Travel Insurance for Japan
Japan is a popular travel destination for a reason. Many people travel here to experience Japanese culture and art, to try delicious Japanese cuisine, or to experience the wonders of the cherry blossom season. To help you plan for your trip to Japan, here is some essential information, travel tips, and a few places you may want to visit.
Emergency Contact Information
The general emergency number in Japan is 119. This number will put you through to the police, fire department, and emergency medical and ambulatory services. Alternatively, you can call 110 to get in touch with the police and call 118 to reach the coastguard.
In Japan, tourists can also find police in kōbans, which are small police stations. There are two different kinds of kōbans; a hashutsusho (police box), which has a few police officers and is more commonly found in urban areas, and a chuzaisho (residential police box), which often has one officer and is found in smaller communities. The officers in kōbans can help you find lost items, provide you with directions, and can help you if you are the victim of a crime.
If your passport is lost or stolen, you should report it to the police immediately, as you will need to give the report number to your travel insurer in order to make a claim on your travel insurance policy. To apply for an emergency travel document, or if you need any other consular services, contact the British Embassy in Tokyo or the British Consulate-General in Osaka.
Travel Safety Tips
Before you leave for you trip to Japan, you should check the expiry date on your passport. It should be valid for the length of your stay. If you are a tourist or are taking a short business trip, you can stay in Japan for 90 days, and will receive a visa stamp in your passport upon arrival. However, if you’re planning to stay in Japan for longer than 90 days to work or study, you may need to apply for a work permit or a different kind of visa.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medication, including stimulant medication, may not be legal in Japan. Anyone caught with prohibited medicine or illegal drugs may face being arrested or given a prison sentence. For more information on what medication you can bring into Japan, contact Japanese Embassy in the UK.
If you plan to hire a car in Japan, you will need to purchase a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) before you leave for your trip. Debit cards and credit cards aren’t widely accepted in Japan, so you will need to carry cash with you. The currency in Japan is yen.
The legal age for drinking and smoking in Japan is 20. Smoking in public places is prohibited in some areas, so you should always check for “no smoking” signs and only smoke in designated areas. Travellers should carry their passport with them at all time as the police may ask to check for I.D.
Japan has a relatively low crime rate, though travellers are advised to take the same safety precautions as they would at home. Street touting is illegal, so avoid interacting with street touts who encourage you to go to a specific bar, club, restaurant, or shop.
Try to avoid tourist traps, such as restaurants without menus. You should always confirm the prices before you order anything because you may be presented with an unreasonably high bill afterward. Some tourists have reported instances of credit card fraud, where their cards have been charged a higher amount than expected. There have also been reports of drink spiking. Never leave your drink unattended and never accept drinks from strangers.
The typhoon season is from June to December. Japan is located in an earthquake zone, and some earthquakes may cause tsunamis and fires. There was an earthquake in the Noto Peninsula in January 2024.
For more information on entry requirements, health, and safe travel, check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Japan.
Things to See and Do in Japan
Everyone is familiar with the bigger cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, but what about some of Japan’s other beautiful towns and cities? Here are a few of our favourite places to visit in Japan.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima is on Kyūshū island. Many visitors come here to catch a glimpse of Mount Shiroyama from the observation deck at Shiroyama Park and appreciate the view of the city and the Mount Sakurajima volcano from the Yunohira Observatory. You can learn more about Mount Sakurajima at the Sakurajima Visitor Center and dip your toes in Japan’s longest public footbath at the Sakurajima Volcanic Shore Park. Walk through Sengan-en Garden, a landscape garden, and across the Edo-period Nishida Bridge at the Ishibashi Memorial Park. Not far is Iso Beach, which offers visitors another unique view of Mount Sakurajima and fun windsurfing opportunities. Some other popular attractions in Kagoshima are the Tsurumaru Castle Ruins and the Kagoshima City Aquarium.
Ise
Isa is a city on Honshū island. It’s home to more than 100 Shinto shrines, but the best known one is the Ise Grand Shrine. Just around the corner from the shrine is Akafuku, a shop that was established in the 18th century, where you can purchase some delicious mochi. You can also visit the Futami Okitama Shrine and the Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks). There are some interesting museums in Ise, such as the Sengukan Museum, Jingu Choko-kan Museum, and the Makonde Art Museum. Stop by Kongōshō-ji (a Buddhist temple) on your way to the Asama Mountain View Point. If you’re looking for another unique experience, spend the day at Edo Wonderland Ise, a cultural theme park.
Himeji
Himeji is one of the most beautiful areas in Japan, and is well-recognised for the Himeji Castle and Koko-en Gardens. While not as well preserved, visitors can also tour the ruins of Okishio Castle and take in the surrounding views. If you’re travelling with your family, stop by Himeji Central Park, a fun safari park and amusement park. Take a look at some local art at the Himeji City Museum of Art and take the Shoshazan Ropeway up Mount Shosha to the Engyō-ji temple. Hikers and rock climbers will enjoy climbing up Mt. Seppiko. Go on a day trip to Ieshima Island, just a 30-minute ferry ride from Himeji. You’ll be able to try some delicious seafood in the fishing village, hire a bike to cycle around the island, go canoeing, and climb the steps up Mount Mt Gusuku.
