Travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations before traveling. For current health information and recommendations for Japan, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/travel.

Sightseeing may involve considerable walking, climbing stairs, getting on and off buses, trains, or boats, and walking on uneven surfaces. Some sightseeing locations may not have elevators or wheelchair access. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.

Bring all prescription medications in their original, clearly labeled containers and carry an adequate supply for the entire trip. Travelers carrying syringes, needles, or certain prescription medications should carry appropriate medical documentation and check Japan’s regulations before departure, as some medications legal in the United States may be restricted in Japan.

Tap water in Japan is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is also widely available in hotels, convenience stores, supermarkets, and from vending machines.

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese yen (¥), available in the following denominations:

Banknotes: ¥10,000, ¥5,000, ¥2,000, and ¥1,000
Coins: ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5, and ¥1

You can exchange foreign currency at banks, currency exchange offices, major airports, and some hotels. Some hotels also have automated currency exchange machines available for guests.

Major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, and many restaurants. However, it is advisable to carry some Japanese Yen, as smaller restaurants, shops, and other establishments may prefer or require cash.

ATMs that accept international cards are also widely available, especially at convenience stores and post offices.

Exchange rates fluctuate. For the most current exchange rate, please check a reliable currency exchange website or your bank before departure.

Electrical service in Japan is 100 volts, with 50 Hz in eastern Japan (including Tokyo) and 60 Hz in western Japan (including Kyoto and Osaka).

Japan generally uses Type A outlets with two flat pins, similar to those in the United States. Most modern cell phones, laptops, cameras, and other electronic chargers are designed for 100–240 volts and can be used in Japan without a voltage converter. Please check the voltage rating on your device or charger before use.

Travelers with three-prong plugs should bring a three-prong-to-two-prong adapter. Appliances designed only for 120 volts may not operate properly in Japan.

Japanese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients, seasonality, presentation, and flavor. Rice is a staple of the Japanese diet, accompanied by a wide variety of fish, seafood, vegetables, tofu, meat, and noodles. Fish is commonly served grilled, cooked, or raw as sashimi and sushi. Other popular dishes include ramen, soba and udon noodles, tempura, yakitori, and Japanese-style curry. Western and international cuisine is also widely available, particularly in major cities.

Sake, a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage brewed from rice, may be served chilled, at room temperature, or warm, depending on the type and personal preference. Beer is also very popular, along with a wide variety of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tipping is generally not customary in Japan and may cause confusion. Hotels and upscale restaurants may add a service charge to the bill, so travelers should check their bill before making any additional payment.

The official language of Japan is Japanese. English is taught in schools and is spoken or understood to varying degrees, especially in major cities, hotels, airports, train stations, and popular tourist areas. However, English may be limited in smaller towns and local establishments.

Most major transportation hubs and tourist attractions provide English-language signs and information. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases can also be helpful and is greatly appreciated by local residents.