Your Practical Travel Handbook

Visas and entry

Citizens of 68 countries (UK, US, EU, Kenya, Canada, etc.) receive a 90-day visa waiver. Immigration kiosks capture fingerprints and a short health form on arrival; queues are shorter in mid-afternoon.

Money & connectivity

Rural ryokan often accept cash only. 7-Eleven ATMs work 24/7 with foreign cards. A 7-day e-SIM (10 GB) costs about £15 and activates instantly.

Transport passes

A 7-day JR Rail Pass (~£245) pays off with two Shinkansen hops. Kansai Thru Pass (£35) covers Kyoto–Osaka–Nara on subways and private rail.

Safety & emergency apps

Japan is exceptionally safe, yet earthquakes happen. Install “Yurekuru Call” for tremor alerts and bookmark your embassy’s number. Tap water is drinkable nationwide.