Japan FAQs

Visas
Visas are not required when travelling to Japan for stays of less than 90 days if you hold a US, Canadian or UK passport. For travellers who do need to obtain a visa before travel, please ensure you have time for the relevant paperwork before your departure.

Please note that requirements can change, and we recommend contacting your nearest Japan embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Passports
It’s important that your passport is valid for at least six months after your stay and you should have one blank page for the relevant immigration stamps. If you visit other countries you will need two blank pages per country.

For the most up-to-date information on travel document requirements, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website

Yes, once your trip is confirmed, it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens.
We always recommend you choose the maximum level of cover that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

Yes, you should visit a travel doctor before your trip, as they may recommend certain vaccinations or medications before or during travel.

If you’re travelling to Japan from the USA or Europe, you won’t need any specific vaccination certificates, though it’s always smart to stay current on your routine shots before you fly.

The general rule is that you can bring up to a one-month supply of prescription medication for personal use. However, Japan has very strict laws regarding specific substances; if your medication contains narcotics or stimulant raw materials, you can’t just pack them and go. You’ll need to apply for official authorisation from the Japanese government and have that permit in hand before you depart. It’s always best to double-check your specific meds against the Ministry of Health’s guidelines early so your arrival goes off without a hitch.

Because Japanese trains are famously punctual, we recommend arriving at your platform early and waiting at your designated carriage marker; you’ll find clear English signage throughout the stations, and your driver or assistant will be on hand to ensure a smooth boarding process. Your train tickets will be provided by your local guide or assistant before each train journey; kindly ensure you keep these physical tickets secure, as they are required for entry and exit at the station gates.

Since storage space for large suitcases is quite limited on trains – with overhead racks measuring roughly 40 cm by 60 cm – we highly encourage you to take advantage of Japan’s reliable and inexpensive door-to-door luggage courier service. By arranging an overnight luggage transfer in advance through your hotel concierge, you can enjoy the freedom of travelling with just an overnight bag while your heavier pieces (up to 30 kg) meet you at your next destination within 24 to 48 hours. Check with your Jacada concierge for more information on the arrangements.

Travel pack

Before you head off on your adventure, if a hard copy has been requested, you will be sent a travel guide. The travel guide is full of great information about the regions you are travelling to and is a beautiful keepsake. It does not contain any trip-specific information such as your detailed itinerary, tickets or vouchers. While physical vouchers aren’t strictly required for your journey, we suggest keeping a printed copy of your itinerary or a downloaded version on your mobile device to ensure a smooth journey.

Bon Voyage email

Approximately two to three weeks before you depart we will email you an electronic version of your travel guide including your domestic flight confirmation and detailed itinerary. Once you’ve received this email your travel designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last-minute questions and talk you through the information we’ve sent over.

Local currency

While Japan has rapidly embraced digital payments, carrying Japanese yen (JPY) is still a travel essential. Here is a quick guide to managing your money during your trip:

Payment Methods: Most hotels and major retailers readily accept credit cards and mobile payments. However, many local shops, smaller restaurants, and rural businesses remain cash-only.

Convenience is Key: You can find ATMs in nearly every convenience store. Most of these machines accept international cards, though we recommend checking with your bank regarding overseas fees before you arrive.

Recommendation: We suggest keeping a modest amount of cash on hand for smaller purchases and peace of mind when exploring off the beaten path.

Need a hand? Your guide is always available to help you locate the nearest ATM or assist with any currency questions you may have.

Tipping

Generally, tipping is not practised and is often unnecessary, as most hotels and restaurants already incorporate a service charge into their pricing; in fact, offering extra cash in these settings can occasionally lead to confusion or polite refusal.

However, there are a few nuanced exceptions for truly outstanding service. At high-end ryokans (traditional inns), a gratuity of JPY 5,000–10,000 per room for the entire stay is a gracious gesture. While tipping isn’t standard in Japan, showing a little extra love for your private guides and drivers is always appreciated! If you’ve had a wonderful experience, a gratuity of JPY 3,000–5,000 for a half day or JPY 5,000–10,000 for a full day at the end of your time in each city is a thoughtful way to say thanks. For drivers, JPY 2,000–5,000 may similarly be offered for exceptional service.

You might also consider inviting your guide to join you for lunch (usually around JPY 2,000–2,500) or offering a small, unique souvenir from your home country. These gestures are totally optional and not expected, but they’re a lovely way to share a bit of your own culture while enjoying theirs.

If you do choose to provide a monetary tip in these specific instances, it is best presented formally inside an envelope and handed over using both hands as a sincere sign of respect.

Laundry services depend on your hotel’s facilities. In Japan, most hotels will provide laundry service, usually at an extra cost, so do check the price list. If you’re staying at a traditional ryokan, keep in mind that laundry services might not be available.

Dining in Japan is bound to be a major highlight of your trip, but the local customs and booking rules might feel a bit different from what you’re used to back home. To ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s helpful to keep a few key etiquette points and reservation policies in mind before you head out.

Chefs in Japan generally view their menus as a complete, carefully crafted expression of their craft. Because of this deep respect for tradition and flavour balance, most restaurants are unable to modify dishes or swap ingredients – even for dietary restrictions – as it can be seen as compromising the meal’s integrity. To ensure a smooth experience, please share any allergies or restrictions with us in detail as early as possible during the trip planning process. While we’ll do our absolute best to find accommodating spots, keep in mind that some venues may decline a booking if they feel they can’t safely or authentically meet your needs.

Finally, remember that punctuality is a mark of respect in Japanese culture. Restaurants adhere to strict arrival times and firm cancellation policies with penalties, so we recommend only booking when you are certain of your plans. To avoid any stress from travel delays, we don’t schedule reservations for your arrival night – this gives you the evening to settle in and consult with your hotel concierge for a relaxed first meal. Once your trip is confirmed, you’ll be introduced to your dedicated Jacada concierge to start crafting your culinary itinerary!

Reservation process: Securing dinner spots in Japan is a bit of a unique process, as many restaurants prefer bookings made via a hotel concierge rather than third-party apps. We’re more than happy to handle these requests for you, though we’ll let you know if a specific venue requires you to book with them directly. To keep your itinerary flexible, our local team suggests locking in just one ‘must-have’ reservation per city before you arrive. This ensures you leave plenty of room to discover local hidden gems with your guide. For lunch and casual bites, we suggest playing it by ear; your guide will have the best recommendations once you’re on the ground.

Dress Code: Smart casual is the preferred attire. There is no need to dress formally, but please avoid shorts or tank tops. Please refrain from using perfume or other cosmetics with strong odours.

Staying at a ryokan is a beautiful experience, but there are a few local customs to keep in mind! When you arrive, you’ll swap your shoes for slippers, though remember to go barefoot or use socks on the tatami mats. You’re welcome to wear the provided yukata everywhere; just make sure to wrap the left side over the right.

Whether you’re using a shared public bath (marked by blue curtains for men and red for women) or a private one, the rule is the same: wash and rinse thoroughly before getting in. Keep the bathwater clean by keeping your towels out of the tub, and feel free to adjust the temperature with cold water if needed – no need to drain it when you’re done. If you have tattoos, a room with a private bath is your best bet, as some public areas still have restrictions.

Since ryokan meals are served at set times either in your room or in the ryokan’s dining room, just let your travel designer know about your dietary preferences early – we’ll make sure to hand-pick the perfect property that caters to your needs.

Getting around Japan is straightforward for most travellers, with a range of transport options depending on where you are going. In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, Uber is a popular and dependable choice. The best transport, especially when heading to restaurants or travelling in the evenings, is Uber Black, which offers added comfort. Alternatively, the GO Taxi app is a popular local choice, though we suggest having a secondary payment method on hand as international credit card acceptance can occasionally vary.

Plugs and power in Japan

The standard voltage in Japan is 100V. Power outlets utilise two flat pins, identical to those used in the US. Consequently, travellers from the USA do not require a plug adapter for their devices. Visitors arriving from Europe or other regions will need a standard travel adapter to fit Japanese sockets. Please ensure your devices are compatible with the local voltage before use.

SIM card
For a smooth start to your journey, you may conveniently purchase and install an eSIM online before you depart, or simply wait until you land in Japan, where your assistant will be delighted to help you set up a physical SIM or eSIM at the airport.