Japan travel guide for Britons

Do Britons need a visa for Japan? No. UK citizens can enter Japan visa‑free for tourism, business or visiting family for up to 90 days. This covers most trips. If you plan to work, study or stay longer, you need a visa before arrival. Entry rules can change, so check the latest guidance from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office before you book.

As a UK citizen, you do not need a visa for short stays in Japan. You will be granted a temporary visitor status on arrival, usually for 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire period of your stay. You may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, though this is not always requested. If you have a criminal record or have overstayed a previous visit, entry can be refused; check with the embassy if you are unsure.

For longer stays, work, study or other purposes, you must apply for the correct visa before travelling. The visa application process is handled by the Japanese embassy or consulate in the UK. Allow several weeks for processing.

The British Embassy in Tokyo is the main point of contact for UK citizens in Japan. It can help with lost passports, arrests, medical emergencies and other consular issues. There are also honorary consulates in other cities, but their services are limited. For urgent help, call the embassy's 24‑hour line. Register with the UK government's travel advice service to receive updates while you are away.

A 10‑day trip to Japan for one person typically costs £1,500–£2,500, including flights, transport, accommodation, food and activities. Flights from London to Tokyo or Osaka start around £500–£800 return in economy. Accommodation ranges from £30–£60 per night for a hostel or budget hotel to £100–£200 for a mid‑range hotel. A bowl of ramen costs about £5–£8, and a set meal at a casual restaurant £10–£15.

Transport adds up. A 7‑day JR Pass costs about £250–£300, but for most itineraries individual tickets are cheaper. A single Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around £80–£100. Local transport in cities is £2–£5 per ride. Budget £30–£50 per day for food and local travel, plus £20–£40 for attractions and activities.

Direct flights from London (Heathrow) to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) take about 11–14 hours. Some airlines also fly to Osaka (Kansai). Indirect flights with a stop in the Middle East or Europe can be cheaper but add 4–8 hours. The time difference is 9 hours ahead of the UK (UTC+9), with no daylight saving. Book 2–4 months ahead for the best prices; peak seasons like cherry blossom (March–April) and autumn (October–November) cost more.

Japan uses Type A and Type B plugs, the same as the US. The voltage is 100 V, with a frequency of 50 Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo) and 60 Hz in western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto). UK appliances with 230–240 V plugs will need a travel adapter and, for most devices, a voltage converter. Most phone and laptop chargers are dual‑voltage (100–240 V) and only need a plug adapter. Check your device labels before plugging in.

Tipping is not practised in Japan. In most restaurants, hotels and taxis, the service charge is included, and leaving a tip can be refused or cause confusion. If you receive exceptional service, a small gift or simply a polite thank‑you is more appropriate. Do not tip in cash; it can be seen as rude. This applies across the country, from Tokyo to rural areas.

In an emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance. Operators may speak limited English, but they can connect to an interpreter. For non‑urgent consular help, contact the British Embassy in Tokyo. Keep your passport and travel insurance details with you. Japan has a low crime rate, but natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons can occur; follow local advice and register with the UK government's travel advice service.

Answers to common questions about visiting Japan as a UK citizen.

Information is based on the Japan country guide and UK government travel advice. Always check the latest official guidance before travelling.