Travel essentials

Kon'nichiwa! This guide gives you the essentials you should know before landing in Japan’s fascinating capital.

🛂 Entry Requirements: Welcome to Japan

For many travellers, entry requirements are quite straightforward.

• EU citizens (for example Spain): A valid passport is enough. Good news – no visa is required for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
• From Latin America: It depends on your nationality. Many countries (such as Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica) do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days, while others (including Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela) do need a tourist visa.

Always check the official website of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for your specific case.

🏥 Travel Insurance: Do Not Risk It

Japan’s healthcare system is excellent, but it can be very expensive for visitors. Even a basic doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars.

Travel insurance is a must. It is your safety net for medical emergencies, cancellations or that suitcase that decides to continue to Seoul without you.

💴 Money and Currency

Forget about paying with euros or dollars. In Japan the currency is the Japanese yen (¥ / JPY).

• Japan still loves cash: Cards are accepted in department stores, hotels and many chain restaurants, but you will find many places that only accept cash, such as small local restaurants, temples and some souvenir shops.
• The most practical option is to withdraw yen from ATMs when you arrive. The most reliable machines for foreign cards are usually inside 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson convenience stores (konbini), which are open 24/7.

📱 Internet and Connectivity

You will need mobile data to translate menus, use maps and navigate huge stations like Shinjuku. Public free Wi‑Fi is not always reliable.

• Local physical SIM: You can buy a data SIM on arrival at Narita or Haneda, but airport packages are often more expensive and require you to swap your main SIM.
• The easy option: eSIM. Buy and install an eSIM before you travel, then activate it as you land. It is usually cheaper and more flexible, and you stay connected from the first minute.

🔌 Electricity and Plugs

Japan uses Type A plugs (two flat parallel pins, usually without an earth pin) and the voltage is around 100V.

Be aware of the voltage difference. It is lower than in much of Europe and Latin America (220–230V).

• Most modern chargers (for phones, laptops, cameras) are multi‑voltage and will work fine with just a plug adaptor.
• Heat‑based devices such as hairdryers or straighteners may not heat properly or may feel very slow if they are not designed for 100V.

Tax‑Free Shopping: Save on Purchases

Always carry your passport with you. In many shops (Uniqlo, Don Quijote, Bic Camera and others), if you spend more than 5,000 ¥, they can remove the 10% consumption tax at the till when you show your passport, so you do not need to claim it back at the airport.

🎌 Local Etiquette You Should Know

Japan works differently in many ways. The culture shock is real (and wonderful). These tips help you avoid awkward moments.

• No tipping: Do not leave tips in restaurants, taxis or bars. It is not customary and can even be confusing or uncomfortable. A simple "arigatō" is more than enough.
• Quiet on public transport: Trains and metro carriages are very quiet. Phone calls are discouraged and most people speak in low voices. Try to match the local level of silence.
• Tattoos and onsen etiquette: Visible tattoos may mean you are refused entry to some onsen (hot springs) or gyms. Look for tattoo‑friendly onsen in advance, or consider using plasters to cover tattoos if required.

This is just the start of your Tokyo adventure