£1 JP¥216
Today
3:37 am
+9h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Japan
Japan
22°
Moderate drizzle
Thu
10°
22°
Fri
8°
19°
Sat
8°
20°
Sun
12°
22°
Mon
10°
22°
Tue
12°
26°
Wed
10°
23°
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.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Japan
What British travellers need to know
You can get a visa on arrival for tourism for up to 90 days without applying before you travel.
Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay, with no additional validity period required.
Ensure you have a blank page in your passport for the entry stamp.
You can apply at an immigration office in Japan to extend your stay by another 90 days.
It is illegal to bring meat products like sausages or ham into Japan without prior permission.
Good to know:
Japan is still a predominantly cash-based society, and foreign credit or debit cards may be difficult to use.
When returning to the UK, you must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
Safety in Japan
Tips when travelling
Japan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings in sight, especially in Tokyo's entertainment districts at night.
There is a risk of drink spiking and credit card fraud in nightlife areas like Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro.
Japan has strict drug laws, and you can be charged if illegal substances are found in your bloodstream, even unknowingly.
Carry your passport or Japanese residence card at all times, as police can arrest you if you cannot show proof of your status.
Smoking is illegal on the streets in Tokyo and some other cities, so smoke only in designated areas.
Bonus tips:
Some public facilities like swimming pools, hot springs, and beaches may not admit you if you have visible tattoos.
Check a menu for prices before entering a bar or club and confirm admission charges to avoid disputes over excessive bills.
More information
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%
Health 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.
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.
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
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.
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
10 GB for 3000 JPY (~£16)
Network coverage
4G LTE, 5G
Electrical in Japan
Voltage
100V / 50/60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
110
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Save 110 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Japan
Country code
+81
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.
Language in Japan
UK Embassy
British Embassy Tokyo
1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8381, Japan
Phone
Website
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.