For many Americans, Japan has long been a favored destination for vacation travel. It offers exquisite landscapes, varying climates, intriguing customs, and innumerable opportunities for shopping and sightseeing. If you’re vacation planning for Japan for the first time, here are answers to some of the questions you might have been asking yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Japan

Do I need a travel visa?

Travel visas are government-issued documents that permit visitors to enter a given country. The United States has an agreement in place with Japan allowing American citizens to travel for up to 90 days. If your trip will last less than three months, you don’t need to request individual permission.

What documents do I have to present to immigration?

Upon entry to Japan, you must show your passport to immigration services. You will then be required to carry your passport with you at all times while in the country. An immigration officer may also fingerprint you and take your photograph.

When is the best time of year to visit Japan?

Japan has much to enjoy all year. March is one of the most popular months due to the spring thaw and blooming cherry blossom trees, while summertime boasts many festivals that draw huge crowds. Autumn likewise has much to offer sightseers, especially those eager to enjoy the rich, warm changes in leaf color. The country's mountainous terrain makes the snows of December and January a terrific opportunity for skiing. 

Can I get around using public transit?

Japan has an extensive rail system, and you can travel from any city to nearly anywhere else on an island by train. Moreover, major cities offer monorails and subway systems that make it easy to get around, while cabs, buses, and pedaled or motorized rickshaw carts are available in smaller cities.

If your vacation planning goals for the year include Japan, contact N & K Travel Service, a trusted travel agency in Honolulu, HI. They’ve served clients throughout Oahu for more than 30 years, specializing in international travel services and custom tours. Learn more about their tours on their website, or call (808) 739-9010 to start vacation planning.