Japan travel guide for the Irish

Irish passport holders can enter Japan without a visa for tourism or short business stays of up to 90 days. This is a visa‑exempt arrangement, not a visa on arrival; you simply present your passport at immigration. The decision to go is straightforward: check your passport is valid for the whole trip, book your flights, and you are set. If your stay will exceed 90 days, or you plan to work, you need a visa before travel.

As an Irish citizen, you do not need a visa for short stays in Japan. The standard tourist entry is 90 days, which is generous for a first trip. At immigration you will be asked for your passport and possibly a return ticket and proof of accommodation; have them ready. You may also be asked to show that you have funds for your stay. There is no ETA or online pre‑registration for Irish citizens at the time of writing, but rules can change, so check the Japanese embassy website before you book.

Your passport must be valid for the entire period of your stay. If you are travelling with children, they need their own passports and the same visa‑exempt status applies.

The Embassy of Ireland in Japan is in Tokyo, and there is an Honorary Consulate in Osaka. If you need help while in Japan — lost passport, emergency, or legal issues — these are your points of contact. Before you go, it is also worth noting the Japanese embassy in Dublin for any visa questions. For quick assistance, the embassy in Tokyo is the main one; the Osaka consulate covers the Kansai region.

A two‑week trip to Japan for one person typically costs €2,000–€3,000, including flights, accommodation, food, and transport. Flights from Dublin to Tokyo or Osaka are the biggest single cost, often €700–€1,200 return in economy. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels at €30–€50 per night to mid‑range hotels at €80–€150. Food is reasonable: a bowl of ramen costs €7–€10, a set meal in a restaurant €10–€15. Transport within Japan, especially the Shinkansen, adds up; a 7‑day JR Pass costs around €250–€300, but for many itineraries it is not worth it — compare with point‑to‑point tickets.

Cash is still king in small shops, temples, and rural areas, so carry yen. Credit cards are accepted in cities, but not everywhere. Budget an extra €200–€300 for souvenirs, snacks, and unexpected costs.

The main gateway from Ireland is Dublin Airport (DUB). There are no direct flights to Japan from Dublin; you will connect through a European hub such as London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris. Total flight time is typically 14–18 hours, depending on the connection. Airlines like ANA, JAL, and European carriers offer one‑stop options. From Dublin you can fly to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) or Osaka (Kansai). For a first trip, consider flying into Tokyo and out of Osaka to avoid back‑tracking, as the parent country guide suggests.

Book early for the best prices, especially for travel in cherry blossom season (late March to early April) or autumn colours (October to November).

Japan uses Type A and Type B plugs, the same as in the US and Canada. The voltage is 100 V, with a frequency of 50 Hz in eastern Japan (including Tokyo) and 60 Hz in western Japan (including Osaka and Kyoto). Irish devices use Type G plugs (230 V), so you will need a travel adapter. Most modern chargers are dual‑voltage and will work fine, but check your devices. If you bring a hair‑dryer or other appliance that is not dual‑voltage, you may need a voltage converter.

Tipping is not practised in Japan and can be refused. In restaurants, hotels, and taxis, the bill is the bill; service is included. If you try to leave a tip, staff may chase you to return it. Instead of tipping, show appreciation with a polite “arigatou gozaimasu”. In ryokan (traditional inns), a small gift is sometimes appreciated, but cash is not expected.

In an emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance. Operators may speak limited English; have your location written down. For non‑emergency assistance, contact the Embassy of Ireland in Tokyo. It is also wise to have travel insurance that covers medical treatment, as healthcare in Japan is excellent but not free for visitors.