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Japan

日本

Land of the Rising Sun - Your Complete Travel Guide

Last updated: 2025-03-25
9/10

Essential Phrases

Hello

こんにちは

Konnichiwa

Thank you

ありがとう

Arigatou

Yes

はい

Hai

No

いいえ

Iie

Excuse me

すみません

Sumimasen

Sorry

ごめんなさい

Gomennasai

Please

お願いします

Onegaishimasu

Help!

助けて

Tasukete

Where is...?

...はどこですか

...wa doko desu ka

How much?

いくらですか

Ikura desu ka

Cheers!

乾杯

Kanpai

Goodbye

さようなら

Sayounara

Emergency Contacts

Police

110

Police (emergency)

Ambulance

119

Fire and Medical emergency

Fire

119

Fire department

Tourist Police

050-3816-2787

Japan Helpline (English, 24/7)

US Embassy Tokyo

+81 3-3224-5000

1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420

Money & ATM Reality

Currency

Japanese Yen

JPY

1 USD ≈ 150 JPY (approximate)

ATM & Card Access

ATM Availabilitywidespread
Card Acceptancehigh
Cash PreferredYes

ATM Fees: 110-220 JPY per withdrawal (varies by bank)

  • • Cash is king in Japan - many restaurants and shops don't accept cards
  • • 7-Eleven, Post Office, and Lawson ATMs accept foreign cards
  • • Most hotels, department stores, and tourist areas accept cards
  • • Tipping is NOT customary and can be considered rude

Internet & Connectivity

Free WiFimoderate

Restrictions:

• Generally open internet with no major restrictions

• Some gambling websites may be blocked

SIM Card Tips
  • • SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au are major carriers
  • • eSIM available from Ubigi and Airalo
  • • Tourist SIM: 3000-5000 JPY for 10-30GB valid 30 days
  • • Pocket WiFi rental popular for groups

Popular Apps

LINEWhatsAppGoogle MapsPayPayJapan Transit

Safety Index

9
Overall
/ 10
Based on Global Peace Index & US Dept of State Travel Advisories

Crime Overview

Petty Theftlow
Violent Crimelow

Transportation

Extremely safe. Trains and buses are reliable and safe. Watch for crowded rush hours.

Common Scams

  • •Taxi overcharging (use official taxis)
  • •Fake tour operators
  • •ATM skimming at non-bank machines

Areas to Avoid

  • • Generally very safe - no dangerous areas to avoid

Natural Disaster Risks

  • • Earthquakes (common but usually minor)
  • • Typhoons (July-October)
  • • Tsunami risk in coastal areas

Note: Safety ratings are based on Global Peace Index, US Department of State Travel Advisories, and local government sources. Ratings are subjective and should be used as a general guideline only. Always verify current travel advisories before your trip.

Solo Women Travelers

9
Overall
/ 10
Based on solo female traveler reviews & government advisories

Night Safety

safe

Dress Code

Casual and modest. Temples require covered shoulders and knees. Swimwear only at beaches/pools.

Harassment Risk

rare

Women-only transport options available

Tips

  • •Women-only train carriages available during rush hours
  • •Cosplay cafes require caution - research before visiting
  • •Very safe for solo female travelers
  • •Japanese people are generally helpful and respectful

Note:Women safety ratings are based on solo female traveler experiences, TripAdvisor reviews, and US Department of State advisories. Every woman's experience may vary. Trust your instincts and research specific destinations.

Festivals & Events

March-April• Late March - Early April

Cherry Blossom (Sakura)

cultural

Hanami - flower viewing parties under cherry blossoms

Impact:Very crowded - book accommodations early
April-May• April 29 - May 5

Golden Week

national

Consecutive holidays - biggest travel period

Impact:Extremely crowded - everything booked, prices high
July-August• July 1 - September 10

Mount Fuji Climbing Season

cultural

Official climbing season for Japan's highest peak

Impact:Crowded trails - start early morning
January• January 1-3

New Year (Shogatsu)

religious

Most important holiday - temple visits, mochi eating, shrine pilgrimages

Impact:Many businesses closed January 1-3
August• Mid-August

Obon

religious

Ancestor worship - bon odori dances, family reunions

Impact:Many businesses closed, travel crowded

Offline Survival Kit

Documents

Passport (valid 6+ months)
Japan Rail Pass voucher (if purchased)
Hotel confirmations
Travel insurance documents
Emergency contact list

Apps

Google Maps (offline maps)
Japan Transit (train schedules)
LINE (messaging)
PayPay (mobile payments)
Google Translate with offline Japanese

Downloads

Offline Japanese Google Maps
JR Pass activated route maps
Emergency phrases in Japanese

Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes
Portable WiFi or SIM
Cash (always carry some)
Small trash bag (no public bins)
Wet wipes/hand sanitizer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Japan safe for tourists?
Japan has an overall safety rating of 9/10, making it very safe for tourists. Petty theft is low and violent crime is low. Areas to be cautious in include: Generally very safe - no dangerous areas to avoid. Always stay aware of your surroundings and take standard travel precautions.
Is Japan safe for solo female travelers?
Japan has a women's safety rating of 9/10, making it very safe for solo female travelers. Night safety is rated as "safe" and harassment is rare. Women-only transport options are available. Women-only train carriages available during rush hours
Do I need a VPN in Japan?
A VPN is not strictly necessary, but still useful for Japan. Internet restrictions include: Generally open internet with no major restrictions. Some gambling websites may be blocked. Popular apps include LINE, WhatsApp, Google Maps.
What scams should I watch out for in Japan?
Common scams in Japan include: Taxi overcharging (use official taxis); Fake tour operators; ATM skimming at non-bank machines. Always use reputable services, agree on prices before committing, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
Should I use cash or card in Japan?
Cash is preferred in many places in Japan. The currency is Japanese Yen (JPY). Card acceptance is high, especially in urban areas. Cash is king in Japan - many restaurants and shops don't accept cards
What are the emergency numbers in Japan?
Emergency numbers in Japan: Police: 110. Ambulance: 119. Fire: 119. Tourist Police: 050-3816-2787. The US Embassy in Japan (US Embassy Tokyo) can be reached at +81 3-3224-5000.