Japan

🇯🇵

Phone Code

+81

Capital

Tokyo

Population

125 Million

Native Name

日本

Region

Asia

Eastern Asia

Timezone

Japan Standard Time

UTC+09:00

Japan is an East Asian island nation blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. Known for bullet trains (shinkansen), cherry blossoms (sakura), Mount Fuji, temples, anime/manga culture, sushi, and unique cultural experiences. Tokyo, the capital and largest city, is a megacity of 38 million people combining ultramodern districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku with traditional neighborhoods. Visitors are drawn to Tokyo's neon-lit districts and temples, Kyoto's ancient temples and geisha districts, Mount Fuji climbing and views, Osaka's street food scene (takoyaki, okonomiyaki), Hiroshima's Peace Memorial, Nara's friendly deer and temples, Japanese Alps skiing and hiking, cherry blossom viewing (hanami), hot spring resorts (onsen ryokan), and unique cultural experiences. Japan offers world-class cuisine, efficient transport, safety, and fascinating cultural contrasts.

Visa Requirements for Japan

Japan offers visa-free entry for citizens of over 60 countries and territories under various visa exemption arrangements. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most EU countries, and many others can enter Japan for tourism or business without a visa for stays of 15 to 90 days depending on their nationality (most major countries receive 90 days). Working Holiday visas are available for citizens of certain countries aged 18-30 (or 18-25 for some). Visitors must have a passport valid for the duration of stay, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds. Those requiring visas should apply through Japanese embassies or consulates. Japan's visa policies are relatively open for major tourism markets, making it accessible for international visitors. Extensions beyond the initial visa-free period are difficult and require compelling reasons.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Temporary Visitor)

15-90 days depending on nationality; US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU get 90 days; passport valid for duration of stay required; proof of onward ticket and funds; single entry per visit; extensions difficult.

For tourism, business meetings, conferences, visiting friends/family for 60+ eligible nationalities.

Working Holiday Visa

Up to 1 year; apply through Japanese embassy in home country; age restrictions vary by country; allows work to fund travel; popular for teaching English; quota limits apply for some countries.

For citizens of 26+ countries (including UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France, Germany) aged 18-30 (or 18-25 for some) to work and travel.

Tourist Visa (Embassy Application)

15-90 days; apply through Japanese embassy or consulate; requires application form, passport, photos, itinerary, hotel bookings, proof of funds, return ticket; processing typically 5 working days.

For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry who need visa for tourism.

Visa Extension (Temporary Visitor)

Extensions difficult and discretionary; apply at regional immigration bureau before current stay expires; requires compelling reason (illness, missed flight, etc.); fees apply; not guaranteed.

For visitors needing to extend stay beyond initial visa-free period for compelling reasons.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for entire duration of stay. Unlike many countries, Japan doesn't require 6-month validity beyond travel dates.

Proof of onward travel: Must have confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration strictly enforces. One-way tickets may be refused entry. Keep printed or electronic confirmation.

JR Pass: Japan Rail Pass must be purchased BEFORE arriving in Japan (cannot buy in Japan). Offers unlimited JR train travel including most shinkansen. Huge savings for multi-city trips. Order online weeks before departure.