Info — 日本 2026

✈️ Getting There

From	Flight Time	Airlines	Arrives
San Francisco	~11 hrs direct	JAL, ANA, United	Tokyo Narita / Haneda
Los Angeles	~12 hrs direct	JAL, ANA, United	Tokyo Narita / Haneda
New York	~14 hrs direct	ANA, JAL (or connect via SFO/LAX)	Tokyo Narita / Haneda
Germany	~11 hrs direct	Lufthansa, ANA	Tokyo Narita / Haneda

Pro tip Book 3–4 months ahead. JAL and ANA include meals, drinks, and entertainment. Fall/winter flights tend to be cheaper than spring.

🚄 Getting Around

Japan Rail Pass

7-day (~$200) · 14-day (~$320) · 21-day (~$420). Covers most JR trains including Shinkansen bullet trains.

IC Cards (Suica / Pasmo)

Tap-and-go for trains, buses, and convenience stores. Pick one up at the airport on arrival.

Between Cities

Tokyo → Kyoto: 2h15m by Shinkansen
Kyoto → Osaka: 15 minutes
Tokyo → Niseko: Fly to New Chitose (1h45m) + bus (2.5h)

Within Cities

Subway + walking. Taxis are expensive but immaculate.

💴 Money

Currency: Japanese Yen (¥). ~¥150 = $1 USD (as of 2026)
Cash is king: Japan is still cash-heavy for smaller shops, restaurants, and shrines
ATMs: 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards (no fee from the ATM side)
Cards: Credit cards accepted at hotels, department stores, major restaurants
Tipping: Don’t tip. It can be considered rude.

Daily Budget Estimates

Style	Per Day
Budget	~$100
Mid-range	~$200
Luxury	$400+

🌡️ Weather

Month	Temperature	Conditions	What to Wear
November	8–16°C (46–61°F)	Autumn colors peak in Kyoto	Light layers
December	2–10°C (36–50°F)	Cold, possible snow in mountains, illumination events	Warm layers, coat
January	−2–7°C (28–45°F)	Coldest month, peak ski season in Niseko	Heavy winter gear
February	−1–8°C (30–46°F)	Still cold, great skiing, fewer tourists	Heavy winter gear

🏨 Where to Stay

Ryokan

Traditional Japanese inn. Tatami floors, futon beds, kaiseki dinner, onsen.

$150–$500+ / night

Hotel

Western-style. Park Hyatt, Aman, and more.

$200–$800+ / night

Hostel

Budget-friendly and social. Great way to meet people.

$30–$60 / night

Airbnb

Apartments available, especially in Tokyo and Osaka.

$80–$200 / night

🛂 Visas

Nationality	Visa Required?	Stay Limit
US Citizens	No visa needed	Up to 90 days
German Citizens	No visa needed	Up to 90 days
Turkish Citizens	No visa needed (exemption since 2024)	Up to 90 days

All travelers: passport must be valid for the duration of stay. A return ticket may be requested at immigration.

🗣️ Useful Japanese

English	Japanese	Romaji
Hello	こんにちは	Konnichiwa
Thank you	ありがとうございます	Arigatou gozaimasu
Excuse me	すみません	Sumimasen
Yes / No	はい / いいえ	Hai / Iie
How much?	いくらですか？	Ikura desu ka?
Delicious!	おいしい！	Oishii!
Cheers!	乾杯！	Kanpai!
Where is...?	...はどこですか？	...wa doko desu ka?
I don’t understand	わかりません	Wakarimasen
Beautiful!	綺麗！	Kirei!

🧳 Packing Essentials

Passport + copies
Comfortable walking shoes (you WILL walk 15–20k steps/day)
Layers (temperatures vary dramatically)
Pocket WiFi or eSIM (rent at airport)
Universal power adapter (Japan uses Type A, same as US)
Small towel (many places don’t provide)
Cash (¥30,000+ recommended at arrival)
Ski gear (rent at Niseko — cheaper and easier)
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen (even in winter at altitude)

🙇 Etiquette

Don’t tip. Service is included, and tipping can be considered rude.
Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some restaurants. Look for shoe racks at the entrance.
Bow when greeting. A slight nod is perfectly fine for tourists.
Don’t eat while walking. Find a bench or stand to the side.
Be quiet on public transport. Phones on silent, conversations in low voices.
Onsen etiquette: Wash thoroughly before entering the bath. No swimsuits. Tattoos may be an issue at some places — look for “tattoo-friendly” onsen.

Travel Guide