Japan🇯🇵
Japan is an island country located in East Asia, part of the Asian continent. The country borders the Pacific Ocean and it's surrounded by sea: the Sea of Japan separates it from Russia, the Korea Strait from South and North Korea, the East China Sea from Taiwan, and the Philippine Sea from the Philippines. Known for its unique traditions such as tea ceremonies and Kabuki theatre, Japan also offers striking natural and urban landscapes. From the neon lights of Tokyo to the cherry blossoms of Kyoto, the dramatic slopes of Mount Fuji to the peaceful gardens of Nara, there's plenty to explore. Sushi, sake, bullet trains, technology, anime and manga, sumo wrestling, and samurais are some of the elements that characterize Japan's identity. Unique attractions such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Akihabara district, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Tokyo Disneyland are among the must-see destinations.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid discussing World War II or the atomic bombings. These can be sensitive subjects.
- Avoid using your phone in public transportation. It's considered to be impolite.
- Avoid refusing a business card, as it's an important business etiquette.
- Don’t eat or drink while walking, it's considered rude and it is uncommon in the culture.
- Don’t ignore earthquake and tsunami warnings. Japan frequently experiences these natural disasters.
- Don't make loud noises in public places. Japanese culture values social harmony and politeness.
- Never tip in Japan. It could be seen as an insult, implying the service provided wasn’t good enough.
- Don't litter. Japan is known for its cleanliness and there are strict laws against littering.
- Avoid entering an onsen or public bath without showering first. Japanese culture has strict hygiene rules.
- Avoid walking into a house with shoes on. The Japanese culture values cleanliness and it’s customary to remove shoes before entering a home.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Japan boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the world, making it a relatively safe country. However, thefts and pickpocketing may occasionally occur in crowded city areas and major tourist spots. Cities such as Osaka's entertainment district and Tokyo's Roppongi and Kabuki-cho have seen instances of scams targeting foreigners, but violent crime remains extremely rare.
Terrorism 💣
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Incidents of terrorism in Japan are significantly rare. Despite that, the most notorious event was the Tokyo subway sarin attack in 1995 by a cult group, Aum Shinrikyo. Nevertheless, the country has maintained a high level of security and surveillance since, making the likelihood of a terror threat low.
War ⚔️
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Post World War II, Japan adopted a pacifist constitution that renounced war. Apart from tensions related to regional politics and disputes, Japan remains a peaceful country. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 marked a significant incident in the past.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Japan frequently experiences natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster occurred in 2011 following a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami. Japan also has multiple active volcanoes such as Mount Aso and Mount Fuji, but it has instituted robust early warning systems and building regulations to manage risk.
Medical Care 🏥
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Japan offers a high standard of medical care and facilities. However, language can be a barrier as not all staff may speak English. Additionally, the health system can be expensive for non-residents.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in Japan is generally safe and meets international standards. The water in major cities undergoes rigorous purification and quality checks.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Japan generally has a low disease burden. However, common diseases like influenza, and allergies, especially to pollen, are prevalent during certain seasons. As of 2021, Japan has managed the COVID-19 pandemic better than many countries, although it faced challenges due to the population's high median age.
Corruption 💸
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In general, Japan has significantly low levels of corruption due to strong rule of law and bureaucracy. However, isolated incidents of corruption have been reported in the country's political and corporate scenes.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Japan is generally safe for women, with a low incidence of violence or harassment. However, there are reported instances of chikan (groping) mainly in crowded places like trains and stations which are taken very seriously by the local authorities.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While Japan is relatively tolerant, legal protections for people from the LGBTQ+ community are still limited. Tokyo's Shinjuku ward is known for its acceptance of the queer community, but hate speech and discrimination do occur in more conservative regions.
Censorship 📺
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While Japan has freedom of expression, censorship does exist, primarily in relation to explicit adult content, certain aspects of history, and in some extreme cases, political sensitivity. Media ownership concentration is also a concern.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Japan's public transportation is world-class in terms of punctuality, coverage, and quality. With extensive and reliable networks of subway, buses, and the iconic bullet trains (Shinkansen), commuting is safe and efficient. However, rush hours in cities like Tokyo can be extremely crowded.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Japan is a very safe country overall. Most visitors experience no issues during their travel. However, like any other location, be cautious about your personal belongings in crowded areas. Pay attention to earthquake and tsunami warnings as Japan is prone to natural disasters. As a high degree of etiquette is observed in Japan, respecting local customs and practices will largely influence your experience.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are numerous embassies and consulates in Japan located in Tokyo, including those of the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, France and more. Make sure to note down the location and contact information of your country's embassy before your trip.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Standard vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are recommended. Some travelers may need Hepatitis A & B, Japanese Encephalitis, and rabies vaccines based on their itinerary and activities.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
While Japan has a few dangerous animals like the Asian Giant Hornet, Japanese pit viper, and occasionally bears in rural mountainous areas, encounters remain rare and unlikely in urban areas. Be aware when hiking in remote areas and stay informed about local wildlife.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and various EU countries can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays or work-study purposes, a visa is required.
💲 Currency
The currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Cash is commonly used, so it's a good idea to keep some in hand. Currency can be exchanged at banks, post offices, and currency exchange booths in major cities.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
In urban and tourist-popular areas, credit cards are widely accepted. However, Japan is still predominantly a cash-based society, especially outside major cities.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Yes, it is possible to work and travel in Japan under specific types of visas such as Working Holiday Visa or Instructor Visa. However, it requires some level of Japanese language proficiency and understanding of the local culture.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living in Japan varies. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka can be expensive, especially for accommodation and dining. However, other regions offer affordable options. Public transportation is efficient but can add up, though various passes can help cut costs.