Japan Travel Guides, News and Information

important things to know

currency

The currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥). One yen is divided into 100 sen. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen denominations. Banknotes come in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen denominations.

We recommend that you bring both cash and a credit/debit card. Many small businesses and restaurants only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have some Japanese yen on hand.

national language

The official language of Japan is Japanese. Although English is taught in schools, proficiency levels vary widely. Some Japanese people may be able to understand basic English, but may have difficulty speaking or reading.

English is more widely spoken in major tourist areas such as Tokyo and Kyoto, and many signs and menus will have English translations. However, it may be more difficult to find English speakers in smaller towns or rural areas.

We recommend that travelers in Japan learn some basic Japanese phrases to help them navigate their travels. This can range from simple greetings like “hello” and “thank you” to basic phrases for ordering food or asking for directions.

It’s also worth mentioning that Japan has a very polite culture. When interacting with locals, it’s always a good idea to show respect by bowing and using polite language.

climate and weather

Japan has four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 68 – 86°F (20 – 30°C). Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from 32 – 50°F (0 – 10°C).