242 destinations shown · Natural Earth boundaries · small states appear as dots. Boundaries are illustrative and do not imply a position on any territorial dispute.

Visa requirements for Japan

Who can enter Japan, by nationality. Tourism. Data as of October 14, 2026.

Passport holders from 117 countries can enter Japan without a visa in advance. All 117 enter visa-free on a valid passport. Everyone else needs a visa, or an e-visa where one is offered, before travelling.

117 visa-free
0 on arrival
0 eTA
0 e-visa
125 visa required

Visa-free entry

117 nationalities

Visa required in advance

125 nationalities

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan

Japan has 32 sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Amami-Ōshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara
Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area
Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration
Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region
Higashi Kairō
Himeji Castle
Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama
Itsukushima Shrine
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
Jōmon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
Kyoto Prefecture
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan
Ogasawara Archipelago
Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
Sado Island Gold Mines
Sado Mine
Shirakami-Sanchi
Shiretoko
Shiretoko Peninsula
Shrines and Temples of Nikkō
Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier
The Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Industrial Heritage
Yakushima
Yanbaru National Park

Source: Wikidata, community-maintained and not the official UNESCO count.

Nearby destinations

South Korea North Korea China Northern Mariana Islands Guam Hong Kong

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Japan?

It depends on your passport. 117 nationalities can enter Japan without arranging a visa in advance (visa-free, on arrival, or eTA); everyone else needs a visa or e-visa. Use the tables below to check a specific passport.

What is the best time to visit Japan?

May, August, based on Tokyo's climate normals: mild temperatures and below-average rainfall for the year.

What currency is used in Japan?

Japanese yen (JPY). 1 USD is approximately 158.45 JPY.

What side of the road does Japan drive on?

Japan drives on the left.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Japan have?

32: Amami-Ōshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island, Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara, Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area, Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration, Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region, Higashi Kairō, Himeji Castle, and more.

What is the emergency number in Japan?

110 / 118 / 119.

What time zone is Japan in?

Tokyo (UTC+9).

What is the nearest airport to Tokyo?

Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), about 13 km away.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asian mainland, it is bordered to the west by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk in the north, and the East China Sea in the south. The Japanese archipelago consists of four major islands alongside over 14,000 smaller islands. Japan is divided into 47 administrative prefectures and eight traditional regions, and around 75% of its terrain is mountainous and heavily forested, concentrating its agriculture and highly urbanized population along its eastern coastal plains. With a population of almost 123 million as of 2026, it is the world's 11th most populous country. Tokyo is the country's capital and largest city.

CapitalTokyo

RegionEastern Asia

Population123.4M

Area377,930 km²

CurrencyJapanese yen (1 USD ≈ 158.45 JPY)

LanguagesJapanese

Calling code+81

Drives on theleft

TimezoneTokyo (UTC+9)

Nearest airportTokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), 13 km

Emergency number110 / 118 / 119

UNESCO sites32

Income levelHigh income

GDP per capita$35,951 (2025)

Tourist arrivals4.1M (2020)

Climate in Tokyo

Warmest August, coolest January, driest December, sunniest August. Best time to visit: May, August.

Monthly climate normals for Tokyo, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	9.9°C	2.7°C	137mm	193h
February	11.4°C	2.5°C	38mm	248h
March	14°C	5°C	133mm	234h
April	16°C	7.7°C	177mm	281h
May	22.1°C	15.3°C	130mm	258h
June	25.9°C	19.7°C	199mm	239h
July	26.8°C	22.3°C	340mm	127h
August	31.8°C	25.1°C	44mm	372h
September	27.2°C	22.1°C	145mm	209h
October	20.3°C	14°C	240mm	188h
November	17.1°C	8.8°C	39mm	238h
December	11.1°C	2.4°C	20mm	224h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

Japan, known as Nihon or Nippon (日本) in Japanese, is an island nation in East Asia. Its insular character has allowed it to develop a unique and very intricate culture, while its closeness to other ancient East Asian cultures, in particular China, has left lasting influence. Despite belonging to a nation long at war, Japan's people have always placed emphasis on inner balance, tranquility and natural beauty. These traditional values have become increasingly important now that Japan has grown to be one of the world's most densely-populated countries, and its legendary work ethic makes life in its cities quite hectic.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Amami-Ōshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara
Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area
Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration
Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region
Higashi Kairō
Himeji Castle
Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Upcoming public holidays

September 21, 2026敬老の日

September 23, 2026秋分の日

October 12, 2026スポーツの日

Full source list on About.