Japan

Get a Suica or PASMO as soon as you arrive in Japan. You can use it to tap in and out of trains and buses, and to pay at convenience stores, vending machines and many restaurants and shops.

Physical card

You can buy a physical tourist IC card at Narita or Haneda airports. Welcome Suica is available at selected JR East locations, while TOURIST PASMO is sold at both airports. Availability can vary, so check the latest information before travelling.

Digital card

If you have an iPhone, you can add a Suica to Apple Wallet or use the Welcome Suica Mobile app. You can then top up the card and use your phone to tap in and out and make IC payments. This is often the simplest option if your phone and payment method are compatible.

For either option, start with a few thousand yen and top up when needed. Keep some cash and a regular payment card as backup, especially when travelling outside major cities.

Japan uses Type A plugs (two flat pins) and 100V electricity. Some outlets also accept Type B plugs (three pins). Bring a Type A travel adapter. Check that your devices support 100–240V; most phone and laptop chargers do.

Japan offers visa-free short-term entry to citizens of 70+ countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Israel, Mexico and most European countries. For many visa-exempt nationalities, the standard permitted stay is up to 90 days, although some countries have different limits or conditions. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains the current list of visa-exempt countries and regions.

Travelers who are not eligible for visa-free entry generally need to obtain a visa before traveling to Japan. Depending on nationality and purpose of travel, this may include a temporary visitor visa, eVisa or another appropriate visa category. Requirements and application procedures vary by nationality.

Tourist entry does not generally permit paid employment or revenue-generating activities in Japan. Digital nomads planning to work remotely while staying in Japan should check the rules for their specific situation, including Japan’s Digital Nomad visa, which provides an option for eligible foreign remote workers to stay for up to six months under specific conditions.

Passport validity and onward-travel requirements can also vary depending on circumstances, so check the latest information with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant Japanese embassy before departure.

Japan is widely considered one of the safer countries in Asia, with relatively low levels of violent crime. Travelers can generally explore cities, use public transportation and travel independently without major safety concerns.

Petty theft and scams can still occur, particularly in busy nightlife districts, transport hubs and tourist areas. Travelers should use normal precautions with wallets, phones and passports and be cautious when accepting unsolicited offers or entering unfamiliar nightlife venues.

Road safety is another consideration, particularly around busy urban streets and when renting bicycles or cars. Overall, however, crime is unlikely to be a major concern for most visitors, making Japan a comfortable destination for solo travelers, families and digital nomads. The U.S. Department of State currently advises travelers to Japan to exercise normal precautions. 

Japan is located in a seismically active region and experiences earthquakes throughout the year. The country is also exposed to typhoons, heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides and, in some coastal areas, tsunami risk.

Earthquakes can occur without warning, so travelers should familiarize themselves with basic safety procedures and follow instructions from local authorities. Japan has sophisticated earthquake monitoring and emergency-alert systems, and buildings are designed with strict earthquake-resistance standards.

Typhoon season generally runs from around June through October, with the highest activity typically occurring in late summer and early autumn. Strong storms can cause heavy rain, flooding, landslides and temporary disruptions to flights and trains. Travelers should monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to adjust plans during severe weather.

For most visitors, these risks are manageable with basic preparation. Keep your phone charged, know your accommodation’s emergency procedures, follow official alerts and avoid mountainous or coastal areas when severe weather warnings are active. Travel insurance is recommended, particularly for longer trips and outdoor activities.

Japan is one of the easier countries in Asia for withdrawing cash with a foreign card. Seven Bank ATMs, found throughout 7-Eleven stores, airports and major stations, are the best all-round option and accept most international Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay and other major cards. The withdrawal limit for overseas cards is generally ¥100,000 per transaction, although fees vary by card network and your own bank may charge an additional fee.

Japan Post Bank ATMs are another reliable choice, particularly outside major cities. Avoid relying on random convenience-store or independent ATMs, as foreign-card acceptance and fees can vary. When offered a choice of currencies, select Japanese yen (JPY) rather than your home currency to avoid potentially expensive dynamic currency conversion.

Best: Seven Bank (7-Eleven) and Japan Post Bank.
Avoid: Independent/tourist ATMs with unclear fees or unfavorable exchange rates.