, it has hot summers and cool winters. Here rainfall is present year-round. But, is heaviest in the summer, bringing high levels of humidity.

How Safe and Secure is Japan?

Aside from areas in Europe, Japan is recognized as one of the safest places to travel. Crime rates are low, including petty crime, and violent crime is rare. Japan has low tolerance for any reckless behavior including drinking and driving and drug abuse.

Japan has been put on the map over the years for natural phenomenon. Tsunamis and earthquakes are always a possibility and a risk that travellers should consider. As with many Pacific Rim countries, disaster plans are in place at almost every location.

Witness the Ancient Art of Sumo

In Tokyo there is the Kokugikan, or the sumo amphitheater. Here, some of Japan’s most promising wrestlers compete throughout the year.

The art of sumo wrestling dates back centuries to the Edo period. It is a test of strength, balance and endurance.

Nearby the Kokugikan is the Sumo Museum. It is ideal for getting up close and personal with objects that embody this ancient art form.

What Should I Take to Japan?

Packing for Japan is easier than you may think. The most taxing part can be taking into consideration the many different climates. Here are a few items to add to the checklist:

Lightweight rain jacket for unexpected rain storms.
A map of major cities you plan on visiting as some of them can be very confusing to navigate.
Clothing on the more modest side. Despite Japan being known as very fashion-forward, it is also a very modest country.
Photocopies of your passport.
Hats to shield your face from the sometimes-intense summer heat waves.

Canadian Embassy in Japan

Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Japan, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:

Embassy of Canada in Tokyo 7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku Tokyo 107-8503, Japan Telephone: +81-3-5412-6200

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Passport health – travel vaccines for japan.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Japan? Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Japan? What is the Climate in Japan? How Safe and Secure is Japan? Witness the Ancient Art of Sumo What Should I Take to Japan? Canadian Embassy in Japan

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With regards to visa inquiries, you can contact “Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information” or “the Japan Visa Information Hotline” listed on the website of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan. Due to the complex nature of visa requirements, we are UNABLE to respond to visa-related inquiries made through this website at the moment. We advise you to contact the Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan nearest you for more information and advice.

If you are a foreign national, please click the links below for specific information related to respective subjects.

1. Visa Application Procedures

2. about visa.

3. Visa Application Documents

4. Frequently Asked Questions

5. announcements.

6. Inquiries Concerning Visas
Be aware of fraudulent website, social media, emails in an attempt to extract payments from visa applicants (July 5, 2017)

Short-Term Stay

(A stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities)

Click on the nationality of the visa applicant traveling to Japan.

Visa exemption arrangements have been resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

It is highly recommended to purchase international travel medical insurance for your trip to Japan. Overseas travel medical insurance helps you in case of emergency.

Work or Long-Term Stay

(A stay during which the applicant performs remunerative work in Japan or a stay of over 90 days in Japan, etc.)

Procedures chart for long-term stays
The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan
Japan’s Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening

Visa for Medical Stay

Visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.

Points to Note and Application Procedures
Visa Processing Time
Validity of a Visa
Criteria of Visa Issuance
Visas and Landing Permission

3. Visa Application Documents (download)

(Note1) Refer to [1. Visa Application Procedures] for details of documents required.
(Note3) Company/personal seal on Letter of Guarantee and Letter of Invitation is no longer required.
Visa application form
Tell me why you rejected my visa application.
I want to go to Japan. Do I need a visa?
I want to invite a foreign national to Japan. What procedures are necessary?
What should I do to get a Certificate of Eligibility?
The Certificate of Eligibility will not arrive by the time I apply for a visa. Can I still apply for a visa with its copy?
As a “guarantor”, to what extent do I need to be responsible?

Newly introduced visas

Special highly skilled professional (J-Skip)
Designated activities (Future creation individual, Spouse or Child of future creation individual) (J-Find)
Designated activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad)

Review on restrictions on new entry of foreign nationals into Japan

Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel
Border measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Statistics for the Number of Visas

Number of Visas Issued in 2021(May 31,2022)

Relaxation of Visa Requirements

Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Possession of Ordinary Passports(September 30, 2023)
Signing of the Japan-Israel Working Holiday Agreement (April 28, 2023)
Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the State of Qatar based on Ordinary Passport Registration System (April 2, 2023)
Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the United Arab Emirates in Possession of Ordinary Passports (November 1, 2022)
Japan’s Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (April 3, 2020)
Japan's Visa Policy in Accordance with Measures to Combat Trafficking in Persons (February 2009)

6. Inquiries about Visas Application

Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information

Yotsuya Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0004 Navi-Dial: 0570-011000 (For some IP phones and calls from overseas, please call +81-3-5369-6577) Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00

Anne of Japan 日本のアン

A documentary on the japanese fascination with anne of green gables, a trip to canadian world theme park, ashibetsu, hokkaido.

Here is some footage that I will not end up using in my documentary (or not all of it, anyway). I won’t be using it mainly because of its length, but also because I’m not using a tripod. This shot is an almost 14-minute long stroll through Canadian World, a theme park in Ashibetsu, on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan. If you can’t visit, consider this a virtual visit.

We start at the front gate, which is a replica of the Kensington railway station on Prince Edward Island.

What you might notice, first of all, is the gentle piano music piped in by speakers all through the park. At certain points, if you’re between speakers, the music has an echo on it and almost a disjointed quality as you travel closer to the next speaker and the sound comes into focus. The next thing you might notice is that we are alone in the park. There is a groundskeeper, and I did speak with him, but it’s actually quite a big park and he was probably down by the lake while I was shooting this. You’ll notice, as well, that he keeps the place in immaculate shape, even though there are essentially no visitors. I spent three days here, and saw a total of two lone visitors and one family.

So, now we walk down the central path, towards a clock tower that’s identified as being from Saint John. This is “Canadian World”, so there has to be some representation of something other than Prince Edward Island in it. I’m guessing this is the clock tower in front of the Market Square mall complex. I don’t recognise it. And yet it looks familiar.

In any case, this is an unedited shot. I thought, “I’ll just walk through and let the camera run and see what happens.” If you get bored and want to skip to the end, go ahead. But it’s here, just in case you wanted to see what it’s like to walk through the place.

After the clock tower, we walk for a few minutes down to the Green Gables house, which is a scale reproduction of the Green Gables house in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. I cannot communicate how strange an experience it is to walk up to this house, because it’s a place I’m extremely familiar with. Again, it’s empty. The music is still being piped through, in case someone should visit.

Seeing this house, in Japan on the other side of the world, gave me an impression of something like vertigo or feeling like I’m in a dream that resembles my own life, but some dream version of my life. Imagine one day waking up and starting your day, to discover that everything is almost the same but kind of different at the same time. Or that you’ve become a giant insect. You walk down streets that are familiar, but people are speaking a different language. You feel at home, but everything is just a little off. For me, experiencing this park felt a lot like waking up in The Village, the fictional town in the TV show The Prisoner. The thing is, I often feel like I’m in that show. But it is pretty rare to actually walk through a park that’s a fairly good replica of your own experience, with nice, calming music playing through discreetly placed speakers, and not another living person in sight. It wasn’t as extreme as, say, a scene out of Inception, in which the earth folds in on itself leaving you standing in front of this house on the other side of the world. But it’s a little like that.

Both this house and the original that it’s based on are symbols. On Prince Edward Island, it’s a house in which no people live, but has been staged as an example of the type of house that Matthew and Marilla would have lived in if they had not been fictional characters. It’s the type of house that Lucy Maud might have been inspired by, and therefore close enough to use for display purposes.

Anyway, symbol or not, imagine walking into and through a house that you’re very familiar with (your childhood home, let’s say), in a landscape that is sort of similar to something that you already know, but in Japan. Or if you’re already in Japan, try it in reverse. That is what it’s like walking up to and through the Green Gables house in Ashibetsu.

Places can mean a great deal to our identities. Something that feels significant to you can be replicated in another part of the world and experienced almost as if it were the original. Which feels strange to say, because the original is already a replica. Yes, this is confusing.

In any case, have fun taking this walking tour of Canadian World. Only small parts of this footage will make it in to the final work. But it’s here for you to take a stroll through any time you feel like visiting.

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Here’s why Oku Japan can offer clients “incredibly rewarding experiences”

Post date: May 24 2024

Date: May 24 2024

By: Kathryn Folliott

Hiroshi Kawaguchi, GM, Oku Japan

TORONTO — Japan’s popularity as a travel destination is so strong, and rising so fast, that already travel

advisors may be searching for new options for ‘been there, done that’ clients who think they’ve ‘done’ Japan after just one visit.

A bucket list destination for many people long before the pandemic, Japan saw demand soar even higher after it reopened its doors to individual travellers in October 2022.

For clients who have seen Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka and are wondering ‘what’s next?’, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, General Manager of off-the-beaten-track specialist Oku Japan has a few ideas.

Travelweek had a chance to connect with Kawaguchi to find out more …

Travelweek: Oku Japan markets itself as ‘off the beaten track Japan.’ Why did you want to showcase other parts of the country beyond the traditional favourites?

Kawaguchi: “While we understand the draw to these popular destinations, going beyond these areas can result in incredibly rewarding experiences.

“There is so much beauty in the unspoilt nature in the less-travelled regions of Japan, and endless opportunities to create genuine connections with welcoming locals excited to share their customs with visitors. We want to encourage these kinds of experiences by giving our guests the tools and resources for their adventure.”

Takachiho Gorge on Oku Japan’s Land of Fire Kyushu tour

Travelweek: Can you highlight one or two of Oku Japan’s ‘off the beaten track’ itineraries that will really wow travellers, and why?

Kawaguchi: “We offer a variety of itineraries that suit travellers depending on their preferred level of hiking and interests.

“For example, our Nara Ancient Capitals self-guided walking tour takes guests through Japan’s two oldest capitals: Asuka and Nara. As they hike ancient roads, they visit historical sites and monuments from more than 1,000 years in the past. In the evening, they stay in family-run inns and enjoy delicious homemade cuisine.

“Our guided tour, Japan’s Culinary Heritage , takes guests around Japan with one of our expert bilingual guides, sampling regional delicacies along the way.

“This is a great tour for those with an adventurous palate who may be more interested in exploring the culture of Japan through its cuisine than via the ancient hiking routes we operate on.

“Different from your standard bar-hopping tour, our tour takes guests through Japan’s culinary traditions, highlighting a combination of quintessential Japanese dishes with local food markets and opportunities to learn about the long-standing traditions behind some of Japan’s most delicious cuisine (and of course, the chance to enjoy it firsthand!).

Enjoji Temple on the Nara Ancient Capitals tour

Travelweek: What percentage of Oku Japan’s clientele would you say are first-time visitors to Japan, and is that growing or steady?

Kawaguchi: “It’s difficult to say, as we have a pretty healthy mix of visitors who have been to Japan and are now looking for something a bit deeper, along with those who are excited to incorporate a trip of ours into their wider plans to allow for visits to some of Japan’s most famous sites and stops in Japan’s charming countryside.

“Repeat visitors of Oku have also increased, with many of them coming back to Japan as both an amazing destination and also wanting to experience more of our offerings in rural Japan.”

Travelweek: Oku Japan offers self-guided, guided and custom tours. What can travellers expect with each tour style?

Kawaguchi: “As the pioneer of self-guided walking in Japan, we feel a great deal of pride in our self-guided offerings. Self-guided adventure travel is becoming more widely known and sought after, experiencing rapid growth due to increased demand, while guided tours are sort of the ‘tried and true’ trusted form of travel that remains steady.

“On our self-guided tours , guests can expect to receive support leading up to the trip, as well as our documentation that includes our ‘Travelling in Japan’ and ‘Preparing for Your Trip’ guidebooks, as well as turn-by-turn walking directions, detailed maps, and bespoke day-by-day itinerary.

“The trips provide all of the tools necessary to get around independently and allow for guests to travel at their own pace while having the security of support from Oku Japan if needed.

“Our guided tours are kept to small groups with a maximum 13 people to ensure our guests get the most out of the experience. We use licensed bilingual guides with a passion and love for sharing their culture with visitors.”

On the Michinoku Coastal Trail self-guided walking tour

Travelweek: Japan’s popularity is soaring. Are there any stats you can share that highlight Oku Japan’s success?

Kawaguchi: “Spring 2024 has been our strongest season yet. Due to the nature of the communities in which we operate, there tends to be a natural ‘cap’ on the number of visitors, which preserves the atmosphere and prevents overtourism seen in other areas of the country.

“As a result of this growth, we’ve also been able to reach out to more communities and work with them on our plans for new tours in these destinations.”

Travelweek: What commission do you offer to travel advisors, and what’s your message to Canadian travel agents with clients interested in Japan?

Kawaguchi: “Commission varies by product and payment method as travel advisors have differing methods of servicing their customers’ needs and handling payments.

Kawaguchi on the hiking trail

“In recent years we have seen much more demand and visits from Canadian travellers with us than pre-pandemic levels.

“Japan has such diverse adventure options all year round, and outside of the snowy season, there are endless opportunities to enjoy trails and nature. If travelling with us, we allow room for travellers to create a deeper connection or experience with locals along the way. These experiences are often the fondest and longest-lasting memories and experiences to take away with you.

“Experience authentic Japan with us away from overdeveloped destinations and enjoy home-cooked meals, unspoiled nature, real locals, and some of the most fulfilling outdoor experiences available.

“If you have adventure-focused and experiential-focused clientele, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more details.”

For more information see OkuJapan.com.

Tags: Japan, Lead Story

Kathryn is Editor at Travelweek and has worked for the company since 1995. She has travelled to more than 50 countries and counts Hong Kong, Jerusalem, the Swiss Alps and the Galapagos Islands among her favourite destinations.

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Japan is one of the most developed and modern countries in the world. It has cutting-edge technology such as bullet trains, yet is steeped in century-old traditions that still hold significant value.

Japan features mountainous terrain with dense forests, criss-crossed short rivers, and natural hots springs. The country enjoys four distinct seasons that provide seasonal delights like cherry blossoms in the autumn.

Stay at a traditional Japanese inn, called a ryokan , and experience warm hospitality and a glimpse into Japanese customs. Try a variety of Japanese food, including popular modern food such as ramen, Japanese-style curry and okonomiyaki , or enjoy Japan’s traditional cuisine, such as sushi and soba noodles.

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Ready for Canada? Discover how to apply for a Canadian Visa from Japan to live, work, study, or travel in the beautiful north country!

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How to Apply for a Canadian Visa from Japan

Wesley Allan

Wesley Allan has been writing professionally for over five years and about immigration for a year. With a BA in English Language and Literature and Film Studies.

How to Apply for a Canadian Visa from Japan

From the illuminated streets of Tokyo to the unspoiled wilderness and urban splendor of Canada, thousands of Japanese citizens apply for Canadian visas every year to live, work and study in the country. As a result, Japanese citizens and their families make the most of the fantastic economic opportunities available in Canada, graduate with world-recognized qualifications from the University of Toronto, among others, and enjoy a higher quality of life .

If you want to move to Canada from Japan, you'll be happy to know that Canada aims to welcome over 500,000 new immigrants annually by 2025. This means your chances of obtaining a permanent resident visa are bigger than ever!

In this article, we explore a few of the most popular Canadian visa options for Japanese citizens and their eligibility requirements to help you decide how you would like to come to Canada. Soon you may be celebrating Asian heritage month in Canada!

Can You Get a Canadian Visa from Japan?

Express Entry

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Canada's Express Entry immigration system is one of the most popular ways to get a Canadian permanent resident visa if you're a skilled worker. It can only take six to eight months to process.

How does it work? By simply creating an online Express Entry profile with information about your age, language skills, education, and work experience, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Your profile will then be entered into an Express Entry draw, which takes place every two weeks. If you score among the highest in your draw pool, you will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada!

The ideal Express Entry candidate would meet the following requirements:

Be under 30 years old.
Hold at least a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, or a Trade Certificate.
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Have at least three years of skilled work experience.

If you go the Express Entry route, you can check your CRS score using our CRS Calculator tool .

If you want to increase your CRS score to boost your chances of receiving an ITA, you can do the following:

Higher language proficiency in English and French
A Master's degree or Ph.D. education
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The family is currently residing in Canada.
An arranged employment offer from a Canadian company.
A nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program

Learn more about increasing your CRS score to improve your chances of getting an ITA here.

Provincial Nominee Programs

To permanently live and work in a specific Canadian province

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are government programs that allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate immigrants for permanent residency in Canada. Each province and territory has unique criteria and different streams with its occupation list. If you meet the PNP's requirements, you will receive a nomination certificate, improving your chances of getting an ITA from the Canada Express Entry system.

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To move to Canada to live with your loved ones.
It depends on your relationship with your sponsor, but you will likely have to pay CAD 1080.

Do you have a spouse, common-law partner, or close family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident? If so, they can sponsor you for permanent residence in Canada. Your sponsor must be:

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However, each family sponsorship program has specific requirements and conditions and is subject to annual caps on numbers.

Find out if you can be sponsored in Canada here.

Finding your way to a Canadian visa can be confusing. With so many options, you must be certain you have chosen the best visa. One of the best ways to do this is to have a full immigration evaluation by a certified immigration professional like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can help you find the right visa program and help you put together an effective strategy to maximize your chances of getting a Canadian visa from Japan.

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Japanese leisure travellers are most interested in visiting Canada between July-August (32% of travellers) and September-October (26%).

Top factors influencing Japanese leisure travellers choice to come to Canada include the opportunity to unwind, wanting to visit friends and family, and destination safety. In general, Japanese leisure travellers are most interested in participating in nature-based experiences – hiking or waking in nature, seeing mountains or waterfalls, witnessing the northern lights, visiting nature parks, and immersing themselves in fall colours. Historical sites, culinary and city themes are also popular to combine with nature-based experiences.

Travel agents and tour operators play a substantial role in supporting travel from Japan to Canada, with 89% of potential Japanese leisure visitors indicating that they are likely to use a travel agent to research or book a trip to Canada.

Preference to travel fully independently on a trip to Canada has drop (27%). Guided tours/excursions, either as part of independent travel (19%) or as fully organized group tour packages via a travel agent or tour operator (19%), are also popular types of travel for Japanese leisure travellers.

For more information on ongoing travel recovery and anticipated visitation from Japan in 2023, please refer to Destination Canada’s latest Tourism Outlook .

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In November 2019, a gain in direct air arrivals (+3%) balanced a contraction in air arrivals via the US (-10%)

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The Cost of Travel in Japan: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

It took me six years to get to Japan.

I didn’t think I could afford it.

Every time I seriously looked into visiting, I would wince at the high cost of the train passes, read about how the hotels were super-expensive, and then fly to Vietnam instead. Or Taiwan. Or even Australia. Japan was simply too expensive for a budget traveller, so I decided to save it for when I was rich.

With that not happening any time soon, I decided to blow my money anyway, because I wanted to go and the gushing blog posts from travel writer friends had convinced me it would be worth the splurge.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I discovered that it really wasn’t that expensive.

I arrived in Japan fully expecting it to be the priciest country I’ve ever been to, but I discovered it’s more on a par with Western Europe or North America, and cheaper than Australia. It was way more affordable than Namibia , where my daily expenses came to $132, and way, way, way more affordable than the Democratic Republic of the Congo , where I averaged, um, $550 a day.

Anyway! This is about the cost of travel in Japan rather than my poor financial decisions, so let’s get started!

My 16-Day Japan Itinerary

Here’s a brief rundown of where I visited over my 16 days in the country — I think I managed to put together the perfect itinerary for first-time travellers to Japan .

Tokyo: 4 nights Hakone: 1 night Yudanaka: 1 night Kanazawa: 2 nights Takayama: 1 night Kyoto: 3 nights Hiroshima: 1 night Osaka: 3 nights

What’s Included in this Post

This budget breakdown covers how much I spent on accommodation, transportation, activities, food, and whichever miscellaneous items popped up while I was in country.

I’ve not included my flights into and out of Japan because this is going to vary significantly based on where you’ll be arriving from. In case you’re interested, though, I paid $320 for a return flight from Rome to Tokyo, which I scored through browsing my favourite site for flight bargains, Secret Flying .

The amounts in this guide are listed in Japanese Yen and U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S. And finally, these are the three rules I always abide by on this site:

I do not accept sponsored trips, so everything listed in this post is something I personally paid for with my own money
I travel anonymously to ensure my experiences accurately reflect what yours will be. I don’t want special treatment!
Every single word of this article was written by me, based on all of my own experiences. I strictly do not use AI to compose my guides.

Okay — let’s get started with my expenses.

The Cheapest Accommodation Options in Japan

Like practically every country in the world, prices in Japan have increased post-pandemic.

In 2024, you’ll be paying a little more for everything than you would have done a few years ago — in fact, prices almost doubled between my first trip in 2017 and today! — however costs are still on a par with most Western countries. Travel in Japan shouldn’t be too devastating to your travel budget.

I’ll start on the lower end of the spectrum. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, it’s possible to avoid paying for accommodation entirely.

Couchsurfing exists in Japan and allows you to stay with a local for free , usually sleeping on their sofa and enjoying a local’s insight into life in their country. Yeah, it’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget’s tight, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it. You can browse through the 300,000+ Japanese hosts on the Couchsurfing site — just be sure to read the references of anybody you choose to stay with.

Housesitting is a more upmarket option, aimed at mid-range and luxury travellers. Housesitting involves taking care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, often (but not always) looking after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees, as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you’ll need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, though, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while. Trusted Housesitters is the main site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

Finally, when it comes to free accommodation, you could take a look at WorldPackers in Japan , where you’ll be able to volunteer for locals in exchange for food and board. There are some seriously cool options available on the site right now, from helping harvest honey for a bee farm in the countryside to lending a hand in the garden of a Buddhist temple. Readers of this site get a $10 discount for WorldPackers with the promo code neverendingfootsteps .

If you’re not looking to travel for free and just want a clean and comfortable room to sleep in, there are plenty of great budget options, too.

And then we have hostels . In Japan, you’ll come across hostels all over the country, finding them on tiny islands, large cities, and even within the national parks. They’re one of your best options for saving money.

Hostels in Japan are on a par with the rest of major cities in East Asia, and you can expect to spend $25 a night for a dorm bed for a well-reviewed hostel, with the price increasing slightly to around $45 a night for the absolute best of the best.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you’ll be looking at $50 a night for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with friends or with your partner, you may find it cheaper to grab some privacy over settling for two beds in a dorm room. $90 a night will get you an exceptionally well-reviewed private room in a hostel.

I use HostelWorld to find the cheapest hostels, as they tend to have the greatest number of listings at the lowest prices.

And then there are hotels, which I’m going to jump into next.

The Cost of Accommodation in Japan

There are so many different types of accommodation in Japan! I attempted to experience as many as possible while I was in the country.

I stayed in a capsule hotel, prioritised hunting down a ryokan, slept on a tatami mat floor, stayed in family-run guesthouses, and checked out some pretty cool hostels. While I did attempt to save money by staying in some cheaper places, I was also happy to splurge on extremely well-rated rooms, too.

As always with these budget breakdowns, I like to share the prices of where I personally stayed, along with a description of the property and whether I’d recommend choosing it, too — hopefully this helps make your trip planning easier!

I visited Japan with my partner, Dave, and we travelled on a mid-range budget; searching out good value accommodation that was highly-rated and in a central location. We prioritised locally-run properties that weren’t too flashy or fancy; for us, a cosy vibe, unique furnishings, and welcoming staff are far more important than the generic decor of a hotel chain.

(Oh and just a quick note: hotels do charge different prices across a range of dates, depending on how busy a certain travel period is going to be. Because of this, it’s hard to be super accurate in the costs that I list. To get to the quoted prices below, though, I looked at the rates across the next six months and took the average: it could be slightly cheaper or more expensive, depending on when you’re visiting.)

Tokyo: $135 a night Odds are, you’re probably going to kick off your Japan adventures in Tokyo, and if so, it only makes sense to really throw yourself into the local experience. That’s why we decided to stay at this lovely onsen-ryokan in Shinjuku. (Whenever readers ask me which neighbourhood to choose in Tokyo, I always recommend Shinjuku or Shibuya.) The reason why I loved this specific property, though, is because it’s a ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn) that also has an onsen (hot pool). It’s a great way to jump immediately into all things Japanese.

And it was wonderful; my favourite hotel in the country. The rooms were small and cosy and felt super-traditional and calming. The views over Tokyo at night from the window were incredible. And the rooftop onsen? With free popsicles afterwards? So good. It’s located in a quieter neighbourhood, but still only a 10-minute walk to the subway. I really recommend this one!

Hakone: $80 a night In Hakone, we opted for a private room in a lovely guesthouse , with a tatami mat floor to sleep on and a private onsen on-site. The photo of the tatami mat room above is of our room here. It ended up being another one of our favourite stays in Japan! The staff were lovely and there was a restaurant/bar that served up fantastic pizzas. It had a cosy and chilled-out atmosphere, with great food and wine, and lots of blankets to snuggle up with as we ate. It was also worth staying here just to experience the private onsen — we got to go in as a couple!

Yudanaka: $105 per night In Yudanaka, we opted for a stay in a wonderful little ryokan ; this one was even more traditional than the one in Tokyo! Often, ryokans can be super-expensive in Japan — as much as $500 a night for the experience — so I was thrilled to have stumbled across a more budget option in Yudanaka. It was run by an adorable Japanese couple and their house came with a private onsen, return transport to see the snow monkeys , and one of the most extravagant meals of my life. A kaiseki is a multi-course (like, 20 courses) meal that will see you eating roughly a week’s worth of food in a single night, sampling fresh, local-to-the-region Japanese cuisine. It was phenomenal, and I loved having no idea what anything was. It even included homemade plum wine, which was so good! I highly recommend the experience (although strongly advise you not to add breakfast to your booking — we were still so full that we couldn’t eat any of it!)

Kanazawa: $65 per night Kanazawa is home to some seriously cool accommodation! We had a hard time choosing where to stay because every property looked so cosy and inviting. In the end, we settled on this minimalist, modern set-up — it was great value for money relative to most other places we stayed in Japan, especially when you consider it’s only been open a year. It’s in a great location, right outside Omicho Market, where you’ll sample the best sushi of your life. Also within walking distance is Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Garden, so you’re really staying in the heart of it all. I recommend signing up for the traditional Japanese breakfast, as you’ll likely not have had anything else like it before! There’s also an onsen and laundry facilities (always appreciated mid-trip!), and the staff were so sweet and kind.

Takayama: $76 per night In Takayama, we stayed in a small, locally-run guesthouse in the centre of town. It felt like particularly good value for Japan, as it was one of the few places we stayed that you could describe as spacious! It even had a kitchen and washing machine. The beds were comfortable and the hotel was within walking distance of everywhere, including the train station. It was quiet, the staff were lovely, and overall, it made for a comfortable stay!

Kyoto: $84 a night In Kyoto, we stayed in a cosy hotel in the heart of town — we loved this place so much in 2017 that when we returned to Japan this year, we knew we’d have to stay there again! The property was in a fantastic location for exploring Kyoto and the bathrooms were nicer than anywhere else we stayed. It’s one of the top-rated guesthouses in the city — while also being one of the cheapest — so when you take that into consideration, I’m convinced you won’t find anywhere better to stay in Kyoto.

Hiroshima: $40 per bed In Hiroshima, we opted for a capsule-style hostel because I didn’t want to leave the country without trying one — you can see a photo of the “capsule” at the top of this section. Fortunately, we found ourselves in a room with only two other people staying there, so our capsule room with 20-odd beds was light on snorers. The owner of this place was ridiculously lovely and it was within walking distance of all of the monuments and activities. Really great bathrooms, a fun common area, and a cheap price: surprisingly, I would have stayed another night!

Osaka: $108 a night I rounded off my time in Japan with a little bit of a treat, opting for this four-star hotel that offered a ton of freebies. It’s all about the onsen here — it’s open all day and is simply beautiful. After you’ve finished your daily bathe, there’s free ice cream to eat, free comics to read, massage chairs to relax in, and even free ramen to slurp on. Yes, really! It was in a great location for Osaka — just a couple of blocks from the nearest metro station. The decor was calming and traditional; the perfect way to say goodbye to Japan.

In total, I spent an average of $97 per day on accommodation over my 16 days in Japan.

The Cost of Transportation in Japan

Okay, so let’s talk about transportation now. And specifically transportation post-2024.

It used to be the case that practically every visitor to Japan would invest in a JR pass (a train pass that grants you unlimited rides over a certain time period). After all, the best way to explore this country is by train, and by buying said rail pass, you’d be saving a significant amount of money on your trip — especially if you were taking a similar route to my one. A JR Pass pre-October 2023 would have saved me a whopping $175 over buying individual train tickets.

Seems like a no brainer, right?

In October 2023, the Japan Rail Pass skyrocketed in price. No exaggeration here: prices increased by an incredible 70% .

What a baffling decision.

What that means is that it’s not such a clear-cut decision anymore. The Japan Rail Pass still holds some benefits: If you’re a first-time visitor to Japan and don’t feel too confident about buying multiple single-journey train tickets, the pass will make it a lot easier: you just show it at any station and get on a train. You won’t need to worry about any extra charges and will have the flexibility to take train-based day trips whenever you want.

For most travellers, however, the value proposition is simply no longer there. For example, my recent 16-day itinerary (Tokyo – Hakone – Tokyo – Nagano – Kanazawa – Takayama – Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto – Hiroshima – Osaka) cost me 50,000 Yen ( $350 ) with single tickets. However, a 14 day rail pass is priced at 80,000 Yen ( $530 )!

Alas, the Japan Rail Pass is no longer something I recommend — unless you’re going to be taking enormous, lengthy rail journeys (like across the whole country) in a short period of time. Alternatively, if you do want that added sense of security and ease by not having to juggle a dozen train ticket bookings, you may find the extra price worth it.

So with all that being said: you’re most likely going to be using the JR West website to book your single train tickets online. This covers the entirety of Japan that’s west of Tokyo (all of the places I visited were west) and allows you to book your train tickets all in one place — and then you can reserve a seat on said train one month before its departure date. Honestly, it’s pretty easy to use, book, and reserve — and being able to do it all online means you can get everything sorted before you step foot in the country.

Let’s take a look at the some of the prices that a typical train journey in Japan costs — in this case I’ll use my itinerary mentioned above to plot out the costs:

Tokyo – Hakone: 2,500 Yen ( $17 ) Hakone – Tokyo: 2,500 Yen ( $17 ) Tokyo – Nagano: 7,500 Yen ( $50 ) Nagano – Kanazawa: 8,500 Yen ( $57 ) Kanazawa – Takayama: 5,000 Yen ( $33 ) Takayama – Kyoto: 9,000 Yen ( $60 ) Kyoto – Nara: 700 Yen ( $5 ) Nara – Kyoto: 700 Yen ( $5 ) Kyoto – Hiroshima: 10,500 Yen ( $70 ) Hiroshima – Osaka: 10,000 Yen ( $67 )

So if you were to replicate my Japan route exactly, you would end up spending $381 on rail tickets. It sounds like a lot of money but I do want to stress that the trains in Japan are some of the best in the world. They’re spotless, comfortable, modern, and lightning-fast. You will feel like you’re travelling in luxury.

If you’re not down to spend hundreds of dollars on trains, then the buses are going to be your best option. They’re cheaper, slower, less comfortable, often run overnight, and are complicated to book. The best sites I’ve found for booking long-distance buses is Willer Express and Japan Bus Online — but even they don’t run buses for several of the routes I took on my trip.

I thought it would be a good idea to share the cost of buses for the trip I took, so that you can compare them to the train and see how much money you could save.

Tokyo – Hakone: 2,250 Yen ( $15 ) Hakone – Tokyo: 1,800 Yen ( $12 ) Tokyo – Nagano: 2,200 Yen ( $15 ) Nagano – Kanazawa: No bus for this route Kanazawa – Takayama: 3,300 Yen ( $22 ) Takayama – Kyoto: 3,800 Yen ( $25 ) Kyoto – Nara: No bus for this route Nara – Kyoto: No bus for this route Kyoto – Hiroshima: 4,300 Yen ( $29 ) Hiroshima – Osaka: 4,000 Yen ( $27 )

As you can, see prices are generally around half what they are for the trains. You’d be looking at paying $212 in total for taking the bus, with three trains replacing the routes where I couldn’t find any existing buses.

We’ve covered the main ways to get in between the destinations, so now it’s time to take a look at how much you could spend on transportation within the cities.

Fortunately, this was where I found Japan to be really affordable. I love to explore cities on foot and I found many of the places I visited to be surprisingly walkable. In total, I spent $6 on the metro in Tokyo, $7 on the metro in Osaka, and $2 on the metro in Kyoto! Everywhere else, I just walked.

A reasonably big expense was our Hakone Free Pass (spoiler: not free), although this was more of a combined transportation and activity cost. At a cost of 6,100 Yen, or $41 , It provides you with unlimited transport around Hakone (where you’ll find Mount Fuji), and discounted entrance to all the attractions in town. If you’re going to Hakone, this will save you money because it covers everything you’ll definitely do there.

The Cost of Food in Japan

If you love Japanese food but have yet to travel to its homeland, you have such a treat in store for you. The food in this country is phenomenal; packed full of flavour and surprisingly inexpensive. It’s true: eating out is the easiest way for you to cut costs in Japan.

In fact, the vast majority of my meals in this country came to less than ¥1000 ($6.50) .

I’ll start first by breaking down the typical costs that you can expect to spend on the most well-known of Japanese dishes. Then, I’ll cover what you’ll be likely to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with the costs associated with each of these meals. Finally, I’ll round out the section off by sharing some of my favourite food experiences in the country and describe which options are worth a splurge and which ones you can happily skip.

You can’t think of Japan without picturing sushi, so that feels like the most logical place to start. If you eat fish, this is going to be such a revelation for you! The sushi and sashimi in Japan is better than any I’ve had in the world and it was here that I finally understood how raw fish could ever be described as buttery.

To combine your sushi/sashimi-eating with a cultural experience, head to Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo or Omicho Market in Kanazawa. For a bowl filled with a selection of sashimi, like in my photo above, you’ll pay between ¥1,800 and ¥4,000 , depending on the size and quality of the fish. That’s the equivalent of $12-$25 .

Slurping on a steaming bowl of ramen is my personal definition of a true travel joy, so I opted for this cheap and cheerful dish most evenings as a way to save money. Note: the ramen in Japan is incredible , so don’t interpret my frugality as a hardship. Once you’ve tried the ramen here, I’d be surprised if you didn’t immediately start planning a return visit.

One of my favourite aspects of ordering ramen in Japan is how you’re given the option to customise the dish to your own tastes. It’s not uncommon to be handed a small slip of paper where you’ll get to mark down all of your preferences. Do you want your broth to be rich or light? Your noodles to be firm or soft? Added spiciness or none at all? Extra spring onion? A hard- or soft-boiled egg? Most options come out to ¥1000 ($6.50) for a bowl of pork ramen.

Speaking of cheap and delicious food options, I highly recommend sampling a couple of versions of okonomiyaki while you’re in town. This savoury pancake dish is so delicious, extremely filling, and inexpensive at just ¥1000 ($6.50) – ¥1500 ($10) . The cities of Osaka and Hiroshima each offer up their very own version of okonomiyaki and strong opinions are held by many over which is best! If you’ll be heading to both destinations, make sure you try one of each and let me know which is your favourite.

A dish that I tried for the first time while I was in Japan was Japanese curry and what a wonderful experience that turned out to be! In comparison to Indian curries, I found the Japanese version to be richer, sweeter, and less creamy, with plenty of umami vibes. Once more, you can expect to pay ¥1000 ($6.50) for a plate of katsu (pork cutlet) curry.

One of the most delightful aspects of my Japanese eating experiences was sampling all of the different snacks in the country.

Street snacks like takoyaki were ¥500 ($4.50) . We splurged on our kaiseki experience at our guesthouse in Yudanaka and paid ¥4000 ($36) for our food extravaganza. It’s a budget option compared to many other kaisekis, which can easily come to $100 for the experience, but still our most expensive meal. Another splurge was on sushi in Kanazawa, which I paid ¥2000 ($18) for.

Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, it’s essentially impossible to eat badly in Japan. If you’re on a really tight budget, you can even get surprisingly decent food from 7-Eleven !

My total cost of food in Japan averaged out to $23.20 per day.

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in Japan

Activities and entrance fees in Japan were very reasonably priced, and I never found myself outraged over the cost of anything. You’ll typically pay less than $5 to enter most temples, museums, and gardens.

Here’s how I spread my cash around:

Entrance fee for the hedgehog cafe in Tokyo: $13/1400¥ Entrance to the Snow Monkey Park : $7/800¥ Entrance to Kenroku-en gardens in Kanazawa: $3/310¥ Entry to the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto: $3/300¥ Entry to Ryoan-ji zen garden in Kyoto: $5/500¥ Ticket for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial: $2/200¥

My total cost of activities in Japan averaged out to $2 a day.

Miscellaneous Expenses in Japan

A local SIM card: $14

I mentioned above that I was able to buy a local SIM card when I purchased my rail pass. If you aren’t going to be using a rail pass in Japan, I recommend taking a look at Airalo instead. Airalo is a company that sells local e-SIM cards for travellers. What that means is that you can buy a virtual SIM card online before you arrive in Japan, and then as soon as you land in the country, can switch on your data and start using it.

It’s worked flawlessly for me and I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. It’s just so easy! You’ll pay $6 for 1 GB of data or $14 for 3 GB for Japan and can also top-up through the Airalo app.

If you’re going down the Airalo route, just make sure your phone is e-SIM compatible first (all recent iPhones and many Androids are).

Insight Guides guidebook to Japan: $10

My sister bought me this guidebook as a gift before I left for Japan and at first I was like, Insight Guides? Meh. I wish she’d got me the Lonely Planet instead. Then when I opened it up and started reading, I swiftly discovered that Insight Guides are my new favourite guidebook company. It was so, so useful!

What I love about Insight is that their books focus heavily on the history and culture of Japan, with big, beautiful pictures, tons of information about local customs, food, and how to travel responsibly and respectfully. I recommend picking up a copy before your trip to Japan, but not taking it to the country with you — they’re big and heavy, so this is one for inspiration, planning, and education.

Luggage storage at Snow Monkey Park near Yudanaka: ¥500 ($4.50)

We had our backpacks with us when we visited the snow monkeys, so utilised the on-site storage facility while we hiked up the mountain in the snow. You can also hire snow shoes and winter gear if you’re unprepared for the climb, but I was fine in my totally impractical sneakers.

Travel insurance for 16 days in Japan: $60

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use SafetyWing as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to the Japan. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay $1.50 a day for travel insurance.

How I Track My Expenses While I Travel

Every time I share my expenses, you guys always want to know how on earth I manage to keep track of so many details from my travels!

Because Never Ending Footsteps is my company, the vast majority of my travel expenses are business expenses. I therefore studiously record everything I spend everywhere I go. I take photos of every receipt I receive and use Xero accounting software to record these expenses. In cases where I can’t get a receipt, I’ll take a photo of the price list and my ticket or food, or something as evidence.

Once a week, I then sit down and spend an hour or so uploading my receipts to Xero and making note of every penny I spent in each country I visit. It makes writing these posts super easy!

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Japan?

It’s time to tally up all of my expenses to see my total travel costs!

Accommodation: $97 per day Transportation: $27 per day Food: $23 per day Activities/Entrance Fees: $2 per day Miscellaneous: $2 per day

Average amount spent in Japan: $151 a day!

I don’t know about you, but given Japan’s pricey reputation, I’m fairly impressed with the amount I spent in the country, especially as I included quite a few splurges in there.

How about you? How expensive were you expecting a trip to Japan to be?

Related Articles on Japan 🇯🇵 What’s it Like to Travel in Japan? 🏯 How to Spend Two Weeks in Japan: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 🍣 15 Weird and Wonderful Things to Eat in Japan 🎌 23 Incredible Things to Do in Osaka, Japan 🗼 21 Spectacular Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan 😎 Hipster Harajuku: The Coolest Neighbourhood in Tokyo 🦔 Should You Go to a Hedgehog Cafe? My Experience in Japan 🐒 Why Seeing the Snow Monkeys in Japan Sucked

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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106 comments.

Wow! that’s amazing. I especially got fascinated seeing the capsule hotel…must have been a unique experience.

It was surprisingly cosy! I would totally stay in one again.

Thank you so much for your information. We will go to Japan in October 2023 for 1 month. Have paid fully for 16 days. Using your guides to budget the remaining 2 weeks. Thanks again.

This is great! Do you think it would be much more expensive in summer or any of the peak holiday seasons? I’m going over July this year and wondering if the prices change much with the seasons.

Wow! That’s quite an eye-opener! I’ve wanted to visit Japan for years, and this has certainly nudged me a little closer, as I assumed it was expensive too. The costs seem much better than I found in Amsterdam this spring! (my boyfriend still gets a thousand-yard stare when I mention how much we paid for drinks in one bar.)

Yay! Yeah, it really did feel about the same price as Western Europe, if not cheaper. The transportation is more expensive, but the food was cheaper in Japan.

This is super awesome! I, too, was under the impression that Japan was a super expensive place to visit! Good to know that you can save so much on accommodation and activities! Are you going to be posting about food in Japan? My knowledge of what to eat there is very minimal…

Yes! I published a guide to my favourite things to eat in the country last week: https://www.neverendingfootsteps.com/best-food-japan/

Ditto for here in New Zealand Lauren. All said it would be expensive. But we house sat – rent-free – and saw that food and travel are on par or cheaper than New Jersey. We also saw that virtually all things are cheaper than folks said. Methinks many labeling Japan and NZ as expensive as can be are used to paying $1 for lunch in Chiang Mai LOL. Budget folks see all Western lands as expensive. Granted I am from NJ; living by NYC makes for a high cost of living. But not bad at all, living in these lands.

Yeah, definitely true. I know that when I wrote off Japan as being too expensive, it was in the early days of my travels, when I could only afford to live in Southeast Asia!

Loving the posts about Japan so far. Do you have many more articles planned? I’ve a trip booked in November and this has been the most useful of the blogs so far for help in planning – thank you. Although I’ve had to cut the hedgehog cafe off my plans after reading your article as I hadn’t quite considered the ethics enough!

Yes! So many. I’ll probably post another half a dozen or more over the next few weeks :-)

I always assumed Japan to be very expensive. Thanks to your blog I don’t anymore. Cheers!

This is all very useful info! I’m impressed with your budgeting skills. Awesome, Thanks for sharing this!

Ha! Thank you :-) It comes naturally (finally) after seven years of doing this.

Great article. I’m planning a visit for early 2025 to go with my grandson … was the budget breakdown for one person or a couple … because you mentioned going with your partner?

The accommodation prices are the total cost of the room (rather than just my share), while the transportation, food, and activities are all my share of the costs.

Fantastic article. Love your budget posts because you never leave anything out.

I try not to! Thanks so much :-)

Beautiful photos, Japan look amazing and thank you for sharing your budget tips as well. :)

No problem! :-)

Thank you so much for this! I’m going to Japan in September and I’ve been worrying about my budget. This has definitely put my mind at rest!

Yay! Happy to hear that :-)

I’m so happy that you have posted so much lately, you’re my favourite travel blog and I check this page a lot more often now that the pace of the posts has increased :)

Thank you! :-) I’m aiming to stick to a three-times-a-week posting schedule now that I have a base and more time to dedicate to writing.

This is so much cheaper than I expected. Do you have any idea about prices for solo travellers though? Would I have to pay for a double room most of the time (apart from dorm beds of course)?

No, lots of hotels and guesthouses have single rooms, so you wouldn’t need to pay out for two people very often, if at all.

Thanks, that’s good to know!

Very useful breakdown that would be very helpful for first-timers to Japan.

Just to share, one of my own major expenditure in JP is … vending machine contribution! I simply can’t resist them and can end up buying seven times a day. “P

Yes! I couldn’t believe how many vending machines there were in the country, as well as the variety of things you could buy from them.

Hello! This is a very timely article for me to read as I’m actually going to visit Japan for a week on September. I really love Japan’s culture and their people. There are a lot of places that I want to visit and a lot of things I want to do but I am on a strict budget. Hopefully, your article would be able to help me fix my budgeting for my trip to Japan.

I hope so! I really didn’t find it horrendously expensive, so I think you’ll be surprised by how much you can do there for free.

I love your budget posts because they give me such a good idea of how much I can expect to spend in places around the world. Are you thinking of doing them for everywhere you visit?

That’s my plan! I’m slowly working my way through my records and adding more and more to the site.

Hey, thanks so much! :-)

I’ve planed to visit Japan next year, Thank you for sharing your budget, I’ll try to not exceed 100$/day, following your information on this post.

Have a fantastic trip, Ingrid! :-)

Which month you visited Japan? I am thinking for Cherry blossom (April 2019) and everything is coming up too expensive. Are those above for cherry blossom season you visited?

Ah yeah, unfortunately, the cherry blossom season is the most expensive time of year to visit Japan. I was there in December, so prices will be higher than the ones mentioned in this post. I’ll add that detail to my post now!

I was under the impression that Japan was a super expensive place to visit! Good to know that you can save so much on accommodation and activities! This article includes all the places you can visit in Japan and their expenses. It is very educative and it can be improved by providing expenses in INR. Thank you for posting this useful information.

Thank you! I usually just price these articles in the local currency and USD, which is where the vast majority of my readers are located. If I started including currencies for everyone, the post would quickly get ridiculous :-)

Seems a dumb question, but I’m assuming all the values are in USD, is it correct?

Yep! I write at the start of the post: “The amounts in this guide are listed in Japanese Yen and U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S.”

That is a very good breakdown cost analysis there. i am planning to go to japan as well with my wife. and planning to stay for 10 days only. 4 in tokyo 3 in kyoto and 3 in osaka. i like to idea of 100 aud / day it’s a good target to keep but i guess the expense on buying cloths and souvenir would be uncontrollable though i heard things in japanese is not that dear if you know where to shop and avoid tourist trap. i didn’t see you mention buying internet data in advance ? or i missed it somewhere. i guess the expense for a couple will be double up. but i guess 3000 aud for 2 people is unavoidable.

amazing detailed guide

You’re welcome!

I’m so glad I found your website! I love the detail and photos. I just booked a trip to Japan with my boyfriend for this upcoming October, and your site will be very helpful. Question: do most hostels and accommodations that you experienced have you sleeping solo? I’m wondering if I should expect to sleep in a separate area than my partner for most of the trip…

Hi Lauren, Thanks for such a detailed description of your time in Japan! I’m going to Japan October this year with my wife and my major concern is how you managed to book sleeping pods for you and your boyfriend as almost all accommodations are either “male only” or “female only” from the options I’ve seen so far. Did you have to get separate beds for those nights?

Yeah, the capsule hotel-style accommodation is all single beds. You can see in my photo in this post that there’s not much room for anybody else!

My wife and I are heading to Japan in mid May and I plan to use your itinerary.

Would it be possible for you to write something about the travel logistics if you can remember them – ie to get from Tokyo to Mt Fuji we booked the following train, leaving at…from the following platform which took X hours and arrived at Mt Fuji at. We then bought our day pass from….and ……..

This would be really helpful to me and other independent travellers – from where did you buy your JR pass and how did you book your individual train rides?

Cheers Paul

Oh, man. That would take me hours and hours to put together and I’m sure times and platforms change so it would be impossible for me to keep the information up-to-date and accurate.

I recommend downloading the mobile app Hyperdia — you can plan your train travel out using that. Just enter in your destinations and it will tell you which train to take and from which platform. Super easy to use! :-)

The site I used to buy the JR Pass is this one . I booked the other train tickets in person at the stations when I arrived — there weren’t many that weren’t covered by the rail pass. Just the small regional ones to get to and from Yudanaka, I think.

Hello Lauren, I love the details in your blog. Your expenses were for 1 or 2 people?

I cover that at the start of the blog post: “And finally, these are the expenses I paid while travelling with my boyfriend. That means that accommodation prices (with the exception of the dorm bed in Hiroshima) have been halved to indicate my share.”

Great super helpful article. THANK YOU!

Hi Lauren, Thanks so much for this article, it is so helpful!!! on which dates did you fly to japan? what dates are you recommending on?

I spent the first two weeks of December in Japan. I’d recommend looking at May or September as the best months to travel there.

Hi Lauren I’d love your advice. I’m traveling with my 22yr old daughter to celebrate her graduation and my birthday. I booked the first two nights a hotel in Tokyo and then figured we would VRBO or Airbnb but after reading your post it looks like things have changed. I love the idea of the capsule hotels and the standard tatami mat rooms look enchanting. So how do I search for either? We’d like to experience both for the trip. oh by the way, I’m a traveler too, let me know where in the world are you now. Perhaps we can meet up and collaborate, I do video production, just got back from Colorado and am going to Cancun in June.looking forward to hearing back from you, Peace and Love always, “L” oh let’s connect on IG

Just book them through Booking.com — no need to go to any specific site. I’m in Bristol, in the UK. I actually don’t have an Instagram account — it wasn’t doing good things for my mental health, so I deleted it :-)

G’day Lauren,

Loved your detailed description of your travels through Japan. However; I’m not so brave as you travelling around on my own, especially with the language problem. I am a single traveler from Bangalore, India and would love to spend 7-8 days in Japan, with my journey starting and ending in Tokyo, reasonably priced hotels or local hostels, but preferably single accommodation, if possible. (willing to pay extra).

I love train travel and Japan is one of the best places to do that..your take on that would be appreciated. If you feel, I meet your requirements, would love to get an itinerary and costing for my 7-8 day stay in Japan.

Hello! I am really curious on how you got a 14 days pass JR for only 420$, from where I am from (Canada) it is 567!

If you click the link in the post, you can buy it through there. It’s currently listed for 414 USD.

$95/day seems cheaper than what I had expected – is that a tight budget? What can you do more with $150/day? I’d prefer to spend that extra on living in nice hotels + do more activities. Does that seem possible with $150/day?

No, not really. It was a mid-range budget and all of the hotels we stayed in were nice — I made zero effort to stick to a tight budget.

Hope you’re well. I’m wondering if you still advise from not booking Airbnb for Tokyo? Thanks.

Until moments ago, I had always assumed Japan to be too expensive to even consider. Never thought the cost of activities and entrance fees would be so cheap. This is an encouraging article, thanks, Lauren!

Really remarkable post, Lauren. Extremely thorough and helpful. I’m looking to plan a trip to Japan soon and stumbled across your blog. As you clearly hoped from city-to-city, (this may be a silly question) what did you do with your luggage on a day-to-day basis?

Thanks for any insight.

Oh, just left it in my hotels. If I spent less than a full day somewhere, it was visited as a day trip, so I didn’t take my luggage with me. And then whenever I arrived somewhere, I’d time my arrival with the check-in time of the hotel, drop my bags first, then head out exploring.

great article! As I have said in the past you always put out great stuff that’s very valuable information.

I just came across your website when searching for trips for Japan for my son. I have to say I am really so happy and want to thank you so much for the information. My eldest son has been taking Japan as a language course for the last 3 years and was looking forward to trying to get into the high school Japan trip in end of july beginning of August 2020. He also wanted to go to TUJ(Temple University Japan).

However, because of the olympics the high school Japan trip has been canceled for 2020. Unfortunately, he will be a senior next year so the 2021 high school program will not be available for him. Plus going to olympics are so expensive. If you can give me any advice, I would greatly appreciate. Thank you so much in advance for your time!!!

What advice do you need? About what?

Hi Lauren, I really liked you post and I think is really helpful. When exactly did you go in Japan? We have to change our plans for next February (previous planned for Philippines but to risky for my wife pregnancy) and we consider to go in Japan instead. So, do you think it is good idea travelling in Japan in February? Thank you and advance.

I went during the first half of December. As long as you keep in mind that it’ll be pretty cold (5-10 celsius), I think it’s a great time of year, as it won’t be as crowded as peak season.

is it favorable to use credit card or cash is much preferred? thanks

Hi. Thank you for the information! I am so inspired to go to Japan now. My mom who was from Japan, always told me it’s too expensive to go back and visit. I am now 56 and it has been my lifelong dream to go. My husband and I will go with backpacks like we did when we were younger and before having kids. Is October a good time to go? I read September can be humid. I want to follow your itinerary for the most part. My mom lived in Kanazawa. My heart is full right now and my eyes are misty. Thank you for making my dream a little bit closer.

Hey Lauren!

Thank you so much for the information. I actually got invited on a delegation to go to Japan this evening and am trying to get the average cost to travel in the country. Obviously, your trip was on a very impressive budget. I have two questions, 1. Based on the $95/day over the course of your 16-day trip, would it be right to say that (flight included) you only paid ~$1,600 for your entire trip? 2. Would you say for a trip including cultural experiences, transportation and stays in nice hotels for a week, a grand total of $3,700 is reasonable?

In advance, I appreciate your advice on this!

Hi Lauren, Are you able to name all the accomodations you stayed with? I would like to visit Japan next year on a very tight budget. Thanks.

Yes, they’re already linked in the post along with the reviews of them under the accommodation section.

Hi Lauren. I’m debating spending 5 nights in Osaka and doing day trips to kyoto, nara and himeji castle. (I have hotel points where i can stay at osaka). Based on your experience – is that ok? or is better to stay 2 nights in Osaka and 3 nights in kyoto. There is a lot of different opinions online, thought id ask you if you think i’d be missing out on anything if staying in osaka. The one plus is i can save some money if using points and also staying in 1 location for 5 nights vs packing and moving to another location. Thanks so much for your posts!

Hey i found this really helpful but I’ve been planning to visit japan for a while and have hopes of going after i graduate high school. With some research i found that the JR pass isn’t needed if you’re just staying in one city. How much do you think i would spend on transportation for 2 weeks in Tokyo? Will it come out to more than what you spent or less?

Definitely less! You can walk to a lot of places, but otherwise the metro won’t cost much at all — a dollar or two per trip.

Would you be able to give recommendations for food places in Kyoto that are affordable.

Hi Lauren. Came across your site on a Google search for budget travel. It convinced e that a trip to Japan is affordable. Never have done international travel and would like your advice on a couple of things. 1. What is the best way to pack? Do I have to just use a back pack? 2. Can I use a credit card or should cash be used? 3. Can I get cell phone coverage in Japan.

Thanks, you site is great!

1) I prefer to travel with a backpack, but you’ll do okay with a suitcase, too. I personally find backpacks easier for navigating train stations, as you don’t have to drag it up and down stairs, etc. It doesn’t really matter either way, though. Depending on how long you’ll be staying there, I usually pack for a week no matter how long my trip is, then do laundry once a week.

2) Japan is mostly cash-based, so plan for lots of trips to the ATM. I didn’t find many places that accepted cards, although I also wasn’t looking very hard either.

3) Yep, you can pick up a local SIM card at the airport when you arrive. I bought mine through the rail pass company I link to in this blog post, but you can also just buy one when you arrive. Super easy to do and they’ll get it set up for you in the shop, too.

Love your posts! have been browsing but when I stumbled upon your page found it really helpful! Planning for Japan and Singapore so finding both blogs is perfect timing :) We are still not sure if the JRpass will help us- when we did calculation for the main routes we are going it resulted not worth it, however then not sure if we will require any additional rails/trains in between these. Tokyo>Hakone>Kyoto> Osaka without returning back… your input will be appreciated :) P.S. Feel free to visit the island of Malta, my home country

Wooow !! This is amazing , My wife and I have been planning to visit japan and we always had a misconception that Japan is expensive to visit .. This is a great blog .. So the overall cost including your flight tickets and local travel in japan would cost around 2500 $ per person ?

This was so incredibly helpful! Normally I don’t find myself reading entire articles but yours was so informational and in depth. Thank you so much for helping me get an idea of how much I would roughly spend!

Ah, no problem! Thanks for reading, and I’m glad you found it useful :-)

I super love this article Lauren! I thoroughly enjoyed it. When all is well and my country allows us to travel again, this is going to be on my top 3 places to visit (the 1st 2 will be diving spots as I’m a freediver). I made sure to bookmark this page for reference. Again, thank you for writing this. One question though, when you say $ do you mean USD?

Yep, USD! “The amounts in this guide are listed in Japanese Yen and U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S.”

How much did you spend on transportation in Tokyo? I mean if you hadn’t had the JR Pass? How much did you save in Tokyo by having the pass?

Oh, I didn’t activate the pass when I was in Tokyo — I activated it on the day I left — so that was my total expenses without using it.

Hi Lauren! I just read your post. My boyfriend and I are backpackers and we are planning our next trip to Japan. I wanted to ask you when did you go there? (what time of the year). Because we can only take time off during winter time (dec-jan) and I don’t know if that’s a good time of year to go. We are from Denver and snow doesn’t bother us but we also want to enjoy it.

Thanks in advance! Love your blog

I was there in December! There’s fewer crowds then, which makes it a great time to go! As an added bonus you get to enjoy all of the cosy onsens in the snow :-)

Even in these unprecedented times, I feel as if I have already traveled to Japan! I loved every minute of the information you gave me. This place is definitely next on my list, of course! It can be months or a year from now.

It appears you’re still getting traffic in the comments here (excellent) so I thought I would ask a broad question. Wife and I are thinking to take our 6 and 9 year old to Japan for about 11 days. Any destinations you might leave off your itinerary given a bit less time and traveling with kids?

Fantastic! I’ve never seen any article about travelling to japan so specific and detailed before!! It sure will help me prepare for my own first&solo trip! thank you so much

Great post, but the prices are wildly outdated now. Your $30/night hotels in 2018 are going for around $220/night in 2023. Insane!

Hi CS, what time of year are you looking to visit? I’ve had a quick check and every hotel I link to still displays roughly the correct prices (a couple were out by about $10-20 a night, but nothing like $190!). If you’re looking at going in May, for example, Hakone Tent prices their rooms at $176 a night, but then offers rooms at a price of $73 a night a month later in June, so the time of year can affect the pricing. I’ll make a note to mention this in a future update to the post.

I visited in the low season, in December, so the prices I paid were lower than they might be at a more popular time of year.

This is amazing on every level. Thank you! only issue is prices for accomodations double during sakura season so what can I do

Thank you Lauren, for this insightful and complete post.

Out of curiosity, do you know what was the average USD/YEN exchange rate when this trip took place?

Kind Regards,

I update the prices in this article every two months so the exchange rate used in the post is recent

How recent was your travel to Japan and what exact dates were you there? I’m planning to take my family of 4 there in 2025 and would like to schedule it during cherry blossom season. I heard prices usually go up during this time so I was wondering if your trip happened during peak or off-peak season.

I was there in December. Prices do increase a lot during cherry blossom season, unfortunately — that’s the most expensive time to visit.

very good post for budget travellers. thanks for sharing.

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World Heritage temple in Nara vandalized by visiting Canadian teen

A 17-year-old Canadian tourist is suspected of having carved letters with his fingernail on the pillar of Toshodaiji Temple's Golden Hall. | NARA PREFECTURAL POLICE / VIA KYODO

An eighth-century Japanese temple and UNESCO World Heritage site in Nara Prefecture, Toshodaiji Temple, had a building vandalized by a Canadian teen tourist who carved letters into a wooden pillar, local police said Friday.

A "J" that was 4 centimeters long and 5 cm wide and "Julian" that was 2.5 cm long and 10 cm wide were inscribed at a height of around 170 cm on the pillar.

A Japanese tourist saw him vandalizing and alerted temple staff.

"We are worried that the same thing could happen again. Even though it may have been done without malice, it is still regrettable and sad," a monk at the temple said.

Several buildings of the temple in Nara, which is a popular tourist destination, had experienced vandalism in 2015.

$A 17-year-old Canadian tourist is suspected of having carved letters with his fingernail on the pillar of Toshodaiji Temple\'s Golden Hall. | NARA PREFECTURAL POLICE / VIA KYODO$

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

Driving in Japan – The complete guide for tourists and foreigners

So you want to drive in Japan, but are still unsure about whether you can do it or not? You have come to the right place!

But before we begin, I just want to say that you are making an excellent choice!

Driving in Japan is an exciting experience that offers you the chance to visit destinations that most other travelers do not get to see. Since you are no longer bound to areas only reachable by public transportation, you can exit the large cities and enjoy things like the Japanese countryside, or hikes near some of Japan’s beautiful waterfalls, or even go on a ski trip! ( Check out this article about driving and skiing in Niseko! ) As an added bonus, if you travel with a group, you can also save some money on travel expenses.

Now that all sounds good and dandy, but if you are anything like I was, you are probably too worried about the difficulties of driving in Japan to fully enjoy your daydreams of your future Japanese get-away. But have no fear! I, an American, born and raised, have driven across Japan (without any prior practice) and live to tell the tale of how easy it is to drive in Japan. My hope is that this guide will give you all of the knowledge and information you need to put yourself at ease and to help you enjoy an unforgettable trip through Japan from behind the wheel.

Now let’s dive right into the details!

Driving requirements

To drive in Japan there are a couple of requirements you must meet:

Must be at least 18 years of age
Must have a valid Driver’s License or Translation (more on that next)

Acquiring International Driving Permits and Japanese Licenses

You will fall under one of two categories: 1. Short-term stay (tourists, people on business trips, etc.) 2. Long-term residents.

Case 1: Short-term Stay / International Driving Permit

For travelers temporarily visiting Japan, you will either be required to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the Geneva Convention of 1949, or a driver’s license from your own country with a valid legal translation of your license, which can be ordered from the company Driving-Japan . The required materials will vary depending on your country of domicile, so be sure to check the lists below!

Countries requiring an International Driving Permit:

Countries requiring Driver’s License from country of domicile + Legal Translation:

The company Driving-Japan offers such translations, which are officially issued by the Japan Automobile Federation. You can conveniently order one online and it will be sent to your hotel address in Japan or even to your home address. They also offer the convenient service of printing it out within a week at a 7-Eleven store in Japan.

Case 2: Long-term Stay / Acquiring a Japanese License

For those residing in Japan and are planning to stay long-term, you get to go through the process of acquiring your very own Japanese Driver’s License! You may start out by following Case 1 (International Driving Permit), however, those are only valid for one year. It is also illegal to return to your home country to renew your IDP and then return to Japan and use it again. The IDP is not a replacement for a permanent license.

Those of you who reside in Japan will fall into an additional two different cases. If you happen to be from one of many special countries or regions, you will be exempted from taking the written and driving examinations (Luckily, I happened to be from one of these!). If you are not from one of these places however, I extend my sincerest apologies, as the road ahead of you will be a little bit more grueling.

Let’s start with Case 1: Countries and regions exempted from the Driving Examination

If you have a driver’s license from one of these areas, you are eligible for a direct exchange of your license:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Taiwan, South Korea, or USA (only Maryland [from Jan 2016] or Washington State [from Jan 2017])

What you will need:

1. Your original non-expired driver’s license
2. A passport or other proof that you have resided in the country that your driver’s license was issued in for over three months
3. A translation of your driver’s license into Japanese (You can get this through the JAF Note that will take about a week to receive the translation after submitting your original license.)
4. A 2.3cm X 3cm W X H photo of yourself (This is not the picture that will be used on your license, so don’t bother wasting time trying to look good. They will take another picture of you at the licensing center. You can often find mini photo booths in train stations that will print these for you instantly. They usually have an English setting as well.)
5. Your residency certificate (Jyuuminhyo)

The process:

Once you have acquired all of the documents, locate the nearest licensing center that has jurisdiction over your area of residence. Pay special attention to the hours of operation for the counter that handles foreign license conversions. The center I went to was only open on weekdays and had a very slim time slot.

Once you have found your nearest location, all you have to do is show up to the counter with all of your necessary documents, no appointment necessary. I would highly recommend that you show up to the licensing center early. By early, I mean over an hour before the licensing center opens. From personal experience, I can tell you that the line outside of the licensing center is very long. I arrived an hour early, and there was already a long line forming. Depending on the licensing center you go to, they may also limit the number of foreign license exchanges per day. For example, the place I went to only allowed ten people per time slot. Take this advice into heavy consideration!

Once you have reached the counter, the process is very straight-forward and the staff will walk you through everything. There are foreigners from all backgrounds that speak all kinds of languages so I found that most of the staff do not make much of an effort to communicate with you unless there is a problem. Just hand over all of the documents listed above and they will take care of all of the paperwork. All you will need to do is sign a couple of forms and have another picture taken (the one that they will actually put onto your license).

Your license will be printed out the same day, though it will require you to sit around for a little bit. Expect to spend 4-6 hours in the licensing center in total (Bringing a book or something else to entertain yourself might be a good idea).

Case 2: Countries and regions not exempted from the Driving Examination What you will need:

4. A 2.3cm X 3cm W X H photo of yourself (This is not the picture that will be used on your license, so don’t bother wasting time trying to look good. They will take another picture of you at the licensing center.)
6. A good friend or translator who speaks fluent Japanese (if you can’t)

The first step in obtaining your license is to gather all of the required materials mentioned above. After you have done so, you will need to contact your local licensing center that has jurisdiction over your area of residence and make your first appointment. This is where a Japanese speaking friend or a translator will come in handy. Also, be aware that most of these centers only allow appointments on weekdays. The centers can also be very busy depending on the time of the year, so do not be surprised if your appointment is scheduled several weeks out.

The next step is to actually show up to your appointment. Your first appointment will mainly be a paperwork check. They will check your passport closely to make sure that you have lived in the country of your original license for at least three months, and verify that all of your other documents are valid.

Next you will need to schedule a second appointment. This is the practical examination, which is notoriously difficult. Do not feel bad if you fail, most people take it at least two or three times before passing. The test is not so much about your driving skill, but rather about whether you know how to take the test or not. It is highly recommended that you do a practice session before attempting to take the exam. Note however, that some instructors require you to have an examination date already determined before they practice with you.

There is an abundance of materials online, and I recommend studying up on the material as much as you can before attempting the test to boost your chances of passing on your first try.

If you pass the test, they will print out your driver’s license on the same day.

The final step is to go and reward yourself. Acquiring your Japanese license is no easy task!

Basic Traffic Rules and Unwritten Rules

Alright now that you have learned about getting licensed, it is important to know about some basic traffic rules for driving in Japan:

1. In Japan you drive on the left and your steering wheel is on the right
2. You may not turn on a red light.
3. Motorcycles are allowed to pass you on your left. Be wary of this when changing lanes.
4. On highways the passing lane is on the right. (Police actually crack down on this rule so don’t stay in the right lane too long)
5. On normal roads the speed limit is usually 60km/hr, do not go over this speed even if there are no signs
6. On highways the speed limit is usually 100km/hr
7. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers in the vehicle.
8. Children under 6 years of age are required to use child seats of appropriate size
9. Driving under the influence of any drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Here are a couple of unwritten rules as well:

1. If you let somebody into your lane they may respond by blinking their hazards 2 or 3 times. This simply means “Thank you.”
2. If you see hazards on a highway in the distance it could mean that the traffic is coming to a sudden stop. If you see this, slow down and turn on your hazards for the person behind you.

Driving on highways and Expressways

Perhaps one of the biggest fears for new drivers in Japan is entering a highway or expressway for the first time. But don’t worry! There is nothing to be afraid of. Like in most countries, highway driving is actually easier than driving on the narrower city streets.

The main differences between the highways in Japan versus those of other countries is the ETC system (more on that next), and the passing lanes. The ETC system is a way to pay road tolls electronically. You can learn more about this in the next section. As for passing lanes, in Japan the passing lanes are on the right side. Do not stay in the right lane too long or you could be pulled over (The Japanese police actually enforce this rule).

ETC Cards and road tolls

“ETC Card” stands for Electronic Toll Collection card. Having an ETC card installed in your vehicle enables you to use the ETC toll gates (seen in Image 1 and 3 below). If you do not have an ETC Card installed in your vehicle you will have to go through the regular toll booth (Image 2). The ETC Card is very convenient because all of the tolls are automatically accrued to your card without you having to pull over and dig out exact change to pay the tolls. If you are renting a car, you will most likely pay for these accrued tolls once you have returned the vehicle, if you have your own ETC Card, it is most likely connected to your Japanese credit card and will automatically charge you through that account.

How to use the ETC Toll gates:

Whenever you enter a major highway or expressway, chances are you will come across a toll gate quite quickly. Your two or three lane road may suddenly split into 6 or more lanes and cause a sense of panic, but don’t worry! Just familiarize yourself with these three signs, and you will be completely fine.

As you probably have figured out by the images above, you can use an ETC cards on toll gates that have the first and third sign displayed. Here is what a toll gate looks like:

If you are paying with an ETC Card, slow down to 20Km/hr as you pass through the gate. This is to insure that you do not hit the gate arm. Also note that this gate arm usually does not rise until the very last second, so do not slam on your brakes, it is completely normal.

Save money on tolls! Use Expressway Passes!

If you plan on driving far distances, odds are you will be using a lot of expressways. These toll charges can add up quickly, and can be pretty expensive (sometimes around $10USD just to use a highway one-way!). Luckily, if you are a traveler from overseas, you are eligible for many Expressway passes. These expressways passes allow you to pay a one time flat fee and provides you with unlimited use of the expressways in the designated region. For example two of the most popular passes are the Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP) and the Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP) . If you have not guessed already, the HEP give you unlimited access to the freeways in Hokkaido, and the KEP in Kyushu.

If you plan on renting a vehicle be sure to check whether the rental car shop is an official distributor of the expressway pass you are interested in. Car rental companies are required to apply and meet certain requirements in order to distribute the passes. (NICONICO Rent a Car offers both the HEP & KEP)

Traffic Signs

To protect other drivers and yourself, you should familiarize yourself with Japanese traffic signs. Here are most of the common signs you will see. In addition to these signs also note that you might see large white characters written directly on the street that will look like this 止まれ. This means to stop and is sometimes used instead of the normal stop sign.

In Japan there are two types of parking lots. Most of them will be the gate type parking, however, it is good to also know how the plate types work in case you have no other option.

A picture of directions on how to use locking-plate type parking lots in Japan.

Renting a Car

Renting a car in Japan is very simple, and there are several companies that rent cars to foreigners with International Driving Permits (Not all companies do). Here is what the rental process looks like:

1. Book a car. You can use several online travel agents to rent cars in your preferred language, or visit the rental car company websites directly.
2. Arrive on your pick-up day. If you are renting from an airport location, you will either go to a designated counter or a designated shuttle pick-up area. Be sure to get this information from the company you are renting from before you arrive to avoid any complications.
3. Once you have reached the shop, you will be asked if you would like to add any optional items or add a safety plan. The car rentals already come with basic insurance coverage, however the safety plans will provide additional financial coverage (usually covering your deductibles). After you have confirmed your options you will sign the rental agreement and will be lead to your car.
4. The shop staff will walk around the car with you and markdown any scratches or dents already on the vehicle. This is to prevent disputes over whether you have caused any damage to the vehicle during your rental period. Don’t be afraid to point out any scratches that the staff might have missed. After the inspection you will be free to go.
5. Return the vehicle. Before returning your vehicle, most car rental companies require that you fill up the gas tank completely at a nearby gas station. Be sure to keep your receipt as proof that you have filled up the car properly.

Driving Tips for the Beginner

Driving in Japan can be a terrifying experience, so here are some useful tips to stay safe on the road:

1. If your car comes with a built in Navigation system, use it. Japanese roads are not always simple. You will find highway entrances in weird places, intersections that split into five different directions, and so on. The Japanese navigation systems provide useful visuals that make navigating busy streets very easy.
2. Drive around some quiet streets or neighborhood for about 5-10 minutes before beginning your journey. That should be enough time to get used to driving with the wheel on the right and the position of the blinker (In the US the blinker and windshield wiper were in opposite positions. Let me tell you, my windshield was squeaky clean during our entire trip.)
3. Drive very slowly in small neighborhoods. Japan has a lot of foot traffic and cyclists. The last thing you want is to run anybody over.
4. If you are renting a vehicle , try to rent a smaller car if possible. Japanese streets are very narrow and having a smaller car makes it a lot easier to turn and park in tight spaces.
5. Have someone sit shotgun with you to point out signs you may have missed and to help you with navigation. This will take off a lot of stress, allowing you to relax and focus on safe driving.
6. This is not really a tip, but do not be scared. Driving in Japan is probably not very different from driving in your home country. After getting behind the wheel for a few minutes you will begin wondering why you were even stressing in the first place.

Have fun driving!

Thank you for reading my guide! I hope it gives you the confidence to go out and explore Japan from behind the wheel. Like I’ve said many times throughout this article, driving in Japan is easy! With the basic knowledge provided in this guide, you will be fully prepared to drive in Japan. You will not regret making the decision to explore Japan in this exciting and unique way. Happy travels!

More Tips / Post for driveing in Japan

1.【International Driving Permit – Japan】

2. 【Renting a Car in Japan】

3. 【What to when driving during an earthquake】

4. 【Insurance Plans Introduction】

5. 【Tips for Driving in Tokyo】

6. 【Tips for Driving in Kanagawa】

7. 【Tips for Driving in Fukuoka】

8. 【Tips for Driving in Osaka】

9. 【Tips for Driving in Nagasaki】

66 thoughts on “ Driving in Japan – The complete guide for tourists and foreigners ”

On a Japanese news channel this morning, my husband heard the announcer say that, ahead on the highway, (in Japan) there are two TN signs — or perhaps it was NT. What would such a sign mean? Thank you.

Hello Marie, Thank you for your comment.

I believe the signs you are referring to are the ones labeled “TN.”

The TN stands for “Tunnel.”

Other similar signs are: JCT – Junction SA – Service Area PA – Parking Area

Hope this helps!

Had booked a car from your company, may i ask how many drivers are allowed to drive my rented car ?

Hello Jack,

Thank you for a booking a car with us.

You are allowed to have as many drivers as you would like at no additional cost. Just be sure that everyone has the proper driver’s license and shows it to the staff when picking up the vehicle.

Hi, if i book a car, will i be guaranteed an automatic transmission or do i have to confirm again?

Hello Mamat,

Thank you for your comment!

All of our vehicles are automatic transmission. Hope this helped! Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Best regards,

Hi, I vave booked a car from your company, pick up in Fukuoka, can I use an American Express credit card as deposit? Thanks,

Hello Graziano,

American Express is accepted at our shops!

I’m visiting Japan in a few days from Pakistan and I’m planning to get a car on rent. Please guide if Pakistan’s International Driving Permit is acceptable in Japan or not? I’m confused getting mixed information on the internet

Hello Usama,

Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately only countries that are signatories of the 1949 Geneva Convention are authorized to use an IDP in Japan.

An IDP issued in Pakistan is not valid to drive in Japan.

Thank you for your understanding.

Does NicoNico also have the Japan expressway pass (JEP) ?

Hello Jeffrey,

Thank you for the comment.

Unfortunately we do not offer the JEP. We only have the Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP) and the Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP).

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Just wondering, can you legally drive a pickup truck in Japan?

Hello Mark,

Thank you for your comment. It is legal to drive a pick-up in Japan, however it is very difficult to find a pick-up in Japan as most companies have stopped producing them for the Japanese market.

I’m going too be in a rather unique situation soon. I live and work in Japan under US SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) as a contractor. As a result, I have a US SOFA issued license, that when paired up with my US drivers license, allows me to drive in Japan. My vehicle has SOFA license plates. Soon this will all come to an end as my SOFA status will expire due to my contract ending. However, I will remain in Japan for a brief period afterwards, and would like to continue to drive here (either my own vehicle, which I probably won’t be able to due to the SOFA status expiring, or a rental vehicle). I’m guessing I’ll have to obtain an IDP to drive here for the period after my SOFA License expires. Anyone have any thoughts in this regard? Thanks in advance.

Hello Chris,

Thank you for your comment.

If you lose your SOFA status you will need to obtain an IDP or a regular Japanese license.

If you hold a Washington State or Virginia Driving License the process is as simple as filling out some paper work. If you are from any other state it is probably easier to apply for an IDP and have a friend or family member send it you by mail.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Got another Japanese license question. I’m in the process of applying for the certificate of eligibility and then the visa so I am still a non resident or tourist at the moment. I have an international drivers permit at the moment which I got in June. Does the 1 year rule apply to me as a tourist? Also there is some condition which states that you must leave the country for 3 month if you want to renew the international permit. Does this only apply to Japanese residents or tourists as well?

Hello Yoshi,

Thank you very much for your comment.

Since you are a non-resident you should be able to use International Driving Permit for up to one year. Once you have your Visa approved, and officially become a resident in Japan, you should work towards acquiring a Japanese Driver’s License.

The IDP is not meant to be used as a Driver’s License replacement.

Hi! I am Karl Barcelona from the Philippines. My husband and I are planning to visit Nagoya this coming February 2020 and we intend to rent a car during our 5 days stay. My husband Ron already has an IDP (international driver’s permit/license) issued in the Philippines. As Philippines is one of the signatories in the 1949 Geneva convention, would it be enough for him to drive in Japan? I understand that it would be one of the requirements together with the passport and the locally issued driver’s license. However, what confuses me is IF on top of the IDP + local license + passport, is a Japanese translation of the local driver’s license still required? Kindly advise. Thanks!

Hello Karl,

Thank you for your comment! The IDP + Passport will be enough for you.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

do you have any idea i have IDP from philippines my wife is a permanent resident here in Japan and i have 1 year visa my wife bought a car and i was planning to use it using my IDP at the same time im applying for a Japanese Lisence actually i already took the test passed the written exam but failed the actual diriving test one of acquatances told us that icannot use any more my IDP for driving because im in the process of applying a Japanes drivers lisence please if you have any idea if this is true i would really appreciate it

Yes IDPs from the Philippines are valid to drive in Japan.

Can i drive in Japan with Pakistani international driving licence.

Hello Muhammed,

Unfortunately IDPs issued from Pakistan are not valid to drive in Japan. Only signatories of the 1949 Geneva Convention are valid to drive in Japan.

If I am from Mexico with mexico drivers licence, is there a way a can renta a car in japan ??

Hello Alfonso,

Unfortunately IDPs issued in Mexico are not valid to drive in Japan. Only signatories of the 1949 Geneva Convention are valid to drive in Japan.

Hi I was in Japan from july to August 2022 on a tourist visa and had got my IDP which i used to drive in Japan. I came back to my country in August. Now I will be returning back to Japan in October 2022 as a dependent resident. My old IDP is still valid as only 2.5 months have passed. Now do i need to get a new IDP or the old one which is still valid would be enough?

Also 3 month rule will be applicable to me if I get a new IDP, that time i was not a resident but on visitors visa and now I will be going on a resident visa?

IDPs are intended to be used by temporary visitors of Japan. If you are a permanent resident you must acquire a Japanese driver’s license.

People from other countries whose international driving permits are not recognized by Japan, must obtain a Japanese driver’s license in order to drive in Japan.

I am wondering if anyone knows… If I have the visa status of permanent resident, but am not living in the country (Japan) and have not for years, but travel back and forth, whether I will be able to rent a car with my valid U.S. drivers license (with at least 6 months on it) and IDP? I will be renting from the airport, during this COVID time in order to get to my residence where I need to return to. Thank you.

Hello Heather, and thank you for your comment! It is a great question.

IDP’s are reserved specifically for visitors traveling to a country. Because you are a permanent resident you are expected to obtain a Japanese license, or convert your current license into a Japanese license if possible.

Here is a page from the US embassy stating this: https://jp.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/driving-in-japan/

Foreigners can drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for a maximum of one year, even if the IDP is valid for a longer period. … International driving permits are not issued in Japan and should be obtained in your home country in advance. They offer same information here Evolvetraining.ac.nz one must check them also.

Hello. I am from Mexico and we are not on the “approved” list of the IDP. I was wondering if there is any other way to be able to drive when visiting Japan or are we excluded forever.

Hello Hilda,

Unfortunately it is probably not possible for you to drive. Your best bet is to hire a driver or find a friend who is legally able to drive in Japan. Also you can look at buses, trains, and taxis as alternatives.

hi, such a helpful page!

Ive driven in japan before on an idp, and just today got my uk licence exchanged for a Japanese one. I have 2 questions: 1. I got a leaflet that says in broken english, ‘if your regular car license is beginners licence, then you have to use the beginners mark for one year’. My uk license was full so i assume i dont need to, however my wife reading the the kanji thinks it means, anyone who has exchanged their license need to use the beginners mark for a year from when they received the japanese one. Any idea about this? 2. I NEVER speed, always staying within the limit. However I was driving in Okinawa and my wife told me i should go faster (10-20km beyond speed limit on the open road) as ‘everybody does, and theyll get frustrated if you’re too slow’. I refused, which stressed her out so pulled over and googled about it. Apparently it is an unwritten rule? Do you have any knowledge of this?

1. I think your wife is correct in that any one who exchanges their license must display the beginner mark. (I personally exchanged my license from the USA to a Japanese license and had to do the same.)

2. Similarly to driving in your home country, I am sure there are local “unwritten rules.” I won’t tell you to speed on this car rental website, but I will say there are areas in Japan where it is generally accepted to go slightly over the speed limit. Please drive safely. 🙂

Ditto Jack’s comment on helpful page.

We are contemplating visiting the Biei Hokkaido region and will likely fly into Sapporo. Should we anticipate using our U.S. IDP and ease of renting as described here within?

What other first-time-Japan-driver information resources can you recommend?

Hello David,

Thank you for your question! Yes the information here is still accurate for renting in Sapporo.

As far as resources, I would just recommend familiarizing yourself with some road signs, as that is the main difference between driving in the U.S. and in Japan. Here is a helpful website I found with great images https://www.rhinocarhire.com/Drive-Smart-Blog/Drive-Smart-Japan/Japan-Road-Signs.aspx .

Just double check that the car rental company you choose to rent from accepts IDPs and be sure to have your passport in hand when at the car rental counter. Other than that, I think it best not to overthink it too much as driving in Japan is not very difficult, especially in the more rural areas like Hokkaido.

Safe travels!

Good day I live near Higashi Ojima metro station at Komatsugawa. I like to rent your cars but your pick up and drop off points as per the website seems to be only airports. As airport is quite far from my place of residence, is there a car pick up and drop off point, closer to my home? I have my Indian drivers license converted to Japanese drivers license. I have rented and driven in Japan but from other companies.

Thank you and awaiting yours.

Hello Ranjan,

Sorry for the confusion. These airport locations are the only locations that accept International Driving Permits (IDPs). Since you have a Japanese license, you may rent from any Niconico Rent a Car location. To find their locations you can look at https://www.2525r.com/ . Unfortunately, this site is only in Japanese.

I hope this helps!

I am an Indian planning to come japan for close to one year less than 2 years. Is my IDP atleast valid for one year?

IDP’s are valid for 1 year from issuance.

i have a valid Thailand license and a Thailand issued International driving license ( based on 1968 convention , that is what you get here ) . Can I drive and rent a car in Japan with that license .

I called the embassy and they said is OK , but I am confused since some website said only 1949 issued is valid

thank you kindly

Hello Jon. Yes Thai issued IDPs are valid to drive in Japan. We hope to see you here!

I’ve been living in japan for a few years, but never needed to drive. My idp is expired and now so is my Canadian drivers license. (I really should have looked into this earlier). If my Canadian license is expired, will I have to take a driving test in Japan if I want to drive ? Cheers

Hello Justin! Thank you for your comment. The IDP is not to be used as a substitute as a Japanese Driver’s license, especially as a resident. Unfortunately, you will have to take the Japanese Driver’s license test and obtain a Japanese Driver’s license. Best of luck to you!

Hello! Is there a 10 seats van available for rental for self driving in Osaka? We have bus driving license that permit to drive a minibus in Japan but could not find a shop that has minibus available for rent. Mush appreciated if you can help? Thanks Sally

Hello Sally! Unfortunately we do not have 10 seat vans available. We apologize for the inconvenience!

Last time I was in Japan in the summer of 2018, I still have the translation from the JAF of my Belgian driving license (that expires in 2027) . Can I still use this translation to rent a car in Japan? Or do I need to apply for a new one?

Kinds regards Yip Henk

Hello Yip, and thank you for your comment!

As long as the translation is not expired you are fine. No need to apply for a new one.

May I rent a car from the shop nearby 宮地駅 with the International Driving Permits? Thank you.

Hello Louise!

Thank you for the question. Unfortunately, the shops not listed on our website do not yet support IDPs. The shops that do are Narita Airport, New Chitose Airport, Kagoshima Airport, Shin-Yokohama Station, Nagasaki Airport, Center-Minami (Kanagawa), and Fukuoka Airport.

Hi, I have a question. In 2021, I successfully passed my driving test in Kyoto and obtained a Japanese driver’s license valid until 2024. However, in 2022, I had to return to my home country and leave Japan. Now, I plan to go back to Japan this year. Is my Japanese driving license still valid and can it be used until it expires?

Kind regards, Mike

Generally, if you obtained a Japanese driver’s license that is valid until 2024, it should still be valid when you return to Japan, provided it has not expired. Japanese driver’s licenses have a validity period, usually for a certain number of years, and as long as the license is within its validity period, it should be usable.

May I check if there is age limitation to drive in Japan for senior citizens? I was told that foreigners above 65 is not allowed to rent a car or drive in Japan. Thank you

Hello Aliz,

Thank you for your comment! At NICONICO Rent a Car, we do not have an age limit and you are legal to drive as long as you have your driver’s license and IDP.

Hi, I was wondering but is there a minimum amount of driving experience you need to obtain a international driving permit? I just passed my test and I’m not sure I’ll be eligible.

Many thanks, Ed

Thank you for your question. There is no restriction regarding hours of experience. If you have a valid driver’s license in your home country, then you should be able to obtain an International Driving Permit.

Hi, I’m a traveller from Indonesia and have an International Driving Permit issued in Indonesia. Am I allowed to rent a car in Japan? If not, what alternatives are there to allow me to rent a car? Thank you

Hello Andy,

Unfortunately Indonesia Drivers Licenses are not valid for driving in Japan.

Here are some alternatives:

1. (Most expensive) Find a hired driver. They will be able to take you anywhere you would like to go. 2. Public transportation is great in Japan. Plan your trip along major train lines. If you want to go more to the country side check with your hotel, as they probably will have a shuttle bus from the nearest train station.

What if I’m an Indonesian but have a valid US driver license? will I still be able to rent a car in Japan?

Hello Rayun,

Yes you will be able to drive in Japan. Since you are using a US Driver’s license you will be required to get an IDP from the US before arriving in Japan.

I hope this helps! Please do let me know if you have anymore questions.

I have a Canadian driving license and I want to book translate. When I filled out the form but no issuing country for Canada.

Hello Lucy,

From Canada you do not need a translation, you just need an International Driving Permit.

Can I purchase KEP when renting? If I have KEP, do I need an ETC card?

Hello Steve,

Yes you can purchase a KEP online or at the counter before you leave. The KEP rate already includes the ETC Card.

Privacy Overview

Japan, famously polite, struggles to cope with influx of tourists

Huge numbers of visitors are causing chaos at such popular spots as Mount Fuji and Kyoto, leading to some extreme measures to tamp down the crowds.

TOKYO — Japan is proud of its “omotenashi” spirit, its practice of wholeheartedly caring and catering for guests. But a post-covid surge in tourist numbers, coupled with a weak yen that makes Japan cheaper for many visitors, is pushing Japan’s world-famous hospitality to the brink.

One town is installing a huge screen to stop tourists causing traffic jams while they take selfies in front of Mount Fuji. At least one overrun restaurant is reserving Friday nights for locals only. Even the deer of Nara, usually very proactive about coming forth for snacks, have had their fill.

This is because international tourists, unable to enter Japan for 2½ years during the covid pandemic, now appear to be making up for lost time.

The Japanese yen has been steadily weakening, losing more than 40 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar in the past five years and making Japan a much cheaper place to visit.

A staggering 25.1 million tourists visited the country last year, marking a sixfold increase from 2022. In March, at the start of the cherry blossom season, 3.08 million visitors arrived in the country, according to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization ( JNTO ), with the monthly number surpassing 3 million for the first time since records began in 1964.

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Just over a quarter of tourists this year have come from South Korea, while about 17 percent are from Taiwan and 15 percent from China. Americans have made up less than 7 percent of tourists since January.

The influx has been good for the Japanese economy: Spending by visitors to Japan in the first quarter of this year totaled $11.4 billion (1.75 trillion yen), the highest quarterly figure ever recorded, according to the Japan Tourism Agency . The average spending per person was about $1,300 (208,760 yen), up 41.6 percent from the same period in 2019.

But, in many popular places, it has not been good for the locals. There have been widespread complaints about overcrowding, litter, strain on infrastructure and a particularly Japanese worry: not being able to devote the requisite amount of care to each visit.

The concept of “omotenashi” is at the heart of the Japanese service sector. This wholehearted hospitality and level of attentive service can be felt in hotels, restaurants and shops from the moment one arrives in Japan — in fact, from the moment the air marshallers on the airport tarmac bow as planes taxi up to the boarding bridge. It’s in the white gloves of taxi drivers and the individually wrapped wet wipe that accompanies even the cheapest cup of coffee.

“Overtourism is a serious issue in Japan with tourism concentrated in the major centers, lacking the infrastructure to deal with the volume of visitors,” said Max Mackee, founder of adventure travel company Kammui.

“This can ruin the tourists’ experience, particularly as the beauty of Japan is often found in its peace and meditative moments, even in cities like Tokyo. It’s also a serious issue for the local population, which is not equipped to handle visitors, which can lead to local resentment, environmental impact or even closure of restaurants and bars and other establishments on the tourist trail.”

Screening off Mount Fuji

Fed up with badly behaved tourists, the town of Fujikawaguchiko is building a screen to block views of Mount Fuji at a popular photo spot.

The Lawson convenience store in the town has become a hit on social media because the renowned volcanic cone sits perfectly above the store’s neon sign. Tourists have flocked to the store’s parking lot to take photos of themselves in front of the Instagrammable scene.

Residents complained about the traffic problems, unauthorized parking, trespassing and littering this was causing. The Ibishi Dental Clinic, across the street, even installed a barrier to keep tourists away and ensure customers could get in.

“When we asked people to move their cars, some yelled back, and some even threw lit cigarettes. There are days where it’s difficult to provide proper medical services,” the clinic wrote in a statement on its website .

“Obviously it’s regretful for us too, to lose that view from our clinic, but we believe that it’s now an inevitable measure that needs to be taken in response to the unthinkable violations that exceed all measures we have taken until now.”

Lawson even issued a statement apologizing to residents and customers for the inconvenience.

The town has decided on more extreme measures: It is constructing a mesh net that is 8 feet tall and 65 feet wide to block the view, expected to be finished next week. “To ensure the safety of both tourists and drivers, and to ensure the peaceful life of residents, we have regrettably come to the difficult decision to proceed with this construction,” the town of Fujikawaguchiko posted on its website .

Then there are the crowds on the mountain itself.

Mount Fuji — Japan’s highest peak and a popular tourist destination — has been dealing with overcrowding in recent years, and the influx of overseas tourists has led the prefecture to take measures.

Starting this week, authorities have instituted an online booking system to stop Mount Fuji’s most popular trail from becoming excessively crowded during the summer hiking season. A maximum of 4,000 people will be allowed on the Yoshida Trail each day during the July-to-September hiking season, with 3,000 of the spots requiring advance bookings at $13 a pop.

Kyoto crackdown

In February, Koji Matsui was elected as Kyoto’s new mayor after campaigning against overtourism. Kyoto, just over two hours from Tokyo by bullet train, is famous for its temples and shrines and its traditional wooden buildings.

The city, once Japan’s capital, has a resident population of about 1.5 million but saw more than 20 times that number — about 32 million — of tourists arriving last year.

One major attraction is the Gion district, where geisha and their apprentices can be seen walking around in traditional kimonos and makeup. Kyoto last month banned tourists from entering private alleys in Gion after locals complained that the neighborhood was “not a theme park” and urged the government to act against unruly tourists.

Matsui’s other campaign pledges included charging tourists more than residents to take public transport fares and creating special tourist bus routes. The new mayor also plans to introduce “smart” garbage cans that send signals to the management bureau when full to try to curtail littering.

“ While we are very grateful for the large number of tourists attracted by the charms of Kyoto, we are now facing serious challenges in achieving a healthy balance between tourists and local citizens, ” Matsui said during his inauguration news conference.

The picturesque temples and gardens of Nara, just south of Kyoto, make it a popular side trip. And almost every visitor goes to Nara Park, where deer wander freely and vendors sell rice crackers, which the deer love. Usually.

Nara deer usually approach people and famously “bow” to — or sometimes butt — them to ask for the crackers. Not anymore.

This month during Golden Week, a popular Japanese holiday period, visitors to Nara found that deer were done with the rice snacks.

“Deer crackers have now become absolutely worthless due to the sudden surge in deer crackers during Golden Week,” one visitor wrote on X, posting a photo of an unimpressed deer lying beside four uneaten crackers.

これはＧＷの急激なシカ高せんべい安によって紙くず同然の価値となった鹿せんべい。 pic.twitter.com/hJNus8d0MA — 魅惑のなめろうフィットネス (@cqFv4ntcLoT6Sk6) May 5, 2024

Hiroshima, another regular stop on the tourist trail due to the Peace Memorial Museum commemorating the site of the 1945 U.S. nuclear bombing, is also feeling the strain.

Hiroshima is famous for okonomiyaki, a savory vegetable and meat pancake cooked on a griddle in front of the customer. But okonomiyaki restaurants are becoming so overcrowded that one popular place, Momiji-tei , has reserved Friday evenings exclusively for locals.

“It feels wrong for us to become a restaurant that is inaccessible to our regulars who supported us throughout the pandemic,” owner Ryota Fujiwara told local media. “We want to make sure to preserve their place even if it’s just once a week.”

How To Be A Considerate Tourist When Visiting Japan

I f you're planning a trip to Japan, you should be familiar with two important Japanese concepts: omotenashi and omoiyari. In Japanese culture, omotenashi roughly translates to being courteous and hospitable, while omoiyari is the idea of being empathetic to the needs and comfort of others around you. Both of these important concepts help to inform the etiquette norms of Japanese culture, which is well-known for its politeness.

Unfortunately, the lack of omoiyari displayed by tourists in Japan has strained the traditional sense of omotenashi . In other words, Japanese residents have expressed frustration with the lack of decorum and generally rude behavior of international visitors. In recent years, tourism problems have been particularly bad in the historic city of Kyoto .

"Undoubtedly, the increase in tourists has had an influence on the daily lives of the citizens of Kyoto," said Shuhei Akahoshi, head of the city's Department of Conventions and Tourism, to the Sydney Morning Herald . "But we have several ongoing advertising campaigns that promote better manners among tourists."

To avoid contributing to Japan's "tourism pollution," as residents of Kyoto have referred to it, visitors should familiarize themselves with the country's cultural norms prior to arrival. Not only will this help prevent any faux pas, but a little knowledge can also lead to a more immersive, fulfilling experience. In Japan, a little omoiyari helps preserve omotenashi .

Etiquette In Public Spaces

One of the best examples of omoiyari — and one of the most noticeable cultural norms of Japan — is the relative quiet in public spaces. Japanese culture puts a lot of emphasis on living harmoniously as a group, and one way that's expressed is a level of demureness when speaking in public spaces. You may notice a distinguishable quietness while riding the metro or shopping in a store.

But let's be clear. Tokyo and other cities aren't silent, but you won't typically hear someone speaking loudly on their cell phone or groups of people talking super loud. It's a truly unique norm to Japan and altogether pleasant. We'd suggest enjoying it and participating in the harmony. Many Japanese won't answer the phone while on the bus or train, so we'd recommend doing the same.

Overall, you just don't want to be that loud, abrasive tourist that forgets not everyone's on vacation or sightseeing. And there's nothing wrong with being happy and inquisitive, but the Japanese are very respectful with regard to public spaces. These spaces are for everyone to enjoy and feel comfortable in.

If you are too loud, don't be surprised if someone mentions it. It's not considered impolite to ask someone to speak more quietly. In fact, it's considered a public service. We should mention that this sensibility is pretty much only applicable to the daytime. After the sun sets, Japanese nightlife can be pretty loud.

Etiquette In Private Spaces

There are also pretty important etiquette norms to know for private spaces and more intimate situations, such as visiting someone's home. Aside from bowing, removing your shoes may be one of Japan's most well-known cultural practices. In Japan, there's an emphasis on dividing soto (outside) from uchi (inside), and removing your shoes is an act that expresses this demarcation.

Along with removing your shoes before entering someone's home, you'll typically also remove them before entering a traditional restaurant, a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn), a public hot spring, and other places. You may not know what establishments expect you to remove your shoes, but you can typically tell by looking at the entrance, or genkan . And someone will typically offer you indoor slippers, which is always a pretty foolproof way to know.

Lastly, there is no tipping in Japan. This is a pretty common faux pas, but you should understand why there's no tipping. Although you may think you're being generous, tipping someone can be considered insulting. In the spirit of omotenashi , showing hospitality is the responsibility of the host. When you tip, you're inferring that the host could've done better, and you're now financially incentivizing them to do so. The one exception is for tour guides, as their income may largely rely on tips, which is the exception and not the norm in Japan.

Read this next: 50 Places You Need To Visit In Your Lifetime

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How to Watch and Stream the 2024 Monaco GP

F1 is heading to one of the most iconic tracks in the sport for this weekend's Grand Prix.

Member of Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association

Formula One is returning to Monaco for the 81st time in the sport's history. The Circuit de Monaco is one of the most famous tracks in F1 history, and the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most illustrious races in the world of motorsports. There's even a special name for winning the Indianapolis 500 (coincidentally held on the same day as the Monaco GP this year), the 24 hours of Le Mans and the Monaco GP -- The Triple Crown . Only Graham Hill has completed the epic feat, but many other drivers have competed in all three iconic races.

The Monaco GP follows the Emilia Romagna GP, which saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen take home yet another first place. Fans can expect fairly limited overtaking this weekend, since the Monaco Grand Prix is typically won by the driver with the best strategy, but that doesn't mean that overtaking is impossible.

After last week's Grand Prix, Verstappen hangs on to first with 161 points, Ferrari's Charles LeClerc moves into second place with 113 points and Red Bull's Sergio Perez falls to third with 107 points.

The Monaco Grand Prix will follow the traditional race weekend format, with three practice sessions across Friday and Saturday, a Saturday qualifying and a Sunday Race.

The main race, which takes place on Sunday, May 26, at 8:55 a.m ET (5:55 a.m PT) will be held at the Circuit de Monaco. The race will air on ABC and ESPN Plus.

The entire race weekend, including practice sessions and qualifying, will be shown in the US on ESPN's family of TV and streaming networks. Folks looking to follow all of it will need access to the ABC and ESPN news channels on cable or live TV streaming services, or the ESPN Plus streaming service. We've broken down everything you need to know to stream today's race, and all the other F1 races this season.

lewis hamilton waves to fans while walking through the paddock

It's Charles Leclerc's home race -- will he be able to bring home a first place for Ferrari?

When, where and what time are the races?

Races are held on Sunday and are usually spaced two weeks apart. Here's the entire schedule.

F1 2024 schedule

Best option for streaming in the us , carries f1 races in the us.

Whether or not you have cable, ESPN's stand-alone streaming service is great for casual fans of Formula 1 and is a must-have accessory for fanatics. It costs $11 a month (or $110 a year) and currently, ESPN has a deal with F1 to show 18 out of 23 Grands Prix this year. The catch is that ESPN Plus doesn't always air the free practice or qualifying sessions, but it tends to air Sprint races and the Sprint Shootout.

If you're an F1 fan who's also looking to get your Disney fix, the Disney trio bundle (Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus) might end up being an even better buy. It's great for fans who love catching the parts of the race weekend that typically air on EPSN2 or ESPNews, and who need the latest Marvel movies or Star Wars shows.

If you're a diehard fan of motorsports and Formula series racing, ESPN Plus might not be for you, given that it rarely covers F2, F3 or Porsche Supercar racing. That's why ESPN Plus is ideal for casual fans who enjoy catching a race every once in a while, or super fans who don't want or need all of the extra bells and whistles of F1 TV, but want to beef up their coverage options.

Read our full review of ESPN Plus .

How to watch F1 online from anywhere using a VPN

If you find yourself unable to view the race locally, you may need a different way to watch -- that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on race day by encrypting your traffic, and it's also a great idea if you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors' Choice, ExpressVPN , make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you're streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

Best VPN for streaming

ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It's normally $13 a month, and you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 35% -- the equivalent of $8.32 a month -- if you get an annual subscription.

Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Livestream F1 racing in the UK

F1 in the UK is shown on Sky Sports and Channel 4 -- Sky Sports airs the races, practice rounds and qualifying, while free-to-air Channel 4 offers highlights broadcast after the day's action takes place. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the race via its app, but cord-cutters can watch Sky TV with unlimited Sky Sports on a Now TV membership.

Sky Sports and Now TV

F1 streaming in the uk.

Those in the UK will need Sky Sports to watch F1 racing in 2024. If you subscribe to Sky, you can get the £22 Complete Sports package in order to get the races.

Cord-cutters can also opt for the £35-a-month package on Now TV and get unlimited Sky Sports.

Other options for streaming in the US without cable

Beyond ESPN Plus, numerous live TV streaming services carry channels with F1. Race weekends normally start on Friday with multiple practice runs and continue on Saturday with qualifying. The races themselves take place Sunday. ESPN typically airs practices and qualifying on a mix of ESPN 2 and ESPNews, while the races tend to air on ESPN. F1 events in North America often land on ABC.

Here are some of the best ways to catch the entire race weekend without cable.

Carries ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews

You can catch the entire race weekend with a subscription to YouTube TV, which costs $73 per month. ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPNews are all included in the package, which means you'll have all the channels you need in order to watch every second of the action.

Read our YouTube TV review .

Hulu Plus Live TV

Carries abc, espn, espn2, espnews.

Hulu Plus Live TV costs more than YouTube TV at $77 per month, and offers all the channels you need to watch every second of race weekend. As an added bonus, Hulu Plus Live TV comes with the rest of the Disney Bundle, which includes a Hulu on-demand content, along with subscriptions to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus.

Read our Hulu Plus Live TV review .

Sling TV Orange

Carries espn, espn2 and some abc stations.

Sling TV's $40 Orange plan (currently on sale for $20) might be a good choice for F1 fans who are primarily looking to just watch the races on Sundays. This plan is one of the cheapest ways to get access to ESPN and ESPN 2. Those looking for ESPNews will have to opt for the $11 Sports Extra add-on. Sling TV offers ABC as well but only in select cities.

Read our Sling TV review .

Carries ABC, ESPN, ESPN2

Fubo costs $80 per month and includes ABC, ESPN and ESPN 2. The base package lacks ESPNews, but you can add it for an extra $8 a month with the Fubo Extra package, or pay for the $90-a-month Elite streaming tier that includes Fubo Extra. Check out which local networks Fubo offers here .

Read our Fubo review .

DirecTV Stream

Carries abc, espn, espn 2.

DirecTV Stream is one of the most expensive live TV streaming services. Its cheapest, $80-a-month Plus package includes ESPN, ESPN 2 and ABC, but you'll need to move up to the $109-a-month Choice plan to get ESPNews. You can use its channel lookup tool to see which local channels are available in your area.

Read our DirecTV Stream review .

Livestreams all F1, F2, F3 and Porsche Supercup races

For gearheads looking to get every angle on the action, F1 offers its own streaming service. F1 TV Pro costs $85 per season, or $11 per month, and gives fans access to all races from F1, F2, F3 and Porsche Supercup. You'll be able to livestream every track session from all F1 Grands Prix and have access to all driver onboard cameras and team radios. You'll also be able to watch full on-demand races, replays and highlights, along with F1's historic race archive.

F1 also offers a TV Access Plan for $30 per year, or $3.50 per month, which only gives you on-demand access to races once they have been completed. You will still be able to view all F1 onboard cameras, along with full replays of F1, F2, F3 and Porsche Supercup. It also includes the historic race archive.

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Four Canadians go to Japan: Tokyo Part I (May 2019)
Japan Reopening to Canadian Travellers: What You Need to Know
10 Canadian Travel Bloggers Featuring Japan
Finding Japan in Vancouver, Canada
Differences between Canada & Japan
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Travel advice and advisories for Japan
Japan is a fascinating destination that offers a rich culture, natural beauty and modern attractions. Before you travel, consult the Travel Advice and Advisories from the Government of Canada for Japan to learn about the safety, entry and exit requirements, health, laws and culture, and natural disasters and climate of this country.
Japan Reopening to Canadian Travellers: What You Need to Know
After what feels like an eternity of being closed off to the world, Japan is finally set to fully reopen their borders to tourism as of October 11, 2022. No visa requirements, no package tour bookings - simply book your flight and go, just like 2019. Have your proof of vaccination with three doses and you'll be all set to enter the island ...
JNTO Toronto
Partners. The official site of JNTO is your ultimate Japan guide with tourist information for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, and other top Japan holiday destinations. What to do, where to go, where to stay, restaurants, hotels, free WiFi and maps, plan your trip here, to travel with confidence and ease when you visit Japan.
Flight and Visa Information
Canadian tourists staying in Japan for less than 90 days do not need a Visa or any inoculations. If you require additional information about visa requirements for entering Japan, please contact The Embassy of Japan in Canada or the Consulate-General of Japan in the following cities: Toronto. Montreal. Vancouver. Calgary
Entering Japan
All COVID-related entry requirements, such as testing and vaccination certificates, were discontinued on April 29, 2023. As a result, it is now possible to enter Japan like before the pandemic again. Below is a basic introduction to the Japanese immigration system. Contact your closest Japanese embassy or consulate outside Japan or an ...
Latest Japan Entry Requirements
Who is currently allowed to travel to Japan? Entry to Japan is back to pre-pandemic visa arrangements. In other words, passport holders of countries including the UK, most of Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can make use of Japan's 90-day visa-free short term stay arrangements just as it was before March 2020. During the pandemic, the Japanese government separated all countries ...
Embassy of Canada to Japan, in Tokyo
We provide services to Canadians visiting and living in Japan. Embassy visitor security measures. ... Steps to become a Canadian citizen. Get proof of citizenship. Criminal record checks. ... Apply to immigrate. Get a visa to study, work or visit Canada. Voting abroad. Voting process for Canadians who live abroad. Office information Address.
Government of Canada services and information in Tokyo, Japan
However, in accordance with Japanese law, a Japanese citizen having a foreign nationality must choose either of the nationalities. See the Ministry of Justice of Japan for details. For information on dual Canadian citizens' travel to Canada, see: Dual Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport.
Travel Vaccines and Advice for Japan
Once in Japan, the information for the Canadian Embassy is: Embassy of Canada in Tokyo 7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku Tokyo 107-8503, Japan Telephone: +81-3-5412-6200. Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
VISA
Inquiries about Visas Application. Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information. Yotsuya Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0004 Navi-Dial: 0570-011000. (For some IP phones and calls from overseas, please call +81-3-5369-6577) Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00.
A Trip to Canadian World Theme Park, Ashibetsu, Hokkaido
This shot is an almost 14-minute long stroll through Canadian World, a theme park in Ashibetsu, on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan. If you can't visit, consider this a virtual visit. We start at the front gate, which is a replica of the Kensington railway station on Prince Edward Island. Canadian World, Ashibetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.
Here's why Oku Japan can offer clients "incredibly rewarding
TORONTO — Japan's popularity as a travel destination is so strong, and rising so fast, that already travel ... Exclusive access to Canadian travel industry news, promotions, jobs, FAMs and more.
COVID-19: New Normal Travel in Japan
Document confirmation process on site may require an extended period of time. It is strongly recommended for you to register all information via Visit Japan Web in advance. [For new registration]-From 1st November 2022, you cannot use MySOS. Please use Visit Japan Web.
Japan Visa Requirements
All you need to know about entering, leaving and staying in Japan. Any foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, and all visitors must comply with the conditions of their visas. See below for information about the current visa requirements for Japan. Visa Information. If you have any further ...
Work and travel in Japan: International Experience Canada
To work in Japan through the Working Holiday Program, you must: be a Canadian citizen. be 18-30 years old (inclusive) live in Canada when you apply, and. have a valid Canadian passport. Other requirements may apply. Check Japan's website for more details.
How to Apply for a Canadian Visa from Japan
Purpose of Canadian Visa: To work in Canada. Cost of Visa: CAD 155 processing fee. If you have a job offer in Canada, the next step is to apply for a Canadian work permit from Japan. You can only perform paid work in the country with a work permit. However, you and your employer should know that applying for a work permit is more complex than ...
Tour Operators in Canada
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is not affiliated with and does not endorse any tour operators. Need help in planning your trip to Japan? Check out the list of experienced tour operators and travel agencies in Canada.
Japan
Travel agents and tour operators play a substantial role in supporting travel from Japan to Canada, with 89% of potential Japanese leisure visitors indicating that they are likely to use a travel agent to research or book a trip to Canada. Preference to travel fully independently on a trip to Canada has drop (27%).
The Cost of Travel in Japan: My 2024 Budget Breakdown
My 16-Day Japan Itinerary. Here's a brief rundown of where I visited over my 16 days in the country — I think I managed to put together the perfect itinerary for first-time travellers to Japan.. Tokyo: 4 nights Hakone: 1 night Yudanaka: 1 night Kanazawa: 2 nights Takayama: 1 night Kyoto: 3 nights Hiroshima: 1 night Osaka: 3 nights What's Included in this Post
World Heritage temple in Nara vandalized by visiting Canadian teen
1X. Nara -. An eighth-century Japanese temple and UNESCO World Heritage site in Nara Prefecture, Toshodaiji Temple, had a building vandalized by a Canadian teen tourist who carved letters into a ...
Driving in Japan
1. Book a car. You can use several online travel agents to rent cars in your preferred language, or visit the rental car company websites directly. 2. Arrive on your pick-up day. If you are renting from an airport location, you will either go to a designated counter or a designated shuttle pick-up area.
Japan through the eyes of Canadian journalists
Dec. 15, 2022. Adam Waxman. Within the mountainous region of Shikoku, we discover the unvarnished gems that make up a culturally immersive adventure into rural Japanese life. 1. 2. 3. Next. See and experience Japan through the eyes of Canadian journalists. Canadian professional travel journalists and writers share what they see and enjoy in Japan.
Japan tries to deal with tourists causing chaos, traffic jams, litter
The influx has been good for the Japanese economy: Spending by visitors to Japan in the first quarter of this year totaled $11.4 billion (1.75 trillion yen), the highest quarterly figure ever ...
How To Be A Considerate Tourist When Visiting Japan
And someone will typically offer you indoor slippers, which is always a pretty foolproof way to know. Lastly, there is no tipping in Japan. This is a pretty common faux pas, but you should ...
Japan blocks iconic view, limits Mount Fuji climbers due to overtourism
From an online reservation form to blocking a popular view of Mount Fuji, Japanese authorities are doubling efforts to curb overtourism. The Japan Times reports that as of May 20, anyone who wants to climb Mount Fuji must book a slot up to one day in advance. Visitors will also have to pay the mandatory $17.47 climbing fee ahead of time, and there will be an option to donate $ 8.74 towards the ...
How to Watch and Stream the 2024 Monaco GP
F1 streaming in the UK. Those in the UK will need Sky Sports to watch F1 racing in 2024. If you subscribe to Sky, you can get the £22 Complete Sports package in order to get the races. Cord ...
Japan through the eyes of Canadian journalists
See and experience Japan through the eyes of Canadian journalists. Canadian professional travel journalists and writers share what they see and enjoy in Japan.

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