Japan

Asia

Japan

Japan holds neon-lit Tokyo intersections and centuries-old Kyoto temples within the same country, connected by a rail network precise enough to set a watch by. Cherry blossoms transform parks into pink canopies each spring, while onsen hot springs, often set against mountain or coastal views, offer a ritual of quiet soaking after a day of travel. Food ranges from convenience-store rice balls to painstaking sushi counters, and a deep respect for craft shows up in everything from woodworking to how tea is served.

Why go thereFood Sacred sites Culture & heritage Hot springs Festivals & events Art museums Architecture & cities Nature & landscapes Volcanoes Skiing Wellness & spa Ancient ruins

Main destinations

Food & drink to try

Sushi

Vinegared rice paired with glistening raw fish, a delicate bite of ocean freshness.

Ramen

Steaming noodles in rich savory broth topped with pork, egg, and scallions.

Sashimi

Pristine slices of raw fish showcasing pure texture and delicate ocean flavor.

Main destinations

Other destinations

Comfort in January · by notability

Food & drink to try

Sushi

Vinegared rice paired with glistening raw fish, a delicate bite of ocean freshness.

Ramen

Steaming noodles in rich savory broth topped with pork, egg, and scallions.

Sashimi

Pristine slices of raw fish showcasing pure texture and delicate ocean flavor.

Tempura

Crispy, golden-battered seafood and vegetables fried to feather-light perfection.

Yakitori

Smoky skewered chicken grilled over charcoal with sweet-savory tare glaze.

Tonkatsu

Panko-crusted pork cutlet fried crisp, sliced, and eaten with shredded cabbage.

Udon

Thick, chewy wheat noodles in clear dashi broth, hot or chilled with dipping sauce.

Soba

Buckwheat noodles served cold on a bamboo mat, dipped in dashi and scallion.

Okonomiyaki

Savory grilled pancake loaded with cabbage, batter, and tangy-sweet sauce.

Takoyaki

Osaka street batter balls with octopus inside, molten centre, bonito flakes waving on top.

Gyoza

Pan-fried dumplings with a lacy crisp base and juicy pork-and-cabbage filling.

Katsudon

Pork cutlet and onion simmered in egg and dashi, poured over a rice bowl.

Sukiyaki

Thin beef cooked at the table in sweet soy broth and dipped in raw egg.

Shabu-shabu

Beef swished through simmering kombu broth for seconds, then dipped in sesame or ponzu.

Onigiri

Hand-pressed rice triangle wrapped in nori, with pickled plum or salted salmon inside.

Kaiseki

Kyoto's multi-course meal, composed by season and served on matched ceramics.

Miso soup

Warm, umami-rich broth made from fermented soybean paste and tofu.

Wagyu

Intensely marbled Japanese beef, grilled briefly so the fat melts rather than renders.

Sake

Brewed rice wine, served chilled or warm, ranging from dry and mineral to fruity.

Matcha

Vivid green tea, earthy and slightly bitter, whisked into a frothy ceremonial drink.

Practical info

Drives on the left

Getting around

By train — Japan offers one of the most efficient rail transportation systems in the world, the crowning jewel of which is the Shinkansen (新幹線), popularly known in English as the bullet train, the world's first high-speed rail line.

By bus — Local buses (路線バス rosen basu) are the norm in big cities and small towns. Bus fares are either fixed (you pay once, when entering or exiting the bus) or distance-based (you board the rear of the bus, grab a numbered ticket, and match the number with the fare displayed on a board at the front of the bus when it's time to get off).

By car — Rental cars and driving in Japan are rare in or around the major cities, as public transport is generally excellent and gets you almost everywhere. In addition, the roads of major cities like Tokyo are plagued with massive traffic jams and parking is expensive and difficult to find, so driving there is more of a hindrance than anything else.

From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA. View source

Entry & health

Set your passport

worldstandards.eu jp.usembassy.gov japan-guide.com

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Tipping & local customs

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause confusion or be seen as rude; service charge is already included in the price at restaurants, and taxi drivers, hotel staff, and cafés do not expect tips.

Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, ryokan, and some restaurants
Do not eat or talk loudly on trains; keep phone calls to a minimum on public transport
Bowing is a common greeting; handshakes are less common but acceptable with foreigners
Avoid tipping — it is not part of local custom and payment is settled at the register
Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick (funeral associations)
Smoking is often restricted to designated areas on streets, not freely allowed while walking

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Before you go

Stay connected

Get an eSIM for Japan — mobile data the moment you land.

via Airalo

Travel insurance

Cover trip cancellation, medical care and delays.

via EKTA