Mi Bella Mondo

    EXPLORE JAPAN

    Your Comprehensive Destination Guide

    At a Glance

    Total area: 377,975 km² (145,937 sq mi)

    Capital: Tokyo

    Religion: Shinto and Buddhism (often practiced together)

    Population: Approx. 124 million

    Language: Japanese (English is widely taught but less spoken in rural areas)

    Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)

    Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–3:00 pm; ATMs often available 24/7

    Telephone/Communication: Country code: +81. Prepaid SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi devices are widely available at airports and electronics stores. Japan has excellent 4G and 5G coverage in urban areas.

    Climate:

      • Spring (Mar-May): Mild cherry blossoms in full bloom
      • Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid; typhoon season starts in late summer
      • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool and colorful foliage
      • Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold with snow in northern regions and mountains
    Japan Consumption Rate (Equivalent to VAT)

    Standard Rate

    • 10%: This rate applies to most goods and services, including electronics, clothing, and general merchandise.

    Reduced Rate

    • 8%: A lower rate is applied to certain essential items to ease the cost of living. These include:

    • Food and beverages (excluding alcoholic drinks and meals consumed at restaurants)

    • Newspapers published more than twice a week

    • Takeout meals and supermarket groceries

    • Non-alcoholic beverages

    Zero Rate

    • 0%: Exports and certain international services are taxed at this rate.

    Tax-Free Shopping for Tourists

    As of November 1, 2026, Japan plans to shift from the current point-of-sale tax exemption system to a refund-based system for inbound visitors. Under the new system, tourists will pay the full price, including the consumption tax, and then claim a refund at designated locations, such as airports, upon departure. 

    Important Notes

    • Receipts: Always request and keep receipts for all purchases, as they are required for tax refund claims.

    • Eligibility: To qualify for tax-free shopping, purchases must meet minimum spending thresholds and be made at participating stores.

    • Refund Process: Refunds are typically processed at the airport before departure, and the goods must be exported within a specified period.

    Travel Requirements

     
    Entry Visa

    Visa Exemption: U.S. citizens can enter Japan visa-free for stays up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family.

    Longer Stays: Visas are required for work, study, or stays over 90 days. Apply in advance at a Japanese consulate.

    Passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. It should be in good condition and have at least one blank page for entry/exit stamps.

    Return or Onward Ticket: Travelers may be asked to show proof of a return or onward ticket upon arrival.

    Customs & Prohibited Items: Japan has strict customs regulations, including prohibitions on certain foods, plants, and medications. Declare all items subject to duty; some goods have strict quantity limits.

    Health & Vaccination: No mandatory vaccines are required for entry, and routine vaccinations are recommended (measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus).

    COVID-19: No current testing or vaccination requirements; check the latest updates before travel.

    Quarantine & COVID-19: Japan has lifted most COVID-related travel restrictions. Travelers should verify travel requirements as policies may change.

    Special Notes

    Japan enforces strict regulations on prescription medicines—carry a copy of your prescription and ensure your medication is allowed.

    Travelers entering with drones or large amounts of electronics should declare them.

    Pro Tips

    Cash is Still King: Many places (especially rural) don’t accept credit cards — carry yen.

    Rail Passes: Buy a Japan Rail Pass before entering Japan. It can save you hundreds if you’re traveling across cities.

    Shoes Off: Be prepared to remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some restaurants.

    Convenience Stores (Konbini): 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are everywhere. They offer great food, ATMs, and essentials.

    Culinary Highlights

    Tokyo: Sushi (Tsukiji Market), ramen (Ichiran or Afuri), izakayas for local vibes

    Kyoto: Kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal), matcha everything, yuba (tofu skin)

    Osaka (side trip): Known as the “Kitchen of Japan”—try” takoyaki and okonomiyaki

    Naoshima: Limited dining options — book ahead; local seafood and café fare available near art sites

    Getting there from the US

    • Major Airports in Japan: Tokyo (Narita & Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya (Chubu Centrair)

      Flight Duration:

        • From Los Angeles: ~11 hours

        • From New York: ~14 hours

    •  Airlines: ANA, Japan Airlines, United, Delta, American Airlines, and several budget carriers

    Tip: International arrivals increasingly prefer Haneda Airport over Narita due to its proximity to central Tokyo.

    Travel Safety Tips

     

    General Safety

    • Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates.
    • Violent crime is rare; however, always stay alert in crowded areas.
    • Apply common sense like anywhere else — monitor your possessions and steer clear of secluded areas during the night.

    Protect Your Belongings

    • Pickpocketing is uncommon but can occur in crowded places like train stations.
    • Use a money belt or keep valuables in front pockets.
    • Lock your luggage and avoid leaving bags unattended.

    Public Transportation

    • The public transit system is safe, clean, and efficient.
    • Avoid rushing or pushing during busy times to prevent accidents.
    • Follow local etiquette (like not talking loudly on trains).

    Emergency Contacts

    • Police emergency number: 110
    • Ambulance/fire emergency number: 119
    • Many police officers speak some English, and major train stations have help desks.

    Natural Disasters

    • Japan is prone to earthquakes and typhoons.
    • You can familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures and give local warnings.
    • If you are staying in areas prone to natural disasters, have an emergency plan and know the evacuation routes.

    Smoking and Fire Safety

    • Most streets prohibit smoking, but they allow it in designated areas.
    • Always follow signs and dispose of cigarette butts responsibly.

    Food and Water Safety

    • Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan.
    • Food hygiene standards are very high; enjoy local street food without worry.

    Cultural Respect

    • Respect local customs and laws — for example, do not enter homes or certain places with shoes on.
    • Avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior in public spaces.

    Fun Facts!

    • Vending Machine Wonderland. Japan has over 4 million vending machines, offering everything from hot ramen, sake, and umbrellas to fresh eggs and t-shirts—many available 24/7.

    • Bathing is a Ritual. Many are open 24/7, offering everything from hot ramen, sake, and umbrellas to fresh eggs and T-shirts. Japanese people love a good soak. Onsen (hot springs) and sento (public baths) are part of everyday life and are meant for relaxation and cleansing, not just hygiene.

    • Sushi Was Once Street Food. Now a global delicacy, sushi started as cheap street food in Edo (now Tokyo). Nigiri sushi—fish atop rice—was meant to be eaten quickly on the go.

    • There’s a Festival for Almost Everything. Japan has over 200,000 festivals (matsuri) each year, celebrating everything from the seasons to fertility, fire, snow, and even crying babies!

    • Trains That Apologize. The Shinkansen (bullet trains) are so punctual that a delay of more than 5 minutes requires an apology and a certificate you can give to your employer or school!

    • Cherry Blossoms Are a National Obsession. Sakura (cherry blossom) season is a significant event. Locals and tourists flock to parks for hanami (flower-viewing parties), and you’ll find everything from sakura lattes to sakura-themed beauty products.

    • Bowing is an Art Form. In Japan, bowing isn’t just a greeting—it’s a nuanced expression of respect, gratitude, apology, and formality. The angle and duration vary based on the situation.

    • Home to the World’s Oldest Company. Kongo Gumi, a Japanese construction company founded in 578 AD, was the oldest continuously operating company in the world for over 1,400 years.

    • Cat Cafés and More. Japan popularized the idea of animal cafés, where you can sip coffee while hanging out with cats, owls, hedgehogs, or even capybaras.

    • Slurping is Polite. In Japan, slurping noodles is not only accepted—it’s encouraged! It shows appreciation for the meal and enhances the flavor by aerating the broth.

    Top Places to Visit in Japan

    Tokyo - A metropolis of contrasts, tradition meets high-tech futurism.
    Kyoto - The heart of traditional Japan. Temples, geishas, and serene beauty.
    Benesse Art Site Naoshima (Naoshima + Teshima + Inujima)

    Japan is a country that’s impossible to see in one trip — and that’s part of the magic. Every region offers a new flavor, story, and rhythm. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of samurai in Kyoto, standing under neon skies in Tokyo, or finding meaning in minimalist art on Naoshima, Japan is a journey of wonder and harmony.

    Scroll to Top