Japan → Bulgaria
Do Japan passport holders need a visa for Bulgaria? Visa-free
No. Japan passport holders do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for tourism for stays of up to 3 months within any 180-day period.
No visa is required for a short tourist stay. Travel on a valid passport alone.
Source: eur-lex.europa.eu (checked September 3, 2026).
Travelling the other way? Bulgaria passport holders visiting Japan : Visa-free.
Bulgaria drives on the right, the opposite side to Japan. If you're renting a car, budget extra care at first, especially at junctions and roundabouts.
Frequently asked questions Do Japan passport holders need a visa for Bulgaria? No. Japan passport holders do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for tourism for stays of up to 3 months within any 180-day period.
How long can Japan citizens stay in Bulgaria without a visa? Up to 3 months within any 180-day period, for tourism, ordinary passport.
How far is Bulgaria from Japan? About 9,179 km in a straight line, roughly ~11h 18m nonstop by air.
What currency is used in Bulgaria? Bulgarian lev (BGN).
What is the emergency number in Bulgaria? 112.
Does Bulgaria drive on the same side of the road as Japan? Bulgaria drives on the right, the opposite side to Japan. If you're renting a car, budget extra care at first, especially at junctions and roundabouts.
What time zone is Bulgaria in? Sofia (UTC+3).
What is the nearest airport to Sofia? Sofia Airport (SOF), about 8 km away.
How many countries can enter Bulgaria without a visa? 138 of the 242 nationalities this site tracks can enter Bulgaria visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with an eTA.
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.
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 Full source list on About .
About Bulgaria Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is situated on the eastern portion of the Balkans directly south of the Danube river and west of the Black Sea. Bulgaria is bordered by Greece and Turkey to the south, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, and Romania across the Danube river to the north. It covers a territory of 110,994 square kilometres (42,855 sq mi), making it the tenth largest within the European Union and the sixteenth-largest country in Europe by area. Sofia is the nation's capital and largest city; other major cities include Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas.
Climate in Sofia Warmest August, coolest January, driest November, sunniest July. Best time to visit: June, September.
Monthly climate normals for Sofia, 2020 Month High Low Rainfall Sunshine January 6.5°C -3.4°C 21mm 244h February 10.1°C -1.4°C 58mm 222h March 11.9°C 0.7°C 111mm 234h April 16.1°C 3.1°C 57mm 305h May 21.4°C 9.5°C 50mm 325h June 23.3°C 12.9°C 47mm 372h July 26.7°C 14.6°C 71mm 426h August 27.7°C 15.5°C 65mm 380h September 25.9°C 12.9°C 32mm 345h October 18.6°C 7.4°C 77mm 261h November 11°C 1.5°C 17mm 220h December 7.6°C 0.4°C 51mm 185h
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
Bulgaria, officially known as the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country in the Balkan region of Europe, west of the Black Sea and south of the Danube river.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Ancient City of Nessebar Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe Boyana Church Madara Rider Nesebar Pirin National Park Rila Monastery Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo Srebarna Nature Reserve Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak Upcoming public holidays Full source list on About .