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Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the best time to visit Japan?
  Everyone has his or her favorite, but most travelers believe spring and autumn are the best times to visit. From late March to the early May, you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms throughout Japan. Golden Week runs from the end of April through May 5 and is a popular vacation time for the Japanese. During autumn, the changing color of the leaves provides a wonderful backdrop, and the weather is very conducive to comfortable travel. There are more festivals and traditional events in prefectures around Japan that take place during the fall as compared to other times of the year.
  
  
• I don't speak Japanese. Will traveling be difficult for me in Japan?
  English is spoken in most major cities and tourist centers. English signs can be seen everywhere. If you need help, the Japanese are very accommodating and will be happy to help you.
  
  
• I am visiting Japan for the first time. Where should I go?
  Tokyo is a very exciting place, as it is the center of Japan. You can enjoy a range of things from the contemporary to traditional. Nikko and Hakone are also very nice. Popular tourist areas include Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Nara. There are such a wide variety of experiences in Japan, we suggest deciding what facets of the culture and the geography are most important to you.
  
  
• Is Japan expensive?
  Contrary to many people's perceptions, Japan is not expensive. Yes, you need to know where to go, but there are plenty of budget options available to visitors, both in lodging and cuisine. On average, you could enjoy a lunch box from $5.00 and, at the nearby convenience stores, you can find anything you need for your trip.
  
  
• Do I need a tourist visa to go to Japan?
  U.S. citizens can visit Japan for up to 90 days without requiring a visa. As of May 2004, Japan had worked out reciprocal visa arrangements with 59 different countries. You should check before making our plans. All foreign visitors will need to bring their passports when coming to the country.

For those US citizens staying in Japan longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain one of several types of visas: diplomatic, official, working, general, or specified visa. A diplomatic and official visa covers those related to diplomatic or official visits. Working visas are for professors, journalists, researchers, instructors, investors, among others. General visas cover college students, dependents, trainees, and cultural activities. Specified visas are used for spouses or children of a Japanese national or for long-term residents.

Each type of visa has different requirements. For those needing a visa, please contact a Japanese embassy or consulate for more information.

For those with Certificates of Eligibility, please present this with your visa application documents, since that will help to expedite your request for a visa.

• In the United States, where is my nearest  Japanese consulate or embassy?
  There are several located throughout the United States. The main embassy is located in Washington D.C. and there are dozens of consulates. Consulates are located in Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Hagatna (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City (Missouri), Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle.
  
  

• How can I get around in Japan?
  Transportation around Japan is very convenient. There are many modes of transportation for visitors to take if they want to go sightseeing, shop, or enjoy the local cuisine. Perhaps the most popular form of transportation is the rail system. Always punctual and convenient, visitors can rely on the conductor to arrive on time. Most major cities have very convenient subway systems. Bus transit and taxis are also widely available. If you are interested in traveling between islands, Japan has an extensive ferry system. Rental cars are available, but public transportation is usually less expensive and more convenient.
  
  
• Where can I purchase a rail pass?
  Visitors should buy an Exchange Order for a Japan Rail Pass (JRP) from an authorized sales office or agent before arriving in Japan. After arriving, you turn in your Exchange Order at any train station's exchange office. Rail passes can be used for unlimited rides along the rail system. Visitors must have their passport and an Exchange Order available in order to receive the rail pass.
  
  
• Can I use my credit card?
  Most major credit cards, such as VISA and MasterCard, are accepted at most stores in major cities. However, they are not so frequently accepted in the rural countryside and it is recommended that visitors bring cash. Foreign credit and debit cards can be used at more than 21,000 Post Offices. To find one of these conveniently placed post offices, look for a display sticker that shows what cards are accepted.
  
  
• Can I use my cell phone in Japan?
  You should check with your cell phone provider, but it is unlikely your cell phone will work. The problem is that different technologies are used in Japan. There are companies in Japan that will rent cell phones to visitors or temporary residents. Some public phones can be used to make international calls. Magnetic phone cards can be used in these public phones and are purchased from vending machines or magazine kiosks.