To visit Japan, visa requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay:

Visa-Free Entry for Short-Term Visits:
Eligible Nationalities: Japan allows visa-free entry for citizens of over 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, and some Asian and Latin American countries.

Duration: Visa-free stays for tourism, business, or short-term visits are generally allowed for up to 90 days. Some nationalities, such as those from the United Kingdom and Ireland, may stay for up to 180 days upon extension.
Conditions: Visa-free travelers must have a passport valid for the duration of their stay, a return or onward ticket, and may be asked for proof of sufficient funds.

Temporary Visitor Visa:
Required for Non-Visa-Exempt Countries: Visitors from countries not eligible for visa-free entry must apply for a Temporary Visitor Visa before travel.

Application Process: Applications are typically submitted to a Japanese embassy or consulate with supporting documents, including a completed application form, passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of financial stability. The visa is generally granted for stays of up to 90 days.

Specific Visas for Work, Study, or Long-Term Stay:
Working Visa: For individuals employed in Japan, such as engineers, educators, and skilled professionals, a specific work visa is required. The application requires a Certificate of Eligibility from a Japanese employer.

Student Visa: Students accepted by Japanese educational institutions can apply for a student visa, which also requires a Certificate of Eligibility from the school.

Long-Term Stay Visas: Available for spouses of Japanese nationals, dependents, and other specific purposes. These visas often require additional documentation and may allow for stays beyond 90 days.

eVisa for Select Countries:
Japan has introduced an online visa application (eVisa) for citizens of certain countries, including the U.S. This option simplifies the application process for short-term tourism and can be completed via Japan’s official eVisa website.

Transit Visa:
For travelers passing through Japan en route to another destination, a transit visa may be required if they plan to leave the airport. Otherwise, for those staying within the airport transit area, no visa is typically necessary.

COVID-19 and Health-Related Entry Requirements:
Japan occasionally updates its entry requirements based on health advisories. Some travelers may be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or adhere to testing protocols, especially for long-term or student visas.

For the latest and detailed requirements, it’s recommended to visit Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or consult the nearest Japanese consulate.

Japan has maintained a low incidence of terrorist activity due to strong security measures and limited radicalization within the country.

The most significant terrorist attack in modern Japanese history remains the 1995 sarin gas attack by the Aum Shinrikyo cult in the Tokyo subway, which has led to stringent counter-terrorism policies and surveillance of extremist groups. Although Aum Shinrikyo was officially dismantled, some successor groups, such as Aleph, still exist under strict government monitoring to prevent reorganization or recruitment efforts.

Recently, Japan has experienced isolated incidents related to extremist threats rather than large-scale terrorist acts. For example, recent bomb threats were sent to schools across Japan in October 2024, prompting police investigations. While rare, such events highlight concerns about lone actors or small groups using non-traditional means to spread fear, often leveraging online platforms for coordination or inspiration. Japanese authorities remain vigilant, focusing on both domestic threats and the influence of global extremist movements that might resonate with local groups or individuals.

Japan's counter-terrorism strategies focus on thorough monitoring, strict surveillance of potential radical groups, and tight border security, particularly in collaboration with international counter-terrorism efforts. The country’s preparedness and preventative measures have helped keep the risk of large-scale terrorism relatively low compared to other nations.

Before traveling to Japan, it's wise to ensure that you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations and consider a few additional recommendations based on your travel activities and health history.

Routine Vaccinations: Ensure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date when visiting Japan, including:

Routine Vaccinations:
Ensure you are up to date on all routine vaccinations, including:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP)
- Polio
- Varicella (Chickenpox)

Influenza:
Especially if traveling during flu season, which peaks in Japan from December to March.

Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A: While Japan has a generally low risk of Hepatitis A, vaccination is still recommended for travelers as a precaution, particularly if you may be eating outside of high-standard establishments.

Hepatitis B:
Spread through contact with blood or bodily fluids, Hepatitis B is recommended for those who may engage in activities involving close contact with the local population or those requiring medical procedures.

Typhoid:
Typhoid fever is also spread through contaminated food and water. The vaccine is particularly important if you plan to eat food from street vendors or in rural areas.

Japanese Encephalitis: Consider this vaccine if you plan to stay for extended periods in rural areas or during the monsoon season, particularly in areas where mosquito exposure is common.

Rabies: This is recommended if you plan on engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, where you might come into contact with stray animals, particularly dogs.

COVID-19: Ensure you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 according to current travel regulations, as Japan has had entry protocols that vary based on global and domestic case levels.

It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider 4–6 weeks before travel to ensure all vaccinations and preventive measures are up-to-date based on your specific travel plans and destinations.

Public Transportation in Japan:
Japan is renowned for its efficient, clean, and punctual public transportation network, particularly in urban areas and major cities.

Rail System
Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Japan’s high-speed trains connect major cities and regions, providing fast, reliable, and comfortable travel. The Japan Rail (JR) network operates Shinkansen routes and local trains, with a Japan Rail Pass available for international tourists to reduce travel costs.

Metro and Local Trains: Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya have extensive metro and local train networks, known for their efficiency and frequency. The Tokyo Metro, for example, offers frequent service with clear signage in both Japanese and English, making it accessible for international travelers.

Buses:
City and Intercity Buses: City buses operate in all major cities, often filling transportation gaps in areas not served by train lines. Intercity buses offer an affordable alternative to trains, though travel times are longer.

Rural Buses: In rural areas where train services are limited, buses are the primary mode of transport. However, these can have less frequent schedules.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout Japan and are safe, reliable, and widely used for shorter distances. Fares can be high, but drivers are professional and respectful. Japan has also seen a rise in ride-hailing services like JapanTaxi and DiDi, though traditional taxis remain more common.

IC Cards
Japan’s public transportation is facilitated by rechargeable IC cards like Suica and Pasmo, which can be used across most buses, trains, and even at convenience stores.

Driving on a Foreign License
Foreign visitors can drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, in addition to their valid home country license. Some countries, like Switzerland, Germany, and France, have a special arrangement allowing driving with a certified translation instead of an IDP.

Without an IDP or the appropriate documentation, tourists are not allowed to drive in Japan. Renting a car requires presenting both the IDP and the home license.

Road Conditions and Driving Culture
Road Quality: Japanese roads are well-maintained, especially in urban and suburban areas. Highways and main roads are in excellent condition, with clear signage in both Japanese and English. Road tolls are common on expressways, which can be high but help maintain the quality of these routes.

Traffic in Urban Areas: Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. Parking can be limited and expensive, with metered street parking and designated lots often needed.

Rural Driving: Roads in rural and mountainous areas can be narrow and winding, requiring careful navigation. Snow and icy conditions are frequent in northern regions, such as Hokkaido, during winter, so vehicles are often equipped with snow tires.

Driving Culture: Japanese drivers are typically disciplined, following traffic rules closely, and showing respect for other road users. Road rage incidents are rare, and pedestrian rights are strictly observed.

While Japan’s public transport is extensive and efficient, renting a car can be beneficial for exploring rural areas or regions where train coverage is limited.