Jurisdiction Guide

Cherry blossom season (late March-mid April) is magical but crowded. Autumn foliage (mid-October to early December) is equally stunning with fewer tourists. May-June is pleasant before the rainy season (tsuyu, mid-June to mid-July). Summer is hot and humid, especially in cities. Winter is ideal for skiing in Hokkaido and hot spring (onsen) visits. Golden Week (late April-early May) is extremely busy, avoid if possible.

Japan is still largely a cash society, especially outside major cities, carry yen. Convenience stores (konbini) are incredible, excellent food, ATMs, Wi-Fi, and basic supplies 24/7. The Japan Rail Pass saves significantly on bullet train (shinkansen) travel, buy before arriving. Tattoos may bar entry to onsen and gyms. Pocket Wi-Fi rental at the airport is important. Vending machines for everything are everywhere.

Bow when greeting, deeper for more formal situations. Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and many restaurants (look for a step up). Never tip, it can be considered insulting. Don't eat or drink while walking. On trains: no phone calls, keep quiet, and let passengers exit before boarding. Don't blow your nose in public. When receiving business cards, accept with both hands and study it respectfully.

Japan is one of the world's safest countries with extremely low crime rates. Natural disasters are the main concern, earthquakes, typhoons (August-October), and tsunamis. Download disaster preparedness apps and know evacuation routes. Summer heat can be dangerous, stay hydrated and use cooling towels. Jellyfish season is July-September on some beaches. Emergency: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire).

Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, explore the art islands of Naoshima and Teshima in the Seto Inland Sea, the ancient pilgrimage trails of Kumano Kodo, alpine Kamikochi, or Yakushima's ancient cedar forests that inspired Studio Ghibli. The Nakasendo walking trail between Tokyo and Kyoto passes through preserved post towns. Kanazawa is called "Little Kyoto" without the crowds. Okinawa offers tropical Japan with unique Ryukyu culture.

Citizens of 70+ countries can visit visa-free for 90 days. Japan recently introduced a Digital Nomad Visa allowing stays up to 6 months for remote workers earning over ¥10 million/year. Work visas require employer sponsorship. The Highly Skilled Professional visa offers fast-track permanent residency. The Startup Visa allows entrepreneurs to establish businesses. Japan's permanent residency typically requires 10 years of residence.

Japan's transportation is legendarily punctual. The shinkansen (bullet train) network connects major cities at up to 320 km/h. Japan Rail Pass (from ¥50,000 for 7 days) is important for tourists. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work on all trains, buses, and vending machines. Tokyo's subway is vast but well-signed in English. Domestic flights are fast for Okinawa and Hokkaido. Cycling is popular in cities and rural areas alike.

Japanese cuisine is UNESCO-recognized and endlessly varied. Must-try: fresh sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, ramen (regional varieties differ dramatically), wagyu beef, tempura, okonomiyaki in Osaka, and the art of kaiseki multi-course dining. Convenience store food is genuinely excellent. Sake, Japanese whisky, and craft beer are world-class. Matcha everything. The legal drinking age is 20.

Japan is more affordable than its reputation suggests, especially with the weak yen. Budget: ¥8,000-12,000/day. Mid-range: ¥15,000-30,000/day. Capsule hotels and hostels from ¥3,000/night. Business hotels average ¥7,000-15,000. Convenience store meals for ¥500-800. Ramen bowls ¥800-1,200. The Japan Rail Pass and free shrines/temples keep activity costs manageable. 100-yen shops (Daiso) are great for supplies.