Japan
East Asia • JPN
Last updated: October 15, 2026
Japan is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, offering visitors a unique cultural experience. From serene temples and breathtaking natural landscapes to bustling neon-lit metropolises, the country provides endless opportunities for exploration.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, and EU, are exempt from visa requirements for short-term tourism stays of up to 90 days.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for the duration of stay
- Confirmed onward or return flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip
- Completed Visit Japan Web registration for immigration and customs
Popular Attractions
Mount Fuji: Japan's iconic dormant volcano is a symbol of the nation and offers stunning views and climbing opportunities during the summer season.
Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates, this historic shrine offers a mesmerizing walking path through the wooded forest.
Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing: Known as the world's busiest intersection, this landmark captures the frenetic energy and fast-paced life of Japan's capital city.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A poignant site dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing that serves as a powerful testament to peace and global history.
Nara Park: This expansive park is home to hundreds of friendly, free-roaming deer that are considered national treasures and can be fed by visitors.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Remove your shoes before entering homes, traditional inns, and some restaurants that have tatami flooring.
Keep noise levels low on public transportation, as talking loudly or on your phone is considered disrespectful to other passengers.
Avoid eating or drinking while walking in public, as it is generally frowned upon in Japanese culture.
When visiting shrines, wash your hands and mouth at the purification fountain before approaching the main altar.
Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can sometimes be seen as confusing or offensive; provide excellent service with a bow instead.
Use both hands when giving or receiving business cards or money to show respect to the other person.
Safety Tips
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, but it is still wise to remain aware of your surroundings in crowded urban areas.
Familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures, as Japan is located in an active seismic zone.
Keep a copy of your passport and travel insurance documents in a secure, separate location from your originals.
Use designated pedestrian crossings and follow traffic signals strictly, as Japanese drivers expect pedestrians to obey the rules.
Always carry some cash, as many small shops, temples, and rural ticket machines may not accept international credit cards.
Save the emergency numbers 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance services in your phone for quick access.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
No yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Japan.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceJapanese Encephalitis
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live, spend long periods of time (such as a month or more) in areas with Japanese encephalitis, or frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis. Consider vaccination for travelers spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Japan. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Japan.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is also recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine vaccines (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to Japan.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to Japan.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide general immunity.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before your trip.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses during travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccinations
Source: CDC
Ensure your vaccinations are up to date prior to travel.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to ensure immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers, particularly if you are not up to date on your vaccinations.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination before travel is recommended.
View sourceRoutine hepatitis B vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers at higher risk of being exposed to blood and body fluids.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for protection against COVID-19, especially if traveling from high transmission areas.
View sourceSun protection
Source: CDC
Protect yourself from the sun to prevent sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing in hot weather.
View sourceAnimal contact precautions
Source: CDC
Avoid contact with animals to prevent diseases such as rabies.
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know. Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
View sourceSafe food and water practices
Source: CDC
Choose safe food and drinks to prevent travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases.
Eat foods that have been fully cooked and served hot. Do not eat fresh vegetables or fruits unless you can wash or peel them yourself. Drink only bottled, sealed beverages, and avoid ice.
View sourceHand hygiene
Source: CDC
Wash your hands often, especially before eating, to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling.
If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Rabies
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers involved in outdoor and other activities that put them at risk for animal bites, especially when moving to remote areas.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended if you might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo, or have a medical procedure.
View sourceInsect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Take measures to prevent insect bites to reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Follow safe eating and drinking practices to prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
Drink only bottled, sealed, or treated water; avoid undercooked or raw food.
View sourceFood and water safety
Source: CDC
Practice food and water safety to prevent illnesses like traveler's diarrhea.
Drink only bottled, sealed, or treated water; avoid undercooked food.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccine
Source: CDC
Strongly recommended to prevent COVID-19 infection
Check local entry requirements.
View sourceFlu vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for elderly travelers due to increased flu risk during travel seasons.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.
View sourceInsect bite prevention practices
Source: CDC
Important in preventing mosquito-borne diseases.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, particularly those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
View sourceFlu vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended annually for all travelers to reduce the risk of flu.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting rural areas or consuming food/water from varied sources.
View sourceRoutine vaccines: MMR, Tdap, Varicella
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to ensure protection against common diseases.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Japanese Encephalitis
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers with long-term stays or extensive travel in rural areas during the transmission season.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals.
View sourceJapanese Encephalitis
Source: CDC
Consider for long-term travelers or those spending significant time in rural agricultural areas during transmission season.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccine
Source: CDC
Stay protected from COVID-19 during travel; follow local health guidelines.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To prevent mosquito-borne diseases, especially in rural areas.
View sourceRabies vaccine
Source: CDC
Consider if engaging in activities that may lead to animal bites.
View sourcePractice food and water safety measures
Source: CDC
To prevent gastroenteritis and other foodborne illnesses.
View sourceTravel health insurance
Source: CDC
Recommended to cover health needs during travel.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may have sexual exposure, or require medical procedures.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
To prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas in Japan.
Particularly important for those who consume food or water outside of major hotels or high-end restaurants.
View source