Saily eSIM for Japan
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5,940 mi away
£1 JP¥214
Today
7:25 pm
+9h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Japan
Japan
22°
Overcast
Sat
14°
22°
Sun
11°
22°
Mon
13°
23°
Tue
16°
25°
Wed
16°
26°
Thu
16°
24°
Fri
14°
22°
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 when travelling, especially in Tokyo's entertainment districts.
Do not follow street touts into bars or clubs, as they are linked to drink spiking, fraud, and disputes over bills.
Japan has very strict drug laws, and you can be charged if illegal substances are found in your bloodstream, even unknowingly.
Always carry your passport with you, as police can arrest you if you cannot show proof of your visa or residence status.
Do not drink and drive, as the legal alcohol limit is much lower than in the UK and penalties for drivers and passengers are severe.
Bonus tips:
Smoking is illegal on the streets of Tokyo and some other cities, so only smoke in designated areas.
Be aware that some public facilities like swimming pools and hot springs may not admit people with visible tattoos.
Stay connected on your trip
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.
No vaccinations required
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
UK adapter needed
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
Japanese(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Tokyo
1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8381, Japan
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Safety and security
10 days ago
Safety
- There are now increased reports of drink spiking and credit card fraud in nightlife areas. The amount stolen ranges from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds.
- Most British victims of these crimes have reported being targeted by 'kyakuhiki' street touts in Tokyo's Kabukicho district. Do not follow street touts into bars.
Laws and cultural differences
- Child custody law has been updated: parents in Japan can now choose joint custody after divorce, or one parent can hold sole custody.
Warnings and insurance
10 days ago
Regional risks
- The entire section about a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in northern Japan on 20 April 2026 and the related megaquake alert has been removed.
- The specific warning for residents and tourists in Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba to remain vigilant is no longer present.
Warnings and insurance
17 days ago
Regional risks
- The advisory for the Tōhoku region has been replaced with a more specific list of prefectures: Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba.
- The mention of tsunami advisories and disruption to air and rail services from the April 2026 earthquake has been removed.
Warnings and insurance
18 days ago
Earthquake and seismic risk
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck north eastern and northern Japan on 20 April 2026, causing disruption to air and rail services.
- Tsunami warnings have been lifted but advisories remain in place.
Airports in Japan
Beaches in Japan
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can typically enter Japan as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. For longer stays or other purposes, check the visa requirements with the Japanese embassy or consulate.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Japan. However, some people may prefer bottled water due to taste preferences or concerns about the water quality in older buildings.
The best times to visit Japan are during spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September-November) for colourful foliage. These seasons offer pleasant weather and stunning scenery, but expect higher prices and more crowds.
Japan is generally a very safe country with low crime rates. However, be aware of potential scams targeting tourists, such as overpriced goods or services, particularly in touristy areas. Also, be wary of unsolicited offers or requests for help.
When visiting temples and shrines, it's respectful to dress modestly. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing, such as shorts or tank tops. Removing your shoes may be required in certain areas, so wearing socks is advisable.
Japan has an excellent public transport system, including trains, subways, and buses, which are known for their punctuality and cleanliness. Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel extensively by train. Suica and Pasmo cards are convenient for local travel.
Knowing a few basic Japanese phrases can enhance your travel experience. Some useful phrases include 'Konnichiwa' (Hello), 'Arigato' (Thank you), 'Sumimasen' (Excuse me), and 'Eigo ga wakarimasu ka?' (Do you speak English?).
It's customary to avoid talking loudly on public transport, avoid eating or drinking while walking (unless at a festival stall), and avoid blowing your nose in public. Tipping is not expected in Japan.
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.