£1 JP¥213
Today
1:01 pm
+9h from you
Weather in Japan
Japan
11°
Moderate drizzle
Wed
6
11
Thu
7
13
Fri
8
17
Sat
10
16
Sun
8
20
SPF level in Japan
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Japan
Language in Japan
Tipping in Japan
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Attempts to tip may cause confusion or even be considered rude. Exceptional service is already factored into prices.
Restaurant
Never tip. It's considered impolite.
Bar/Café
Never tip. It's considered impolite.
Taxi
Never tip. The fare is the only payment required.
Hotel Porter
Tipping is not expected or appreciated in hotels.
Hotel Housekeeper
Tipping is not expected for housekeeping services.
Tour Guide
Tipping is not expected for tour guides in Japan.
Safety in Japan
Tips for British travellers
Japan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be alert to drink spiking and credit card fraud in entertainment districts, and do not accept drinks from strangers.
Carry your passport or residence card at all times as you can be arrested without proof of visa status.
In some cities like Tokyo, smoking is illegal on the street, so only smoke in designated areas.
Ensure you see a menu with prices before entering a bar or restaurant to avoid disputes over excessive bills.
Do not accompany street touts to bars or clubs, as you may incur hidden charges and not be free to leave.
Bonus tips:
Some public pools, hot springs, and beaches may not admit people with visible tattoos.
Be aware that public displays of loud, boisterous behaviour may attract negative attention.
Be aware that in commuter trains, shout at anyone behaving inappropriately to attract attention and ask someone to call staff.
Driving in Japan
UK driving licenses are not valid in Japan. You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. You must also carry your UK driving license with you.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
40-60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
110
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Save 110 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Japan
Voltage
100V / 50/60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Japan uses 100V electricity, with a frequency of 50 Hz in eastern Japan and 60 Hz in western Japan. Plugs are typically Type A and Type B. UK travellers will need a plug adapter and may need a voltage converter for some devices.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit card acceptance is growing, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. However, cash is still widely used, particularly in smaller establishments, rural areas, and for transportation.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-410-581-9994
ATMs in Japan
ATMs are widely available in urban areas, especially in convenience stores (like 7-Eleven) and post offices. ATMs that accept international cards can be less common in rural regions.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
While ATMs are plentiful, not all accept foreign cards. Look for ATMs with international card acceptance symbols (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). 7-Eleven and Japan Post Bank ATMs usually work well with international cards.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer automatically apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Japan. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card or using Wi-Fi where available.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 3000 JPY (~£16)
Network coverage
4G LTE, 5G
Local carriers
NTT Docomo, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in urban areas. Free Wi-Fi hotspots are becoming more common, but may require registration or have limited usage time. Pocket Wi-Fi routers are a popular option for tourists.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Mobile internet access is generally fast and reliable in Japan. Pocket Wi-Fi rental is a convenient option for tourists who need constant internet access. Many hotels also offer free Wi-Fi.
Health & vaccinations in Japan
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not valid in Japan. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical care can be expensive for non-residents.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Japanese encephalitis
Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and necessary health precautions before travelling to Japan. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
Calling Japan
Country code
+81
To call Japan from the UK, dial 00 81 followed by the area code (without the initial zero) and the local number.
To call a Tokyo number (03 1234 5678) from the UK, you would dial 00 81 3 1234 5678.
The country code for Japan is 81. When calling from overseas, drop the leading zero from the area code.
UK Embassy in Japan
British Embassy Tokyo
1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8381, Japan
Airports in Japan
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.