Are you traveling to Japan? Check out our complete travel guide!

If you get the impression that everyone is strolling in Japan, you are not wrong: since it reopened its borders in 2022, the country has been achieving records in tourist numbers. According to the JNTO - Japan National Tourism Organization, from January to November 2024, the archipelago recorded the arrival of nearly 37 million visitors – 47% higher than recorded in the same period in 2023 and 15% higher than 2019 (pre-pandemic). What impresses the most is the 96% increase in Brazilian tourists between 2019 and 2024. The reasons for this interest are diverse: Japanese culture has always been very popular in Brazil, as well as the cuisine and the interest in Japanese technology. The possibility of visiting very distinct places within a single country (which is relatively small in area compared to Brazil) and experiencing unusual experiences are attractions even for veteran travelers. And no less important: since September 2023, Brazilians do not need a visa to enter the country – this measure is valid until at least September 29, 2026 (and may be extended). Another very important point is the "omotenashi" (おもてなし), a hospitality philosophy rooted in Japanese society. The term originated from the tea ceremony does not have an exact translation: it is sometimes cited as "caring with all one's heart" or "not having a public face", but its value lies precisely in anticipating the needs of others, prioritizing care over expectation, without expecting anything in return. It is something easily witnessed in loco throughout Japan, especially in accommodations, ceremonies, shops, restaurants, and transport. Finally, despite the trip requiring a high investment, the depreciation of the yen (the Japanese currency) against the dollar in recent years also benefits the exchange rate in reais. In other words, for those considering visiting Japan in the coming months, we have prepared a complete guide to assist with the trip. Check it out below!

Visa and tickets to Japan: airports and transfers

Until September 29, 2026, Brazilians traveling for tourism, family visits, and participating in events do not need a visa to enter Japan. However, this measure is only valid for passports issued from 2011 (with a chip) and the stay cannot exceed 90 days. Additionally, depending on the flight route, a transit visa may be required in the country where the flight connection will be made. Important: there are no direct flights to Japan departing from Brazil. A layover will be mandatory, which varies depending on the route. Cities in the United States (New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas), Europe (Rome, Paris, Frankfurt, and London), and the Middle East (Dubai and Doha) are the most popular. Remember that the duration of the trip is the sum: approximately 24 hours of flight + layover time + 12 hours of time zone difference.

Transport in Japan: trains, cars, taxis, and shinkansen

Most international flights arrive at the two airports in the Tokyo area (Narita and Haneda), at Nagoya (in Aichi), and Kansai (in Osaka). All are located in metropolitan areas with various transport options. The most common among tourists are the trains, which service everything from major centers to small cities in the interior and coastal areas (even passing under the sea in the Hokkaido region). In fact, the rail network in Japan is one of the largest in the world with about 27,000 km in length. A curiosity: most of the railway sector is private and belongs to the Japan Railways (JR) Group, which operates various services, including bullet trains (called shinkansen). JR even offers exclusive passes for tourists, called JR Rail Pass, which allow unlimited use of the company's trains for specific periods, as well as seat reservations (usage may vary depending on the type of train and the region to be visited). Important: to use this service, it is necessary to purchase the voucher on the official site or at an authorized travel agency in Brazil and exchange it when arriving in Japan – this exchange cannot be done by individuals who have a visa of another nature (long-term, study, etc.). If you do not choose the Rail Pass, you can purchase tickets for short-distance trains from the automated machines installed at each station, or you can use a prepaid IC card, which works like the single ticket in São Paulo. Tickets for long-distance travel and seat reservations must be made at the counters of the main stations. Be careful with two points: keep the ticket securely, because you will need to insert it again at the turnstile when exiting. Also, pay attention to the operating company of the line (there are others besides JR), and indeed, there are stations that service both train and subway simultaneously, or even different trains that pass through the same platform. The price is always calculated by the distance of the route – the farther you go, the more expensive it is – but the tickets do not fluctuate in accordance with demand, as occurs with air tickets. This allows for planning and reserving in advance. To create itineraries, apps like Japan Transit Planner or Japan Route Finder & Planner and even Google Maps can help build routes and also assist in train and subway connections, even showing the platform number you need to go to. It is worth noting that the trains are extremely punctual, so transfers may need to be made with precisely timed intervals. Lastly, if you need to communicate with any staff member, a good solution is to show your destination on your phone to a station attendant – even if the staff only speaks Japanese, this communication can help more than you imagine. Taxis are numerous and may be the only option for transportation in rural areas or after public transport service hours. You can use them without fear: the service is excellent and the fare is indicated on the taximeter. However, it is worth mentioning that although some drivers in large cities are proficient in foreign languages, this is more the exception than the rule. If you decide to use this mode, it is convenient to have your destination written in Japanese on paper or on your phone – especially if it is not an important tourist spot or a hotel. Like other professionals in the service industry in Japan, taxi drivers do not expect and do not accept tips. The illuminated signs in front of the taxis indicate whether they are available. They are usually in Japanese, but are color-coded: red means the taxi is free, while green means it is occupied. The doors open and close automatically, so do not try to open them when getting in and out.

To drive passenger cars in Japan, it is necessary to have an International Driving Permit issued by a country that is part of the Geneva Convention (Brazil is not a participant) or to obtain a Japanese license. For short stays, this is not an advisable option. It is also worth noting that the country drives on the left-hand side, with the steering wheel located on the right side of the vehicle (unlike Brazil).

Internet Access: Portable Wi-Fi

There are several free Wi-Fi spots across Japan, which can be accessed using apps like Japan Connected Wi-Fi. Another alternative is to rent a Pocket WiFi, a small device that emits internet and connects up to five devices simultaneously – just keep it in your pocket and use your phone or tablet normally. It is possible to acquire online or at phone stores in Japan (such as AU, Softbank, and Vodafone). If you want to leave Brazil with this resolved, specialized travel agencies can also make this request for you, delivering the device to the first address where you will stay in Japan. The return is also practical: the device comes with a filled envelope. When it's time to leave, just put everything in this envelope, seal it, and drop it in a mailbox (including airport mailboxes). Just remember to charge the battery every day to avoid inconveniences.

Luggage Transport

Generally, airlines allow two bags of up to 23 kg, in addition to carry-on baggage, on flights. Traveling with all this in Japan can be challenging, especially on local trains where there is no luggage compartment. To avoid this problem, the recommendation is to use the hands-free service available at various points throughout the country: for a fee that varies according to the size of the luggage, you can store or send the bag from one point to another. This service is available in various locations, such as hotels (just ask for help at reception), airports (the luggage is sent to your flight's terminal), train stations, and even convenience stores. The largest company in the field (called "takkyubin" in Japanese) is Yamato Kuro Neko: its logo features two cute black cats ("kuro neko" means black cat) and appears as seals in establishments that offer the service.

Currency Exchange

The Japanese currency is the yen and, unlike Brazil, cash is widely used throughout Japan. Vending machines, ticket counters, and various means of transport (such as buses) often only accept bills and coins. In other words, do not rely solely on international cards. It is worth noting that ATMs often charge for withdrawals and not all are open 24 hours. Therefore, it is advisable to exchange money in Brazil and bring a safety amount. Since the yen has no cents, the currency may seem alarming due to the number of zeros. For example, a bottle of water may cost 120 yen, a pizza averages 2500 yen, and a shinkansen ticket between Tokyo and Osaka has a value of about 14000 yen. A characteristic of commerce is to always give the exact change, even if it is a few yen. And here's a tip: five-yen coins (which have a hole in the middle) are often given as donations in Shinto shrines and can also serve as symbolic – and cheap – travel souvenirs.

Accommodations

Brazilian websites and travel agencies offer reservation services for various parts of Japan. Airbnb is also a very popular option among tourists. The JNTO points out other sites (in English) that can help with accommodation.

• Japanican: has over 4,000 hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodations) and also offers tour reservations.
• Japan Hotel Association: the website is comprised of hotels representing every part of the archipelago, all approved by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan.
• Japan Ryokan & Hotel Association: comprises about 3,000 ryokan across the country.
• Rakuten: the largest online booking site in Japan.
• Selected Onsen Ryokan: offers over 200 options of onsen ryokan across the country. Onsen Ryokan are traditional Japanese accommodations with hot spring baths.

Habits and customs: the traveler's etiquette

Japan has a unique culture and various ways of demonstrating respect, especially for older individuals and customers. Although it is not difficult to follow the protocols, many doubts may arise during the trip – do not hesitate to ask if you do not understand something. To help first-time travelers, the JNTO also has a guide with the "travel etiquette". Here are some points:

• Removing shoes when entering an enclosed space is quite usual. This frequently happens in private, residential, and temple environments. In restaurants and shops, it varies from case to case. Interestingly, many places have specific slippers to be used inside the bathroom (just switch your footwear when entering and exiting the area).
• Japanese people are less prone to physical contact in everyday interactions, so be cautious with kisses, hugs, and handshakes (here it’s a good idea to observe how others around are behaving, as this may vary depending on the situation).
• Traditional accommodations have their own rules, which include wearing the robes provided by the establishment, rules for bathing in hot springs, and dinners that may be served in communal rooms or inside the guest's room. Generally, the hotel provides a list of dos and don'ts for the guest.Public bath house – also called sentou – in Saitama Prefecture. Hot water in Japanese is お湯 (read "oyu), so many establishments use the syllable ゆ ("yu") to identify themselves.
• The rules for bathing in hot springs or public baths may seem strange to Brazilians, but they must be respected. Generally, the facilities are separated for men and women, but the environment is communal (yes, you bathe alongside strangers). Despite exceptions, the standard procedure is to remove all clothing and wash your body with soap before entering a hot spring. And remember the water may be very hot, so take your time to acclimatize. If you have a tattoo, you may need to check the rules regarding access to the bathing area.
• It is usual to always speak softly on trains and buses. Although it is not a law, talking on the phone in these places is generally frowned upon. Avoid it.
• Japan has specific places for smoking in public. It is prohibited to smoke while walking down the street or to throw ashes on the ground, and an offender may be fined. There are few areas to smoke outdoors. If you want to smoke in public, look for the nearest designated area.

Support for tourists and foreigners: natural disasters, certified guides, and emergency contacts

When traveling in Japan, always carry your passport as a form of identification. The JNTO operates a direct support channel for visitors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can request tourist information or assistance in case of accidents and emergencies in English, Chinese, and Korean. The phone number is 050-3816-2787 or +81-50-3816-2787 (for those calling from abroad). For tourist information, you can contact the JNTO TIC, with Tourist Information Centers present throughout the country or even hire a licensed interpreter guide. If you are still in Brazil drafting your itinerary, you can also get your questions answered at the JNTO desk located within the Japan House São Paulo, located on Avenida Paulista. As Japan is located in a part of the planet where many tectonic plates meet, seismic shakes, volcanoes, and hot spring sources are common throughout the archipelago. But do not worry: the country is well-prepared to deal with these natural phenomena. If a stronger seismic shake happens, stay calm and follow safety instructions. The official website of the Aichi Prefecture government has detailed instructions in Portuguese on how to act in case of natural disasters. Finally, regarding accessibility, be aware that about 95% of train stations in Japan are fully accessible and walking through the streets is easy, as the sidewalks are good; for anyone with visual impairments, there are prominent yellow tiles indicating safe paths, and most traffic lights also emit sound signals. For tips on the subject, it is advisable to contact the teams at Accessible Japan.