Japan Travel FAQs

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Japan are available from the NHS website

For up to date information around safety and security in Japan read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Japan.

Late spring (March to May) and late autumn (September to November) are generally the best times to visit Japan, when there is little rainfall, skies are clear, and temperatures are mild.

If you have a 'British Citizen' or 'British National (Overseas)' passport, you can enter Japan as a visitor for up to 90 days without a visa. You may need to provide evidence of a return or onward ticket.Visas aren't issued after arrival in Japan.

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese yen.

The Ussuri brown bear is found in Hokkaidō where it plays an important role in the culture of the Ainu people. The Asian black bear inhabits mountainous areas in Honshū, Kyūshū and Shikoku. Smaller carnivores include the red fox, raccoon dog and Japanese marten.

The traditional cuisine of Japan is Washoku is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes; there is an emphasis on seasonal ingredients.

In addition to the Japanese language, Ryukyuan languages are spoken in Okinawa and parts of Kagoshima in the Ryukyu Islands. Along with Japanese, these languages are part of the Japonic language family, but they are separate languages.

The currency in Japan is the Japanese yen. Tipping is not customary in Japan. In fact, it can be considered rude and insulting in many situations. Most Japanese restaurants require customers to pay for their meals at the front register, rather than leave money with the waiter or waitress.

Local Japan travel experts are available.