Travel Tips

A little preparation goes a long way. On this page we've pulled together the questions UK travellers ask most before a Japan adventure – visas and entry, the best time to travel, what to pack, food, etiquette and a few words of Japanese. For the day-to-day essentials – money and IC cards, getting online, getting around by train, safety, tipping and health – see our Practical Information page.

Get these sorted a few weeks before you fly and you'll arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment.

Good news: British citizen passport holders don't need a visa to visit Japan as tourists and are granted a stay of up to 90 days on arrival. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay (there's no separate six-month rule), and you should have a blank page for the entry stamp.

On arrival you'll complete immigration and customs, which you can speed up using the Visit Japan Web service online beforehand (for a QR code). You may be asked to show proof of onward or return travel. Rules can change, so always confirm the latest at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice before you fly.

Japan is a wonderful year-round destination, with two celebrated seasons.

• Spring (late March–April) brings the famous cherry blossom (sakura) – magical but popular, and the exact timing shifts each year.
• Autumn (October–November) offers spectacular autumn leaves, comfortable temperatures and clear skies – arguably the easiest time to travel.
• Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with a rainy season in June–July, though it's lively with festivals.
• Winter (December–February) is crisp and clear in much of the country, with wonderful snow and skiing in the north.

Try to avoid Golden Week (late April to early May), when the whole country travels. We're happy to advise on timing for your chosen route.

Pack layers to suit the season – lightweight, breathable clothing for humid summers, and warm layers, a coat and gloves for winter. Whatever the time of year, bring very comfortable walking shoes: you'll walk a great deal, and slip-on shoes are ideal because you'll take them off often (at temples, ryokan and some restaurants). Make sure your socks are presentable for the same reason.

Useful things to bring: a compact umbrella (Japan is rainy, and the sun's strong in summer), a coin purse (you'll accumulate yen coins), a reusable water bottle (tap water is safe), a power bank, a universal adapter, and a small bag for your rubbish. Dress is generally smart-casual; modest clothing is appreciated at temples and shrines. Most hotels offer laundry.

Japanese food is one of the great reasons to visit – far beyond sushi, from steaming bowls of ramen and udon to tempura, okonomiyaki, kaiseki feasts and the ritual of a ryokan dinner. Meals are an experience, and tap water is safe so you can drink freely.

A word on dietary needs: they can be trickier here than you'd expect. Dashi (a fish-and-seaweed stock) is in many 'vegetarian' dishes, so strict vegetarians and vegans should flag this clearly – please tell us when you book so we can brief your guide and restaurants. For allergies, it's well worth carrying an allergy card written in Japanese. With a little planning, eating in Japan is an absolute delight.

Japanese etiquette is gentle and easy to follow once you know a few key points – and locals appreciate the effort.

• Remove your shoes when entering homes, ryokan, temples and some restaurants (look for a step up or shoes by the door).
• Don't tip – it isn't the custom and can cause confusion (see our Practical Information page).
• Keep quiet on trains, and don't take phone calls; don't eat or drink while walking.
• A small bow is the everyday greeting; hand over money and cards using the tray at tills.
• At an onsen (hot spring): wash thoroughly before getting in, no swimwear, tie long hair up – and note that visible tattoos are restricted at some baths (your guide can suggest tattoo-friendly options).
• Ask before photographing people; in Kyoto, never chase or crowd geisha.

English signage is common in cities and on the railways, and people are wonderfully helpful, but English is limited in conversation – so a few words of Japanese (and a translation app) go a long way.

A few to try:

• Konnichiwa – hello
• Arigatō (gozaimasu) – thank you (very much)
• Sumimasen – excuse me / sorry (very useful)
• Onegai shimasu – please
• Ikura desu ka? – how much is it?

A translation app with a camera mode (for menus and signs) is invaluable. Your guide is always there to help too.

Japan is an easy, healthy place to travel. After the long flight, expect the time difference (Japan is 8–9 hours ahead of the UK) to bring some jet lag – get out into daylight and give yourself a day to adjust. Tap water is safe to drink, hygiene is excellent, and healthcare is first-class.

You'll walk a lot, so comfortable shoes and pacing yourself matter more than anything; in summer, keep hydrated and use sun protection against the heat and humidity. Bring any personal medication in your hand luggage (checking it's permitted, as some UK remedies are restricted), and make sure your travel insurance covers medical care. Then simply enjoy how smoothly everything runs.

Unforgettable moments

Some experiences reward a little planning: the temples and gardens of Kyoto early in the morning before the crowds, a glimpse of Mount Fuji on a clear day, the thrill of your first shinkansen, and a night in a traditional ryokan with its onsen and multi-course dinner. Your guide will help you time each one well – ask questions, and don't try to cram in too much. Japan rewards those who slow down and notice the details.

Photography tips

Japan is endlessly photogenic in every season. The light is loveliest early and late in the day, and mornings are best for crowd-free temples. Check for 'no photography' signs inside temples and shops, be discreet, and always ask before photographing people – and never chase or crowd geisha in Kyoto. Carry a power bank, and remember to put the camera down now and then to simply take it in.