Japan

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Petty crime is increasing — pickpocketing and purse snatching occur, especially in entertainment and nightlife districts in Tokyo.

Prepare: Keep valuables in a front pocket, use a crossbody bag, and stay alert in crowded areas and bars.

• Drug trafficking scams target foreigners — travellers report being asked to carry packages into Japan; unwitting couriers face severe criminal penalties and long prison sentences.

Prepare: Never accept packages from anyone, even acquaintances, to transport into or within Japan.

• Drink spiking occurs in bars and nightclubs — staff or other patrons mix drugs and excess alcohol into drinks, leading to robbery, assault, or coerced ATM withdrawals.

Prepare: Never leave your drink unattended; refuse beverages, snacks, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances; stick to drinks you watched being prepared.

• Credit card fraud is common in entertainment venues — overcharging at bars and clubs has led to disputes and violence.

Prepare: Pay close attention when your card is handled; use only well-lit, reputable establishments; insist on itemized bills and check statements daily.

• Regional tension on the Korean Peninsula could escalate — North Korean nuclear or missile tests and military exercises may increase instability.

Prepare: Monitor news alerts during your trip and follow instructions from local authorities and the Cabinet Secretariat Civil Protection Portal.

HEALTH

• Routine vaccinations must be current — ensure measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, meningococcal, and seasonal flu are up-to-date.

Prepare: Contact your family doctor or travel clinic at least 6 weeks before departure to verify and update shots.

• Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended — risk exists for all travellers, especially if you may have sexual contact, medical procedures, tattoos, piercings, or acupuncture.

Prepare: Consult a travel health provider about Hepatitis B vaccination if not already immunized.

• Seasonal flu circulates November to April in the Northern Hemisphere — get the flu vaccine at least 2 weeks before departure.

Prepare: Book your flu shot now; note the vaccine from one hemisphere may only partially protect against strains in the other.

• Japanese encephalitis (JE) risk is very low for most tourists — higher risk applies only to long-term stays (30+ days), rural areas, or outbreak zones.

Prepare: If staying longer than 30 days or spending extended time in rural areas, discuss JE vaccination with a travel health clinic.

• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) occurs in forested areas, especially April to November — risk is highest for hikers and campers.

Prepare: If hiking in forests, wear long sleeves and pants; apply tick repellent; inspect your skin daily; the vaccine is unavailable in Canada but may be available on-arrival.

• Measles outbreaks have been reported — ensure you have two MMR doses or serological proof of immunity.

Prepare: Confirm your MMR status with your healthcare provider before travel.

• COVID-19 remains circulating — vaccination is the most effective protection against severe illness.

Prepare: Ensure your COVID-19 vaccination is current; discuss any additional doses with your healthcare provider if immunocompromised.

• Medical care is of high quality — no safety concerns with local hospitals and clinics.

VISA & ENTRY

• No visa required for stays up to 90 days — Canadian tourists receive automatic visa-free entry upon arrival.

Prepare: Ensure your passport is stamped upon entry; keep proof of your entry date to avoid overstaying.

• Your passport must be valid for your entire stay — it cannot expire during or immediately after your trip.

Prepare: Check your passport expiry now; if it expires within 6 months of your planned return, renew it before booking.

• Overstaying the 90-day limit is a criminal offence — penalties include fines, deportation, and permanent re-entry bans.

Prepare: Mark your departure deadline on your calendar; book your exit flight well before day 90.

• Business visa is required if you will receive payment — the tourist entry does not cover paid work.

Prepare: If you plan to work or receive any compensation, apply for a business visa through the Japanese embassy before departure.

• Japanese customs officials will photograph and fingerprint you on arrival — this is standard procedure.

Prepare: Arrive with realistic time expectations; the process is routine and takes a few minutes per person.

• You must provide hotel check-in details and passport photocopy — Japanese law requires lodging facilities to collect this information from all foreign visitors.

Prepare: Have a digital copy of your passport's main page ready; inform hotels you will provide it upon check-in.

• Customs may request proof of return ticket, accommodation, and sufficient funds — have these documents readily available.

Prepare: Carry printouts or digital copies of your return flight, hotel booking confirmation, and bank statements showing adequate funds.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Drug-related offences carry severe penalties — possession, trafficking, and even unknowing transport of narcotics result in long jail sentences; Japan has strict zero-tolerance enforcement.

Prepare: Do not carry any prohibited substances; understand that Canadian consulate assistance is limited for drug offences.

• Women may face harassment on crowded public transport — inappropriate physical contact occurs on busy subways and trains during peak hours.

Prepare: Use women-only train cars if available; travel with a companion when possible; report harassment to transit staff immediately.

• LGBTQ+ travellers should verify current entry policies — Canada issues "X" gender identifiers, but Japan's systems may not recognize them and officials may require you to specify male or female.

Prepare: Contact the Japanese embassy in Ottawa before departure to confirm entry procedures for your gender identifier; bring official documentation clarifying your status if needed.

• Alcohol consumption is socially acceptable but public intoxication may attract police attention — stay aware of local norms in different venues.

Prepare: Drink responsibly; never leave your drink unattended in bars; use the buddy system.

• Photography in temples and shrines requires permission — some areas prohibit cameras; respect posted signs.

Prepare: Ask permission before photographing people, religious ceremonies, or restricted areas.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the euro (EUR) — Japan uses the euro following its adoption on 1 January 2023; the yen is no longer accepted.

Prepare: Exchange Canadian dollars to euros before departure or withdraw euros from ATMs in Japan; notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks.

• Standard power outlets use Type A plugs (100V, 50/60 Hz) — bring a North American-style adapter.

Prepare: Purchase or pack a Type A plug adapter before departure; some electronics may need a voltage converter if not dual-voltage.

• Credit card fraud is common; use ATMs safely — use only ATMs in banks, well-lit public areas, or inside businesses; shield the keypad when entering your PIN.

Prepare: Monitor your bank account daily for unauthorized transactions; contact your financial institution immediately if you spot irregularities; avoid card readers with unusual or damaged features.

• Taxis are generally safe but fares must be negotiated — use only officially marked taxis; drivers may not understand English, so have your destination written in Japanese.

Prepare: Write your destination address in Japanese characters; ask your hotel to provide this in advance; insist the driver use the meter or agree on a fare upfront.

• SIM cards and eSIMs are widely available — major carriers offer tourist plans; WiFi is available in hotels, restaurants, and public areas.

Prepare: Contact your Canadian provider about international roaming rates; consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM upon arrival for cost-effective data.

• Tipping is not customary — do not tip at restaurants, bars, or taxis.

Prepare: Remove the expectation; service charges are included in bills.

• Public transportation (subway, train) is quick, safe, and convenient — signs are increasingly in English, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.

Prepare: Download transit apps or pick up maps at your hotel; most lines have English signage at major stations.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Best time to visit is spring (late March to May) or autumn (September to November) — weather is mild and festivals are frequent.

Prepare: Book accommodations early for these peak seasons; expect higher prices.

• Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and rainy — the rainy season (tsuyu) runs June to early July.

Prepare: Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and an umbrella; indoor attractions offer relief from heat.

• Typhoon season runs June to November — tropical storms bring heavy rain, wind, and potential travel disruptions.

Prepare: Monitor weather forecasts; avoid travel to the Ryukyu Islands (including Okinawa) during or immediately after typhoons; Typhoon Champi currently warrants "avoid non-essential travel" status.

• Winter (December to February) is cold in northern regions — snow is common in Hokkaido and northern mountain areas.

Prepare: Pack warm layers, waterproof jackets, and appropriate footwear if visiting northern Japan in winter.

TOP SIGHTS

• Tokyo — Japan's capital offers world-class museums, temples, shopping, food, and nightlife; start here for first-time visitors.

• Kyoto — historic temples, shrines, bamboo groves, and traditional geisha culture define this cultural heart of Japan.

• Mount Fuji — iconic snow-capped volcano best viewed from nearby towns like Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes region.

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park — moving museum and memorial to victims of the 1945 atomic bombing; important historical site.

• Osaka Castle and Dotonbori — impressive castle with panoramic city views; vibrant entertainment district known for street food and nightlife.

WHERE TO STAY

Tokyo

• Shibuya — energetic district with excellent transport, restaurants, and nightlife; crowded but well-patrolled and safe for visitors; can be loud and pricey.
• Shinjuku — central business and entertainment hub with reliable metro links, hotels, and dining; busy day and night but generally secure.
• Minato (Roppongi, Azabu-Juban) — upscale, quieter neighborhoods close to embassies and parks; safer option if you prefer less chaos; more expensive.

Kyoto

• Higashiyama — historic district with temples, shops, and traditional atmosphere; walking distance to major sights; popular with tourists but well-maintained.
• Nakagyō — central location with easy access to train stations, shops, and restaurants; busier and more commercial but convenient.
• Arashiyama — scenic bamboo groves and temples; quieter and more residential feel; slightly farther from central transport but worth it for peace.

Osaka

• Kita (around Umeda) — major transport hub with business hotels, shopping, and nightlife; safe and well-connected; can be crowded.
• Minami (around Namba and Dotonbori) — entertainment district with restaurants, bars, and street food; vibrant but watch for pickpockets; stay alert at night.
• Chuo (around Temmabashi) — quieter, residential area with good metro access; safer alternative to nightlife zones; fewer tourist services.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian Embassy in Tokyo — Tel: +81-3-5412-6200; located at 7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8503.

Prepare: Save this number in your phone; note the embassy's location in case you need in-person assistance.

• Japanese Emergency Services — Police: 110; Ambulance/Fire: 119 (both toll-free from any phone, including mobile).

Prepare: Memorize these numbers; learn how to say your location in English or Japanese.

• Japan Visitor Hotline — Tourist assistance and crime reporting; multilingual support available.

Prepare: Save the hotline number; use it if local police are reluctant to file a report on your behalf.

• Government of Canada 24/7 Emergency Line — 1-800-387-3124 (call collect from abroad if needed).

Prepare: Write this down; contact if you are arrested, seriously injured, or in a life-threatening situation and need Canadian consular assistance.