Japan Travel Guide — Currency, Costs & Culture (2026)
Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY), symbol: ¥. Capital city: Tokyo. Region: East Asia. Primary language: Japanese.
Government & practicalities: Head of state: Emperor Naruhito (Emperor). Government type: Constitutional Monarchy with Parliamentary Democracy. International calling code: +81. Drives on the Left. Power outlets: Type A/B, 100V. Internet domain: .jp.
What $100 USD typically buys in Japan
🍜 16–21 bowls of ramen
☕ Around 115 convenience-store coffees
🚆 75–107 local train rides
🎟 Admission to 15–25 museums or attractions
🍱 30 convenience-store bento boxes
Daily travel budgets in Japan
Budget travelers: ¥4,000–6,000/day (hostels, street food, local transport). Mid-range travelers: ¥12,000–20,000/day (business hotels, sit-down restaurants). Luxury travelers: ¥40,000+/day (ryokan stays, fine dining, taxis).
Typical local prices in JPY
Ramen bowl: ¥700–1,200
Convenience store meal: ¥400–600
Coffee (café): ¥400–600
Subway ride (Tokyo): ¥170–320
Museum entrance: ¥500–1,500
Beer at izakaya: ¥500–700
Budget hotel/night: ¥3,000–6,000
Mid-range hotel/night: ¥8,000–20,000
Cultural tips for visitors to Japan
🙇 Bowing is the standard greeting — a slight bow of the head is fine for visitors.
👟 Remove shoes before entering homes, many ryokans, and some traditional restaurants.
🤫 Keep voices low on public transport — it's a quiet environment.
🚮 Public trash cans are rare — keep a small bag for rubbish.
🍱 Eating while walking is generally frowned upon outside festivals.
Tipping customs in Japan
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even be considered rude. Excellent service is simply the standard — no tip needed at restaurants, taxis, or hotels.
Useful phrases in Japanese
Arigatou gozaimasu (Ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mass) — Thank you very much
Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-sen) — Excuse me / I'm sorry
Ikura desu ka? (Ee-koo-rah des-kah) — How much does this cost?
Eigo wa hanasemasu ka? (Ay-go wah hah-nah-seh-mass-kah) — Do you speak English?
Doko desu ka? (Doh-koh des-kah) — Where is...?
Traditional foods to try in Japan
Sushi & sashimi
Ramen
Tempura
Takoyaki (octopus balls)
Wagyu beef
Mochi & matcha sweets
Tonkatsu
Yakitori
Major landmarks and attractions in Japan
Mount Fuji
Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo)
Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto)
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Nara Deer Park
Osaka Castle
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Nikko Shrines and Temples
Mount Fuji — Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration
Safety information for Japan
Japan is one of the world's safest countries. Petty crime is very rare. Natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons) are the main risk — download the Yurekuru earthquake alert app.
Visa information for Japan
Citizens of over 60 countries (including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) can visit Japan visa-free for 90 days for tourism. You'll need a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. Japan introduced a tourist tax of ¥1,000 per departure in 2019. Always verify current requirements at the officia
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and vary by city, season, and travel style. Exchange rates and costs are for informational purposes only. Always verify visa requirements and safety conditions with official sources before travel. Information current as of 2026.