The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
JapanA little local knowledge.
From ancient temples to neon-lit streets, explore the harmony of tradition and innovation.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Ambulance: 119
Japanese Yen
Exercise Normal Precautions
Essential Etiquette in Japan
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Bow when greeting
A slight bow of the head is the standard greeting. The deeper the bow, the more respect shown. A small nod is fine for casual encounters.
Don't hug or shake hands
Physical contact in greetings is uncommon. Avoid hugging, back-slapping, or initiating handshakes unless the other person offers first. Bow instead.
Use both hands for business cards
When giving or receiving a business card (meishi), use both hands, read it carefully, and never write on it or shove it in your pocket. Place it respectfully on the table or in a cardholder.
Avoid loudly blowing your nose
Loudly blowing your nose in shared public spaces (like trains or elevators) is considered impolite. If you need to blow your nose, step away or try to do it discreetly. Sniffling is generally more acceptable than a loud blow.
Essential Japanese Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Sorry / Excuse me"
"Water please"
Take all 43 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Tap water is drinkable
Tap water is safe throughout Japan. Among the cleanest in the world. Public water fountains and restaurant water safe.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Widely available in cities and towns. Note: many Western medications are restricted or unavailable in Japan. Pseudoephedrine, Adderall, and certain pain medications are illegal. Check Japanese Narcotics Control Department before bringing any prescription medication. Apply for Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import certificate) if needed.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Japan
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Japan.
GO / Taxi app for Japan
GO is the most used taxi app in Japan, serving 45 of 47 prefectures including all major tourist areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. Book taxis with upfront destination setting so you don't need to speak Japanese. Supports cashless payment through GO Pay with international credit cards and Apple Pay.
Uber
Uber operates in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Sendai, Okinawa, and dozens of other Japanese cities. In Japan, Uber primarily dispatches licensed taxis (Uber Taxi) along with premium options. American travelers can use their existing Uber account and payment method.
Tabelog - Food Guide in Japan
Japan's most trusted restaurant review platform with over 800,000 restaurants listed and millions of authentic reviews from real diners. The go-to app for finding quality dining from high-end sushi to local ramen shops. Offers map-based search, online reservations, and personal dining lists.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Tokyo
1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
Field Guides & Dispatches for Japan
The Best Time to Visit Japan (and Why Golden Week Matters)
When is the best time to visit Japan? Learn Japan’s busiest travel waves, cheapest months, seasonal tradeoffs, and Golden Week booking timeline.
Common Scams in Japan 2026
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, which is exactly why people let their guard down. Here are the 5 most common scams to watch for in 2026.
Japan Fall Foliage Forecast 2026: Peak Dates by City
Japan's 2026 autumn foliage forecast: Tokyo peaks November 29, Kyoto December 11. City-by-city dates, plus the new departure and lodging taxes.
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
Carry Japan in your pocket. Offline.
No signups, no subscriptions, no ads. Download Good Trip on the App Store and travel with confidence anywhere in Japan.