travel to japan business

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Business Customs

An understanding of Japanese business and social practices goes a long way in establishing and maintaining successful business relationships in Japan. Perceived indifference to local business practices may be interpreted as a lack of commitment on the part of the exporter and may lead to misunderstandings and lost business opportunities. One should not assume that because meetings and correspondence are carried out in English that Western social and business norms apply. 

Japanese society is complex, structured, hierarchical and group-oriented. It places strong emphasis on maintaining harmony and avoiding direct confrontation. Japanese social and cultural norms tend to be group-oriented rather than focused on the individual. In building relationships (which often precede a first-time sale or an agreement) one should emphasize trust, confidence, loyalty, and commitment for the long term. 

Group decision-making is important in Japan and has been generally described as a “bottom-up” exercise rather than “top-down.” Family businesses founded since WWII and smaller second-tier firms are often exceptions to this rule. However, even in large family firms, where decisions are made at the top, company members have a sense of participation. This type of group decision-making requires time. Recognizing that it takes a longer time to cultivate business relationships in Japan than in the United States, U.S. business executives should not expect to close deals in just a few days. Consistent follow-up is vital. Likewise, U.S. businesspeople should recognize the importance of working with the staff level of their Japanese counterparts and not exclusively with the executive level. 

Gift giving is expected on some business occasions in Japan. Regional U.S. gifts or company-logo gifts are appropriate. Quality is important, but the gift does not have to be expensive – it is the sentiment and relationship implied by the gift rather than its intrinsic value that is significant. Therefore, the packaging of the gift is as important as the gift itself and should be done professionally. In Japan, sets of four are considered unlucky (the number four is pronounced the same as the word for death). Gifts that can be shared among a group are appropriate. 

Business travelers to Japan should make sure to bring a large supply of business cards (with their title) when they come to Japan; printing bilingual cards is a nice touch. Business cards, still in wide use despite rapid digitalization, are exchanged to formalize the introduction process and establish the status of the parties relative to each other. Japanese bow when greeting each other but will expect to shake hands with foreign executives. A slight bow in acknowledgment of a Japanese bow is appreciated. Japanese executives deal on a last (family) name basis in business relationships, and initial business and social contacts are characterized by politeness and formality. 

Business travelers visiting a Japanese firm for the first time should be accompanied by an interpreter or bilingual assistant. Many Japanese executives and decision-makers do not speak English, although they may be able to greet visitors in English and read English product literature relevant to their business or industry expertise. Although English is a required subject in Japan’s secondary school curriculum, generally, English listening and speaking skills tend to be weaker than reading and writing skills for Japanese. Thus, the Japanese side in a business meeting generally expects visitors to bring an interpreter if they are serious about doing business. Although the cost of hiring an interpreter can be high, bringing an interpreter shows that a visiting firm is serious in its commitment to the Japanese market. 

The first visit to a Japanese firm generally serves as a courtesy call to introduce U.S. executives and their company and allows the U.S. side to begin to evaluate a target company and its executives as potential business partners. A request to meet only with English-speaking staff can mean missing the opportunity to become acquainted with higher-ranking executives. 

Written contract, even if less detailed than a contract between two U.S. companies, is essential to meet legal, tax, customs, and accounting requirements in Japan. Contractual commitments are perceived as representing long-term relationships so the terms and conditions, for example, whether to grant exclusive rights, should be considered carefully. 

Japan’s travel infrastructure is on a par with that of the United States. A wide range of business travel and tourist services are available. For additional information on traveling to Japan, contact the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) in New York at tel: (212) 757-5640; fax: (212) 307-6754, or visit  JNTO’s website . 

U.S. business travelers to Japan seeking appointments with U.S. Embassy Tokyo officials should contact the Commercial Section in advance. The Commercial Section can be reached by e-mail at:  [email protected].  

Travel Advisory

To access the most up-to-date travel and safety information,  including regarding Covid-19, please refer to the State  Department‘s  Country-Specific  Information for Japan .   U.S. citizens can also obtain up-to-date safety and security information by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S.  and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. 

Japan has long been noted for its low crime and safe streets. Crimes against U.S. citizens in Japan are rare. Crime is at levels well below the U.S. national average. Violent crime is extremely rare but does exist. Incidents of pickpocketing of foreigners in crowded shopping areas, on trains and at airports have been a sporadic concern. Complaints of robberies committed after a victim has been drugged from a spiked drink are increasing. Some of Tokyo’s entertainment and nightlife districts - in particular, the Roppongi and Kabuki-cho areas - are considered high-risk areas for crime, and the Embassy receives reports of drink spiking, credit card fraud, extortion, and even assault in these districts. 

Some U.S. citizens believe that Japanese police procedures appear to be less sensitive and responsive to a victim’s concerns than would be the case in the United States, particularly in cases involving domestic violence and sexual assault. Few victims’ assistance resources, or battered person’s shelters exist, even in major urban areas, and facilities are generally unavailable in rural areas. See also information on staying safe in Japan from  JNTO .

Visa requirements

A U.S. passport, valid for the duration of stay, is necessary to enter and travel in Japan. By Japanese law, non-residents are required to carry their passports (or their Resident Card if staying longer than 90 days) at all times. 

A visa is not required for short-term business visits (up to 90 days). However, please note that Japan requires an onward/return ticket for “visa free” stays of up to 90 days. A work or investor visa may take up to two months to obtain. Immunization and health certificates are not required. Foreigners who will be mid to long-term residents must arrive in Japan with an appropriate visa, and upon arrival at the major airports in Japan, immigration authorities will issue a Resident Card. Residents are required to register their address at the nearest municipal office. 

Upon arrival, going through both immigration and customs checks are essentially a formality for U.S. business travelers as long as passport and air tickets are in order. All foreign nationals entering Japan, with the exemption of certain categories listed below, are required to provide fingerprint scans and be photographed at the port of entry. This requirement does not replace any existing visa or passport requirements. Foreign nationals exempt from this new requirement include special permanent residents, persons under 16 years of age, holders of diplomatic or official visas, and persons invited by the head of a national administrative organization. 

Passengers are advised to exchange some U.S. dollars for yen before leaving the airport. 

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links: 

State Department Visa Website  

Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Tokyo

The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Japan’s telecommunications system, one of the most developed in the world, is both efficient and convenient. International calls can be made from private cell phones, public International Direct Dialing (IDD) phones, or hotel IDD phones. The main mobile carriers in Japan are NTT DoCoMo, KDDI, and Softbank; e-commerce giant Rakuten is building out a fully virtualized mobile network. All currently offer, and are expanding, 5G services. Many U.S. carriers offer plans. Broadband and WiFi services are easy to procure, and free public WiFi is widely available in major cities. Nearly all hotels provide free WiFi services. Many restaurants and cafés also provide free WiFi for customers. More telecommunications information can be found on the JNTO website, with insights on  telephone use  and  WiFi.  

Japan uses an electric current of 100 volts, and a frequency of 50 Hertz in eastern Japan, or 60 Hertz in Western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka). Appliances from Europe, Australia, or Southeast Asia will require an adaptor and may require a transformer depending on the electric device; most U.S. appliances do not require an adaptor. More information on plugs and electricity can be found on the  JNTO website .

Transportation

Japan has a system of modern highways and roads linking all parts of country. However, traffic conditions on expressways and in cities are often very congested. Most major intercity highways operate on a toll basis, and tolls can be extremely expensive, making passenger train travel very competitive, especially for international visitors. Japan boasts the world’s densest and most modern passenger railroad system, with fast, frequent services to all parts of the country. Japan’s famous Shinkansen high-speed rail links Tokyo with Japan’s major business centers and beyond. All of Japan’s large cities have highly developed subway and commuter train service. Taxi service is widely available.

The national language of Japan is Japanese (Nihongo) and is spoken and understood all over the country. English is a required subject in Japanese high schools, and it is by far the most widely known foreign language in Japan. International business correspondence and negotiations in Japan are almost always conducted in English. Most Japanese, including business executives, have a limited understanding and command of spoken English, although there are of course exceptions. Japanese business executives often read English much better than they can speak it or understand it when spoken. It is advisable, therefore, to be accompanied by a competent professional interpreter to all business meetings, especially an initial contact where you might be unsure of your counterpart’s mastery of English.

Aside from the area in the immediate vicinity of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power plant, crippled by the disaster in 2011, Japan poses no medical health risks to business travelers. While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to 

U.S. citizens’ expectations are expensive and not very widespread. Japan has a national health insurance system, which is only available to non-citizens with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation or medical care outside of Japan. Medical caregivers in Japan require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before treating those who are not covered by the national health insurance plan. Most major credit cards are accepted. 

State Department‘s Country Health Information – Japan 

Visitors to Japan should carry their prescription or non-prescription medication in their original containers along with a copy of their prescription. Some medications that are commonly used in the United States are illegal in Japan. Adderall, for example, is strictly prohibited because it contains amphetamines, and its possession or importation is a crime. Another example of an amphetamine drug that is illegal in Japan is Vyvance, commonly prescribed for attention deficit disorder by U.S. physicians. It is also illegal to bring into Japan some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications. Specifically, products that contain stimulants (medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers) or codeine are prohibited. Also, shipping narcotic analgesic medications into Japan is limited to institutions designated by the Japanese government. Individuals cannot legally have narcotics mailed or shipped into Japan. Medical marijuana, even with a U.S. prescription, is strictly forbidden and those attempting to bring it into Japan will be arrested and prosecuted. 

For more information on bringing medication (prescription or over-the-counter) into Japan, please refer to  US Embassy & Consulates in Japan .

Local time, business hours, and holidays

Local Time: Japan is 14 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) from April to October. Consequently, 8:00 a.m. EST in New York City corresponds to 10:00 p.m. the same day in Tokyo. 8:00 p.m. EST in New York City corresponds to 10:00 a.m. the next day in Tokyo. Japan is one of the few major industrialized countries that does not observe some form of daylight-saving time. 

Business Hours: The typical Japanese workweek is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., although many Japanese office workers put in long hours of overtime. Flex work hours have become popular at some large companies. The overwhelming majority of Japanese take their lunch break promptly at 12:00 noon and return to the office at 1:00 p.m. sharp. 

Holidays: When a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed. In addition, many Japanese companies and government offices traditionally close during the New Year’s holiday season (typically last days of December through first week in January), “Golden Week” (typically late April through early May) and the traditional “O-Bon” Festival (mid- August). 

See a  list of Japan’s holidays . 

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

No restriction exists for temporary entry of laptop computers and software for personal use. Some pharmaceutical items, including medications widely available in the U.S., are illegal in Japan, and U.S. citizens have been detained for importing them. Information on importing such items is available on the  American Citizen Services website . 

Regarding materials for exhibits, Japan is a member of the International Convention to Facilitate the Importation of Commercial Samples and Advertising Materials under the  ATA carnet  system.  The use of a carnet allows goods such as commercial and exhibition samples, professional equipment, musical instruments and television cameras to be carried or sent temporarily into a foreign country without paying duties or posting bonds. These goods cannot be sold. A carnet should be arranged for in advance by contacting a local office of the United States Council for International Business or its helpline at (800) ATA-2900.

Travel Related Resources 

U.S. Commercial Service Japan  

Consular information & official travel advisories for Japan 

Passports - U.S. Department of State  

Visas - U.S. Department of State  

U.S. Embassy Tokyo Visa  

U.S. Embassy Tokyo American Citizen Services  

Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO)  

U.S. Department of State;  Japan – Country Information   Temporary entry of materials under the carnet system

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The Truth About Doing Business in Japan

Japanese business culture can be confounding, even if business travel to Japan isn’t a new thing for you. From overarching concepts like being on time every time (literally every time), to seemingly small details like the way you hand a business card to someone, doing business in Japan can be stressful before you even enter the boardroom.

Whether this is your first Japan business trip and you’re seeking etiquette tips, or you simply want to know where to go on side excursions before or after important business events, you’re in the right place. Business travel to Japan starts here.

Japanese Business Etiquette

How to travel to Japan for business? Conducting business in Japan can be lucrative, but it can also be nerve wracking. While Japanese business people are obviously less forgiving of each others’ transgressions than they are with those of foreign visitors, you can expect the way you behave doing business in Japan to be scrutinized more than just about anywhere else in the world.

Some of the particulars of this are unsurprising, whether it’s the Japanese penchant for punctuality, or the automatic respect (and assumption of seniority) age grant someone. Others, such as several presented in this awesome article by American Express OPEN , are less obvious. Whatever you do, make sure to present your Japan business card with both hands!

Within this discussion, beyond the issue of business cards in Japan, there’s also the issue of language. Obviously, if you work for a Western company and are on a one-off business trip to Japan, it’s unlikely that you will learn Japanese at all, let alone business Japanese. However, if you make a habit of doing business in Japanese, you’ll probably want to invested in some Japanese courses, if only out of common courtesy.

Japan Business Visa

Another important thing to consider when heading to Japan for (most) commercial purposes is the business travel to Japan visa. The great news is that you don’t need anything more than an ordinary tourist visa (or visa exemption stamp, if you’re from the US or UK) if you simply plan to engage in basic “business” activities in Japan like checking email or even journalism for less than 90 days.

If you’re in doubt, of course, you can check the website of the Japanese Embassy , where you can also verify Japan business visa requirements, upon fulfilling which you will get a Japanese business visa, but not a work visa. In other words, a Japanese business visa allows you to do business activities in Japan (including starting a business) but does not entitle you to become employed by a Japanese company—this requires a separate business travel to Japan visa.

Flying Business Class to Japan

If you anticipate that your business activities in Japan will bring lucrative rewards, flying business class to Japan might be a fitting investment. Obviously, as you can see when you read my comparison of  ANA vs JAL business class , the best way to experience this is choosing a Japanese airline, but certain other airlines (mostly Asian ones) provide a comfortable and luxurious way to Japan as well.

I personally find  JAL business class a bit more to my liking than the one offered by ANA, but both are exquisite. One of the best ways to choose, if you’re on the fence, is based on airline alliance (JAL is a member of oneworld, while ANA is a Star Alliance carrier) or, absent that, simply choosing the best priced flight to Japan.

Easy Side Trips for Japan Business Travelers

If you’re traveling to Tokyo for business, you could easily spend your free time exploring different parts of the city, from ancient Asakusa , to speed-of-light Shinjuku , to ritzy, glitzy Ginza . Another option would be to take a day trip, be it to historical Nikko or vibrant Yokohama , both of which make welcome distractions on a business trip to Japan.

Over in Osaka , meanwhile, you have a similar spread of options. However, while Osaka attractions like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori pedestrian street are alluring, it’s difficult to resist the appeal of an excursion to deer-filled Nara or to Kyoto , which might be the most beautiful city in the world.

From Nagoya

You’ll probably throw Japanese business dinner etiquette out the window if your meal with clients includes sumptuous misokatsu , a sinful spread of fried pork that’s my favorite thing about traveling to Nagoya . Day trip options are less numerous here, though you could theoretically ride a Shinano Limited Express train through the Japanese Alps to Nagano , or to the Nakasendo for a day hike .

From Hiroshima

It goes without saying that any trip to Hiroshima should take you to Hiroshima Peace Park , whether you’re in the city for business or not. Apart from this, a trip across the water to Miyajima island (with its floating torii shrine), along the Shinkansen line to Kintai Bridge in Shin-Iwakuni or down the coast to Onomichi is very worth the effort.

From Fukuoka

Fukuoka is by the far the largest city in Kyushu , so if you’re doing business with Japanese companies on the country’s southernmost island, chances are it will take you here. Make sure to visit the reclining Buddha at Nanzo-in , eat a meal at the yatai food stalls along the Naka River and enjoy a stroll through the ancient temples of Fukuoka Gion .

From Sapporo

Sapporo is to Hokkaido what Fukuoka is to Kyushu, which is to say it perfectly positions you both for business and travel in Japan’s great, white north. While Sapporo’s city center is somewhat lackluster outside of the annual snow festival, a day trip to Otaru (during winter in Japan ) or lavender-filled Furano (in summer) can liven things up compared to the ho-hum of business in Japan.

Business Hotels in Japan

One thing I’ve always found really interesting about Japan is how affordable accommodation for business travelers tends to be—and I’m not talking about capsule hotels, which these days are mostly used by backpackers anyway. Moreover, Japan business hotels are not only affordable, but often have incredible locations.

This is certainly the case with Tokyo’s  APA Hotel Sugamo Ekimae , Osaka’s  Hotel WBF Kitahama and  UNIZO Inn Sapporo .

Other popular business hotel brands in Japan include Tokyu Stay, Route Inn and Daiwa Roynet. No matter which business hotel you choose in Japan, a word to the wise: If you don’t like to smoke, make sure and book a non-smoking room; many business travelers to Japan like to light up, seemingly in their beds.

Other FAQ About Japan Business Travel

Do you need a visa to do business in japan.

The good news? If you country is eligible for visa exemption on arrival, you can enter Japan to do business (but not to seek employment from a Japanese business) without needing to apply for a special visa, so long as you don’t need to stay longer than your visa allows. The bad news? If you want to seek employment, or if you typically require a visa to visit Japan, you’ll have to contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.

Can I enter Japan for business?

As of mid-October 2022, Japanese business visa procedures (and business visa exemption procedures) have been normalized to their pre-pandemic state. Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for the latest policy updates, and contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate to ask questions specific to your situation.

How much is a Japan business visa?

The cost of a Japan business visa is determined by the country of your nationality, as well as the deal your country has struck with the government of Japan. Some countries can get visas free of charge, if you can believe it! Contact your local Japanese embassy or consulate for up-to-date pricing that’s relevant to you.

The Bottom Line

My tips for business travelers to Japan are sure to help people visiting Japan on business for the first time, but will have some value for even seasoned veterans to doing business in Japan. This is especially the case when it comes to side trips to take from popular Japan business traveler destinations, from Tokyo to Fukuoka to Sapporo, and everywhere in-between. I wish you good luck on your business trip Japan—and that you also prepare well, since luck will only get you so far! Otherwise, you might want to hire me to plan it.

Plan Your Japan Trip

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Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory January 8, 2024

Japan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Japan – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Japan.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Japan.

If you decide to travel to Japan: 

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow Embassy Tokyo’s American Citizen Services section on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Japan.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Duration of intended period of stay. Please note you cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared as lost or stolen even if you subsequently locate it

One page required for entry stamp

Amounts equivalent to ¥1,000,000 or above subject to declaration

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Tokyo  1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 Japan Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-3-3224-5856 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe 2-11-5, Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543, Japan Telephone: 81-6-6315-5900 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-6-6315-5914 Our  Navigator Assistant  will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Naha 2-1-1 Toyama, Urasoe City, Okinawa, Japan Telephone: 81-98-876-4211 Emergency Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-98-876-4243 Our  Navigator Assistant  will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Sapporo Kita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821, Japan Telephone: 81-11-641-1115 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-11-641-1115 Fax: 81-11-643-1283 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. All assistance at the Consulate General Sapporo is by appointment only.

U.S. Consulate Fukuoka 5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0052, Japan Telephone: 81-92-751-9331 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-92-713-9222 [email protected] Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. Routine services are provided by appointment only.

U.S. Consulate Nagoya Nagoya International Center Bldg. 6th floor, 1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0001, Japan Telephone: 81-52-581-4501 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-52-581-3190 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. Emergency services are provided by U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe. 

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Japan for information on U.S-Japan relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Embassy of Japan  website for the most current visa information.

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

Entry & Exit:

• You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.
• You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
• "Visa free" entry status may not be changed to another visa status without departing and then re-entering Japan with the appropriate visa, such as a spouse, work, or study visa.
• Visit the Embassy of Japan website for the most current information on all visa categories.
• Japanese immigration officers may deny you entry if you appear to have no visible means of support. 
• All foreign nationals are required to provide fingerprint scans and to be photographed at the port of entry. Exceptions to this requirement include diplomatic and official visa holders, minors, and individuals covered under SOFA Article IX.2. For further information about landing procedures, please visit the  Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website . 
• Make sure your passport is valid. Note you cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared as lost or stolen even if you subsequently locate it. Japanese authorities will likely deny you entry into Japan if you attempt to do so. If you have reported your passport lost or stolen, you must apply for a new passport before travel.

Transiting Japan: 

• Ensure that your passport and visa are valid and up-to-date before you leave the United States. Passport services are not available at the airport.
• Airlines in Japan may deny you boarding for transit if you do not have the required travel documents for an onward destination in another country or if your passport does not have six months of validity remaining. For the entry requirements of the country you are traveling to, visit the  State Department's Country Specific Information  website.

Military/SOFA Travelers:  While active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with proper Department of Defense (DoD) identification and travel orders, all SOFA family members, civilian employees, and contractors must have valid passports to enter Japan. Please consult the  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide  before leaving the United States.

See  the Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website  for various immigration procedures.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Japan. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

For police services in Japan, dial 110. For fire or ambulance services, dial 119.

Crime:  Crime against U.S. citizens in Japan is generally low and usually involves personal disputes, theft, or vandalism. In addition:

• Robberies committed after a victim has been drugged from a spiked drink can occur, especially in nightlife districts.
• Sexual assaults are not often reported, but they do occur, and victims may be randomly targeted.  Victim's assistance resources or shelters are difficult for foreigners to access.
• Hate-related violent crimes rarely occur, although some U.S. citizens have reported being the target of discrimination because of their nationality or their race.
• Pick pocketing can occur in crowded shopping areas, on trains, and at airports.
• Police reports must be filed before leaving Japan, as Japanese police will not accept reports filed from overseas. 
• In instances involving credit card theft or fraud, Japanese police often provide a report number rather than a police report.  You can provide this report number to your credit card company to confirm the incident with the police.

Entertainment and Nightlife Districts in Tokyo: 

• Exercise caution in all entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan, especially Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. 
• Incidents involving U.S. citizens in these areas include physical and sexual assaults, drug overdoses, theft of purses, wallets, cash and credit cards at bars or clubs, and drugs slipped into drinks. 
• Drink spiking at bars and entertainment venues, especially in areas such as Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, near Shinjuku, has led to robbery, physical and sexual assaults, and credit card fraud.  Some victims regain consciousness in the bar or club; other victims may awaken on the street or other unfamiliar locations.
• U.S. citizens have reported being threatened with gun or knife violence in such venues so that they will pay exorbitant bar tabs or withdraw money.  U.S. citizens have also reported being beaten when they have refused to pay or hand over money.
• There have been reports of U.S. citizens being forcibly taken to ATMs and robbed, or made to withdraw funds after being unable to pay exorbitant bar tabs.
• Please be aware that Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, and other entertainment and nightlife districts have also been the scenes of violence between criminal syndicates. 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams. 

Police reports must be filed at the nearest police station prior to departure from Japan. The Japanese police cannot accept reports filed from overseas. Report crimes to the local police at 110 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 03-3224-5000 (011-81-3-3224-5000 from overseas).  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care;
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• provide a list of local attorneys;
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home; and/or
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Contacting Police, Fire and Ambulance Services:  You can reach the police throughout Japan by dialing 110. Fire and ambulance services can be contacted by dialing 119.  Note that English-speaking dispatchers may not be available. Please review advice on  “Calling for Help” on our  website . If you need assistance, you should be able to describe your address/location in Japanese or find someone who can do so, since few police officers speak English.

Domestic Violence:  Victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, but are difficult for foreigners to access. These types of resources are also generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships.

Tourism:  The Victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, but are difficult for foreigners to access. These types of resources are also generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships.

See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to Japanese law while you are in Japan. If you violate Japanese laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. If you are arrested in Japan,  even for a minor offense , you may be held in detention without bail for several months or more during the investigation and legal proceedings.

Some offences are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of Japanese law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

The vast majority of arrests of U.S. citizens in Japan are for drug-related offenses. Japanese authorities aggressively pursue drug smugglers and users, including recreational users with sophisticated detection equipment, "sniffing" dogs, blood tests, “stop and frisk” tactics, and other methods. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking a drug that is illegal in Japan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines. Please note that some drugs which may be legal in certain jurisdictions outside of Japan, including marijuana and synthetic drugs, remain illegal in Japan. This also applies to certain prescription drugs that doctors in the United States may prescribe.  Japanese law makes no distinction between medical and recreational marijuana; therefore, having a prescription for medical marijuana will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Even possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal medical or recreational use can result in a long jail sentence and fine. Japanese customs officials carefully screen incoming packages, and individuals who are mailed drugs can be arrested and prosecuted as drug traffickers.   

Confiscation of Prescription Drugs and Other Medication:  It is important to note that some medications that are routinely prescribed in the United States, including Adderall and marijuana, are strictly prohibited in Japan. The Japanese government decides which medications may be imported legally into Japan. The Embassy and Consulates of Japan in the United States have limited information available and do not have a comprehensive list of specific medications or ingredients. Please see more  information on importing medicines  into Japan.

You must carry your U.S. passport or Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Kado) with you at all times. In Japan, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport or Japanese residence card to show your identity and status in Japan (e.g., as a visitor, student, worker, or permanent resident).

It is illegal to work in Japan while in tourist or visa-waiver status. Overstaying your visa or working illegally may lead to fines of several thousands of dollars, and in some cases, re-entry bans as long as 10 years, or indefinitely for drug offenders. For additional information, please see  Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act  and contact the  Japanese Embassy  or nearest Japanese Consulate in the United States for more information.

Driving under the influence of alcohol could also land you immediately in jail. The blood-alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03%. Punishments can be up to 10,000 USD in fines and up to five years in prison.

Possession of a gun or ammunition is a crime in Japan. Carrying a knife with a locking blade, or a folding blade that is longer than 5.5 cm (a little more than two inches), is illegal in Japan. U.S. citizens and U.S. military personnel have been arrested and detained for more than 10 days for carrying pocket knives that are legal in the United States but illegal in Japan. The possession of lock-picking tools is illegal in Japan.

Establishing a Business : Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

A  list of English-speaking lawyers  located throughout Japan is available on our  website .

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See the Department of State’s webpage  and the Embassy’s  website  for additional information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice’s website for more information .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI+ events in Japan.

Laws governing rape, sexual commerce, and other activity involving sexual relations do not apply to same-sex sexual activity. This leads to lower penalties for perpetrators of same-sex rape and sexual assault and greater legal ambiguity surrounding same-sex prostitution.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Japan prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. Japanese disability laws require the public sector to provide reasonable accommodations and the private sector to make best efforts in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other services; however, there are no penalties for noncompliance. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.

Although Japan’s accessibility laws mandate that new construction projects for public use include provisions for persons with disabilities, older buildings are not likely to have been retrofitted for accessibility. At major train stations, airports, and hotels, travelers with disabilities should encounter few accessibility problems. Note that many smaller stations are inaccessible to those who cannot climb stairs. Information on travel in Japan for travelers with disabilities is available at  Accessible Japan .

Travelers with disabilities can learn more about resources available in country from the Japan National Tourism Organization’s  traveling with a disability page .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Conditions at Prisons and Detention Facilities:  Japanese prisons and detention facilities maintain internal order through a regime of very strict discipline.  U.S. citizen prisoners often complain of stark, austere living conditions and psychological isolation.  Heating in winter can be inadequate in some facilities, food portions can be significantly smaller than what many may be accustomed to, and access to specialized medical care, particularly mental health care, at detention facilities and prisons is sometimes limited. Additional  information on arrests in Japan  is available on our embassy website.

Customs Regulations:  Please contact the Japanese Embassy or nearest Japanese consulate in the United States, or  visit the Japanese Customs website  for specific information regarding import restrictions and customs requirements.

Japanese customs authorities encourage the use of an Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission (ATA) Carnet in order to temporarily import professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and trade fairs into Japan.  For additional information, please call (212) 354-4480, or  email the U.S. CIB  for details.

Pets:  The Japanese  Animal Quarantine Service  (AQS) sets procedures for importing pets. At a minimum, the process will take seven to eight months, though the process can take up to a year before a pet may enter Japan. Advance planning is critical. You can find more information about  importing a pet into Japan  or information about  exporting a pet from Japan  on our  Embassy website.

Employment Issues:  U.S. citizens should not come to Japan to work without having the proper employment visa arranged ahead of time. Teaching English, even privately, and serving as hosts/hostesses are both considered "work" in Japan and are illegal without the proper visa.

Some U.S.-based employment agencies and Japanese employers do not fully or correctly represent the true nature of employment terms and conditions. A minimum requirement for effectively seeking the protection of Japanese labor law is a written and signed work contract. If there is no signed contract, Japanese authorities are not able to act on behalf of foreign workers. If you are coming to Japan to work, carefully review your contract and the history and reputation of your Japanese employer before traveling to Japan. Complaints against U.S.-based employment agencies or recruiters may be directed to the  Better Business Bureau  or the Office of the Attorney General in the relevant state(s).

Disaster Preparedness : Japan is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and landslides. See the  Embassy’s  webpage for recommendations and steps you can take to prepare for an emergency. The Japan Tourism Organization’s  Safety Tips app  and  NHK World app  provide Japanese government emergency “J-Alerts” to your cell phone in English through push notifications. “J-Alerts” can provide early warning emergency alerts on earthquakes predicted in a specific area, sometimes seconds before an earthquake hits. 

Radiation: Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant : The Government of Japan continues to closely monitor the conditions at and around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. You should comply with all travel restrictions and cautions put into place by the Government of Japan for areas surrounding the plant. For more information, contact the  Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority .

For police service in Japan, dial 110. For fire or ambulance, dial 119.

Ambulance services are widely available but receiving hospitals may decline to accept inbound patients unless they can provide proof of funds to pay for services.

COVID-19 Testing:

• Travelers should contact Japanese local health providers to determine the location of testing facilities within Japan. A non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities can be found here on the Embassy website.

COVID-19 Vaccines:

• The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Japan.
• Review the Government of Japan’s  English language website  on COVID-19 vaccinations in Japan.
• Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States. 

The Department of State does not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Some care providers in Japan only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of  Japan’s Ministry of Health website to ensure the medication is legal in Japan; possession, use, or importation of a prescription drug that is illegal in Japan may result in arrest and criminal prosecution. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so if you need ongoing prescription medicine, you should arrive with a sufficient supply for your stay in Japan or enough until you are able to see a local care provider.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Japan has a national health insurance system which is available only to those foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation. Medical caregivers in Japan may require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before they will treat a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan.

U.S.-style and standard psychological and psychiatric care can be difficult to locate outside of major urban centers in Japan and generally is not available outside of Japan's major cities. Extended psychiatric care can be very difficult to obtain.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Driving in Japan can be complicated and expensive. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls can be very high, and city traffic is often very congested. A 20-mile trip in the Tokyo area may take two hours. There is virtually no legal roadside or curbside parking; however, traffic is commonly blocked or partially blocked by those illegally parked curbside. In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains. Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States.

Traffic Laws : Japanese law provides that all drivers in Japan are held liable in the event of an accident, and assesses fault in an accident on all parties. Japanese compulsory insurance (JCI) is mandatory for all automobile owners and drivers in Japan. Most short-term visitors choose not to drive in Japan. Turning right or left on red lights is not permitted in Japan, and all passengers are required to fasten their seat belts.

Japan has a national 0.03 percent blood-alcohol-level standard for driving, and drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, speeding, or blatantly careless driving resulting in injury, you are subject to up to 15 years in prison. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws in Japan. You can find further information in English on the  NPA English website . Information about roadside assistance, rules of the road, and obtaining a Japanese driver's license is available in English from the  Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) web site . See  the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website for car rental and driving in Japan.

Emergency Assistance : For roadside assistance, please contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) at 03-5730-0111 in Tokyo, 072-645-0111 in Osaka, 011-857-8139 in Sapporo, 092-841-5000 in Fukuoka, or 098-877-9163 in Okinawa.

International Driving Permits (IDPs):  An international driving permit (IDP) issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is required of short-term visitors who drive in Japan. You must obtain an IDP issued in your country of residence prior to arriving in Japan. The U.S. Embassy andU.S. consulates do not issue IDPs. IDPs issued via the Internet and/or by other organizations are not valid in Japan. 

Foreign residents in Japan who use an IDP may be fined or arrested. In practice, the term “resident” involves more than simply visa status or length of stay in Japan and is determined by the police. In short, a driver license from country outside Japan is not a substitute for a valid Japanese license for foreign residents. See the U.S. Embassy’s  website  for more information on driving in Japan.

Aviation Safety Oversight : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Japan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Japan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel : Mariners planning travel to Japan should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts  in the Alerts section of the Embassy’s messages. Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website portal  select “broadcast warnings.”

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Japan . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Business Etiquette in Japan: 17 Definitive Tips to Do Business With the Japanese

Japan is becoming a more sought after location for new businesses (foreign and domestic). It is a destination for business travelers as well as to create partnerships among established companies, and forge relationships with companies in Japan's bustling startup scene. Japan as a whole, and the companies that populate the country, though, have a very specific way of handling social interactions and businesses. This different approach can often be surprising and confusing for those who are not prepared to the standards of the country. For this reason, regardless of one’s experience in a certain field, or in business deals, it pays off to dive into the details, similarities, and differences between business meetings in Japan and those in other countries (even among very similar fields). We sat down with an American who's been doing business in Japan for over 16 years. Here are seventeen of the inside secrets he shared!

1. Prepare business cards in advance

The way you present and introduce yourself to Japanese potential business associates plays an immensely important role for the outcome of any future potential relation. While it’s generally understood in Japan that people from other countries might be used to different standards, it always benefits to send a clear message from the get go. The message essentially is “Not only am I interested in a mutually beneficial deal, but I’m also not assuming that my way is THE way”. Potential Japanese business partners will always take notice of a non-Japanese who has more experience with the country, culture, and mannerism than others. Before you leave for Japan prepare business cards specifically for your trip. Meishi (or name cards) are widely used in Japan and they are exchanged at every meeting, with many people. Even for a 3-day business trip, you will probably want several dozen cards with you – and will likely want several hundred if you will be attending a trade show or other event. The design, and the information on the card provide the very first look into your attention to detail and care for your business. When you order your cards, don’t assume that all the people you’ll meet can read or speak English fluently. Make sure that the card is both in English and Japanese (using the card’s two faces for this purpose is the most common method) and if possible, have someone with a professional understanding of the language proofread your card before sending to print. Always keep your cards in perfectly mint condition without folds, scratches, dog ears and the likes. Do not keep your cards in your pants pocket (especially your back pocket). It does not look professional, in Japan, to hand someone something you fished from a pocket too close to certain areas of your body. The standard size of a Japanese business card is usually 55mm x 91mm (sizes may change, but this is the most commonly used) – which is different than cards typically found in the West. When in Japan it will be very easy to find cases designed specifically for the safe and easy storage of your cards. You will be able to find many different kinds of cases at the airport , or in stores such as Loft and Tokyu Hands, and even in many convenience stores in a pinch.

How to exchange business cards in Japan In addition to the looks of the card, also how to hand them plays a role. You should present them holding them with both hands, with your information facing the person you’re giving the card to so it’s easily readable. Pinch the corners of your card between your thumbs and your index. Absolutely avoid handing cards with one hand, or holding it between your index and middle finger.

As you pass your card, chances are that the other person will do the same. Here a little game starts. Both parties will lower their card trying to place it underneath their counterpart’s. This action shows that you’re humbling yourself and you consider the other person being more important than you are. Eventually, of course, you will exchange cards. Hold yours with your left hand as you take the other card with your right hand, always pinching it between thumb and index finger.

It’s polite to read the card once you collect it and to store it in a case or something similar. Avoid putting it in your wallet or in any place that might damage it, or that might give the idea that you don’t care about it. This is only one of the several ritualistic behaviors that are very common when meeting a person for the first time for business.

2. Practice introducing yourself in Japanese

Before the cards exchange, you will introduce yourself. It’s ok to shake hands (avoid: a long shake; a shake with two hands, cupping the other person’s; squeezing too hard) – and this may be preferred by both sides. You can also bow. When you do so, you should bow at a 45 degrees angle, as you state your name and position in the company. The other person will likely do the same. You should also avoid looking up or at the other person as you bow. Men should bow while keeping their arms along the sides of their torso, while women should join their hands in front of their lower belly. Do not bow and shake hands at the same time. When meeting someone for the first time, try to introduce yourself in Japanese, even if you can’t speak the language fluently. The simplest phrase to remember when introducing yourself is: “Haji-me-ma-shi-te. XX desu.” ― I’m XX. Nice to meet you. Being able to use a few key phrases shows you’ve done your homework and already sets you apart from many of your competitors.

3. Pack Conservatively

Regardless of your field, in Japan it’s always more appropriate to dress in some form of business attire. Even in cases such as gaming companies, or in the music industry, where proper business attire is not strictly enforced, people will usually choose to wear dress shirts and blazers, or smart suit-jackets, especially for first meets. Generally, though, men will wear a dark suit, plain white or blue shirt and necktie and polished black shoes. Women prefer wearing conservative dresses or suit-dressed, usually dark, knee-length skirt, dark shoes with short heels.

4. Bring Sharp Slip-On Shoes (And new socks!)

It’s important to remember that you may be invited to enter a room, or a locale in which shoes are not allowed – like a restaurant. Choose your footwear so that it’s elegant, but also easy to take off and put back on, should necessity arise. (Also make sure you have nice, new, sharp looking socks. You know those holes we hide within our shoes? Can’t really do that in Japan!)

5. Prep Your Collateral

Another important aspect of your presentation, is how you introduce your company itself. By and large, Japan is a paper-based culture. It’s always better to have hard copies of any document, presentation, or brochure you want to give to your potential business partners. It also helps to invest some time and funds in a translation into Japanese. Even if the people you’re meeting are fluent in English, such a presentation shows attention to detail and consideration for your peers. Regardless, it’s always easier to sell an idea in the native language of those you want to consider it. Keep in mind that Japanese companies love receiving what to you might seem as unimportant information. Make sure that your company brochure includes its foundation date, its capital and/or the number of employees (this speaks for the size, reach and potential of the company). Also make sure to include the names and contacts of the founder, partners (and their titles), as well as what products or services the company provides. Even the names of current clients are something that most Japanese companies would like to see, particularly if you are a startup. The people you’re meeting might already have all these information thanks to conversations you may have had prior to the first meeting, but having hard copies will still be beneficial. In your brochure, make sure that you describe, as clearly and directly as possible what you’re looking for (OEM, technology investment, strategic partnership, capital investment, or anything else that you think you should include). Finally ensure that your value position is highlighted, and clarify how your value prop fits your target and how they could benefit from a partnership.

6. On Time = 10 Minutes Early

In Japan, being on time equals being late. For this reason it’s important to always arrive a little early to any business meeting. Before leaving for your destination, make sure you know exactly where to go – especially if your meeting is in the morning, since you may have to confront rush hour packed trains. If you’re lucky enough to have a few extra hours, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to visit the meeting place the day before the actual appointment.

7. Prep for Taxi

Should you decide to take a taxi, make sure you have the address written in Japanese, as you might not be able to find an English-speaking driver.

8. Facebook is the new LinkedIn?

During your meeting, or right after it, people may ask you for a way to connect. LinkedIn is not very widely used in Japan, so people might ask you to connect via Facebook. Creating a custom Facebook list could help. Above all, be sure to change privacy settings on any personal content so as to avoid any potential embarrassment when you start receiving friend requests.

9. Who-San?

Most of us know that, when talking to each other, Japanese people use several kinds of suffixes. Which one(s) should you use? And should you call people by first name or last name? Generally you’ll want to refer to others by their last name followed by san (i.e. Kimura san). Alternatively you could also use the suffix sama (although this conveys a very high level of respect that might not be necessary depending on the situation). Should someone ask you to call them by their first name, it’s ok to do so, but it’s recommended to follow with san (i.e. Akira san), unless explicitly asked otherwise.

10. Plan Roles Ahead – And Stick to the Plan

If you are part of a team and you will all participate to the business meeting, make sure that you define all the roles beforehand. Try avoiding getting into conversations or answers that might denote even slight disagreements or diverging points of view. It is not a bad thing per se, but, when dealing with people who might not be as fluent as you are in English it could cause confusion and doubts. Each person the team designates as a speaker should be the only one approaching certain subjects and should be able to be very clear and precise about their role (the whole idea of jack of all trades doesn’t really fly in Japan). On that note, it’s very important to keep your language as professional, but also as clear and easy to understand as possible. Enunciation, lowered speed, and volume (but not too loud) are determining factors. Just as important though is your word choice. Certain expressions that are extremely common in English speaking countries are often unheard of elsewhere, so even a proficient English speaker, if they are not accustomed to a certain country, might not understand several slang words, or turns of phrases.

11. Timing your pitch is as important as the pitch itself

To make sure you don’t spend too much time trying to deliver your pitch, it could help to have a few words or concepts previously translated into Japanese. Also any kind of visual representation of your pitch will make a good impression, clarify things, and save precious minutes.

12. Got that timing? Now trim it down

Always account for the time that is needed for translations, interpretations, extra explanations, speaking more slowly than you’re accustomed to, and questions. If your meeting is supposed to last one hour, consider ahead how you can slim it down to half that in the event you find interpretation is taking it’s supposed to be half that. It’s always easier to add information to a planned pitch than it is to remove it from it.

13. Manage your expectations

What can you expect from your meetings in Japan? The short answer is “don’t expect too much”. In a general sense, Japanese companies look for long-term partners. In and on itself this kind of commitment requires some time to consider, regardless of the country. This is even more true in Japan. Decision-making in Japanese companies, usually, is a relatively long process that requires a certain proposal to go through a lot of loops, and pass by a lot of hands before it’s given the “go ahead”. It’s extremely unlikely you’ll receive a “yes” or “no” answer at your first meeting. More often than not, people will approach the meeting literally from a prepared script. Even if you feel as though the meeting went extremely well, don’t jump the shark by reporting success to people back home: wait until the follow-ups to know where things truly stand. This attitude should not be interpreted as a lack of willingness to accept a proposal, but simply as a stance that shows that you’ve been heard, and you will be considered in the appropriate setting. If you’re not fully satisfied with the answers (or lack thereof) you’re receiving, do not push for immediate clarification, but instead wait until your follow ups. And if you have a facilitator in between, after the meeting ask her or him for a read on the situation.

14. After the meeting – when business really begins

In Japan, when a meeting is over, the meeting continues. The vibe is completely different. Very often meetings move to restaurants or bars . Food and alcohol are used as a social lubricant in Japan. This is a way to connect to the person, as opposed to the business partner. You will not be judged much during these more goliardic components of the meetings, but it’s your chance to make yourself more likeable and it’s ok to get loose a little. You will very often be expected to drink (likely a lot). It’s perfectly ok not to. To avoid embarrassing moments (such as rejecting someone who wants to pour you a cup of sake), it’s best to be upfront. The same goes for dietary restrictions or allergies you may have.

15. Practice up on your karaoke

At this point it’s all about having fun, but, sometimes, calculated fun. You want to make sure that you connect with people, so it’s important to work towards not alienating them. After dinner and drinks, one of the favorite pastimes in Japan is Karaoke . You may be an awesome singer, or an awful one. No one will actually care or pay attention to it. It’s all about unwinding a little and bonding together. This does not prevent you from making some conscious choices that might make your party more comfortable. For example, many not-too-young Japanese people may not be all too familiar with the latest western hit songs, but they will most likely know (and get very excited to hear a native speaker sing) some oldies: Hey Jude, We will Rock You, Take me home, country road (they actually have a Japanese version of this song too), Happy, YMCA, and several others are almost sure successes. Going back to that Facebook group you may have created before your meeting, make sure that if you take pictures of the event you ask beforehand if you can post them. It’s unlikely someone will have a problem with that, since going a little crazy with coworkers and business partners in Japan is not considered embarrassing but bonding. Still it’s best to ask, to avoid any potential resentment.

16. Follow up

Usually a few hours after the meeting, or the following morning, it’s a good time to contact the people you’ve met with a follow up message. This message can be fairly professional, but it’s recommended to make the time spent together the focus. Thank them for their time, for the fun, and for the attention they gave to your project. Point out you had a great time in the country and with the people you’ve met. This is a very common custom in Japan and, let’s face it, it’s nice to receive this kind of message.

17. Take a little time for yourself

You’re all ready for your business trip and your business meetings, but don’t forget to make some time to relax and enjoy Japan. It will be well worth it. While you’re at it, especially if you’re the kind of person that can’t unplug, even when taking a break, use your time to visit department stores , music stores, and any place that could be related to your business (or not). You will be able to better soak in the level of passion, attention to detail, packaging and presentation that takes place in Japan. It will surely give you a better insight on the people, the country, and the business practices of the country.

Written by:

Lucio Maurizi

Lucio Maurizi is an automotive expert specializing in Japan's car scene and auto-tourism. With an MA in East Asian History from La Sapienza Università di Roma, he's a multi-talented contributor to travel platforms like LIVE JAPAN, Japan Travel, and GPlus Media. His Instagram account (50k+ followers) offers insider views on Japan's automotive culture. Lucio also actively collaborates with professional drivers and influencers and organizes can't-miss car events in Tokyo. Instagram: @italian_in_japan Other links: https://linktr.ee/italianinjapan

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Last updated: Tuesday, May 9, 2023

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Measures by the government of japan.

1. Areas subjected to entry ban

2. Denial of the re-entry from designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures

3. Quarantine measures

4. Suspension of visa validity

5. Suspension of visa exemption measures

6. Restrictions on airports/ports for arrival

7. Visit Japan Web

All coronavirus-related information on this website is gathered from the government ministries and authorities responsible for handling COVID-19 restrictions and measures. Due to the regularly changing situation and the constant updating of information, it is essential that you always check for updates and follow the latest guidance from the relevant ministries and official bodies.

Information about entry into Japan

1. Denial of permission to entry

The denial of landing that had been placed on all countries/regions was lifted on September 4, 2022.

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section1

2. Denial of re-entry from certain countries/regions among designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures

Currently, there are no subject countries/regions.

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section2  

3. Quarantine measures (New)

From April 29, 2023, regarding all travelers and returnees (NEW)

(1) Travelers and returnees will no longer be required to submit either a certificate of negative result of COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure, or a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate of three doses or equivalent. (2) Currently implemented measures including provisional random sampling tests for all travelers and returnees arriving from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) by direct flights, will be replaced with testing on arrival required only by those who show symptoms of COVID-19 (a measure applied to all travelers and returnees).

For more detail, please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Border Measures page (open in a new window).

For more detail, please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

4. Lifting of the suspension of visa validity

Single entry visas and multiple entry visas issued by Embassies, Consulate-Generals and Consulates of Japan in all countries/regions and whose validity had been temporarily suspended were resumed again on October 11, 2022.

Validity of visas already issued under “Business Track” or “Residence Track” and visas issued based on “New border measures (4)” (referred in Note 2 of Article 1), for the time being, has been suspended from January 21, 2021, based on the announcement of the Government of Japan dated January 13, 2021.

Border Measures page .

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section8 

5. Lifting of the suspension of visa exemption measures

The visa exemption arrangements which had been temporarily suspended under the border measures were resumed on October 11, 2022.

For countries/regions applicable to the visa exemption arrangements, please visit the link below:  

The effect of Pre-Clearances (i.e. visa exemptions) granted by the Japanese Government to APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) issued by the following countries was also resumed on October 11, 2022. For more information on the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), please refer to the link below:

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)(Japanese)

  https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/apec/btc/index.html

https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/apec/btc/index.html

6.Restrictions on airport/ports for arrival

Airports/ports that suspended international flights/cruises have started to lift the suspension as their preparations are completed.

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section10

Visit Japan Web  is a convenient way to register information for immigration, customs and Tax-free shopping service before you enter Japan. After the registration, QR codes are generated.

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Business Travel

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Information for business travellers and digital nomads looking to work while they travel in Japan.

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Booking Travel to Japan: When Should You Go for Work?

Make the most of your business trip by following these tips for booking travel to Japan.

Japan is the world’s third-largest economy, behind only the United States and China. It’s also the epicenter of commerce in the Asia-Pacific region. For these reasons and others, you may find yourself needing to book travel to Japan.

But when is the best time to visit Japan if you want to maximize your trip? When is the most affordable time to visit Japan if you want to keep costs down? And are there bad times to visit Japan that you should avoid altogether?

To help you plan your business trip to Japan , here are answers to those questions plus other important information on traveling to this important business destination.

Good Times to Visit Japan

The best times to visit Japan are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Visiting during these time windows helps you avoid Japan’s cold winters and hot, humid summers. Rainfall is also low during these months, so there’s less chance of weather events disrupting your travel plans. As an added bonus, if you visit in spring, you’ll get to see the bloom of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms.

The months of October, November and December may be slightly busier than other times of year. During these months, many Japanese citizens living abroad travel home to visit family and friends. While you can find great weather by visiting Japan in October and November, you may find airports and hotels more crowded.

If your business thrives on trade shows and conferences, you may also want to plan around a significant event. Here’s a list of major trade shows that take place in Japan each year:

• Mobile Solutions Expo (February): A tradeshow for mobile technologies.
• World Smart Energy Week (February): An exhibition and conference for the energy industry.
• Beautyworld (February): A conference for the cosmetics and beauty industries.
• Forestrise (August): A wood-related conference that brings visitors from around the world.
• IREX (November): A robot-focused exhibition.
• Mass-Trans Innovation (November): A tradeshow for railroad technologies.

Of course, there are many other conferences and tradeshows for various niches. It might be a good idea to build your trip around a tradeshow for your industry, allowing you to schedule other meetings and client visits before or after the show.

Cheap Times to Visit Japan

Japan isn’t a budget destination for business travel. Most visitors fly in and out of Tokyo, which is one of the largest and most expensive cities in the world, so expect to pay a premium for airfare, hotels and other travel services.

If you’re looking to save, plan your visit for the beginning of the year. The number of visitors to Japan is at its lowest from January to March, which means prices tend to be low during this period, too.

Always check calendars and schedules for major events, though. Japan is an important international destination, which means often hosts events for international audiences (like the 2020 Summer Olympics, which will take place in Tokyo). If you try to visit Japan during an international event, you may have a hard time getting flights and hotels — and you’ll likely pay exorbitant rates if you do find them.

Bad Times to Visit Japan

Bad times to visit Japan depend on where you’re going within the country and what’s most important when you get there. For example, destinations in the southern portion of Japan (like Osaka and Hiroshima) are going to be hot in summer but mild in winter. Conversely, destinations in the northern portion of Japan (like Sapporo) are going to be mild in summer and cold in winter. Also, different parts of Japan experience rainy season (June and July) to varying degrees.

Weather might not be a priority for you, though. In fact, business travelers that embrace particularly cold, hot or rainy times of year may find that travel is cheaper during those seasons and that airports and hotels tend to be less crowded.

If you’re traveling for business, it’s a good idea to avoid holidays, too. The most important time to avoid is around the Golden Week Holidays, which happen across seven days in late April and early May. Many people travel around the Golden Week Holidays, which makes airports and train stations incredibly crowded. Also check for one-day holidays during other times of year before booking travel to Japan.

Get Help From JTB Business Travel

Planning and booking travel can feel like a full-time job — especially when you’re trying to balance the best times to go with the most affordable times.

At JTB Business Travel, we help companies save money on trips while ensuring that travelers find itineraries and accommodations that best meet their needs. We use a common sense approach to business travel to give our clients the tools and guidance needed to make fast, effective decisions.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help as your corporate travel agency.

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Business Travel

Business travel in Japan - statistics & facts

Business travel characteristics, international conferences, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Number of domestic business trips in Japan 2016-2022, by type

Expenditure on domestic business trips in Japan 2016-2022, by type

Distribution of domestic travels in Japan 2021, by type

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Share of people going on business trips in Japan 2017-2022. by type

Business Travel Spending

Domestic business travel expenditure in Japan 2022, by type of expenditure and trip

Related topics

Recommended.

• Leisure travel in Japan
• Travel and tourism industry in Japan
• Domestic tourism in Japan
• Art and culture industry in Japan
• Outdoor activities in Japan

Recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic travels in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Distribution of domestic travels in Japan 2021, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic travelers for business purposes Japan 2017-2022, by type of trip
• Premium Statistic Number of overseas travelers for business from Japan 2016-2019
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound tourist arrivals in Japan 2022, by purpose of stay
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound travelers for business purposes to Japan 2013-2022

Number of domestic travels in Japan 2013-2022

Total number of domestic trips undertaken in Japan from 2013 to 2022 (in millions)

Distribution of domestic trips in Japan in 2021, by type of travel

Number of domestic travelers for business purposes Japan 2017-2022, by type of trip

Number of domestic business travelers in Japan from 2017 to 2022, by type of trip (in millions)

Number of overseas travelers for business from Japan 2016-2019

Number of outbound travelers for business purposes departing from Japan from 2016 to 2019 (in millions)

Number of inbound tourist arrivals in Japan 2022, by purpose of stay

Number of international visitors arriving to Japan in 2022, by purpose of visit (in millions)

Number of inbound travelers for business purposes to Japan 2013-2022

Number of international travelers coming for business to Japan from 2013 to 2022 (in millions)

Travel participation

• Premium Statistic Share of people going on business trips in Japan 2017-2022. by type
• Premium Statistic Number of business trips per capita in Japan 2016-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of people going on overnight business trips in Japan 2018-2022, by gender
• Premium Statistic Share of people undertaking overnight business trips in Japan 2022, by age and gender
• Premium Statistic Share of people undertaking one-day business trips in Japan 2022, by age and gender
• Premium Statistic Share of people going on one-day business trips in Japan 2018-2022, by gender

Share of people going on business trips in Japan from 2017 to 2022, by type of trip

Number of business trips per capita in Japan 2016-2022, by type

Average number of business trips per person in Japan from 2016 to 2022, by type of trip

Share of people going on overnight business trips in Japan 2018-2022, by gender

Share of people going on overnight business trips in Japan from 2018 to 2022, by gender

Share of people undertaking overnight business trips in Japan 2022, by age and gender

Share of people going on overnight business trips in Japan in 2022, by age group and gender

Share of people undertaking one-day business trips in Japan 2022, by age and gender

Share of people going on same-day business trips in Japan in 2022, by age group and gender

Share of people going on one-day business trips in Japan 2018-2022, by gender

Share of people going on same-day business trips in Japan from 2018 to 2022, by gender

Number of trips

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic business trips in Japan 2016-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Monthly number of domestic business trips in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight business trips in Japan 2022, by age
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic one-day trips for business in Japan 2022, by age
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight business trips in Japan 2022, by gender
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic day trips for business in Japan 2022, by gender

Number of domestic business trips undertaken in Japan from 2016 to 2022, by type of trip (in millions)

Monthly number of domestic business trips in Japan 2022, by type

Monthly number of domestic business trips undertaken in Japan in 2022, by type of trip (in millions)

Number of domestic overnight business trips in Japan 2022, by age

Number of domestic overnight business trips in Japan in 2022, by age group (in millions)

Number of domestic one-day trips for business in Japan 2022, by age

Number of domestic same-day business trips in Japan in 2022, by age group (in millions)

Number of domestic overnight business trips in Japan 2022, by gender

Number of domestic overnight business trips undertaken in Japan in 2022, by gender (in millions)

Number of domestic day trips for business in Japan 2022, by gender

Number of domestic same-day business trips undertaken in Japan in 2022, by gender (in millions)

Overall expenditure

• Premium Statistic Expenditure on domestic business trips in Japan 2016-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Monthly expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Domestic business travel expenditure in Japan 2022, by type of expenditure and trip
• Premium Statistic Expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2022, by age and type of trip
• Premium Statistic Expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2022, by gender and type of trip
• Premium Statistic Domestic business travel expenses in Japan 2022, by type of trip

Domestic business travel expenses in Japan from 2016 to 2022, by type of trip (in trillion Japanese yen)

Monthly expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2022, by type

Monthly expenditure on domestic business travel in Japan in 2022, by type of trip (in billion Japanese yen)

Domestic business travel expenditure during trips in Japan in 2022, by type of expense and trip (in billion Japanese yen)

Expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2022, by age and type of trip

Expenditure on domestic business travel in Japan in 2022, by age group and type of trip (in billion Japanese yen)

Expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2022, by gender and type of trip

Expenditure on domestic business travel in Japan in 2022, by gender and type of trip (in billion Japanese yen)

Domestic business travel expenses in Japan 2022, by type of trip

Domestic business travel expenditure in Japan in 2022, by type of trip (in billion Japanese yen)

Expenses per trip

• Premium Statistic Unit price of domestic overnight business travel in Japan 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Unit price of domestic one-day business trips in Japan 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Per trip expenditure during domestic overnight business travel in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Per trip expenditure during domestic one-day business travel in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Per trip expenses on domestic business trips in Japan 2022 by gender and type of trip

Unit price of domestic overnight business travel in Japan 2016-2022

Unit price of domestic overnight business travel in Japan from 2016 to 2022 (in 1,000 Japanese yen)

Unit price of domestic one-day business trips in Japan 2016-2022

Unit price of domestic same-day business trips in Japan from 2016 to 2022 (in 1,000 Japanese yen)

Per trip expenditure during domestic overnight business travel in Japan 2022, by type

Per trip expenses during domestic overnight business trips in Japan in 2022, by type of expenditure (in 1,000 Japanese yen)

Per trip expenditure during domestic one-day business travel in Japan 2022, by type

Per trip expenses during domestic same-day business trips in Japan in 2022, by type of expenditure (in 1,000 Japanese yen)

Per trip expenses on domestic business trips in Japan 2022 by gender and type of trip

Per trip expenditure during domestic business trips in Japan in 2022, by gender and type of trip (in 1,000 Japanese yen)

• Basic Statistic Number of international conferences in Japan 2013-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of participants at international conferences in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of foreigners attending international conferences in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by city
• Premium Statistic Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by month
• Premium Statistic Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by field of study

Number of international conferences in Japan 2013-2022

Number of international conferences held in Japan from 2013 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of participants at international conferences in Japan 2013-2022

Number of participants at international conferences held in Japan from 2013 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of foreigners attending international conferences in Japan 2013-2022

Number of foreigners participating at international conferences held in Japan from 2013 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by city

Number of international conferences held in Japan in 2022, by city

Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by month

Number of international conferences held in Japan in 2022, by month

Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by field of study

Number of international conferences in Japan in 2022, by field of study

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• 3. Old measures (Archive)

Vaccination certificates and pre-departure tests are no longer required to enter Japan. Travelers and returnees with COVID-19 symptoms will no longer be subjected to on-arrival testing. Travelers with a positive COVID-19 test result will not be treated at designated facilities.

Genomic Surveillance of Infectious Diseases has begun from 12:00 a.m. (JST) on May 8.

• For information on Visa, please refer to Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
• For procedures upon arrival at the airport and the status of residence: Contact: Immigration Service Agency of Japan TEL (Main): 03-3580-4111
• For general inquiries regarding border measures for entry into Japan; Contact: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare TEL: 03-5253-1111 (Japanese only)
• For inquiries regarding flight information; Contact: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Civil Aviation Bureau, Director for Crisis Management Office TEL: 03-5253-8700

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• Travel Tips: Japan

Japan’s Major Cities

Many people visit Japan every year, both for business and for pleasure. Many of these tourists are drawn to its major cities, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya. Professionals traveling to Japan often go to Tokyo, which is the financial heart of Japan and the city with the most business dealings. In addition to being a business and financial hub, Tokyo is also the largest city in Japan and its capital.

Safety Tips

Japan is one of the safest places in the world; however, this does not mean it is entirely without crime. If you should become the victim of a crime or an accident, dial 110 for emergency assistance. If you are suffering from a medical emergency, dial 119 instead. Japan also has police boxes, called Koban , which are staffed by police. These are located throughout Japan and are easy to find. Go to a Koban to report stolen goods or lost items. The U.S. Embassy might also be able to help if you are a victim of a crime.

Electrical Tips

Electronics can be a problem for unprepared professionals planning for Japan travel. Tips for travelers include buying an adapter with two prongs that converts to 100 volts for Japanese outlets. Because Japan’s voltage is close to the voltage in the U.S., some electronics will run fine without a converter. However, having one on hand is a smart backup plan.

Managing Money and Tipping

Exchange rates vary daily, but you should expect the U.S. dollar to equal 100 to 120 Japanese yen. You must fill out a customs declaration if you are leaving Japan with more than 1 million yen. While in Japan, avoid tipping for services rendered, as it may be considered offensive or rude. Tour guides are an exception to this rule, and in some rare cases, inns will accept a tip left in an envelope. Tour guides are the only people who will accept cash tips directly.

Dining in Japan

Dining in Japan is an experience to be remembered, consisting of food that is eclectic, interesting to the palate and eye, and often not what you’ll expect. It is good manners to know how to properly eat the food that is served, particularly when using chopsticks. Loud smacking, belches, or scraping the plate are frowned upon; however, it is customary to slurp when eating soba noodles. When eating in a restaurant, expect to remove your shoes, as it is customary in most restaurants. One of the Japanese business customs associated with dining is to give a toast at business dinners.

Understanding Japan’s Business Etiquette

Respect, loyalty, and politeness are important aspects of Japanese culture. As a result, they are key elements of Japanese business etiquette. The goal of following Japanese business etiquette is to help develop trust between parties, which is critical to business relationships. Because the Japanese do not like confrontation or embarrassment, you should make every effort to avoid situations that may cause them. If a meeting or dinner is scheduled, arrive on time, as punctuality is important and schedules are strict in Japan. When greeting a Japanese professional, a deep bow is a sign of respect and a traditional greeting. When bowing, your hands should be at your sides. Handshakes are a Western form of greeting and not generally practiced in Japan; however, most professionals understand that this is normal for Americans and do not take offense. For others, a handshake may make them uncomfortable, as invading personal space is a sign of rudeness. Also avoid hugs, pats on the back, and standing overly close. Another sign of rudeness is making and holding eye contact for any length of time. If exchanging business cards, only provide crisp, new cards. Do not simply take the offered card; instead, use both hands and take it by the top two corners. You should bow while holding the card before placing it on top of a table or your briefcase. Never stuff the card in a pocket or your briefcase, as this is seen as an insult. Another greeting custom is the exchange of gifts. This should be done with a bow and the use of both hands.

During the course of the meeting, be polite and respectful at all times. Do not attempt to push, pressure, or otherwise strong-arm your way through the meeting. Nod silently in understanding, and never use the word “no.” If it becomes necessary to decline an offer or suggestion, it is normal to use the word “maybe” for “no.” For negotiations, use an interpreter if necessary, and expect to work with middle management as you build trust. Upon closing a deal, a handshake should be given. While conducting business, avoid sitting with your legs crossed, not wearing socks, or wearing socks that are dirty or have holes. Never refuse invitations to lunch, dinner, or drinks, and do’t keep your hands in your pockets or point. Also, avoid mentioning, wearing, or giving things involving the color white, red ink, or the number four, as they are seen as symbols of bad luck and they may negatively impact any business dealings.

Familiarize Yourself With Common Japanese Phrases

Although you may not speak Japanese, it is important to learn how to properly say a few phrases that may benefit you while conducting business. Honorifics are important to learn for the greeting process. Examples of common honorifics include the addition of – san or – sama to one’s last name. When addressing a peer, – san should be used following the person’s last name. If addressing a superior, use the honorific – sama . Keep in mind that first names are rarely used. Some basic phrases that may prove helpful include Konnichiwa for “good afternoon,” Konbanwa for “good evening,” and Hajimemashite for “pleased to meet you!” When parting, you may say “thank you very much” by using the phrase Doomo arigatoo gozaimashita .

Requirements for a Visa

While in Japan, visa requirements must be met if you are staying longer than 90 days. If you are from the United States but are spending less than 90 days in Japan, visa requirements do not apply to you. If you are planning to make a profit during your stay, however, this changes. If you do intend to profit from your activities in the country, you may need to apply for a special type of visa.

Fun Activities in Japan

After your work is complete, shed your corporate attire and enjoy exploring Japan. Because we’re able to help you get an affordable business or first class ticket, you’ll have extra money to spend on souvenirs or seeing the sights. Visit popular destinations like the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, and the Ginza neighborhood in Tokyo. In Kyoto, there is the Golden Pavilion; Mount Fuji is located near Fuji; and Osaka’s Osaka Castle is also a popular place to visit.

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Sapporo: Full Bloom

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A long awaited expansion to Tokyo’s largest fish market

Taking the newly extended shinkansen line beyond Kanazawa

Find Business Class Flights to Japan

Latest business class flight deals to japan.

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to Know - Business Class Flights to Japan

Faqs for japan business class flights, which airline has the best lounge for business class flights to japan.

If you are flying with Japan Airlines, you will be eligible for the Sakura Lounge, which is an exquisite facility with an executive waiting area and bathroom amenities. You will get treated with first-class Japanese cuisine, modern Japanese art, and complimentary drinks and snacks.

Which airline has the best flat beds for business class flights to Japan?

Get rest and good sleep on your flight by booking business class to Japan. Air Canada offers you comfort and style on your flight. The seats have amazing cushions and pillows; the comfort can be extended by changing the seats to flat beds. You can order drinks, meals, pillows, and bedding from a digital display.

Which airline has the best business class amenities for flights to Japan?

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines promises to be exemplary with your choice to fly with them to Japan. Business Class cabin experience by KLM will give you the following advantages: priority clearance, avoiding queues when boarding and alighting, world-class customer service experience, a fine dining experience, and isolated seating arrangements for your privacy.

What is the most popular airline offering Business Class flights to Japan?

Among KAYAK users, American Airlines is the most popular airline offering Business Class seats on flights to Japan.

Which airlines offer Business Class tickets on flights to Japan?

Traveling to Japan and want to offer yourself a Business Class experience? Depending on the origin, the following airlines offer seats in Business Class: American Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways and Air Canada.

How does KAYAK find such good deals on Business Class tickets to Japan?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Japan for economy class as well as Business Class travelers.

How much is a business class flight to Japan?

Business class tickets to Japan differ in price depending on the departure airport. On average, business class fares cost $3,368 for a return trip to Japan, while the cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $1,058.

What is the best airline for business class flights to Japan?

The highest-rated airline by KAYAK users offering business class flights to Japan is ANA, with an overall rating of 8.4.

Top tips for finding business class flights to Japan

• International flights to Japan will only be received in the five international airports that connect Japan to the world by air, the major one being Narita International Airport. The second one, which is also in Tokyo, is Haneda Airport.
• Are you flying to Japan for business or pleasure? We are convinced that you will find the whole trip enjoyable when you book a business class flight to Japan. Several advantages are offered by major airlines. For example, you can get extra baggage allowance with no hidden charges.
• For international flights to Narita International Airport Japan, you will be received through either Terminal 1 or 2. Booking business class will give you access to premium lounges.
• The most expensive day to fly Business Class to Japan is Saturday, while the cheapest is Wednesday.
• To get a below average price, try to book at least 1 week in advance of your departure date.

Top 5 airlines flying to Japan

An excellent experience. The aircraft, crew, services, and amenities were all top notch for an economy class ticket. It has been quite a while since I've had this level of service on an airline.

Everything about this airline I like! Will definitely choose Starlux over any other airlines out there when it is available!

My husband and I like this airlines , lt looks new ,clean & good service. Then we will fly with STARLUX again. And I love their time , it is perfect for my family. See you soon.

Great experience! Food, staff, Entertainment Center, leg room was great!

Very new plane with premium economy seats reclining to 45 degrees, more than most other competitors. Staff service was excellent and friendly.

The plane is very clean. The selection of movies is excellent!

Starlux has now won me over from all other airline for Asia. They are friendly and very serviced focus with us passengers.

Great ! The services of crew members were excellent. The pilot did landing smoothly.

First time on Starlux. I was impressed. Very eager to assist flight crew

Premium Economy on Starlux- a worthwhile way to cross the Pacific. This is a great premium economy experience. The seats are comfortable, wide and provide decent foot rests. The seatback TV is large, high resolution and plenty of content. Bluetooth connection for your headset and control from your phone is available. Food was decent and in line with the cabin class. The seat could be improved by providing more lower leg support especially for taller guests (6ft myself). Cabin crew will be moving up and down the aisle a lot since the galley is in front.

The flight crews were extremely professional, helpful, and courteous. Departure and arrival times were accurate. No delay. I will use K airline again. Thanks

I enjoyed flying on Korean Air. The service was great and the food was yummy, especially the bibimbap and cold spicy noodles. The only thing that bummed me out on this red-eye flight was that my seat did not properly recline so I was not able to sleep.

Crew was ok, but some passengers were a bit rude. Again, all outlets were not working, only the really slow charging usb plug on the entertainment system. Entertainment system was also bugged, some features just crash, the touch screen wasn't working and when trying to watch a movie the onscreen display kept flashing off and on making it very difficult to watch.

Great crew, decent food Charging plugs were broken on both seats next to me. Only the USB port was available, and that charges, very, very slowly. Seat was also broken, it would not lock into position when reclining.

Korean Air had great service and the Bibimbap dish was the best airplane food I’ve ever had. It was a long flight so in between the two meals they served customers could get Shin ramen. The flight attendants let my children use a pair of nice headphones for the flight and had earbuds and slippers for all the adults. The flight was long but the time passed by relatively quickly because they have many great shows in their entertainment TV. I watched the BTS Love Yourself and Speak Yourself concerts 💜

not too bad but not too great either. Service on all airlines declined ever since covid. Your Delta Stewardess are not that friendly at all. :-(

Stewardess are nice. Food could have been better and should have a better dessert. They do not offer scotch or beer. You have to ask for it. I also was not happy that you do not serve ginger ale and or cranberry juice. This is my first time that an international flight do not have this. I go home overseas every year and when I travel through ANA, Delta, Qatar, JAL, Asiana Air, United Air. they all serve this two very famous drink. You do not have a great snack tray.

You did not put me on a Korean Air flight! so I do not have nothing to say

My flight was diverted to Atlanta and I was not given enough time. I paid my travel on April 23, 2023. It was originally Delta from Norfolk to NY, then Korean Air from NY all the way Philippines which is my final stop. Instead from Atlanta to Korea I flew Delta which is okay. Then Korea to Philippines, I flew Asiana Airlines. What I did not like, Ieagle did not sent me an email that my flight was change and so when I went to check in Wednesday the 10th, at 4:30 a.m they told me my flight was delayed at 6;00 p.m and diverted in Atlanta and I am flying Asiana from Korea to Philippines. I do not appreciate that Kayak or Ieagle chenge our flights 5 times and then last minute change again during my day of flight. I hope that you will not make any changes of my flight o Feb 15th because it has to be the same flight with my husband. That is the reason why we made the arrangements early on.

Wonderful cabin crew!!!!! Food was poor, in flight entertainment was just ok. They need to serve more water on a 15 hour flight--we were dehydrated and kept asking for water.

The space for the seats i like it. Its not too close like other air line. The food is ok and also the staff. I'm waiting for my flight rewards point because until now i didn't recieved it.

The staff, ground and air, at ANA was very helpful and friendly during check in, boarding and during the flight. This is the reason why I always fly ANA whenever I go to Manila. The food was not the best but the flight crew more than makes up for the shortfall.

First I will say this was really NOT an ANA flight. ANA used a UNITED jet to perform this flight. I specifically booked with ANA because I did NOT WANT TO FLY UNITED FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS. So to spend $1800.00 and then discover after booking that it was going to be handled by United was very disappointing. I will be more careful next time when I book. The interior was very cramped in economy class; the dinner meal was terrible and also had extremely small portions for an international flight - the bread roll was ice cold and stale - that salad was very wilted; I’ve never had a “snack” that was so salty that it was difficult to eat; the breakfast “waffle” was practically unrecognizable. Really horrible meals for a very expensive international flight. Bathroom floor was also pretty dirty. I’m hoping my return flight is a real ANA airplane that is cleaned and serviced by ANA personnel with ANA meals. I will never book with ANA again if they continue to use UNITED airline jets. Yuck!!!🤢

Ticket was purchased as a United Airlines flight (operated by All Nippon) like what does that even mean? Makes for a VERY confusing flight experience. For instance, what do I look for a United drop off signage and ticket counter or ANA? No explanation anywhere to be found. I also felt a little bit scammed by the obsurdely restrictive seat selection provided. Only middle seats available!! Are you kidding me!! On 6hr + 10hr flights you're forcing me into the middle seat without telling me before I purchased the ticket?? This should be illegal. And to top it off, on the Tokyo LA leg there were quite a few empty seats including window seats! I must also say, the food was a dissappointing as well for my taste, fish with rice ( mostly plain white rice) or a vegetable medly for the breakfast meal? Should be at least 4 choices and at least 1 with eggs. Outside of these issues flight was otherwise ok.

Ground and flight crew were all courteous, extremely helpful and professional. Overall, process is really organized, from boarding to disembarkation.

This is a very long flight and the first time I have flown on a Japanese airline. I was very impressed with the staff. They worked hard and offered food and drink regularly. Plane was very well cared for. The let room was good . Food was ok but better than other airlines.

It was very nice. I was a bit disappointed by the few meal services. There were probably more drink services that I missed while sleeping, but I would have liked the crew to bring more than one drink service before landing and to bring more than one drink service and coffee service after take off

The space and bed was very comfortable , flight attendants very nice. The food was not tasty at all. I ordered the rib eye and it was so tough I couldn’t cut it.

Seat was roomy enough . The Asian selection for a meal was good . The tortellini was not very good. Service was excellent. O

It was very good. Lots of room with superior food and service. I will not hesitate to fly ANA in the future!

Plane and service were great. The entertainment is only for Koreans. Wish there were vegetarian options for food. All in all pleasantly surprised. Economy premium was quite good.

This form doesn’t work. Can’t type in, had to copy-paste. The crew constantly telling everyone about minor things is unnecessary. Did you put the belt on, push your bag more under the seat… The seat space was good for tall people, the food was decent for airplane.

Roomy seats for the given price! I couldn’t ask more!

Great airline, but there was no English entertainment (movies or shows)

Check-in was an absolute disaster, taking more than an hour and half because they offered no online check-in and Kiosks were not available to use. In-flight entertainment was exclusively Korean media with a selection of only 5 or 6 movies to choose from. Korean television shows were also available. The food was lackluster. My chicken and tomatoes had 3 small pieces of chicken next to a mountain of soggy wedge potato fries. The seats were more comfortable than other airlines I’ve flown with and the staff aboard was extremely pleasant and helpful.

One of our luggage items was damaged during our flight to Newark from Incheon. Although our email communication was not responded to, when discussing the matter with the staff at the Newark checkin before our return flight to Incheon, we were provided with a free replacement luggage item. This customer service was, overall, very satisfactory.

I would have enjoyed some hot tea, preferably green tea, but they only serve hot coffee.

10 Hours delay on departure of the return flight and in-flight Wi-Fi was not available entire flying time all that caused monetary loss to my business.

Some favorite food ran out of service and I have to eat what was left available. Also I had to drink cold red wind! Why could not have been kept in room temperature?

It was a good flight, with great crew and service. I will definitely fly with them again. Excellent experience and very friendly. Excellent value.

The food was not that good. I liked the miso, green tea, and ice cream. I wasn’t able to put my carry on bag under the seat in front of me. The flight was smooth. Please expand your choices of movies especially the new ones. I can’t choose any of those films. They’re old.

I like the braised beef., miso soup,, and green tea. Very little choices of hollywood movies. The PA announcement in English was not very clear and very soft. I could hardly hear.

More updated movies & Chinese movies. The food sometimes overcooked. Prefer to have more neat snacks in between than just choose from the menu. Please change the menu every now and then. This is my second time flying within one year and the menu didn’t change at all!

Food is lagging. Very poor choice. Like vending machine fast food.

Please change the menu more often. The beef is not tender, more choice in ice cream flavor. Dessert is not good too.

The Experience was fantastic, it's a quick flight so no entertainment or food. Just a refreshment

Again I paid for an upgrade on my credit card didn’t get it need a refund. . American I not good at gettin in contact for refunds.

l enjoyed the variety of good and drink choices. The flight attendants were very quick and efficient to our needs.

-Bathrooms were regularly checked/maintained. -Food was okay, but the miso soup was good. -Top of my foot got bitten by a bug when I took off my shoes and was only wearing my socks. It was swollen and very itchy for several days.

Truly impressive service in the air. After the main meal, they have a delicious a la carte menu that you can order anytime until 1.5 hrs prior to landing. Flight crew were so pleasant and very efficient. Wish I could fly JAL more often!

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The best ways to travel to Japan with points and miles

After a long pandemic border closure, Japan opened back up to tourists last fall.

Japan is my favorite country, with its famous cherry blossoms, cutting-edge technology and top-notch hospitality.

The country also has unbelievable cuisine and a service industry that perfectly embodies the cultural importance placed on respect and politeness.

All of this to say, I am unbelievably excited to get back to Japan. Luckily, there are numerous loyalty programs to get travelers there — let's look at some of the best options.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

I will start with the most aspirational way to get to Japan: All Nippon Airways first and business class. While the cost of first-class awards suffered a devaluation in early 2023, it's still great value. Business-class redemptions escaped the devaluation and remain one of the best sweet spots in the industry.

Although Virgin Atlantic is now a member of the SkyTeam alliance, the airline still has individual partnerships with other airlines, including ANA (a member of Star Alliance ). The Flying Club program is quirky but has some incredibly valuable redemption options.

Here is the round-trip award chart for flights on ANA booked through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club :

In many cases, these prices are lower than most other carriers charge for a one-way award — 90,000 points round-trip in one of the world's best business-class products is an absolute steal.

Note that prices are marginally higher for flights from the U.S. East Coast and central states than from the West Coast, but the small difference shouldn't be enough to sway you. You can book one-way trips for half the round-trip ticket cost.

Unfortunately, there are two major downsides to booking ANA tickets with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. One is that ANA is stingy with award availability. The other major downside is that you cannot book tickets online. Instead, you must find award space using a Star Alliance search tool . I like to use United Airlines' or Air Canada's websites, as both show all Star Alliance award availability online.

After you've noted award availability, you need to call Virgin Atlantic and give the representative the exact flights and class of service you want. The agent will look up and confirm the space. You can then transfer points over to Flying Club. Most transfers process instantly, so you don't have to worry about losing award space.

Thankfully, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points are incredibly easy to earn. Flying Club is a transfer partner of all the major transferable currencies, including:

• American Express Membership Rewards (points transfer at a 1:1 ratio)
• Bilt Rewards (1:1)
• Capital One miles (1:1)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1)
• Citi ThankYou (1:1)
• Marriott Bonvoy (3:1)

When you transfer Marriott points to Flying Club in increments of 60,000, you receive 5,000 bonus miles. In other words, 60,000 Marriott points equal 25,000 Virgin points.

It's also worth noting that we sometimes see transfer bonuses from programs such as Chase and American Express to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

ANA Mileage Club

Another great way to get to Japan on ANA is through its own loyalty program: ANA Mileage Club .

ANA Mileage Club may not be the most well-known loyalty program, but it does have some great uses.

One of the best ways to use your ANA Mileage Club miles is for business class. ANA business-class tickets from the U.S. to Asia can be booked for as little as 75,000 miles on low-season dates. This is less than many airlines charge for a one-way business-class ticket from the U.S. to Asia. The program also allows for stopovers and open-jaw trips.

ANA prices its own tickets based on the region you're flying to and from, as well as the season in which you're flying. Currently, the airline has three different seasons: low, high and regular.

Once you've chosen your travel season, you need to find the region your flight is departing from and arriving in. You can find that by scrolling down the page .

It is worth noting that you can only book round-trip tickets with ANA Mileage Club — no one-way awards are allowed. You can also only book off-peak prices on ANA-operated flights.

The easiest way to earn ANA Mileage Club miles is by transferring American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. You can also transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to ANA Mileage Club at a 3:1 transfer ratio. You'll earn a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred, so 60,000 points are worth 25,000 ANA miles.

Related: 10 ways to redeem ANA Mileage Club miles for maximum value

Alaska Mileage Plan

The Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan program is one of the most highly regarded loyalty programs.

This is due to its generous award charts for partner airlines. Alaska Airlines has different award charts for its flights and each of its partners which opens up numerous award redemption opportunities.

In March 2021, Alaska Airlines joined the Oneworld alliance. This opened up partnerships with major airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines.

Read more: Your complete guide to Alaska Airlines partners

Flying first class on Japan Airlines is widely considered one of the best ways to get to Japan. From the great seats to the fantastic onboard cuisine to the incredible service and hospitality, Japan Airlines' first class is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Flying between North America and Japan will cost 85,000 Alaska miles from the West Coast and 100,000 miles from the rest of the United States for a one-way first-class ticket. Business class redemptions cost 60,000 or 80,000 miles depending on your departure point.

Using Alaska's search feature is relatively simple. There's an award calendar, and you can book JAL-operated awards online. Availability in premium cabins isn't fantastic, but if you're flexible on your departure date or open to last-minute award space, you may be able to find a good itinerary.

If you need to top up your Alaska balance, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card offers 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Unfortunately, Alaska Mileage Plan isn't a partner of any major transferable credit card programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards .

Because of its huge list of airline partners in the Oneworld alliance and non-alliance partners, you can earn miles by flying many different airlines and crediting those partner flights to Mileage Plan. Plus, you can earn miles when you fly with Alaska Airlines.

Also, Alaska often has buy-miles promotions that allow you to stock up on miles at a reasonable price. There is also an online shopping portal that can help you earn miles on online shopping.

American AAdvantage

Another Oneworld option to get to Japan is with your American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

Although the program lost some value over the last few years, you can still get a ton out of the program, especially as partner awards are not subject to dynamic pricing. The best way to get real value is through the airline's international partners in the Oneworld Alliance.

American publishes award charts for each region. On AA's partner award chart, Asia is divided into four regions: Asia Region 1, Asia Region 2, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. Japan is considered to be in Asia Region 1.

This means you can book Japan Airlines business class for just 60,000 AAdvantage miles each way. It costs 20,000 additional miles to fly in first class. This provides an alternative way to fly on Japan Airlines if earning Alaska miles is too difficult.

One of the easiest ways to earn American AAdvantage miles is through American Airlines credit cards . Here's a list of current offers:

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® : Earn 70,000 miles after you spend $7,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. 4 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases. Then, if you spend $150,000 on purchases in a calendar year, you'll earn a boosted rate of 5 miles per dollar spent on American purchases for the remainder of the calendar year. Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on eligible car rentals and hotels booked through American's car rental and hotel booking sites , respectively. Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on other purchases (see rates and fees ).
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® : Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Earn 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar on gas station, restaurant and eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases (see rates and fees ).
• Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® : Earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening. Earn 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases plus telecom merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rentals and gas stations. Earn 1 mile per dollar on other purchases.
• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® : Earn 50,000 bonus miles after making your first purchase in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee. Earn 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases.

The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® and AAdvantage Aviator Red cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuers.

In addition, you can transfer Bilt Rewards points directly to American AAdvantage at a 1:1 ratio. This can be a great option for those with the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees ) who are earning points on rent.

You can also earn AAdvantage miles by flying on American and partner airlines, making online purchases through the AAdvantage eShopping portal , and eating out through the AAdvantage Dining program.

Related: Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage

Singapore KrisFlyer

One final option to get to Japan is via a fifth-freedom flight operated by Singapore Airlines . Although this option is limited to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) , I thought it would be worth mentioning for our West Coast readers.

Singapore Airlines is famous for its top-notch service, especially in its premium cabins. Plus, this route is operated on a 777-300ER, which allows the possibility of flying Singapore's first-class product .

The carrier typically blocks premium-cabin award space from its partners, so you'll have to book through Singapore's KrisFlyer program . You will need 103,500 miles in business class, or 120,500 miles in first class at the lowest Saver level.

Award availability is typically scarce. However, it is worth noting that KrisFlyer allows you to waitlist for awards if your desired flight or class of service isn't available when booking.

Fortunately, these miles are easy to earn since KrisFlyer is a partner of most major transferable points currencies, including Chase Ultimate Rewards , American Express Membership Rewards , Citi ThankYou Rewards and Capital One . Transfers from all of these programs occur at a 1:1 rate.

Bottom line

With Japan finally reopened, we've seen a surge in demand for travel to the country over the last year. Cash fares remain quite high as a result, but you may be able to save money on your trips by using points and miles.

That said, you may need to be flexible and book either well in advance or at the last minute to score premium cabin award seats, allowing you to visit one of the world's most unique countries.

Additional reporting by Ben Smithson.

For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here . For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here .

Updated 9/27/23

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The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Japan captured my heart from the moment I firs visited. The delicious food, the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history, and the very friendly and polite people – it all blew my mind.

But Japan often feels impenetrable, especially to first-time visitors. While I think Japan deserves a minimum of 10 days, I get that some people might only have a week, so I wanted to write this, my ideal seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time visitor.

With only a week, there’s not much you can see unless you really rush it. And I don’t think you should do that.

So this itinerary only focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto (the most popular destinations) as well as some day trips from each. If you wanted to rush things a little, you could add in Osaka (more on that at the end).

(Note: If you purchased a Japan Rail Pass , activate it on arrival. That way, you can take advantage of the free JR trains throughout the city.)

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo

Japan itinerary day 2: tokyo, japan itinerary day 3: tokyo, japan itinerary day 4: kyoto, japan itinerary day 5: kyoto, japan itinerary day 6: nara, japan itinerary day 7: tokyo, an alternative itinerary.

Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets Cure your jet lag with some food! In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu. It is now twice the size of Tsukiji (the old one), making it the largest such market in the world. Here you can eat fresh sushi for breakfast, just a few feet from where it was hauled in from the sea, while marveling at the chaotic atmosphere.

You can still head to the old market in Tsukiji to eat, shop, and wander as well. I like it a lot, because there are more food options! Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 15,000 JPY.

Toyosu Fish Market is open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, though most shops don’t open until 7am. Admission is free, but you have to pick up a visitor’s pass when you enter. Tsukiji Fish Market’s hours vary by shop (usually 5am-2pm). Admission is free.

teamLab Planets This digital art installation is a multi-sensory and immersive experience in which you become part of the artwork, walking barefoot through the four exhibition spaces and gardens as you interact with the installations’ elements in unique ways. It’s really fun! TeamLab is generally sells out in advance, so I recommend getting your tickets online ahead of time .

Take a walking tour Walking tours are a great way to get the lay of the land while connecting with a local guide. I always go on one or two when I arrive somewhere. Tokyo Localized offers many free tours, including a classic overview and ones of both the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace tour would be the most convenient one after teamLab.

The Imperial Palace Formerly Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace was built in the 15th century, and some of the walls and moats from that time are still in use to this day. When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new palace and renamed it. While you can’t go inside, it is surrounded by beautiful grounds, a moat, and a park worth wandering through. You can also see the changing-of-the-guard ceremony (though it’s relatively low-key and unassuming). Admission to the grounds is free.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden This park is over 144 acres and home to some 20,000 trees. Most of the original park was destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. During spring, it is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. My favorite area is the landscape garden, which has several ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceful oasis away from the urban hustle and bustle.

Depending on how you feel relative to your jetlag, you could fit a few more activities before you end your day. Check out this post for suggestions .

• Senso-ji – This is Tokyo’s most popular and famous temple. Beautifully painted, it sits in a scenic spot near a pagoda and the lovely Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s very busy during the day, so maybe check out the grounds in the evening.
• Asakusa Shrine – This nearby Shinto shrine is much more peaceful, with fewer visitors, but with people praying, meditating, or performing traditional rituals. It was built during the Edo period (1603–1868) and survived the air raids of World War II.

Afterward, head to Ueno Park . Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park was established in 1873 on land formerly owned by a 17th-century Buddhist temple. It gets super busy in cherry blossom season, as there are over a thousand trees here. Throughout, you’ll find various stalls and vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are usually cultural events or festivals showcasing traditional arts, music, and dance. Four of Tokyo’s main museums are here:

• Tokyo National Museum – Established in 1872 on the north end, this massive building is the oldest and largest art museum in Japan. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts from Asia, particularly Japan.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – This museum showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
• National Museum of Nature and Science – This museum features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering natural science and history.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This beautiful 17th-century Shinto shrine has carved gold doors and other ornate carvings. It’s worth seeing up close!

Afterward, walk down to Akihabara to explore the video game parlors, arcades, and anime shops. This very buzzy area is ground zero for all things electronic, and it’s fun to play many of the games. This is where you’ll find the famous maid cafés, where servers dress up as maids and serve you food and drinks. These range from big touristy ones to holes-in-the-wall (the girls on the street are promoting the latter, which are a lot more culturally fun). They aren’t cheap, though, as you have to buy drink packages and pay a fee, but they’re kitschy and fun.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku and then drink in Golden Gai . In Shinjuku, you’ll find a plethora of cool bars, bright lights, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries. Be sure to wander down Memory Lane (aka Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya joints and bars. Afterward, head over to Golden Gai, a warren of narrow alleyways with a bit of a red-light-district feel, flanked by diminutive backstreet bars. It’s quite touristy but also a lot of fun. I’ve had some wild nights here!

With Arigato Tours , you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. The 23,900 JPY cost includes a drink and dishes at four stops.  

Kamakura Here you can see a 13-meter (43-foot) bronze statue of Buddha that was built in 1252. It was initially constructed within Kotoku-in Temple, but that has since been washed away by several storms, so it now sits in the open air. Admission to enter the temple grounds is 300 JPY, while it’s 20 JPY to go inside the statue. The journey there — around an hour — is free with a Japan Rail Pass .

Tokyo Disneyland I’m a sucker for Disney. You’ll find many of the same classic rides from Disney World here, like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everyone’s favorite teacup ride, The Mad Tea Party. But there are several unique attractions as well, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, but full-day admission begins at 7,900 JPY for adults and 4,400-6,200 JPY for children. It’s best to book in advance .

Mount Fuji Mount Fuji is located an hour outside of Tokyo. An active stratovolcano (which last erupted in 1708) and covered in snow for almost half of the year, it stands an impressive 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) and provides one of the most iconic views in the country. One of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan, Mount Fuji is both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a UNESCO Cultural Site. In the summer, the mountain is open to hikers, who take 5-12 hours to reach the summit (traditionally, they depart at night to arrive at the top for the sunrise).

If you don’t want to hike, you can simply visit on a day trip. There are buses that can take you partway up, where you’ll be offered sweeping vistas of the surrounding area. Guided day tours from the city cost around 12,000 JPY.  

Wander the Bamboo Forest For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Visit the Golden Pavilion Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun (military governor), this iconic structure was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The present-day edifice dates only to the 1950s, however, when a monk attempting to kill himself burned the historic original to the ground. The rebuilt temple is covered in brilliant gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Each of the three stories exhibits a different architectural style. Completing the scene are the serene reflecting pool and traditional Japanese gardens that contain lush foliage, manicured trees, and scenic walking paths.

1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, +81 075-461-0013, shokoku-ji.jp. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is 500 JPY.

Admire Ryoan-ji Temple This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

There are other temples in the area to check out as well:

• Daitoku-ji Temple – This massive complex dating back to 1315 covers almost 60 acres. It contains several dozen temples and is a good place to see a variety of Zen gardens and architectural styles. It’s also deeply linked to the Japanese tea ceremony, as several of the country’s most noteworthy masters studied here.
• Toji Temple – This is home to Japan’s tallest pagoda (five stories high). Founded in 796, just after Kyoto became the capital, it was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in the city.

Go on a sake brewery tour Kyoto has a sake (rice wine) brewing tradition going back 400 years and is known for some of the best in the world, due to using the area’s pure natural spring water in the brewing process. Arigato Tours offers an excellent three-hour tour of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, including stops at several breweries, a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.  

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine This mountainside Shinto shrine, dating back to 711, is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s known for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that form a network of trails leading up Mount Inari. You can hike the trails on your own while enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto below or join a guided hiking tour , on which you’ll get off the paved paths and into hidden bamboo groves. Get here as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, +81756417331, inari.jp. Open 24/7. Admission is free.

Walk around Higashiyama Spend an afternoon walking along the narrow streets of one of the oldest and best preserved districts on your own or on a walking tour . The traditional machiya buildings (traditional wooden townhouses) are filled with small shops selling local specialties and handicrafts, as well as restaurants and teahouses. It’s a popular area in which to participate in a tea ceremony . Another nice place to stroll in this neighborhood is the Philosopher’s Path, which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal that’s beautiful and meditative even when the blossoms aren’t in season.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera One of a number of UNESCO sites in ancient Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (meaning “pure water temple”) is located in the foothills of Mount Otowa in the eastern part of the city. It’s one of the most famous temples in all of Japan. It was established in 778, but most of the existing buildings date to the 17th century. There’s not a single nail used in the construction, which becomes all the more impressive once you see how large the temple is, which is best known for its wooden terrace that juts out over the hillside. The temple’s name comes from the nearby waterfall whose waters (from which you can still drink today) are said to have wish-granting and healing powers.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, +81 75-551-1234, kiyomizudera.or.jp. Open daily 6am-6pm. Admission is 400 JPY.

Explore Shorin-ji Temple This small temple dates back to the 16th century. What makes it worth visiting is its meditation classes. You’ll get to tour the temple and then be instructed in zazen , the Japanese style of meditation. It’s a very unique experience and something that I think will add a lot of depth and nuance to your visit (especially if you’ve seen a lot of temples). Just make sure to dress comfortably.

15 Chome-795 Honmachi, +81 75-561-4311, shourin-ji.org. Open daily 10am-4pm. Admission is 800 JPY.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

Explore Gion Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

At night, go to the Pontocho Row , a narrow street lined with restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars, and jazz clubs. It’s one of the more lively areas in Kyoto.  

Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to the prevalence of fires and earthquakes, as well as World War II). Some things to do:

• Frolic with deer – The real draw in Nara are the deer. Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree.
• See the Buddha – Don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji, the world’s largest wooden building, home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a walking tour – This guided half-day walking tour for 11,500 JPY includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch.

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo wrestling arena, hosts tournaments three times each year, in January, May, and September. Tickets sell out quickly, so book online in advance. Prices vary but start around 3,200 JPY for arena seats. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

To learn more about the sport in in the off-season, book a tour of a sumo stable .  

So, if you want to add another city to this itinerary you can follow this breakdown:

• Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
• Days 3 & 4: Kyoto
• Day 5: Nara
• Days 6 & 7: Osaka

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara are all covered above. As for Osaka, some of my favorite things to see and do:

Take a food tour Known as “the Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka boasts a diverse culinary scene. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. Plus, there are local specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (kebab skewers). You can take a food tour for around 13,000 JPY, a ramen and gyoza cooking class for 9,500 JPY, or just wander and eat.

Osaka Castle One of the most famous landmarks in the country, the castle was originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the Sengoku period (1467-1615). Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to wars, fires, and natural disasters. The current version dates to 1931. The castle is situated amid sprawling grounds and surrounded by a moat. It’s also home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque urban views.

Dotonbori This is arguably Osaka’s most iconic district, known for its vibrant nightlife (bars, clubs, theaters, and music venues), colorful signage, and delicious food. It’s best seen at night due to the plethora of huge neon lights and signs lining both the canal and streets, which have become symbols of Osaka’s nightlife. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Shitennoji Temple This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, founded in 593. The architecture is a blend of traditional Japanese and East Asian styles, featuring impressive pagodas, gates, and shrines set amid serene gardens. Stroll through the tranquil grounds, admire the beautiful architecture, and learn about the temple’s historical and cultural significance at the museum. The temple is 300 JPY to enter, the garden is 300 JPY, and the museum is 500 JPY.  

Japan is one of my favorite countries. While it’s relatively small, it offers an amazing array of things to see and do (as well as some of the best food in the world). With seven days, you can easily see a good number of the main highlights and get a taste for the incredible history and culture. It will be a busy week, but this itinerary ensures you’ll still have some time to slow down, relax, and take in the local pace of life.

Just make sure you get a Japan Rail Pass before you go. While it’s not as cheap as it used to be, it will likely save you time and money!

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money, information on costs, tips on what to see and do, suggested itineraries and reading and packing lists, and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Best Ways To Fly to Japan With Points and Miles [Step-by-Step]

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Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Alaska airlines mileage plan, american airlines aadvantage, ana mileage club, etihad guest, korean air skypass, final thoughts.

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Temples, palaces, bullet trains, skiing, and gourmet restaurants are just a slice of what awaits you in Japan. From its capital in Tokyo to Okinawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sapporo, Japan offers several cities worth visiting — especially if you can pay for your flight with points or miles.

From the U.S., travelers can fly nonstop to 2 major airports: Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). HND is south of Tokyo, with fewer nonstop options from the U.S., while NRT is a bit farther east of Tokyo, with a few more nonstop options from the U.S.

Best Rewards Programs for Booking Flights to Japan

U.S. travelers have no problem booking flights to Japan, with several flight options no matter where you live in the U.S.

Airlines in Oneworld , SkyTeam , and Star Alliance all offer flights between the U.S. and Japan — great news, as members in any of these have several ways to use their points and miles.

Flights booked through All Nippon Airways’ MileageClub program must be booked round-trip. All other programs listed allow flights to be booked one-way.

With that said, let’s dive into the award options to book your next flight to Japan!

In early 2023, Virgin Atlantic joined the SkyTeam alliance, which ANA is not a part of. However, Virgin Atlantic has a partnership with ANA that’s not part of any alliance.

The Flying Club program offers insane value when booking partner ANA-operated flights to Japan. Although there was a major devaluation of the program earlier this year, it remains a viable option to fly between the U.S. and Japan.

Here’s the updated award chart for ANA flights booked through Virgin Atlantic:

A major downside to this redemption is that ANA award flights can’t be booked on the Virgin Atlantic website.

Look for frequent transfer bonuses from bank programs such as Chase and American Express to Virgin Atlantic.

Here are a couple of ANA award flight options, among many, that you can use Virgin Points to book:

• Los Angeles (LAX) — Narita (NRT) for 90,000 Virgin Points in ANA business class
• New York (JFK) — Haneda (HND) for 170,000 Virgin Points in ANA first class

With the Virgin Points in your account, use these steps to book the flight:

• Search for saver award space for ANA-operated flights on United Airlines.
• Write down the flight details, including time, date, and flight number.
• Call Virgin Atlantic at 800-365-9500 to book the flight.
• Pay the taxes and fees.

Earning Virgin Points

Earning Virgin Points is easy, as the program is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards ,  Capital One Miles,   American Express Membership Rewards ,  Marriott Bonvoy , and  Citi ThankYou Rewards .

If you want to use transferable points, keep these transfer ratios and transfer times in mind:

• Amex Membership Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and take 1 to 2 days.
• Capital One Miles transfers transfer at a 1:1 ratio and transfer instantly (via Virgin Red).
• Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and transfer instantly.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and take 2 days.
• Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio. With every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive 5,000 bonus miles. Transfers take 1 day.

Virgin Atlantic also has co-branded credit cards that earn miles directly with your everyday spending.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred 80k or 100k Bonus Offer
• Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Score Requirements
• Military Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve
• Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Reserve ®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
• Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
• Rental car elite status with National and Avis
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable
• Chase Sapphire Reserve 100k Bonus Offer
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Airport Lounge Access
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance Benefits
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Benefits
• Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Booking ANA award flights with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is a great way to fly between the U.S. and Japan. Look out for frequent transfer bonuses from programs such as Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards.

Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan is an incredible award program that you should consider when booking award flights to Japan. Alaska Airlines is in the Oneworld Alliance with other partners such as American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways, among others.

Alaska has one major perk with its loyalty program: the ability to book stopovers .

In late 2022, Alaska revamped its award charts, including those for partner airlines. Let’s take a look at the current international award rates for flights to Japan:

Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles for maximum value .

With enough Alaska Airlines miles in your Mileage Plan account, here are a couple of flights to consider booking:

• New York (JFK) – Haneda (HND) from 100,000 Alaska miles in Japan Airlines business class round-trip
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Narita (NRT) from 140,000 Alaska miles in Japan Airlines first class round-trip
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Hong Kong (HKG) – Haneda (HND) from 140,000 Alaska miles in Cathay Pacific first class round-trip

When you’re ready to book your flight, follow the steps below for the booking process on partner flights with airlines such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines.

• Search for award flights on Alaska Airlines.
• Book the flight online.
• Pay the taxes and fees that include a $12.50 partner award flight booking fee.

Cathay Pacific first class is considered one of the best first class products in the world. Check out our guide on the best ways to book Cathay Pacific First Class using points and miles .

Earning Alaska Airlines Miles

Earning Alaska Airlines miles can be difficult as they only have one major transfer partner: Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, and with every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive 5,000 bonus miles.

With that said, these are the Marriott cards we recommend:

Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points per $1 on travel purchases
• 15 Elite Night Credits each year (automatically gives you Silver Elite status)
• No foreign transaction fees
• No annual fee
• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card from Chase ® !
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Card.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• APR: 21.49%–28.49% Variable
• Hotel Credit Cards
• No Annual Fee Cards

Marriott Bonvoy

• Marriott Transfer Partners
• Best Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists
• Best Marriott Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card . The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status
• 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (valued up to 35,000 points)
• One year complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
• Marriott Silver status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• The 75,000 or 100,000 Bonus Point Offer for the Marriott Boundless
• 23 Valuable Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
• Best Hotel Credit Cards for Free Nights

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card , the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
• 15 Elite Night Credits per year
• 1,000 bonus points per paid stay
• 1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
• $250 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
• Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy ® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy ® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card ® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It ® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Terms apply.
• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card  is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy   program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 25 Elite Night Credits each year
• Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
• Annual Free Night Award after card renewal
• Complimentary Platinum Elite status
• Steep annual fee of $650 ( rates and fees )
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card
• Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton ® or St. Regis ® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® : Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck ® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.
• Best Credit Cards with Priority Access

There are 2 co-branded Alaska Airlines credit cards offered by Bank of America: a personal and business version.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card

Provides the potential to earn plenty of miles to fly with Alaska Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23)!

With the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card in your wallet, you could get great perks and earn miles at the same time. This is a win-win if Alaska is the airline you prefer to fly with! Plus, its annual companion fare is a great benefit for traveling couples.

• 3x miles per $1 spent on Alaska purchases
• 2x miles per $1 spent on eligible gas, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services
• 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual companion fare
• Free checked bag for you and up to 6 traveling companions
• 20% back on Alaska inflight purchase
• $95 annual fee
• LIMITED TIME ONLINE OFFER — 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™!
• Get 70,000 Bonus Miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
• Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. Every year on your credit card account anniversary you’ll receive a companion fare which allows you to book a companion flight from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23). Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation – that’s a savings of $70 per person roundtrip!
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services, and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• 10% reward bonus on all miles earned on card with an eligible Bank of America checking, savings, or investment account.
• Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines when tickets are purchased with card.
• With oneworld ® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
• This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
• APR: 20.24% - 28.24% Variable
• Airline Credit Cards

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Frequent Flyer Program

• Alaska Airlines Review – Seats, Baggage Fees & More
• Best Ways To Earn Alaska Airlines Miles
• Best Ways To Redeem Alaska Airlines Miles
• How To Earn 100,000 Alaska Airlines Miles
• How To Get Alaska Airlines Elite Status
• How To Get and Use Alaska Airlines’ Companion Fare

Alaska Airlines offers competitive pricing for American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines economy, business, and first class flights to Japan. When you factor in the ability to book a stopover , you can get plenty of value out of your Alaska Airlines miles. 

Another great option for award flights between the U.S. and Japan is with another Oneworld alliance partner: American Airlines. You can use American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly both American Airlines and Oneworld airline flights from the U.S. to Japan.

Although American Airlines has gone through some major devaluations over the years, there’s still plenty of value in the program. Partner awards with American AAdvantage are not subject to dynamic pricing, unlike American’s own flights.

On AA’s partner award chart, Asia is divided into 4 regions, and Japan is considered to be part of Asia Region 1.

Here is a look at what it costs for one-way flights on Oneworld partner airlines:

One of the best ways to redeem American AAdvantage miles is for a business class flight to Japan for 60,000 miles one-way. It costs 20,000 additional miles to fly in first class.

Booking through AAdvantage provides an alternative way to fly on Japan Airlines, as Alaska miles are more difficult to earn.

American Airlines can be a great place to look for Oneworld alliance partner award space.

Here are 2 flights to consider when you have the required number of AAdvantage miles in your account:

• San Francisco (SFO) – Haneda (HND) for 80,000 American miles one-way in Japan Airlines first class
• Chicago (ORD) – Narita (NRT) for 60,000 American miles one-way in Japan Airlines business class

You’ll want to follow these steps when you’re ready to book a flight:

• Search for award space on American Airlines.

Earning American Airlines Miles

You’ll have no problem earning American Airlines miles , as the airline offers several co-branded credit cards and partners with both Marriott Bonvoy and Bilt Rewards.

Transfers from Marriott Bonvoy occur at a 3:1 ratio. There is no 5,000-mile bonus if you transfer 60,000 Bonvoy points, as with other programs. Bilt Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard ® Credit Card

Never before has there been a credit card built specifically with renters in mind. Enter the Bilt World Elite Mastercard ®  Credit Card , designed specifically to help renters earn rewards on their rent payments with no transaction fees.

Of course, aside from rewards on rent, there are many other solid benefits that the card offers that add extra value to cardholders. In this guide, we provide a complete breakdown of everything the Bilt card has to offer to help you decide whether the card makes sense for you.

• 3x points per $1 at restaurants including eligible delivery
• 2x points per $1 on travel booked directly with airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies
• 1x point per $1 on rent payments, without a transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
• No foreign transaction fee
• Access to airline transfer partners
• Does not offer a welcome bonus
• Must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
• $0 annual card fee
• 1X points on rent payments with no fees (on up to $100,000 in rent payments every year) and non-bonus purchases
• 2X points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company)
• 3X points on dining
• Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
• Bilt Mastercard Now Lets You Pay Landlords Directly via Its App
• Bilt Rewards 0-1-2-3 Launch [Card Refresh, New Partner, Elite Tiers]
• Bilt Rewards Adds United and Cathay Pacific as Transfer Partners
• Bilt Rewards Teams up With Wells Fargo To Offer a Card That Earns Points on Rent [No Waitlist]

Redeeming American AAdvantage miles to fly to Japan is an excellent option. Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles for maximum value .

The first Star Alliance program we will look at is ANA Mileage Club .

ANA still uses award charts, so you can book award flights at published rates as long as there’s award space.

One of the main drawbacks of booking an ANA partner flight is that the flight must be booked round-trip. However, the program also allows for stopovers and open jaws on most award tickets, which can allow for a lot of creative itineraries.

ANA has 3 main awards: ANA domestic flight awards, ANA international flight awards, and partner flight awards. ANA prices its flights based on the season: low, regular, and high.

To confirm mileage, you will need to do a few things:

• Confirm the zones for the departure and destination points.
• Confirm departure date seasonalities.
• Confirm the required mileage for the class of service.

ANA places Japan in Zone 1 and North America in Zone 6.

Let’s first take a look at the ANA international flight award chart for round-trip award flights between North America and Japan:

ANA is notorious for offering very few premium-cabin award seats. However, if you can find award space, you can book round-trip flights between the U.S. and Japan for 75,000 to 90,000 miles in business class or 150,000 to 165,000 miles in first class , depending on seasonality.

ANA charges fuel surcharges on its own flights, which can be upwards of $500. Currently, fuel surcharges come out to $270. You can find more information on ANA’s site .

Here are a couple of options to consider when you have Mileage Club miles in your ANA account:

• Houston (IAH) – Narita (NRT) for 40,000 ANA miles in ANA economy during the low season
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Haneda (HND) for 75,000 ANA miles in ANA business class during the low season

Booking ANA awards during off-peak dates is the best way to receive maximum value out of your ANA Mileage Club miles. You can check on ANA’s website for seasonality changes.

With the required number of ANA miles in your account, follow these steps to book your next award flight:

• Search for award availability on United.
• Confirm the same space on ANA.

Earning ANA Miles

It’s relatively easy to earn ANA miles because ANA is a transfer partner of American Express and Marriott Bonvoy. Unfortunately, ANA doesn’t offer a co-branded credit card for the U.S. market.

American Express Membership Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and take 2 to 3 days for transfers. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio and with every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you’ll receive 5,000 bonus miles. Transfers can take up to 7 days.

If you’re looking to earn Amex points, here are the Amex credit cards that we recommend:

Recommended American Express Cards (Personal)

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Access to Amex International Airline Program
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR

American Express Membership Rewards

• Amex Platinum 150k Welcome Bonus Offer
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American Express ® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
• Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com , Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
• Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash : get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees )
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
• Access to American Express transfer partners
• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Find the Amex Gold 75k or 90k Welcome Bonus Offer
• Benefits of the Amex Gold
• Upgrade Amex Gold to Amex Platinum
• Amex Gold Benefits for Military
• Amex Gold vs Blue Cash Preferred
• Amex Platinum vs Amex Gold
• Amex Gold vs Delta Gold

Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem All Nippon Airways Mileage Club Miles for maximum value .

Next, we’ll take a look at Etihad Airways and its Etihad Guest program . Etihad is not a part of many major airline alliances but does partner with quite a few airlines around the world, including American Airlines and ANA.

Earlier this year, Etihad Guest completely overhauled its award chart with standard pricing for all its partner airlines. If you want to fly partners like American Airlines or ANA to Japan, this is the updated award chart:

When you’re ready to book an American Airlines award flight, here are the booking steps:

• Search for American Airlines flights on British Airways.
• Write down all of the flight details.
• Book the flight.

it is worth noting that you can book American Airlines redemptions online now. For other partner award bookings, you need to call Etihad at 877-690-0767 to confirm award availability.

Earning Etihad Guest Miles

Etihad Guest is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

• Amex Membership Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and transfer immediately.
• Capital One Miles transfer at a 1:1 ratio and transfer within 36 hours.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and take up to 6 days.
• Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio. With every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you’ll receive 5,000 bonus miles. Transfers take 5 days.

With that said, below are some of the Capital One and Citi credit cards we recommend:

Recommended Capital One Cards (Personal)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Add authorized users for no additional annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• $395 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

• Benefits of the Capital One Venture X Card
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• Access to Capital One transfer partners
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• How To Find the 75k or 100k Bonus for the Capital One Venture
• Travel Insurance Benefits of the Capital One Venture
• Capital One Venture Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Card [Detailed Comparison]
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Capital One Venture
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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Ability to use transfer partners
• Fraud coverage
• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
• Benefits of the Capital One VentureOne Card
• Capital One Venture X Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Card [Detailed Comparison]
• Capital One Platinum Card vs. VentureOne and Venture Cards [Detailed Comparison]
• Best Virtual Credit Cards
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• Capital One Transfer Partners
• easyJet Review – Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees, & More
• The 5 Best First Credit Cards For Beginners [April 2024]

If you’re a business owner, see our recommended Capital One business credit cards .

Recommended Citi Cards

Citi Premier ® Card

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.

The Citi Premier ® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

• 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
• Access to Citi transfer partners
• Annual hotel credit
• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou ® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou ® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou ® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Citi ThankYou Rewards

• Benefits of the Citi Premier
• Authorized User Benefits of the Citi Premier
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs. Citi Premier Card [Detailed Comparison]
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Citi Rewards+ ® Card

This no annual fee card rewards cardholders for everyday purchases. Earn bonus points at supermarkets and gas stations, plus your points are rounded up on every purchase.

• Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
• Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 Thank You ® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.*
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Earn 2X ThankYou ® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou ® Points on All Other Purchases.
• The Citi Rewards+ ® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
• No Annual Fee
• APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers and on purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each purchase transaction in US dollars
• Citi Transfer Partners

Citi Double Cash ® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

The Citi Double Cash ® Card  has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points . This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees
• Lack of premium travel benefits
• Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou ® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Citi Double Cash ® Card Travel Portal Limited Time Offer: Earn a total of 5 ThankYou Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel SM portal on ThankYou.com or by calling 1-800-Thankyou and saying “Travel.” Offer is valid through 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) 12/31/2024.
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
• Cash Back Credit Cards
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Citi Custom Cash ® Card

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!

The Citi Custom Cash ® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, without an annual fee.

Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

• 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
• Multiple redemption options
• No redemption minimums
• Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
• Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category
• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou ® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked via the Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash ® Card account per person.
• APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%
• Citi Custom Cash Card Launches [Earn 5% Back on Your Top Purchases]

If you’re interested in redeeming Etihad miles to fly to Japan, check out our guide for the Best Ways To Earn Lots of Etihad Airways Guest Miles .

Lastly, we’ll take a look at another SkyTeam partner program: Korean Air SKYPASS .

Korean Air is known for a couple of things: the quality of its business and first-class cabins and its competitive award pricing on select routes, including round-trip flights in Korean Air business class to Japan from the U.S.

Korean Air Skypass uses a standard award chart instead of dynamic pricing for its flights, unlike other Skyteam alliance partners like Delta and Air France-KLM.

Korean Air uses region-based award charts that are based on peak and off-peak seasons.

Here is the award chart for one-way flights between North America and Japan:

For flights to Japan, you fly Korean Air with a stop in Seoul, South Korea, before connecting onward to Japan:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Seoul (ICN) – Narita (NRT) for 35,000 Korean Air miles in Korean Air economy during off-peak season
• Dallas (DFW) – Seoul – Haneda (HND) for 80,000 Korean Air miles in Korean Air first class during off-peak season

Here are the steps to book an award flight with Korean Air:

• Search for flights on Air France/KLM or Delta.
• Confirm the same award availability on Korean Air.
• Book the award flight online.

Check out our guide on Best Ways to Redeem Korean Air SKYPASS Miles for Max Value .

Earning Korean Air Miles

Earning Korean Air miles has gotten much harder, as they are no longer a Chase Ultimate Rewards partner. Currently, the only way to earn Korean Air miles is flying Korean or partner airlines, spending on SKYPASS-branded credit cards (such as the SKYPASS Visa Signature ®  Card), or by  transferring points to Korean Air from Marriott Bonvoy . Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio and take 2 days to transfer.

As demand for travel to Japan has increased significantly, cash fares remain quite high. However, you may be able to save quite a bit by using your points and miles. As we’ve covered in this article, there are several excellent programs to use to book an award flight to Japan.

To give you the most award flight flexibility, we recommend earning transferable points from American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, and Marriott Bonvoy. These points will help you to unlock value in any of the programs that we discussed.

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here . For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use american airlines miles to fly on japan airlines.

Yes, you can! American Airlines and Japan Airlines are members of the Oneworld airline alliance. You can redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly not only Japan Airlines but other Oneworld airline members such as British Airways and Qatar Airways.

Is it better to fly to Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) in Tokyo?

Tokyo’s Haneda airport is much closer to the Tokyo city center, making it a shorter commute than from Narita. However, Narita offers more nonstop international flights from the U.S.

What is the best airline to fly to Japan?

It’s hard to beat the experience you find when flying Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, or Korean Air. Although not listed in this article, Asiana Airlines and Singapore Airlines are additional airlines that would be fantastic to fly to Japan.

Can you use Virgin Atlantic miles to fly to Japan?

Yes, you can! Thanks to Virgin Atlantic’s partnership with ANA, you can use Flying Club points to fly to Japan on ANA.

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About Ehsan Haque

Ehsan is an avid traveler who has traveled to 100 countries, diligently using points and miles to fund his journeys. Currently, he holds 32 active credit cards and earns over a million points and miles annually, primarily using them for luxury hotels and long-haul premium cabins.

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15 Essential Travel Hacks When Visiting Japan

A sk anybody what's on their travel bucket list, and their response is sure to include "Japan." Thanks to a combination of rich heritage, lush landscapes, and labyrinth cities packed with skyscrapers, temples, and tourist traps alike, the country has soared in popularity, with American Express claiming that the number of bookings has increased by 1,300% since 2019 (via Bloomberg ).

Part of what makes Japan so alluring is that its culture and customs are so distinct and unique to those of other countries. That's also what makes it an overwhelming travel destination, especially for first-time visitors. If you start your journey in a major city like Tokyo, Yokohama, or Osaka, you're instantly immersed in a world of neon lights, bustling crowds, loud noises, a million different smells, and sensory overload.

With so much to see, do, and eat, a trip to Japan really isn't the kind of vacation you can make up as you go along. The last thing you need is to run into an easily avoided stumbling block like a lack of internet or 30 minutes spent figuring out the route to your next destination — which is why you'll want to arrive armed with as much knowledge as possible.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

Get Quick Meals At 7-Eleven

It's tough to walk for longer than 20 seconds without stumbling upon a convenience store in Japan. Also known as conbini, these stores are usually open 24 hours a day and are packed full of affordable tasty treats that will keep you going without the time (and money) it takes to eat at an actual restaurant.

For as cheap as 200 yen ($1.34), you can enjoy the likes of onigiri rice balls, chicken karaage, sandos, oden, and bento boxes. We also recommend picking up taiyaki for a quick sugar boost. Shaped like fish and made of pancake or waffle batter, they're usually filled with red bean paste, custard, and chocolate and make for an endlessly addictive snack.

The most common store is 7-Eleven, which has over 20,000 locations throughout Japan and is miles above its U.S. counterpart in the culinary department. There are also over 15,000 FamilyMarts scattered across the country, but they typically don't offer as much variety.

Get Pocket Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is surprisingly scarce in Japan, which can put you in some tough spots if you get lost mid-metro commute. Fortunately, pocket Wi-Fi exists -- and it is a lifesaver. For as cheap as $5 a day, you can rent a portable device that will allow you to access the internet on the go, even on the train. The majority will allow you to connect multiple devices at the same time and come in a variety of different speeds and GB, with some even offering unlimited data throughout your stay.  

If you rent in advance through a website like Ninja WiFi or Japan Wireless , you can pick up the device (also known by the much cuter name of a Wi-Fi Egg) at a designated counter once you've got through customs at airports including Haneda and Narita in Tokyo, Chubu Centrair, Kansai International, Fukuoka, and more. Once you're done, you can just pop it into the returns box at the airport on the way back. Easy.

Buy A JR Pass

Sadly, the JR (Japan Rail) Pass isn't as cheap as it once was. It surged in price by 70% in July 2023 as the yen continued to decline in value against other currencies around the world. However, if your itinerary includes extensive train travel, it's still worth the purchase.

The Japan Rail Pass will allow you to ride the rail to your heart's desire -- including the country's infamous, lightning-speed Shinkansen bullet trains (for a supplementary fee) and the Narita Express. It's more expensive to purchase once in Japan, so we recommend buying yours in advance on the JRailPass website where it costs $340.65 for seven days, $544.45 for 14 days, and $680.35 for 21 days.

If your visit is limited to just one or two cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka or Tokyo and Kyoto, then it probably isn't necessary. For example, a trip between Tokyo and Osaka typically costs $120 each way, which is considerably cheaper than forking out a few hundred dollars for a JR Pass.

Download Train Schedules And Maps

Japan has incredible public transportation. It also happens to be extremely overwhelming if it's your first (or second, or third) time in the country. Tokyo's metro can be especially confusing, with nine different train lines and 180 different stations to navigate. Its roads are even more complex with the majority not even having names, baffling even the city's own taxi drivers.

With that in mind, future-proofing for any situation where you may end up lost in an unknown place is always a good idea. Download or screenshot train schedules ahead of time through the JRailPass website, which offers both interactive and PDF versions of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto's transportation systems. You can also download an offline version of the local area on Google Maps. This will also help if you face the aforementioned pesky issue of scarce public Wi-Fi, or if your portable Wi-Fi runs out of juice midday.

Use Citymapper

If you're visiting Tokyo, Citymapper is a must. Just like it does for multiple other cities across the globe, the award-winning app analyzes public transportation, congestion, and distance to figure out all the different ways you can reach your destination, and precisely how many minutes each option will take.

Whether it's walking, cycling, taxis, metro, or a combination of everything, all you need to do is select your chosen route and follow Citymapper's step-by-step instructions. When we say step-by-step, we mean it. The app's so smart that it will even tell you which exits and entrances to use at each station to make your journey as stress-free as possible. If you miss your stop or don't quite make your train, the app will also take that into account to restrategize your trip ASAP. You'll need to be online to request a new route, but if you check your journey ahead of time, you can save it to your homepage for offline use.

Visit Between January And March

There is no one "best" time to visit Japan, but there is a most convenient time. January to March tends to attract less crowds and will also usually bring the cheapest flights of the year. While it'll almost certainly be cold, you'll skip typhoon season and be in with a chance of seeing Japan in the snow.

If you do choose to visit at this time, just be sure to check the dates of the Lunar New Year (AKA Chinese New Year). This tends to be a public holiday across the region and will see cities across Japan packed with tourists. As it's such a popular time to travel, this will also be the exception to the "January to March is cheaper" rule with hotels and airlines driving up their prices over the holiday. The same is true of the end of March, which marks the beginning of cherry blossom season.

Make Advanced Reservations

There's a lot to enjoy in Japan. The problem is that everybody else wants to enjoy these things, too. Tourist attractions often book up months in advance, and a lot of them don't sell tickets at the gate, which doesn't leave much space for spontaneity for the average tourist visiting Japan .

If you plan on visiting the likes of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter, Tokyo Disney Resort, Ghibli Park, Shibuya Sky observation deck, Teamlab Planets, or the Studio Ghibli Museum, it's best to sort your tickets sooner rather than later. The Ghibli Museum is especially challenging, with tickets for the next month going on sale at 10 a.m. on the 10th of the month prior.

The same is true of the hotels at Tokyo Disney Resort . With one of the most impressive Disney hotel lineups in the world (including the MiraCosta, a hotel that is actually inside Tokyo DisneySea), rooms are in extremely high demand. These go on sale from 11 a.m. four months before the dates you hope to stay and are bookable through the Tokyo Disney Resort Online Reservations & Tickets website.

Download The Japan Connected-Free Wi-Fi App

If you don't want the responsibility of carrying around and charging pocket Wi-Fi, download the Japan Connected -free Wi-Fi app. Whether you need to double-check directions or just have a quick midday TikTok break, this handy tool will search over 170,000 internet hotspots to find the closest location to you. The majority of these will likely be at a 7-Eleven, where you'll almost always be able to go online.

As if that feature isn't useful enough, the app eliminates the need to fill in the registration forms that typically serve as a barrier before you can access public Wi-Fi. Fill out your name and email once and the app will complete each form on your behalf. While you used to need to be online to find the Internet (which kind of defeats the app's entire purpose), you can now download the offline map to ensure you can always find a connection. Just remember to be careful with what data you enter or share while using any public Wi-Fi network .

Japan has been a "cash is king" country for years, meaning paying with notes and coins is the default over ApplePay and credit cards. This attitude has slipped in recent years, but cash still has a strong grip on the country's residents with only 36% of people preferring cashless payments.

While you should be able to use your card in most major outlets and tourist locations -- such as department stores, malls, theme parks, supermarkets, and even taxis -- a lot of restaurants, cafes, and bars still prefer to be paid in cash. This number will be much higher outside of major cities, and many local restaurants, markets, or temples won't have the facilities to accept card payments even if they want to. Exchanging at least a chunk of your spending money into Japanese yen ahead of time will save you in sticky situations (plus it helps you control your spending, which is always a bonus).

Choose Taxis Over Ubers

Although Uber exists in Japan, it's not as widespread or commonplace as in countries like the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. Journeys tend to be more expensive than those taken with local cabs, making the latter the service of choice for locals and tourists alike.

The upside to Uber is, of course, the fact that it's so familiar for many tourists. It's easy to order your taxi and pay via card, and the entire process is in English. However, your cheapest option is to hail taxis on the street, as you won't need to pay a base fare for the pick-up service. It'll say on the front of a car in Japanese if it's occupied. It's also color-coded so tourists can understand. Red means it's taken. Green means it's available. If you do want to pre-book, most locals prefer to use the Go app for journeys anywhere within Japan's 47 prefectures. This works similarly to Uber, except it allows you to pay with both cash and card and will give you a flat rate for journeys to and from the airport.

Purchase A Suica Card

The question isn't so much what a Suica card can do ; what can't it do? This prepaid, contactless card can be repeatedly loaded up with more cash to pay for public transport, including the metro, trains, buses, and taxis. Beyond transportation, Suica is also accepted in many shops, restaurants, cafes, and even vending machines. Just look out for the Suica symbol to know if they do -- and if you can't spot it, it's at least worth asking.

You can purchase your card before arriving in Japan and return it at the end of your trip to recover your 500 yen ($12) deposit. Due to a manufacturing shortage, the sale of new Suica cards is temporarily on hold as of June 2023, but if you're on a temporary visa, you can still purchase a Welcome Suica card. This doesn't require a deposit, doesn't need to be returned, and is valid for 28 days. These can only be purchased inside Japan at locations such as Narita and Haneda airports and will come with a reference paper which you'll need to keep on your person at all times.

Utilize Storage Lockers

For security reasons, storage lockers are a rarity at train stations around the world. Japan is an exception. You'd be hard-pressed to find a major station without coin lockers (which, despite the name, can actually be used with a Suica card, too), and in Tokyo, most stations come equipped with storage facilities.

Baggage storage is one of those things you don't realize you'll need until you desperately need it. These lockers are useful if you only have a few hours before heading to your hotel or next destination and want to stow away your belongings so you can freely explore. They also happen to be extremely cheap, typically costing between $1 and $5. There's usually no problem finding a vacant locker, but if you are struggling, you can download the  SPACER app , which will allow you to find and reserve a locker at major stations such as Shinjuku, Osaka, and Shibuya in advance. This is currently only available in Japanese, but there are plans for an English version in the near future.

Avoid National Holidays

Lunar New Year isn't the only holiday worth skipping if you want to avoid the crowds. National holidays bring in huge crowds anywhere, but especially Japan, where workers get little annual leave and want to take advantage of the break. If you do decide to brave big attractions like Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, or Tokyo Skytree, you'll likely find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow tourists.

For a quieter vacation, April 29 to May 6 -- or, Golden Week -- is one of Japan's busiest holiday periods. This tends to be the most hectic season for the likes of Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan, where you can expect to wait in long lines for everything, from the park entrance to the restrooms. While Christmas isn't a national holiday in Japan, it is for many other countries, meaning the festive season can also bring an influx of tourists to both of these locations. Late September (Silver Week), New Year, and the Obon Week in August are typically also very busy.

Claim Your Tax Refund

From clothes to gadgets, Japan is one of the most unique places for retail therapy in the world. If you're a tourist, you can also shop with the peace of mind that you'll get at least some of your money back. Any non-resident visiting Japan for less than six months can enjoy tax-free shopping, meaning you can reclaim 10% of the value of your purchase.

There are a few catches. First, you'll need to check that the store is in fact a "tax-free shop" by checking for a logo stating as such at the entrance. They're extremely common and can be found in the likes of Namba City, Echika Ikebukuro, and Seibu Shibuya. You'll also need to have spent more than 5,000 yen ($33) in the same store on the same day. Some stores will let you pay tax-free from the offset if you present your passport, while others will require you to present your receipt at a tax exemption counter on the same day to get your money back.

Download A Good Translation App

If you know Japanese, you're good to go. For those of us who aren't bilingual, Japan can be tough to navigate at times. While most signs in major cities will have translations, less than 30% of people living in Japan speak English, which means it's inevitable you'll hit the language barrier at some point during your stay.

A good translation app is a must, especially one that's able to translate pictures. Google Translate is always a go-to, but one of the best choices is iTranslate Translator . Not only can it tackle text, but you can also use it to scan and translate menus, signs, labels ... you name it. Best of all, it can work offline if you download the Japanese pack ahead of time. It's free to download but will cost you $5.99 a month to unlock its full potential. Considering how useful it is, it's better to spend $5.99 than find yourself stranded in a restaurant blind-ordering a dish because you can't read the menu.

Read the original article on Explore .

A Gen Xer who got $250,000 in student loans forgiven said he can now finally start saving for retirement — and consider his dream of studying in India

• Joel Lambdin, 49, received $250,000 in student-loan forgiveness in January.
• It's a result of the Education Department's one-time account adjustments.
• Lambdin said the relief would allow him to save for retirement and consider long-term dreams.

Joel Lambdin finished graduate school in 1998 — but as a professional musician, he was hardly making enough money to pay off his student loans and other bills.

So Lambdin, now 49, said his only option to make ends meet was to put his student loans in forbearance — in which he was not making payments but interest was still accumulating .

"It was just so that I could subsist, so that I could survive," Lambdin told Business Insider. "With the hope that at some point, I would be making enough money that I would be able to take them out of forbearance and start paying them down."

But he grew to realize that the only way he could make a significant dent in his student loans was by switching careers. He didn't want to do that because he loved working in music, so he decided to keep his larger student loan in forbearance and begin paying off his smaller loan with a lower monthly payment.

He continued making those payments until the pandemic pause on student-loan payments , at which point he and his wife started making a plan of action to tackle the larger debt once the pause ended. That led them to discover the Education Department's initiative allowing some borrowers a one-time account adjustment . It lets the department evaluate borrowers' accounts and update payment progress toward forgiveness on income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, including any payments made during a forbearance period.

That account adjustment led to a letter Lambdin received on January 31, reviewed by BI, from his student-loan servicer Aidvantage. It said: "Congratulations! The Biden-Harris Administration has forgiven your federal student loan(s) listed below with Aidvantage in full."

For Lambdin, that letter meant his $249,255 outstanding student-loan balance was effectively wiped out.

"It had started to feel like my fate was being decided for me by the cold hand of finance," Lambdin said, "and that was a weight that I didn't realize was there until it wasn't there."

He added: "The feeling was much more like putting down a backpack that was really full of books that you got used to. And then you put it down, and you're like, 'Oh, man, that feels so much better.' It's more like that, rather than sort of a jump-for-joy kind of situation."

While Lambdin is still working to determine what exactly the relief will mean for him and his wife, he said, discussing retirement is "a much more present conversation now" because contributing to savings is viable after the relief. He can also begin to look into buying a home.

Related stories

The Education Department continues to cancel student debt through its one-time account adjustments, a process it plans to complete this summer. Most recently, the department wiped out $7.4 billion in student debt for 277,000 borrowers , some of whom benefited from the adjustments.

Beyond financial goals, Lambdin said the relief was also allowing him the freedom to pursue some of his long-term dreams, including taking a sabbatical to study with his meditation teacher in India.

"It's something that I wouldn't have been able to even consider doing if we had to pay off student loans, but without them, it's something that I can really seriously consider doing," he said. "And so those are the kinds of things that I think get really lost in the monetary side of the conversation about debt relief."

'I've been really lucky'

While Lambdin said he felt as though he earned the relief given his decades of payments, he recognized that it's not that easy for many other borrowers.

For example, as BI has previously reported , some borrowers who might qualify for relief through different repayment programs may not have gotten it yet because of paperwork backlogs and administrative errors. On top of that, funding for federal student-loan servicers is strained — meaning many borrowers face hourslong hold times and cannot get clear answers from customer service regarding their payment progress.

"There are some real horror stories out there, and I've been really lucky in that I haven't experienced the kinds of shenanigans that other people have experienced," Lambdin said. "So I actually feel very lucky that things have transpired the way they have."

Some of those horror stories include inaccurate payment projections and delayed billing statements . When it comes to student-loan forgiveness, some borrowers told BI that their servicer made a mistake with the forgiveness , reinstating their payments months later.

The Education Department has said it's aware of the challenges borrowers face and has established an accountability framework to punish servicers when they fail to fulfill their contractual obligations.

The department is also in the process of crafting its new plan for student-loan forgiveness — it recently released the draft text of the rules , which included relief for borrowers with unpaid interest and those who have been in repayment for at least 20 years.

As for Lambdin, he's still figuring out how to approach life without student debt hanging over his head. But now he can consider various options, and he can thank the loan forgiveness for that freedom.

"There's a certain amount of waiting for the other shoe to drop because it's not that I don't trust that it's happening but just that the debt has been with me for so long, and then it's not there," Lambdin said. "And it's something that I think really takes some getting used to."

Watch: Biden announces who can have $10,000 erased in student loans

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Japan Airlines CEO describes weak yen as a ‘big problem’

Japan’s weak currency is a "big problem,” Japan Airlines CEO Mitsuko Tottori has said in a group interview, adding that a stronger rate than the current level of around ¥155 to the dollar would be better.

Tottori, a former flight attendant, became Japan Airlines’ first female president on April 1. The carrier announced last month an order to buy 42 new Boeing and Airbus SE jets in a multibillion dollar order to expand its international network. The Japanese currency, which is trading at 34-year-low, is also hurting outbound travel, Tottori said.

Although Airbus made up the larger share of the recent aircraft order, Japan Airlines won’t rely only on the European planemaker to build its fleet, Tottori said.

Japan Airlines will seek to ensure that its Boeing orders are delivered on time; the U.S. manufacturer has come under increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators following a near-catastrophic blowout of a fuselage panel on a 737 Max 9 during flight in early January.

"We still have reliable relations with Boeing and believe the company will be able to overcome the ongoing troubles,” Tottori said. "We have no intention to lean toward Airbus and will make choices that suit our business plans.”

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Travel to multiple destinations on a single ticket: Air India and Japan's All Nippon Airways sign codeshare agreement

Commencing on May 23, the codeshare agreement will allow passengers of both airlines to seamlessly navigate their travel itineraries by combining flights between the two countries under a single ticket. 

• Updated Apr 23, 2024, 3:38 PM IST

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Japan Inc makes a renewed U.S. push as China fears mount

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Reporting by Daniel Leussink and David Dolan; editing by Miral Fahmy

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Daniel Leussink is a correspondent in Japan. Most recently, he has been covering Japan’s automotive industry, chronicling how some of the world's biggest automakers navigate a transition to electric vehicles and unprecedented supply chain disruptions. Since joining Reuters in 2018, Leussink has also covered Japan’s economy, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, COVID-19 and the Bank of Japan’s ultra-easy monetary policy experiment.

Daiwa Securities Group , Japan's second largest brokerage and investment bank, reported on Thursday a jump of 131% in quarterly net profit from a year earlier, as its wholesale and asset management segments posted record profits.

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More than 100 pilot whales stranded in Western Australia, experts say

Marine wildlife experts were frantically trying to rescue some 140 pilot whales stranded on Thursday in the shallow waters of an estuary in the southwest of the state of Western Australia.

The sails of the landmark red windmill atop the Moulin Rouge, Paris' most famous cabaret club, fell to the ground overnight in the early hours of Thursday, a venue spokesperson said.