Essential travel facts.
Currency, timezone, language, and the practical details you'll want before clearing customs in Japan.
Plugs, voltage, and what to pack.
What Japan runs on the wall — and whether your charger speaks the same language.
Mobile data, WiFi, the works.
The practical bits about getting online — eSIM availability, typical speeds, and recommended providers.
eSIM and physical SIM cards are available in Japan. eSIM is the most convenient option for travelers with compatible phones.
50-200 Mbps average
Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi, Sakura Mobile
Skip the airport SIM queue.
Activate a Saily or Airalo eSIM before you fly — data the moment you land in Japan, no SIM swapping needed.
What it costs, and how to pay.
Hotel prices, daily budget, ATM realities, and whether your card actually works at the noodle counter.
$80-250 per night.
$100-200 (mid-range traveler)
7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs reliably accept international cards and are available 24/7. Many other ATMs do not accept foreign cards. Japan remains cash-heavy - always carry yen for small shops, temples, and restaurants.
Credit cards accepted at hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants. Many smaller restaurants, local shops, and train station lockers require cash. IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) work for transit and convenience stores.
Airports, rentals, and rails.
How to actually move around — from arrivals to the city, and from the city to the next one.
NRT, HND, KIX (serving Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto)
Not recommended for major cities due to traffic and parking costs. Useful for rural areas like Hokkaido or Okinawa. International Driving Permit required. Remember: Japan drives on the left.
The Shinkansen (bullet train) network connects major cities efficiently. JR Pass offers unlimited travel for tourists. Tokyo's metro system is comprehensive with English signage. IC cards simplify payments across all transit.
Skip the arrivals scramble.
Pre-book a Welcome Pickups transfer for a stress-free arrival in Japan, or compare car rental deals if you're road-tripping.
What to watch for, and what's overblown.
An honest read on travel risk — without the embassy-website doom or the Instagram glow.
Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries for travelers. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and theft is uncommon. Lost items are frequently returned. The main safety considerations are natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons) - register with your embassy and follow local advisories.
Earthquakes can occur - know evacuation routes. Typhoon season is August-October. Download disaster alert apps. Some areas (like Shibuya at night) have aggressive touts.
What to pack for Japan.
Country-specific items, not a generic checklist. Curated for Japan's particular quirks.
- 01Cash wallet with coin compartment
Japan uses cash heavily - you'll accumulate 100 and 500 yen coins for vending machines, lockers, and small purchases
- 02IC card (Suica/Pasmo) or mobile Suica
Essential for trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines - saves time and avoids fumbling with coins
- 03Compact umbrella
Rainy season (June-July) brings daily showers, and rain can occur year-round - Japanese convenience stores sell them cheaply too
- 04Slip-on shoes
You'll remove shoes frequently at temples, traditional restaurants, and ryokans - slip-ons make this easier
- 05Small daypack
Coin lockers are everywhere for storing luggage - a small bag lets you explore without dragging suitcases
- 06Pocket WiFi or eSIM
Google Maps and translation apps are essential - free WiFi is limited outside major stations and hotels
- 07Universal power adapter (Type A/B)
Japan uses Type A and B outlets at 100V - US plugs fit but some devices may charge slower
The kit we'd pack for Japan.
Affiliate links — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you, only on the partners we'd actually use ourselves.
NordVPN — Secure Travel WiFi
Encrypt your connection on hotel & café WiFi. Access banking and streaming securely from abroad.
Open ↗SAILYSaily eSIM — Instant Mobile Data
Skip roaming charges. Activate before you land for instant 4G/5G data in 150+ countries.
Open ↗AIRALOAiralo eSIM — Global Data Plans
Affordable eSIM data plans for 200+ countries. Set up in minutes from your phone.
Open ↗EKTAEkta Travel Insurance
Medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and baggage coverage. Peace of mind from day one.
Open ↗TRAVELEPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
Works in 150+ countries with USB-C and USB-A ports. One adapter for everything.
Open ↗WELCOMEWelcome Pickups — Airport Transfers
Pre-booked airport transfers with English-speaking drivers, fixed prices, and flight tracking.
Open ↗ECONOMYEconomyBookings — Car Rental
Compare car rental deals from 500+ companies worldwide. Best price guaranteed.
Open ↗TIQETSTiqets — Skip-the-Line Tickets
Book skip-the-line tickets for museums, attractions, and experiences worldwide.
Open ↗COMFORTABLEComfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring new cities on foot.
Open ↗JPSlim RFID Travel Wallet
Perfect for Japan's cash-based society.
Open ↗JP2026 Japan Travel Guidebook
Essential information with inside information for a better trip to Japan
Open ↗JPTripped Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes
Large Compression Packing Cubes for Travel-Packing Cube Luggage Organizers 7 Piece Set for Checked Luggage-Ultralight
Open ↗The questions readers actually ask.
Eight questions our readers send the most. Answered without hand-waving.
Do I need a plug adapter for Japan?Open
Japan uses Type A and B outlets - the same flat two-prong plugs as North America. US and Canadian devices will fit without an adapter. However, Japan's voltage is 100V (vs 120V in the US), so some devices may charge slightly slower. Most modern electronics handle this automatically.
Is tap water safe to drink in Japan?Open
Yes, tap water throughout Japan is safe to drink and tastes good. Many train stations have water fountains. Bottled water is widely available but unnecessary.
Is travel insurance required for Japan?Open
Travel insurance is not required for entry but highly recommended. Japan's healthcare is excellent but expensive for foreigners - a simple hospital visit can cost $200+. Insurance also covers trip cancellation and lost luggage.
What currency is used in Japan?Open
Japan uses the Japanese Yen (¥). Despite being a tech-forward country, cash remains king for many transactions. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept international cards. Credit cards work at hotels and larger stores but many restaurants and shops are cash-only.
What voltage is used in Japan?Open
Japan uses 100V at 50Hz (eastern Japan) or 60Hz (western Japan) — the lowest voltage standard in the world. Dual-voltage electronics (100-240V) like phones, laptops, and cameras work fine. If you're traveling from a 220-240V country, your single-voltage hair dryers and appliances simply won't work — they'll receive less than half their rated voltage, producing barely any heat or power (they won't be damaged, but they'll be useless). US/Canadian 120V devices generally work but may be slightly underpowered.
Do US devices work in Japan?Open
US and Canadian plugs fit Japanese outlets (Type A/B). The lower voltage (100V vs 120V) rarely causes issues with modern electronics. Check your device's power adapter — if it says '100-240V', you're set. Hair dryers may produce slightly less heat but generally work. For travelers from 220-240V countries: your single-voltage appliances will NOT function properly on Japan's 100V power.
What is the emergency number in Japan?Open
Police: 110. Fire/Ambulance: 119. The emergency number 110 has English support in major cities. Save your embassy's number. Japan is extremely safe, but know these numbers.
What language is spoken in Japan?Open
Japanese is the primary language. English signage exists in major cities and tourist areas. Translation apps like Google Translate are invaluable - the camera feature can translate menus and signs instantly.
Do I need a visa for Japan?Open
90-day visa-free entry for citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and 60+ other countries. Passport must be valid for duration of stay.
Heading somewhere else after Japan?
Last verified: May 2026