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Japan exists in a state of beautiful contradiction — where a 1,200-year-old temple sits next to a neon-drenched arcade, where a meal can be transcendent art and a vending machine sells hot corn soup, where silence is valued as highly as conversation. It is the most foreign country you will ever visit that somehow feels immediately welcoming.
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Cost & Safety
Cost of Living IndexAbove Average
BudgetExpensive
Safety RatingExtremely Safe
Quick Facts
CurrencyJapanese Yen
LanguageJapanese (English limited outside major cities)
Time ZoneJST (UTC+9)
Visa & Entry
US/EU citizens: no visa needed for stays up to 90 days.
Full visa & vaccination details →Local Customs & Etiquette
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Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, and many restaurants
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Tipping is not practiced and can be considered rude
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Bowing is the standard greeting — deeper bow = more respect
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Eating while walking is considered impolite
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Cash is still king in many shops and restaurants
Insider Tips from WorldAdventure Guides
01
Get the Japan Rail Pass before arrival — it saves 60%+ on bullet trains
02
Visit Fushimi Inari at 6am for empty torii gates (it's a 24hr shrine)
03
The best sushi in Tokyo is at the counter of a 6-seat shop, not a famous chain
04
Learn "sumimasen" (excuse me) and "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you very much) — they open every door
Expeditions in Japan