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How to Plan a Trip to Japan and Thailand

For first time travelers to Asia, Japan and Thailand are top destinations on the list. There, you can get close to Eastern culture and enjoy a relaxed holiday atmosphere.

In Japan you can see beautiful geishas in kimonos, spectacular Mount Fuji, stay at a traditional ryokan (inn) with an onsen (hot spring bath) and sample delicious food. In Thailand , you can have a close encounter with elephants, relaxing on the fabulous islands of Phuket, and experience a flourishing floating market.

In this article, we are going to look at how to plan your first tour of Japan and Thailand.

1. What to See in Japan and Thailand
2. How Much Does It Cost?
3. Best Time to Travel
4. How Long Should I Spend ?
5. Do I Need a Visa ?

1. What to See in Japan and Thailand?

Both Japan and Thailand have fascinating attractions and unique experiences that are suitable for a big trip (family vacation, anniversary, birthday...).

Top Things to Do in Japan:

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are must-see cities for a first trip to Japan.

1) Experience the perfect blend of history and modernity in Tokyo: visit Sensoji Temple to feel the vibe of the Edo Period (1603–1867), make sushi at a local home, meet your children's interest in anime or spend a happy day in Disneyland, have a close-up visit to the spectacular Mount Fuji, and have a day trip to Hakone for onsen bathing.

2) Immerse yourself in the strong traditional atmosphere of Kyoto: see beautiful geishas and have an afternoon tea with them, visit shrines with a venerated vibe, try on kimonos for a memorable family photo, stay in ryokan traditional Japanese accommodation, and feed friendly deer in Nara.

3) In the prosperous port city of Osaka , you can sample street food like takoyaki (octopus ball), make cup noodles based on your preferences at Cup Noodle Museum and enjoy family time in Universal Studios.

Suggested reading: How to Plan Your First Time Trip to Japan

Top Things to Do in Thailand:

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are top cities for first time trip in Thailand.

1) Feel the combination of Buddhist tradition and lively modern times in Bangkok: explore the vibrant night markets with a tuk-tuk ride, taste delicious Thai food, get an insight into a bygone way of life in the floating markets, take a Chao Phraya River cruise to take in the charming night views, and have a nice romantic meal in a rooftop restaurant.

2) Chiang Mai is the most popular northern destination in Thailand , where you can have a close encounter with elephants, enjoy the surrounding countryside by bike, and participate in a Thai cooking class with your family. If you visit in November, don't miss the romantic Yi Peng Lantern Festival .

3) Visit at least one wonderful Thai island: Phuket is loved by families for its exciting activities and family-friendly hotels, while Koh Samui is perfect for couples with its luxury resorts and romantic vibe. It's better to go to the islands during the dry season, so we suggest you visit Koh Samui from January to August and go to Phuket from December to April.

Contact our travel expert who will design a fulfilling, personalized trip based on the length of your holiday, preferences, and interests.

Suggested reading: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand

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2. How Much Does It Cost to Tour Japan and Thailand?

A private tour in Thailand is an affordable luxury, about US$200–250 per day per person. The cost in Japan is double than of Thailand. Prices can double again during cherry blossom season and Christmas, so we suggest that you book flights and hotels at least 6 months in advance during this period.

Ryokans are a worth a night's stay to try out traditional Japanese accommodation. They cost around US$300–450 per night, and floating houses in Thailand cost US$150–300 per night.

Direct flights from Tokyo or Osaka to Bangkok takes about six hours and cost between US$400-900.

We promise you a 100% refund of any payments made to Asia Highlights up to 3 weeks before departure ( details⇒ ).

3. When Is the Best Time to Travel to Japan and Thailand?

The best time to visit both Japan and Thailand is March, early April and November, when the two countries are at their most comfortable times weatherwise, with less rain and suitable temperatures. Christmas and New Year is the busiest period in both countries, so you're suggested to book flights and hotels at least 6 months in advance for this period.

April to May is a transitional time in both countries. You can see cherry blossoms in Japan as temperatures warm in spring, and have fun at the Water-Sprinkling Festival in Thailand in the mid-April hot time before the wet season comes. >>> How to Plan a Japan Cherry Blossom Trip

It's hot and rainy from June to August, but it needn't affect your trip. In Japan, there are plenty of air-conditioned facilities offering urban/cultural experiences, and rain often falls in the afternoon in Thailand, leaving plenty of opportunity to dodge the rain with touring.

September and October are rainiest, but only when typhoons land, in Japan, which otherwise is pleasantly warm/mild. Meanwhile, the typhoon season also strikes in Thailand, bringing harder but less frequent downpours, while hot/warm conditions prevail.

December to February is the warm, dry season and best time to visit Thailand. In Japan, it's cold, but you can go skiing and see snowy scenery in the north. >>> How to Plan a Family Ski Holiday in Japan

Best (& Worst) Times to Visit Japan
Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Thailand

4. How Long to Spend in Japan and Thailand?

A memorable trip with all the must-sees in both countries takes at least 2 weeks: 7–9 days in Japan and 7–10 days in Thailand.

We recommend that an ideal route should be from hardest to easiest. Japan is a culturally-rich country that requires more of your engagement, while Thailand is a good place to relax more after Japan. Below is a classic Japan-Thailand itinerary for your inspiration.

Days 1–3 Tokyo, Japan (samurai, anime, making sushi, Asakusa old district...)
Days 4–6 Kyoto (geisha, ryokan, feed deer in Nara, sample sake...)
Day 7 Osaka and fly to Bangkok in Thailand
Days 8–10 Bangkok (Wat Pho, Grand Palace, floating market...)
Days 11–13 Chiang Mai (Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Thai cooking class, food tour)
Days 14–16 Phuket beach time and departure

Let us help you plan your trip! Contact us and we will create a trip based on your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

Suggested reading: How Long Should You Spend in Japan

5. Do I Need a Visa for a Japan and Thailand Trip?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Japan and Thailand , including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Most travelers can stay in Japan without a visa for 90 days and in Thailand for 30 days.

The Japanese government has required all travelers to complete the entry express clearance by filling out the information on the online Visit Japan Web (VJW). It may take you one hour or more to complete the procedure. To save time waiting for customs clearance at the airport, we suggest completing the procedures at least 6 hours to 2 weeks before the scheduled arrival time of the flight in Japan.

Click on Visit Japan Web to fill in the information. One account can be used to fill in the information for up to 10 family members.

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Planning a Trip to Japan?

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Japan is now open to travelers from all countries or regions. For more information, please check "COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan" page.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Measures by the government.

Last updated: Tuesday, May 9, 2023

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

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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Can I Travel to Japan From Thailand?

Are you interested in visiting Japan from Thailand? If so, then the answer is yes, absolutely! You can travel to Japan from Thailand. There are several options available depending on your budget and timeline. Depending on how you want to travel and where you want to go, there are a few ways of getting yourself over to the Land of the Rising Sun. Whether it’s by plane, train or boat – each option offers something unique that will make your trip all the more memorable. The process may seem intimidating at first but if you follow these steps it should be fairly straightforward and easy for anyone wishing to visit Japan from Thailand.

Travel Vlog | fly from Tokyo Japan to Bangkok Thailand 2022during pandemic QuarantineTestnGoタイ旅行🇹🇭

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Research Flight Options: The first step is to research the flight options available from Thailand to Japan
There are a few different airlines that offer direct flights between these two countries, so it’s important to compare prices and determine which option is best for you
Book Your Flight: Once you’ve found the perfect flight, book your tickets online or through a travel agent in order to secure your seats on the plane
Make sure to double-check all of your information before finalizing the purchase since changing or canceling tickets can be expensive! 3
Get Your Visa: Before traveling from Thailand to Japan, make sure that you have obtained a valid visa if required by Japanese immigration authorities for entry into their country
Different types of visas may be necessary depending on how long you plan on staying in Japan and what activities will take place during your stay there
Pack Appropriately: It’s also important to pack appropriately as some items such as food products may not be allowed into Japan due to customs restrictions and regulations set forth by the government there
Make sure that all liquids are kept separate in clear containers with lids so they can easily be identified during security screenings at airports around the world too! 5
Arrive At Airport On Time: Finally, make sure that you arrive at least three hours before your departure time in order for plenty of time for check-in procedures, baggage drop offs and other airline related issues prior

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Japan has implemented travel restrictions that all visitors must adhere to. While these regulations are subject to change based on evolving global health conditions, here is what travelers should know before planning their next trip to Japan. First and foremost, anyone intending to visit Japan from abroad must obtain a Certificate of Entry issued by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This certificate can be obtained online and will require applicants to upload documentation such as proof of identity and an itinerary for their stay in the country. Travelers should also note that those with previous symptoms or contact with someone infected with Covid-19 may not be allowed entry into the country. In addition, when arriving at Japan’s airports, passengers must present both their Certificate of Entry as well as proof they have tested negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival. Those without this test result will be denied entry into the country. However, if testing upon arrival shows positive results for any traveler found infected by coronavirus then quarantine measures will likely follow—which could include being quarantined at one’s own expense in designated facilities or hotels chosen by local authorities until cleared by another test after 14 days isolation period . For those under 20 years old visiting from overseas who cannot provide proof of a negative covid test , quarantine requirements may still apply even after presenting valid identification documents .

COVID-19 has drastically changed the way we travel, and Japan is no exception. Before heading to Japan, it’s important to understand their entry requirements related to Covid-19. First and foremost, all travelers entering Japan must present a negative COVID test result taken within 72 hours of their arrival in order to be allowed entry into the country. The test must have been conducted by an officially recognized laboratory that can provide written proof of the results from either a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or antigen test. Travelers who do not have evidence of this will not be allowed entry into Japan and may face additional penalties as well. Travelers are also required to fill out two documents before entering: a “Self-Declaration Form” which includes information about your health status during your trip; and a “Quarantine Pledge” form which requires you promise that you will abide by the quarantine rules outlined upon arrival in Japan. It is also recommended that travelers register with their embassy or consulate prior to arriving in case they need any assistance while in Japan, such as medical attention or legal advice if needed. Once these steps are completed and approved, travelers should plan for some sort of quarantine period upon arrival in addition to submitting paperwork prior departure from home countries .

In recent years, Japan has been gradually liberalizing its immigration policies for foreigners. As of April 2021, the Japanese government implemented a new set of regulations that aim to make it easier for non-Japanese citizens to live and work in Japan. These changes are part of an effort by the government to promote economic growth and attract more foreign talent into the country. The most notable change is that visas now have shorter waiting periods. Previously, visa applicants had to wait up to six months before they could receive their visas. The new rules have reduced this time frame significantly, with some types of visas being issued within a few days or weeks after application submission. This will help streamline the process for potential immigrants who want to come work in Japan without long delays due to paperwork requirements and processing times. Another major change is that temporary visitors can stay in Japan longer than before without needing a visa extension or permanent residency status (PRS). Temporary visitors can now extend their stay up to one year instead of only 90 days under certain conditions such as having employment contracts or studying at universities in Japan during their stay period . This should provide more flexibility for non-Japanese citizens looking for short term job opportunities or education programs while visiting the country . The Japanese government also opened special categories allowing certain foreign nationals from specific countries, including India and China ,to apply for PRS if they meet certain criteria such as age restrictions , educational qualifications and language proficiency standards .

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically altered the landscape of global travel. Many countries, including Japan, have implemented strict restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect their citizens. As we look towards 2022 and beyond, travelers may be curious about what to expect when it comes to travelling to Japan. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the current situation in Japan regarding travel restrictions for upcoming trips: Domestic Travel Restrictions: Currently, domestic flights are operating with minimal delays throughout the country. However, local governments can impose additional restrictions depending on regional infection rates so travelers should continue to monitor these changes closely as they plan their trip. Additionally, all passengers must carry negative COVID-19 test results within 72 hours prior to departure (or proof of full vaccination). International Travel Restrictions: Japan is currently restricting entry from most foreign nationals at this time due to ongoing concerns around rising cases worldwide. Exceptions are made for residents with valid visas or those who qualify under special exemption categories such as diplomatic personnel or business people conducting essential activities related directly with Japanese companies in certain industries like technology and finance. All international arrivals must also present negative COVID-19 tests taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (or proof of full vaccination) and complete a 14 day quarantine upon entering Japan regardless if they possess an exemption category or not . Travel Outlook for 2022 :

Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant cities, there’s something for everyone in Japan. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an exciting adventure, Japan has it all! When visiting Japan, there are many places to explore. Popular attractions include Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Each offers unique experiences that are sure to please travelers of all ages. In Tokyo alone there are hundreds of museums and galleries as well as world-class shopping and nightlife. The city also features some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine and Sensō-ji Temple – perfect for sightseeing! Kyoto is known as “the cultural capital of Japan” due to its plethora of shrines and temples like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, Nijo Castle and more than 2 thousand other historical monuments scattered around town – making it a must see destination when visiting Japan! Additionally here lies Arashiyama park where visitors can take part in various activities such as bamboo forest walking tours or boat rides on Hozukyo river with spectacular views from up above on Sagano romantic train line .

Credit: www.tourradar.com

As a traveler, one of the most exciting things to do is explore different countries and cultures. If you’re planning on traveling from Thailand to Japan, then you are in luck! It is possible to go from Thailand to Japan by plane or boat. If you choose to travel by airplane, there are numerous direct flights that depart from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and arrive at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT). The flight usually takes around 5 hours depending on your departure time and airline. There are also connecting flights available that can take as long as 10 hours with layovers in cities such Hong Kong or Singapore. Prices for tickets vary depending on when you book them but generally start at around $200 USD for economy class seats. You can also opt for traveling by boat if you have enough time before your trip. Taking a ferry will not only give you an opportunity to witness some stunning views of the ocean but it could save you money too since ferry tickets tend to be cheaper than plane tickets especially during peak seasons like summertime when airfare prices skyrocket due to high demand. Ferries depart from Laem Chabang Port which is located just outside of Bangkok city limits and they head towards Osaka Port in Japan with stops along the way in other Asian cities like Shanghai or Taiwan; the entire journey takes about 4 days so make sure this fits into your itinerary before booking any tickets!

With the current global health crisis, many travelers are wondering if it is possible to enter Japan right now. The answer is both yes and no. The Japanese government has imposed restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country due to concerns about COVID-19. As of December 2020, all non-Japanese citizens who wish to travel to Japan must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their departure from their country of origin in order to be allowed entry into Japan. Visitors also have a 14 day quarantine period upon arrival in addition to providing additional documents such as proof of accommodation and written reasons for traveling. However, there are exceptions that allow certain individuals exemptions from these restrictions including those with long term resident visas or those who have been granted special permission by the Japanese government based on humanitarian grounds or international obligations according the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (MOFA). Those with permanent residence status may also enter Japan without having a negative PCR test so long as they provide documentation confirming this status at the port of entry. Additionally, some types of business visa holders are able to receive special exemption for work purposes allowing them into Japan without submitting any other paperwork besides their passport and visa itself.

As of 2021, Japan’s borders remain closed to most non-essential travelers due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority of foreigners are prohibited from entering the country. While there is no definitive answer as to when overseas travel restrictions will be lifted and Japan’s borders opened again, it is likely that this won’t happen until 2022 at the earliest. The Japanese government has made clear its intention to reopen the country in stages starting with domestic travel first before allowing foreign visitors back in. The plan also involves introducing a “travel bubble system” which would allow certain countries/regions deemed safe enough by Japan’s government and health authorities to establish biosecure corridors for international travel between them and Japan. This process could take several months or longer, depending on how successful it proves to be with other nations in containing their respective outbreaks and preventing further spread of COVID-19 cases into Japanese territory. In addition, while some experts have suggested that a vaccine may enable global tourism activity by summer 2021, much uncertainty still remains about when or even if these vaccines will be widely available across all countries around the world – let alone being effective against new variants – so any plans for overseas travel should remain tentative at best for now.

As the world slowly emerges from the pandemic, many countries are beginning to open up their borders and allow foreign visitors back in. Japan is no exception – although restrictions remain in place for now, it looks like Japan will be welcoming international travelers again soon. At present, Japan has very strict entry regulations due to COVID-19. Most foreigners who want to visit must obtain a “Special Reentry Permit” before they can enter the country. This includes those looking to visit relatives living in Japan or go on vacation there; anyone planning on visiting must follow this procedure if they wish to gain access into the country. However, the Japanese government is currently making plans to ease these restrictions by 2022. This could mean that people wanting to visit family members living in Japan may have an easier time doing so next year as long as they meet certain requirements such as providing proof of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior departure and undergoing quarantine upon arrival (although some prefectures might require longer quarantine periods). It’s important that you check with your local embassy or consulate for specific details about your own situation since rules can vary depending on where you’re coming from and what kind of visa you’re applying for.

Yes, you can travel to Japan from Thailand! There are several ways you can go about making the journey. The most popular option is to take a direct flight from Bangkok or Phuket International Airport to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, which takes approximately eight hours. Additionally, there are various ferry services that run between ports in southern Thailand and Japanese cities like Osaka and Fukuoka. Lastly, if you’re looking for an adventure, consider taking the overland route via Laos or China into North Korea before entering Japan through its northern border. No matter what method of transportation you choose for your trip to Japan from Thailand, make sure you have all necessary documentation such as visas and passports ready beforehand!

Izumi Kenta

Hi, I’m Izumi Kenta from Japan. By profession, I worked as a tourist guide and interpreter in Japan. Besides this profession, I’m a hobbyist blogger. I love to talk about different things about Japan and share them with a wider audience who wants to know about my country. To share my thoughts, I’ve created this site Visitjapan and brought some Japanese travel enthusiasts and tourists worldwide to share their experiences.

Japan travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Japan travel in 2024 with official Japan travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Since travel restrictions can vary by citizenship, we will be focusing our post on rules that affect U.S. citizens.

Last update: April 6, 2024. Originally published: July 2022.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

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April 2024: “Tourism is really popular in Japan these days, and crowds can be difficult to avoid. T here are no more travel restrictions for Japan, so it’s a much simpler arrival process than last year. However, we still highly recommend filling out the Immigration and Customs form online for quicker arrival (see instructions below). We showed our passports and QR code at immigration and customs, did fingerprints, and had no questions asked. Wifi in both Tokyo airports can be frustratingly slow, so it’s important to screenshot/download the QR code before departure so you can access it offline. Just as it was pre-Covid, there is a percentage of Japanese people who wear masks out and about in public.” – Michelle & Jedd, Intentional Travelers

At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Japan so you can get a sense of what it’s really like.

Table of Contents

Is Japan open for travel? Can I travel to Japan right now?

As of October 2022 , Japan is open for tourism for independent travelers. Visa-free travel for selected countries, including the US, has been resumed.

Tourists with U.S. passports can stay in Japan visa-free for up to three months. Find details and rules for entering Japan from other countries here .

Japan travel restrictions have been eased but travelers are asked to follow guidelines with regard to masks, social distancing, dining etiquette, and more.

As of April 2023 , a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test are no longer required for all travelers arriving in Japan.

To facilitate the arrival process, it’s highly recommended to submit your information online through Visit Japan Web before travel.

Steps for Traveling to Japan: What to Know (2024)

For a smoother arrival, travelers to Japan can pre-register for airport Immigration and Customs to receive the QR codes used for “Fast Track” at major airports across Japan.

We completed the Japan entry process in late March 2023 and again in early April 2024. It was admittedly a bit confusing, so I thought I’d share our experience and tips, as the process is still the same (apart from step 2).

1. Register at Visit Japan Web

While the Fast Track/Quarantine procedures are no longer mandatory to complete in advance, I was glad I followed advice to pre-register through the Visit Japan Web site.

The latest they say you can register is at least 6 hours ahead of your flight to Japan .

2. Submit your Covid documents in advance – NO LONGER REQUIRED

3. Register for immigration QR code

Returning to the main registration dashboard on the website, select the next module “Disembarkation Card for Foreginer,” which says it’s required for landing in Japan.

Some details pre-populated from from my profile. I selected Tourism for purpose of visit. Then there are three ways to report length of stay: year, month, day; as well as a few questions about any criminal background in Japan.

Once completed, a button “Display QR code” appears below the appropriate section.

Take a screenshot of the Immigration QR code and save it to your phone . It will have a yellow line above it.

If you don’t have the QR code , there are immigration cards available to fill out at standing desks located before entering the lines. Some people got all the way up to the immigration agent and were asked to step aside to fill out a card, which are also available next to each immigration stall.

The immigration line at Narita moved steadily but took about 25 minutes since several flights had arrived at once.

When I showed the QR code, the immigration officer simply took a headshot picture and fingerprint scans, then stuck a “landing permission” stamp in my passport for 90 days. No questions asked.

4. Register for Customs QR code

Returning again to the main dashboard, finally select “Preparation for customs declaration.” This registration allows travelers to go through an electronic declaration gate, which wasn’t super clear once we were at the airport.

I entered my flight origination (Hanoi) and number of family members with me (1). Then there’s the usual customs questions – type of goods, prohibited items, monetary funds, alcohol, cigarettes, souvenirs over 200,000y.

Again, take a screenshot of the Customs QR code and save it to your phone . It will have a blue line above it.

At Narita, the customs line for QR codes are labeled “electronic declaration” in blue. There are also kiosks that allow QR code, card, and duty free, as well as those that are for physical customs card only. The lines weren’t too long so it didn’t matter much which line we chose.

The customs officer had us scan our QR code and we could see our entered data displayed on an over-sized tablet-like device at the desk. No questions asked, we proceeded to exit the airport.

5. Sign up for travel insurance

It’s recommended to obtain insurance to cover medical costs related to COVID-19 in Japan. For travel insurance that covers Covid, we use Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing.

Quarantine rules in Japan: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Japan, provided that they are not suspected of having Covid-19. See details here .

Residents report that quarantine rules for testing positive may no longer be enforced anymore.

Previously, foreign tourists who tested positive for Covid while in Japan had to contact a local consultation center . A 7-10 days quarantine at a government-designated accommodation facility was required with all costs covered by the visitor.

The quarantine period could end within 7-10 days depending on the symptoms and/or negative COVID-19 test result. See details here .

Can I travel to Japan in April? Can I travel to Japan this Spring?

Travel to Japan in April is open . See details above and check back for updates.

Is it safe to fly to NRT Narita or HND Haneda International Airport ? Health screenings and body temperature checks are no longer in place at the airport. Wearing of masks is no longer required on flights or in the airports, though masking is still widely practiced.

Stringent cleaning and seating limits are implemented.

What is it like to fly to Japan right now? All Nippon Airways reports that masks are now optional. Additional procedures are in place at Immigration – please see details above.

Do Americans have to quarantine when traveling to Japan? No . See quarantine details above.

Does Japan check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Health screening procedures such as temperature checks and simple symptom questionnaires are typically not in place at ports of entry anymore.

Does Japan require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? A negative test is no longer required to enter Japan as of April 2023.

Does Japan require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? A proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required to enter Japan as of April 2023.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. A negative Covid test, quarantine, or proof of vaccination are no longer required to enter Japan.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Japan? No. A booster shot is no longer required to enter Japan.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers? PCR and/or antigen tests are available for travelers in Japan. Travelers should contact the local consultation center to determine the location of testing facilities within Japan. A non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities can be found here .

Test results are available within 24 to 72 hours but many labs can return results in a matter of hours. PCR test costs vary from ¥2,500 to ¥16,500.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Japan who get the virus? Japan hospitals and clinics are open. Foreign visitors are required to secure a medical insurance which that will cover medical costs in case they contract COVID-19 in Japan.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Japan ? Businesses and restaurants in Japan are open. Some businesses may require their own mask rules or capacity limits.

What public gatherings are allowed in Japan? Public gatherings are allowed in Japan subject to safety guidelines.

Are face masks required in Japan? As of March 2023, wearing of face masks in Japan is recommended but no longer required.

Face masks are almost universally worn in public, especially in urban areas, indoors and on public transportation. The Consulate website states that failure to adhere to mask-wearing norms reflects poorly on foreign visitors.

Are buses running in Japan? Trains, buses and taxis are running as usual in Japan.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Japan?

Japan managed impressively well compared to most countries in the early days of the pandemic. Although Japan has been previously in a State of Emergency, the lockdowns were less disruptive on Japanese daily life.

However, Japan’s inbound tourism business lay dormant for years. Japan finally began easing restrictions in 2022 and reopened to travelers in June with strict entry requirements.

Japan finally eased entry requirements for travelers in October 2022 making it easier for travelers to visit the country. Visa-free travel has also been resumed for select countries.

Vaccination in Japan started later than some other countries. Around 80% of the population has been vaccinated and 64% had received a booster shot.

Tourism is now back with record numbers of visitors, however, staffing shortages have not fully recovered.

For the current situation in Japan, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Japan; and COVID-19 testing in Japan, please see the Japan Ministry of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Japan?

😷 Face Masks -Face coverings are recommended and widely used in public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization. NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Japan locals and recent travelers say about visiting Japan now?

What is it like to visit Japan right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

January 2024 – Brandon of Zimminaroundtheworld , expat living in Japan: “Japan is seeing an increase in tourism now that the country is open to visitors. Many visitors are traveling to Tokyo and Kyoto but some towns and cities like Nikko, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Naha are also seeing rises in tourism.

Currently there are no travel restrictions within Japan unless it is due to environmental catastrophes like the earthquake that occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture recently. Access to healthcare in Japan is easily available and affordable. Although foreigners can sometimes pay up to 200% more for healthcare it is still cheap.

Many attractions and famous sites around Japan especially in Kyoto and Tokyo are crowded with lines that are longer then expected. In general, restaurants in Japan are smaller and can only able to accommodate up to ten people or fewer and the space can feel cramped. Like anywhere else, keep an open mind and be flexible and there will be no problems while traveling around Japan.”

September 2023 – Jackie Szeto of Life of Doing , American traveler: “My husband and I traveled to Tokyo and Nikko, Japan for vacation in September 2023. Expect large crowds at major attractions, restaurants, and trains in major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Visiting other destinations such as Nikko is a nice change of pace with fewer crowds, especially on the weekdays.

It’s recommended to complete the Immigration and Customs declaration on the Visit Japan Web to expedite arrival, but it’s not required. When landing at international airports, the QR codes for Immigration and Customs are still accepted. Otherwise, all COVID protocols have been dropped in the cities. Antibacterial hand sanitizer is still provided at entrances of hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. Some people still wear masks in crowded areas and on trains, but most go mask-free.”

May 2023 – Sophie Pham of Delightful Travel Notes , traveler: “My husband and I were traveling in Japan for 11 days from May 11-21, 2023 for our vacation. I found that Japan had already welcomed visitors with open arms, free of earlier restrictions. The return of both domestic travelers and international tourists created a lively atmosphere, and crowds could be seen in a lot of places.

In May, it took us 45 minutes to clear immigration at Kansai International Airport after landing at around 7:45am.

All attractions and food venues were fully open, with no social distancing measures or mandatory mask rules, although some restaurant servers, locals, and taxi drivers still chose to wear masks. Some famous restaurants had long lines again, and popular attractions like Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Senso-ji-ji could get crowded during the day. If there’s a particular popular restaurant you want to try, it may be best to make your dinner reservation in advance, especially for weekend. Overall, everything is lively again and we had a great time.”

March 2023 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers, American visitor: “We enjoyed a two day layover in Japan. The online procedures and QR codes were a bit confusing but I highly recommended doing them in advance of travel to make your arrival smoother.”

February 2023 – Joel, US traveler: “For the most part the Japanese are wearing masks. I’d say mask wearing is at about 99%. Despite the crowds in the city and packed trains and subways, it honestly feels way safer than generally any place in America where mask wearing is far from the majority. ANA enforces a mask wearing requirement whereas United is pretty much a free for all.

One key thing that is good to know is at the ticketing counter they need to know your return flight info when initially checking in. We had all the other Japan travel docs as far as the gov mandated requirements but this one kinda caught us off guard. The immigration line may seem staggering but it moves. ”

January 2023 – Lizzie of Wanderlust & Life , UK traveler: “I flew to Tokyo in January 2023 for 3 days as part of a stopover between Australia and the UK. For us it felt like the country is so happy to welcome tourists again. We were slightly worried about visiting or entry restrictions changing last minute but the airline kept us up to date and apart from filling out a lot of forms on arrival it felt quite normal being there.

As Japan only opened recently there weren’t as many tourists as we were expecting which was a plus really. We were made to feel so welcome in the country.

Masks are mandatory indoors and everyone seemed to be following this. The vast majority of people were also wearing masks outdoors too. Sanitiser is readily available in restaurants and tourist attractions. We didn’t encounter any contact tracing or even requests to show covid passes. The only frustration we had was that we flew JAL and we had to wear masks our whole flight which was about 14 hours in one go and this was enforced by cabin crew.”

November 2022 – Darryl H., New Zealand traveler: “My visit to Japan involved a return to the sort of measures that, in my home country of New Zealand, had been abandoned some time ago. The first action on arriving at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, with my mask firmly in place, was to allow officials to check and confirm I had complied with mandatory online registration of evidence of my vaccination status. Once this had been done, the arrivals process was pretty much standard.

During my 10-day stay, I experienced no restrictions on my movements or activities. The differences were in the roles of masks, sanitiser and – in some instances – distancing. The wearing of masks indoors and on public transport is close to one hundred percent, whether or not they are demanded. Outdoors, in most situations, they appear to be worn by at least 98 percent of people, although in some areas later in the evening there is an obvious relaxation in standards – especially among younger people. While most tourists appear happy to comply with the standards followed by locals, the proportion of non-mask use by non-Japanese is clearly larger than by Japanese. At no stage did I see any visitor reproached for this.

There is sanitiser on hand (pun intended) everywhere. It is probably accessed by about a third of people. There are many locals who are fastidious about sanitising.

While I observed no enforced distancing on public transport or in the street, it is definitely in place in cafes and other eateries. Most places I visited had plastic partitioning between patrons, and crosses to discourage the use of every second seat. Groups or couples are, of course, welcome to sit together.

The buffet breakfast in my hotel illustrates all three of the above differences. When I arrived at breakfast each morning, masked of course, the attendant ensured that I first sanitised my hands and then put on plastic gloves. Only then could I approach the serving implements and food. I would then sit on one of two seats (the second having a cross on it), both of which were partitioned off from the next pair of seats. Seats with another seat opposite were separated by another plastic partition. If I wanted to return to the buffet for more food, I first had to remask and re-glove. Once I forgot the gloves, and was politely turned back before I could touch the serving implements.

It is not uncommon for Japanese hospitality venues to give high priority to cleanliness, but there seems to be super-high priority now. Where in New Zealand I might expect a quick wipe over of a table between customers, in Tokyo it now appears to be a thorough and sometimes deep clean.

The precautions in no way reduced my pleasure in revisiting Tokyo. And they increased at least my perception of being protected.”

September 2022 – Jackson, American visitor: “Traveling to Japan reminded me of the COVID situation in Hawaii a year ago. People go about their day with a medical mask. Every store front has hand sanitizers and thermo cameras. COIVD testing and vaccination clinics are common place. Despite these COVID precautions, Japanese residents and businesses continue to welcome visitors with refreshing grace and hospitality. Japan’s omotenashi , beautiful scenery, and extraordinary delicacies are worth exploring and appreciating, but can tempt visitors into overlooking the uncertainty that underlines Japan. I hope visitors will take the time to learn about the challenges of the Japanese people and reciprocate Japan’s hospitality with a gracious thank you.”

Aug 21 2022 – Y., American Japanese dual citizen: “ I returned from visiting family in Japan two days ago. Travel is still tough. The plane was empty – only 20 passengers on a big airplane. My pre-travel Covid test was 10 minutes earlier than the required 72 hours so I was turned away at the airport. I scrambled to find a last minute PCR test with rapid results and rush back to the airport.”

August 2022 – Christine, American visitor: “Japan isn’t currently open to tourists. I was there for a school conference, and had to get a conference visa. One has to get a visa for Japan in advance and you can only get one with an EFRS form filled out from someone in Japan.

I had to have a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of departure time. There’s eased quarantine procedures, which depend on the countries you’ve been to in the previous 2 weeks. And you have to have the MySOS app on your phone because they might check up on you. It also expedites your entry because you can upload all the necessary forms/COVID test/questionnaire ahead of time.

Everyone wears a mask everywhere, and they’re available for cheap at convenience stores. Because I was on a university’s campus most of the time, I had to report my temperature and if I was having any symptoms to the University every day.”

July 2022 – Brandon of https://zimminaroundtheworld.com , Expat in Japan: “Currently Japan is only doing guided tours for international tourism. Travel entry for normal tourism is not an option at the moment. I recently took a trip around central Japan and visited a variety of cities and saw hardly any tourists. It’s nice to get great photos of popular attractions without crowds of people in the photos. But at the same time, it is taking a toll on the economy. I’ve seen shops and restaurants struggle to survive here and locals begging for tourism to come back.

Masks have been worn in Japan even before Covid. To this day, the majority of the population wears masks and obeys the rules, this includes both foreigners and locals. I wear a mask when leaving my apartment and only take it off when social distancing can be achieved or while eating at a restaurant. The positive aspect about Covid is that there are no long lines to enter attractions or eating establishments. I feel public transportation is safe here as the Japanese are very good and sanitizing everything.”

Planning a trip to Japan?

Check out our other Japan travel resources: – Great Things To Do Around Iwakuni, Japan

If you have questions or updates about travel to Japan during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

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Japan Travel: Is it safe? Are tourists welcome? What to pack during Covid. Entry restrictions and rules in Japan.

Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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Hi Great article ! I noticed you have been vaccinated once with JJ (same here) . You mentioned the requirements for boosters but it sounds like you haven’t had a booster? I tried to sort through the link page but couldn’t find any further info. So my question is I’m planning to travel after May 8th with 1 JJ vaccination, I’m Canadian, but will be coming from Indonesia. Thanks for any insight you might have

Hi and thanks for visiting our blog. While we had the single JJ vaccination, we also had boosters. I mentioned it because the Japan entry form allows you to essentially count JJ as two shots out of the three that are required. In other words, at least one booster is currently required for entry to Japan. That said, vaccine documentation will no longer be required after May 8 so you shouldn’t have to worry about it.

I am travelling to the US from Australia via Japan in September. I fly with JAL, from Melbourne (MEL) arriving at Haneda International Airport (HND), but need to fly out of Narita International Airport (NRT) to New York (JFK).

I would like to know if I will be allowed to travel, via Japan, in September.

Australia is in Blue Category and I have had 3rd dose of Covid vaccination.

I look forward to your reply soon.

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say what will be possible in September, as we do expect the rules to change over time. Currently, foreign travelers are limited to package tours and may not use public transit. To find out if any exceptions can be made for transit between airports, you can try the Japan visitor hotline .

Thailand Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Thailand

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Recommended in public spaces.

Thailand entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Thailand from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Thailand.

Can I travel to Thailand if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Thailand without restrictions.

Can I travel to Thailand without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Thailand without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Thailand?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Thailand.

Can I travel to Thailand without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Thailand?

Mask usage in Thailand is recommended in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Thailand?

Restaurants in Thailand are open. Bars in Thailand are .

Thailand Visa for Japanese: Thailand Visa from Japan

Thailand visa for Japanese is not required when traveling to Thailand for a short visit. If you hold a passport issued by Japan which is valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival to Thailand, you can visit Thailand without visa by using Free Visa Exemption as long as your planned stay doesn't exceed 30 days. For longer stays you need to get a Thailand Visa from Japan in advance.

Thailand Visa Exemption for Japanese

Japanese citizens can visit Thailand without visa up to 30 days. The duration of visa-exempt stay is the same for the arrivals at the airports and border crossings but the number of times you can use visa exemption when crossing by land during the year is limited.

Japanese citizens can use Thailand Free Visa-Exempt Stay if meet the following requirements:

Have Japanese citizen passport valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival to Thailand
Have a ticket for a return or onward travel out of Thailand within 30 days
Present correctly filled Thailand Arrival Card (currently only required when arriving by land or by sea)
Have enough money for traveling - at least 10,000 THB per person and 20,000 THB per family in cash (equivalent in any currency)

Travel SMART! Get Thailand SIM Card with unlimited Internet much cheaper here: [SALE] SIM Card for Thailand (Airport Pick Up)

Thailand Tourist Visa for Japanese

If you're a citizen of Japan and you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, you should get Thailand Visa in advance. As a tourist, you mainly have two Thailand visa options to choose from - Single-Entry Tourist Visa or Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa.

In Japan you can apply for Thailand visa at Thai embassy or one of Thai consulates:

Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo, http://site.thaiembassy.jp
Royal Thai Consulate General in Osaka, http://www.thaiconsulate.jp
Royal Thai Consulate General in Fukuoka, https://fukuoka.thaiembassy.org

Thai Single-Entry Tourist Visa from Japan

Single-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for entering Thailand once within 3 months from visa issuance date. The allowed duration of stay is 60 days maximum (starting from the day of an entry to Thailand). Your stay can be extended once for 30 days at Immigration office in Thailand. Single-Entry Tourist Visa can be issued by Thai embassies or consulates worldwide so for Japanese citizens it's not mandatory to apply for it in Japan.

When applying for Thai Single-Entry Tourist Visa from Japan you will need:

Passport valid for at least 6 months from the day of your arrival.
Duly filled-in and signed Thai Visa Application Form .
One passport size (3.5 x 4.5 cm) photo taken within 3 months.
Personal history form completely filled in and signed by the applicant.
Evidence of accommodations for the entire duration of stay in Thailand. Book your hotel on Booking.com or Agoda as bookings on these online platforms are usually accepted with no problem.
A ticket for your journey to Thailand and return / onward journey ticket for leaving Thailand within 60 days.
A proof of funds for traveling - an original of bank statement showing the balance of at least 20000 THB per person and 40000 THB per family (any currency).
Occupation 's documents (certificate of employment or others)
Visa fee - 5500 JPY when applying in Japan.

Thailand visa for Japanese citizens can also be issued by Thai Embassies and Thai Consulates in other countries, such as Laos , Malaysia , Singapore , Indonesia etc.

Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa from Japan

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for entering Thailand within 6 months from the date of application. The period of stay is 60 days maximum per stay. You may enter Thailand again as long as the visa is still valid. Japanese citizens can apply for Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa only at Thai embassy and consulates in Japan (check the list above).

When applying for Thai Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa you will need:

Passport valid for at least 6 months from the day of your first arrival.
Evidence of accommodations for the entire duration of first stay in Thailand. Book your hotel on Booking.com or Agoda as bookings on these online platforms are usually accepted with no problem.
A ticket for your journey to Thailand and return / onward journey ticket for leaving Thailand within 60 days for the first visit.
Proof of funds - an original of bank statement showing the balance of at least 20000 THB for the period of 6 months.
Visa fee - 22,000 JPY.

Your stay in Thailand can be extended once per entry. In most cases it can be extended by 30 days. For more information check: Thai Visa Extension .

Take the worry out of your arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport after a long flight, and enjoy a VIP service through the airport formalities. Take advantage of a premium service that fast tracks you through immigration by booking it online here: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Fast Track Immigration Service .

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Travelling Without a Passport

Japan Vs Thailand: Where Will You Go?

Craving a taste of Asia? Countries like Japan and Thailand have set the bar as the top destination for travellers and both of the capitals, Tokyo and Bangkok, have electrifying metropolis’ punctuated with skyscrapers which contrast to their ancient traditions and iconic temples. But, before you start dreaming about where your next in tour to Asia will be, we’re here to help you decide where to go.

Find here the best 1 week , 2 weeks , 3 weeks Japan itineraries or the best 2 week Thailand itineraries.

Unsure about where your next tour will be? Take a look at the most popular tours to Japan or the most popular tours to Thailand .

Just under 7,000 islands make up the multi-faceted country of Japan. At first glance, it might seem like an overwhelming country with so much to see and do, but really, it comes down to finding the perfect tour to suit your needs to hep guide tour travel. Are you searching for a hiking tour? Maybe an in-depth cultural tour? However you travel, there is something for everyone. Most importantly, if food is a priority for you, just know that Japanese cuisine is top notch, and your Tour Guide is bound to know where to find the best hidden spots for local fare.

Japan is a fascinating destination with a quirky mix of historic and wacky culture. It is this diversity that made us love visiting Japan. From the tasty ramen, to ancient temples to world class theme parks and even UFO catchers, Japan is the ideal destination for young and old alike. with everyone getting their share of adventure during the trip. Explore using the subways as it will link you to almost every interesting sights, making it an economical way to travel and discover Japan. Go with an open mind. Japan is full of delightful surprises at every turn! – Daddy M, The Wacky Duo

Best time to visit Japan

For less rain and mild temperatures, late spring (March to May) or late fall (September to November) are the optimal times to travel here. Plus, cherry blossoms are a stunning sight during the spring, as are the brightly hued fall leaves.

Things to know before you visit Japan

While most locals typically know a little English, many signs and menus are only in Japanese so it helps to know keywords when it comes to navigating streets and restaurants.
Keeping your shoes on in someone’s house is seen as extremely disrespectful, and can also be the case in some restaurants, so see what other diners are doing and follow suit.
Most places only accept cash and tipping is not expected at restaurants, hotels and other services (often they’ll chase after you to kindly give it back).
Nomihodai is all-you-can-drink alcohol at bars, clubs and some restaurants for a set price.
Most meals are eaten with chopsticks.

See Also: Where to Take the Best Photos of Japan: As Told by a Pro

Getting around

Train: Travelling by rail in Japan, is likely to eat into your budget quicker than you might expect. If you’re travelling independently, the ultra-modern bullet train provides a touch of luxury and is an experience in itself, so purchasing a Japan Rail Pass is one of the most cost-effective ways to travel through the country. Some tours will include this style of transport in the total cost, so this is one less thing you need to worry about arranging which means you can sit back and enjoy the journey.

Bus: There are buses which come at a fraction of the price of a travelling on a luxury train, but keep in mind this will take more time. If you’re travelling on a group tour, it’s possible you will likely travel on a small mini-coach, a private vehicle or a private bus.

See Also: The Most Scenic Train Trips Around Japan

What to eat and drink

Sushi: While you may have already enjoyed sushi in other parts of the world, there’s nothing quite like the fresh rolls rotating on conveyor belts at sushi restaurants perfected by the Japanese.
Beef: Kobe, the world-renowned steak cut, comes from Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture and is absolutely mouthwatering (but can come at a high price point).
Ramen: Noodles soaked in a broth are accompanied by a variety of different additions, like braised pork, bamboo shoots, egg, and spinach.
Okonomiyaki: This cabbage-based pancake is made in different ways depending on what prefecture you find yourself. The name also means “how you like it” so feel free to make your own savoury creation.
Gyoza: This meat or veggie stuffed dumplings were originally from China, but they are commonly enjoyed in Japan.
Takoyaki: A battered ball-shaped snack filled with octopus.
Kushi-Katsu: Deep-fried meat on a skewer is a staple street food.
Sake: Japanese rice wine that can be served hot or cold.
Matcha tea: A powdered green tea that becomes frothy when whisked.

Ghibli Museum

You don’t need to be anime film fan to appreciate the detail of the whimsical displays and art pieces that piece together the making of the legendary Studio Ghibli. The multi-storied mansion houses all of the enchanting and otherworldly elements of director Hayao Miyazaki’s colourful world.

Taking your travels to the southwest of Japan’s main island, Kyūshū is the destination for winding down. Natural hot springs, active volcanoes, and beaches are just a few of the natural pleasures offered in a lush landscape.

Japan’s capital city is readily prepared to excite travellers with sci-fi skyscrapers, legendary and inventive food (hello land of sushi), and a quirky fashion scene in the Harajuku district. But the twist is that all of this is set against the traditional and calming spirituality that surrounds the cities ancient temples.

Locals of the country’s largest post city are avid preachers of kuidaore (eat until you drop). Aside from drawing those with an appetite for tantalizing food, the cities Dōtombori screams with nighttime action while the grounds of the Osaka castle are a calm beauty and is one of the countries most important landmarks, symbolic of the unification of Japan.

Summit one of the countries three most sacred mountains (which is also an active volcano) or admire the iconic site from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park like the many artists before who have been inspired by it to create works of art.

In one of the oldest parks in Japan, you’ll be amazed to see so many free-roaming deer in one place. Getting up close to admire them is nearly as incredible as when they join you crossing a bridge or venture into a store in town.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

This Shinto shrine is exemplary of the traditional religion in Japan. The thousands of vibrant orange torii gates wind through paths which lead to the five different shrines on the grounds perched on the wooded hillside.

Thailand is a quintessential Southeast Asian destination. Aside from its concentration in tropical beaches, eclectic food markets and iconic temples, the interactions with friendly Thai locals is often one of the most memorable experiences.

Best time to visit Thailand

Thailand’s rainy season falls roughly between the months of May and October. Though unpredictable, prepare for a few hours of rainfall most days. The best times to go are March, April, or May when the weather is hot. Alternatively, the cooler months between November and February are still warm by Western standards.

See Also: 2 Weeks in Thailand for Every Budget

Things to know before you visit Thailand

Spicy foods are everywhere in Thailand and what you may consider extra hot, might be considered a mild spice to most Thai people. If it’s not for you, know how to say mai phet (pronounced “pet”).
Local transportation within cities is known as tuk-tuks (rickshaws). Negotiate and settle a price before heading out on the journey.
Avoid animal tourism. This includes tiger temples, elephant trekking, and monkey activities. There are many reports of the neglect and mistreatment animals, so set instead visit sanctuaries and don’t feed the animals.
Cover up your shoulders, and knees when visiting temples. Also, taking off your shoes before entering someone’s home and often sacred sites is common practice.
Tipping isn’t expected but is highly appreciated.
Be wary of bucket drinks. They can be extremely pungent and are targets for being spiked, especially at large gatherings. Keep your wits about you.

See Also: Ultimate Thailand Packing List for a Solo Traveller

Train: Miles of rails connect most major cities in Thailand. They’re scenic, safe and reasonably comfortable ways to get around. There are different styles of train travel labelled as ordinary, rapid, express and special express. They each operate at different speeds and offer different services accordingly (book in advance).

Bus: Similarly to trains, buses also come with different styles of travel. Note that the local and some express buses will often make frequent stops and might not come with air-conditioning. Alternatively, going for VIP buses, you’ll typically have air-conditioned and be offered some food or beverage.

Ferry: Ferries are a popular method of transport for island hopping. Waves can get quite rocky, so be warned of seasickness. Book in advance as they tend to fill up quickly. If you’re travelling on a group tour, you can rest easy, as transport is one less thing you need to worry about.

Pad Thai : A staple street food dish made of stir-fried rice noodles with either chicken, shrimp, beef or tofu, and vegetables.
Mango sticky rice: Mango with a side of sticky rice drizzled with sweet coconut cream syrup.
Tom yum goon : Shrimp soup made in different varieties, but often with chilli and lemongrass.
Nam prik kapi: Thai cuisine favours its spice, so this Thai chilli dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to kick it up a notch.
Green papaya salad : Shredded papaya served with fresh chillies.
Juices and smoothies: With so many fresh fruits available, you can come up with some pretty exotic fruit combinations, it’s the perfect refresher!
Coconut: Tapped and cut right in front of you, this coconut water is fresh as it gets.
Cha yen: Brewed black tea mixed with condensed milk topped with a scoop of sugar, sometimes served in a plastic bag.
Beer: Chang is a cheap and strong beer (it’s marked by an elephant on the bottle, symbolic of the feeling of having an elephant on your head the next day, also known as a “Chang-over”) or Singha which is Thailand’s oldest beer.

Ornate shrines, posh rooftop bars, and brimming markets abound, Bangkok combines old and new with a certain organized-chaos that is hard to put your finger on. Get to the heart of it all on Khao San Road where you can experience street food to the extremes or visit the floating markets.

Endless shopping and dining experiences from 8 am to 9 pm. My greatest achievement was purchasing 8 quality clothing suitable for work and outings at only 75 to 100baht per piece! If you are travelling on a budget, remember to control your buying desire. Keep in mind that there is (usually) an exact yet cheaper piece around the corner! I’m serious, therefore SGD75 to SGD100 per day is actually enough for a memorable and exciting Bangkok trip. – Yunzi, Joysofyz

Wat Pho Temple Complex

Get in touch with Thailand’s Buddhist religion at one of the most symbolic temple complexes. It’s not only where you’ll find Bangkok’s largest Buddha, but it’s also a hub for teachings like traditional Thai medicine and massage.

Thai Islands

The Thai Islands are among the most sought-after destinations in the country. Among the top ones is Ko Phangan (known for its monthly Full Moon party), Ko Tao (an ideal dive destination for first-timers or more experienced divers), and Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Le (for immaculate beaches and clear waters).

Erawan National Park

Near the Myanmar border, Erawan National Park houses a 7-tier waterfall to splash around in while monkeys linger in the jungle nearby. There are also different series of caves like Tham Phra That with natural limestone formations and Ta Duang with rock paintings.

On Phuket, the mountains meet the sea. Patong is Phuket’s high-end area with resorts, spas, and restaurants. Meanwhile, the main city is pulsing with busy markets and lively bars and beaches to embrace your hedonistic side.

Chiang Mai is a dreamy destination to visit with elephants in sustainable rescue parks. Formerly the capital of Lanna Kingdom, there are some incredible 14th and 15th-century temples. It’s much slower paced than other Thai cities so you can embrace the calm.

Aside from the unique and awe-inspiring architecture of the White Temple, I enjoyed that “small town” feel in Chiang Rai. It was more relaxed than Chiang Mai and quieter. Compared to Bangkok, the weather is also nicer since Chiang Rai is in the northern part of Thailand. For first time travelers, I would tell them to consider spending more time in Chiang Rai. A lot of travelers only drop by Chiang Rai for a day trip so they don’t get to explore much of what Chiang Rai and the surrounding countryside has to offer. Definitely check out the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Black House (Baan Dam Museum), Clock Tower, and the night and weekend markets. Of course, not to be missed is trying a lot of local food (especially Khao Soi) at the various food stalls and restaurants in Chiang Rai. – Darlene, Point and Shoot + Wanderlust

Phrases and Words

Are you still undecided on where to travel? Continue your research here and take a look at the most popular tours to Japan or Thailand .

Julie Faye Germansky

Julie is a Toronto-based journalist whose biggest thrill is solo travel. She loves talking to strangers, both near and far, and telling their stories through photos and words. Follow her adventures on Instagram @julesfayegermansky and Twitter @julsgermansky.

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Thailand or Japan? A useful Comparison Between the Two Countries

February 26, 2012

Shanna Schultz

Inside this post...

Are you considering whether you should go to Thailand or Japan on your next vacation? The points of comparison below should help you to make an informed decision.

If you are looking for more information about planning a trip to Thailand or planning a trip to Japan, check out these other informative posts:

What We Spent for One Week in Thailand
How I Learned to Love Thai Food in Thailand
Experiencing the Japanese Tea Ceremony in Tokyo

Thailand or Japan?

No contest here in the winter time, Thailand has much nicer weather at this time of year (January…I do not know what the weather is like at other times of the year, and I do know that Thailand has a wickedly rainy season…so do your research!).

It is colder here in Tokyo right now than I think it is at home in Minnesota. Definitely winter here. If weather is a consideration in your decision to go to Thailand or Japan in the winter, I vote for Thailand!

Pedestrian Safety:

Sidewalks were almost non existent in Thailand. The ones that were there were either filled with vehicles, riddles with holes and debris or occupied by mean looking dogs or piles of smelly trash. Continuing on the mean dog note, there were a minimum of 2-3 dogs on each block, many of them sick and infected looking, many malnourished with sores that were oozing pus.

As a result, we rarely saw Thai people walking anywhere if they had any other option. Crosswalks were non existent in many places, so you just had to look carefully and leap before cars came. Oh, and police officers were a rare sight in all of Thailand. We only saw them at rush hour directing traffic at particularly busy intersections.

In Tokyo, there are well repaired sidewalks everywhere. We have not seen a stray dog yet. Crosswalks are well marked, and cars actually respect pedestrians almost too much (what I mean is that they are so respectful of your space as a pedestrian that they will sit until you have completely cleared the intersection before turning. In many cases, they sit through gaps in pedestrians that even I would have shot through at home. Almost too passive.)

Police and security guards were EVERYWHERE. When we walked past constructions sights that were near pedestrians on the sidewalk, there was one guy standing there just to watch pedestrian safety.

Tokyo definitely wins the category for pedestrian safety.

Tokyo has sake, so there is a big plus there, but I am not crazy about sushi. We ate some pork over rice tonight over Miso soup from a fast food restaurant, and it was good.

I generally LOVED the food in Thailand , and it was much cheaper. We ate many meals on the street for 2-3 dollars for both of us. Even when I ate out in a restaurant one night, I paid about $4 for a HUGE bowl of Khao Soi (noodles and vegetables in broth with chicken) and a bottle of water.

Then, there was the yummy banana deep fried in an egg roll wrapper and drizzled with sweetened condensed milk, and the mango and stick rice….yum.

Thailand wins on the food front.

Cleanliness:

Obviously, Tokyo, hands down. Bangkok was filled with trash . It was everywhere. The city stank of trash and animal excrement. The rest of Thailand was better, but Tokyo was clean to a fault. No trash on the streets, and very clean smelling for a big city.

Tie. Both countries have a wide range of hotel accommodations available. Hostels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, pod hotels and everything in between. Obviously from a cost perspective, hotels and other accommodations in Thailand will always be cheaper than accommodations in Japan. Barring that difference, the places that we stayed at in both countries were clean, efficient and safe feeling.

Ease of getting into the city from the airport:

Bangkok wins this one. To get in from Narita airport in Japan, it involved $30 and 90 minutes on the train with multiple transfers (plus a 1 mile walk at the end to get to our hotel).

Getting to our hotel in Bangkok was just about the easiest thing that I have ever done. Once we got a cab outside of the Bangkok airport (which did involve waiting in a line for about 20 minutes) it cost us $12, took about 25 minutes and the driver dropped us off directly at the door of our hotel.

It would cost a small fortune to take a taxi from the airport at Narita, Japan (and if you had that much money, you would probably just arrange a pickup by helicopter.)

Internet Access:

This one might surprise you. Thailand wins my vote for easiest/best quality internet access. There were internet cafes everywhere, lots of restaurants and cafes had free wifi available and all of the guest houses that we stayed at it offered some form of wireless internet included with our room.

We have been having a hard time finding wireless internet access for our computer in Japan. Signals that are supposed to work don’t seem to for unknown reasons, or the signal isn’t strong enough to make a good connection.

We have bought coffee at countless coffee shops all over Japan trying to get wireless access to no avail. Finally, we got a decent connection at Mc Donalds, but this and Starbucks were the only two places that we found reliable internet connections (many coffee shops only offered wireless for phones through a Japanese cell phone provider called “Softbank”, but this generally didn’t help us connect with our computer. This was very surprising to me for a country that is so technologically inclined.

Chiang Mai flower market thailand or japan

Thailand had better shopping, no question. Obviously, prices were cheaper, so this has to factor into my comparison, but separate from the price issue, the markets in Thailand can’t be beat for variety and sheer joy of the shopping experience.

During the day, there are many easily accessible food markets in Thai cities to buy spices and unique local foods (including lots of fresh fruit!) The night markets are THE place to go for souvenir shopping. Yes, a lot of the stalls carry the same touristy junk, but there are also hidden pockets of unique, one of a kind handicrafts at prices that are incredible.

As a bonus, you can try some wonderful street food at the markets and because they are generally busy, it usually hasn’t been sitting for very long so illness is less of a worry (we enjoyed more than one street market dinner in Thailand!)

Make sure to bargain to get the best price. It felt awkward to bargain at first, especially because the dollar is so strong against the baht that it hardly seemed worth it sometimes for the fifty cents or a dollar that it would save me, but it is part of the experience and the vendors mark everything up expecting you to do this.

Decide what feels like a fair price to you after having a look around a bit to get your bearings, and offer slightly below this so that they will come up a bit to the price you wanted. If it still is too high, keep going and you will probably find the same thing at another vendor down the street. Chances are good that as you are walking away, they will agree to your price rather than lose your business to a competitor.

Shopping in Japan was good, as well. We saw lots of beautiful ceramic bowls, sake cups, chopsticks and the like, and many local handicrafts. I didn’t allow myself to buy much because of our budget (things are quite expensive in Japan, especially compared to the weak USD right now. A postcard cost us $1.50!) so there are plenty of nice souvenirs to be had, but the shopping experience just didn’t compare to the exhilaration of shopping in the markets in Thailand.

Ease of Communication/Navigation:

While more people spoke English in Japan (most people spoke fluently and just about everybody spoke a little) many things were not printed in English. I don’t say this in judgment, only in comparison, as I never go to any place making assumptions that everything will be printed for us in English. Winner-Thailand.

In Japan, important things like signs in the airports and train stations were in English, but restaurant signs and menus often weren’t (if we had gone into the restaurant, perhaps we would have been offered en English menu, but without being able to read the signs, we couldn’t figure out if there was anything that we might want to eat there or not.)

Japanese restaurants and shops just didn’t feel very welcoming to us. All it would have taken in most cases was a small sign in English on the outside and we might have felt adventurous enough to go in, but this was not usually offered.

In contrast, far fewer Thai people spoke English, but the vast majority of signs and written communications were in English as well as Thai. This made a huge difference for us in the intimidation factor.

The preponderance of English has a lot to do with the huge numbers of expats living there from English speaking countries (mostly US, UK and Australia, from what I could tell.) If you were really in a pinch, there was generally always somebody around that spoke our language to help out.

Communication and understanding were significantly better in Thailand.

I hope that this post was useful for you in deciding whether to go to Thailand or Japan on your next trip.

Which country did you like better, Thailand or Japan? Why?

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How to Buy Thailand Travel Insurance from Japan

Day to day, life can seem to stretch forever. We get lost in the daily grind as time passes. Life can be fleeting. It is short and before we know it; we are out of time. Many travelers understand this and it drives them to discover new places.

This hit home when COVID reared its head. The world shut down and travel was impossible. People found the option of experiencing new things taken away and isolation set in.

When countries started reopening their borders, there were many requirements a traveler needed to complete. Thailand had always been a popular destination for Japanese travelers, but to get there they had to provide proof of hotels and flights, apply for a Thailand Pass, and prove they had a valid Covid Insurance policy. Traveling to Thailand was hard.

The good news for Japanese citizens is that this is no longer required. On July 1st, 2022, Thailand removed its travel restrictions and Japanese jet-setters are free to once again visit the beaches and jungles of Thailand, enjoying delicious food and a cold drink at the bar.

Japanese people are well known for being responsible. The pandemic changed the way we travel, but there were many things that could happen before Covid was an issue. It is the responsibility of all travelers to make sure they are protected against unforeseen when abroad. This is why Travel Insurance is essential.

Travel Insurance for Japanese Travelers

Because Thailand is well known for being a relaxed and laid-back country, it is easy to forget that things can happen anywhere in the world. Before Covid Insurance, there was Travel Insurance. It was the safety blanket that allowed travelers to go overseas without monetary concerns.

If you have ever traveled overseas, you know there are things outside your control. Luggage is lost, flights are delayed, accidents occur and personal injury is possible. You cannot control these things, but you can protect yourself so they don’t disrupt your holiday.

Travel Insurance was around before Covid, and it will be around long after the pandemic ends. It provides cover against incidents like:

Medical emergencies
Personal injury & accidents
Missed or delayed flights
Damage to belongings
Lost luggage

A Japanese traveler should know that when in Thailand, they cannot receive free medical care. If you have an accident or suffer a personal injury, you will need to pay any medical expenses. If you lose luggage, or a flight is delayed, you will have other costs. Depending on the severity, this could be thousands of Yen.

Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind while abroad, and using a trusted company in your destination country makes it easy.

AXA Thailand: AXA Sawasdee Thailand

AXA Sawasdee Thailand is a well-known and respected insurance company in Thailand that caters to travelers from around the world. Their policies are straightforward and trusted by Thai authorities and medical institutions.

Get the best Travel Insurance here: https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal

Benefits of AXA Sawasdee Thailand

It is possible to organize Travel Insurance through your home country, but there are many advantages to using an international company that is based in the country you are visiting.

Thai Approved

Using a local insurance company that is respected and trusted can simplify processes in the unfortunate event you need to make a claim. AXA staff are familiar with medical institutions in the country and are trained to deal directly with these institutions. AXA staff speak the Thai language and are familiar with local laws.

Using an insurance company from your local country may present issues internationally, or have certain exclusions when making a claim in Thailand. AXA Sawasdee is designed for Thailand.

Offered Packages of Travel Insurance

Many travelers have different levels of comfort for traveling and protection. AXA provides multiple packages to cater to any traveler’s needs. Japanese travelers can choose between 2 insurance packages for their trip:

AXA Insurance Package 1
AXA Insurance Package 2

Each package offers a different level of cover and claim amounts.

No Waiting Period

Many insurers will have a 14-day waiting period for their conditions. This means that you either need to purchase your insurance weeks in advance or risk not being covered until the day you finish your vacation.

Because AXA understands Japanese travelers want to feel safe from the moment they land in Thailand, they have removed any 14-day waiting period, so visitors are protected from day one.

Choice of Policy Duration

Many insurance companies offer limited choices for the length of their policies.

Holiday makers want to know they are covered until they safely land home, so visitors from Japan can select the duration of their AXA Insurance policy.

Whether you stay for 15, 30, 60, 90, or 180 days, you are covered while visiting. If you are looking at Thailand as a potential relocation or long-stay destination, AXA has coverage for those looking long-term.

AXA knows plans change, so if you decide to extend your holiday you don’t have to worry about canceling and reapplying. Just call them and extend your existing policy.

Days in Quarantine and Covid Diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with Covid while in Thailand, AXA Sawasdee Thailand covers days spent in quarantine. If you require medical attention while in quarantine, AXA Sawasdee Thailand can assist with organizing professional medical care and emergency transport.

Though many insurance companies now include Covid cover as standard practice, some companies will place exclusions if a traveler is diagnosed as Asymptomatic. This is not the case with AXA Sawasdee. You can make a claim on your policy if you are diagnosed as Symptomatic or Asymptomatic.

24/7 Dependable Service

AXA Sawasdee Thailand’s insured travelers have access to their 24/7 helpline. Any time of the day, helpful staff are available to address your concerns and offer assistance.

They pride themselves on the quick service you can depend on. If you need the insurance policy and certificate quickly, AXA Sawasdee Thailand can do that.

Certificate of Insurance

Foreign visitors are no longer required to provide proof that they have insurance when in Thailand. But in the unlikely event that a citizen of Japan needs to make a claim or provide insurance documents to a doctor or hospital, the last thing they want is to be searching through a multi-page policy.

Japanese travelers will receive a convenient 1-Page Certificate of Insurance when they purchase Travel Insurance with AXA Sawasdee Thailand. The certificate contains all relevant policy details and can save time and frustration in a stressful situation.

You can get a full refund of the insurance premium if the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulates do not accept your AXA Sawasdee Thailand insurance. You must provide proof that the policy was not accepted by the Embassy, e.g. a web page of the Embassy listing the requirement, or a leaflet with the Embassy header/logo.

How to Buy Travel Insurance from Japan

If you are a Japanese traveler coming to Thailand, you can organize your Covid insurance online. The policies are well priced and applying is fast and simple.

Go to the AXA Sawasdee Thailand website and apply.
Pick between the 2 packages: AXA Insurance Package 1 or Package 2 .
Pay for your policy.
Receive the insurance policy and certificate by email moments after your payment.
You can then print your 1-Page certificate if you like to carry a hard copy.

Tips to Make Sure your Insurance is Approved

Before traveling, it is always best to check the details of your policy. You want to make sure that:

Incidents relating to COVID-19 are not excluded.
Your policy covers your entire stay in Thailand.
Your details are correct.

After a long period of being confined to Japan and unable to travel, it is time to get back into the world. With the right planning and protection, Japanese travelers can again enjoy the Land of Smiles without needing to worry about Covid or other unforeseen situations.

Get your Travel Insurance here: https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal

Choosing the Best Health Insurance for Couples Retiring in Thailand

How to Buy Thailand Travel Insurance from Hungary

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Asia Landmarks & Icons

Japan vs Thailand on a Trip to Asia

By Aren Bergstrom
On August 16, 2019
Read Time 16 mins

Home / Asia / Japan vs Thailand on a Trip to…

Japan and Thailand are the two most popular destinations in Asia for westerners, and if you’re heading to the continent to the first time, you’ll probably head to one of the two. There’s a good reason for this. First of all, Japan and Thailand are easy to navigate, safe, and friendly. They also have long histories and famous landmarks that have an undeniable romantic appeal to them. They have gorgeous landscapes and some of the world’s best culinary scenes. If you had all the time in the world, pairing Thailand and Japan would make for an unforgettable and epic Asian vacation, but odds are, you can only focus on one during a trip to Asia. Furthermore, each country deserves a lot of attention. So, if you have to decide between the two, which one should you visit: Japan or Thailand?

It can be hard to choose, which is why we’ve put together a comparative breakdown of the two countries. We’ve broken down the guide into separate categories, focusing on landscape and climate, costs and infrastructure, landmarks, history and culture, and food and drink. Comparing two countries is never an apples-to-apples exercise, but it does help us to understand the appeal of these two incredible nations and decide which one is better suited to which kind of traveller.

Landscape and Climate

This is one of the easiest comparisons, since we’re talking about geographical facts. Thailand is a bit larger than Japan. Japan is more spread out as it consists of a series of islands in an archipelago, while Thailand consists of one large mainland and then many smaller islands in the south. Japan is a volcanic country with many mountains and geothermal areas covered largely in forests and farmland. Thailand also has mountains in the north, plains and a plateau in the centre of the country, and islands throughout the south, which are covered in beaches. Since Thailand is tropical, it’s covered in rainforests throughout.

In terms of climate, Japan has four true seasons, even if it has typhoon season in the midst of summer. The country is generally mild as far as countries as far north are concerned, although the north, especially on the island of Hokkaido, is known to have harsh winters and short summers. Conversely, Okinawa exists in a subtropical zone and has almost no winter.

In winter, the temperature is rarely lower than 0°C along the Pacific Coast, with temperatures growing lower and snowfall heavier the more northerly you get. Spring is warm, with not too much rain and temperatures sitting in the teens. Summer can get warm and humid, with temperatures reaching the high 30s during the heights of the wet season. Fall has lower temperatures around 10°C.

In Thailand , the climate shifts between wet and dry, although it does rain all year round. Since it is tropical, Thailand can get very warm, with temperatures exceeding 40°C during the year. As well, humidity rarely lets up, making for muggy cities and wet jungles. However, outside of the wet season, the heat makes for comfortable beach weather, especially in the south, where islands and waters abound.

Banana Beach on Coral (Ko He) island on a sunny day, Phuket, Thailand

For Thailand, the best time to visit on a trip to Asia is March through May, when you can avoid the heavy rainfall of the wet season, but still enjoy the warmth, without the high temperatures of summer. In Japan, the best times to visit are spring and fall because of the foliage. Temperatures are comfortable and there’s not too much rainfall. Spring brings the cherry blossom season, while the fall brings vibrant reds and yellows.

Eikando shrine and bridge with peak autumn foliage, Kyoto, Japan

If you are picking one country over the other based on weather, Thailand has the advantage, as it’s hard to pass up year-round warmth. However, Japan during the height of spring and fall is as lovely as countries get.

Expenses and Infrastructure

Japan is more expensive than Thailand. There’s no doubt about that. Flights to both countries are around the same price, but once you get there, you’ll have an easier time taking advantage of things in Thailand.

Economically, Japan is in the same category as major western nations like Canada, the US, and the UK, so the prices are roughly equivalent to those found in these countries. A round-trip flight from Toronto to Tokyo in September is around $1,300 CAD. A 3-star hotel in Tokyo averages around $115 during the same period. A three-course meal for two will set you back around 5,000 YEN, which is about $70 CAD.

Although Thailand has gotten more expensive than in previous years, it remains one of the best budget accommodations in Asia. While a round-trip flight from Toronto to Bangkok in September will cost around $1,300 (unless you happen to score a budget deal with a Chinese airline), a 3-star hotel would only cost around $26 CAD. A three-course meal for two would cost around $35 CAD. And street food is even cheaper, with many delicious meals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai running you back only a few dollars.

As for infrastructure, Japan has one of the best transit systems in the world and is remarkably easy to explore by air, car, train, or bus. Flying is common and relatively affordable, although unnecessary unless you’re connecting to more remote islands like Hokkaido. Train is the most popular way of getting around and Japan’s rail system is the envy of the world. Shinkansen (bullet trains) connect the major cities and offer a lightning-quick form of travel that is something of an attraction in its own right. Buses are cheaper than trains, but slower as well.

View of Mt Fuji and Tokaido Shinkansen, Shizuoka, Japan

Within cities, take advantage of the excellent public transit system to get around by subway or bus. If you want to avoid public transit, most cities have ample taxi networks, although prices are essentially on par with taxi services in western countries. The Japan Rail Pass is a great way to save money while exploring the country. Passes come in regional options and are valid for the preselected time period (one week, two weeks, and so forth).

Thailand has a good infrastructure in its own right. Air travel is inexpensive and the best way to get between the major centres, such as Bangkok and the islands of the south. Train travel exists, but it’s considered more leisurely than other forms of travel. Buses are far more common and are inexpensive and efficient. The class of your ticket will determine how comfortable your bus trip is. In the cities themselves, public transit exists, but is not the main way of getting around. Instead, tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) are cheap and easy ways to get around. Taxis are a bit more expensive, but offer more seclusion. Transit is cheap in Thailand and even if you opt for flights between cities and taxi rides within them, you’ll end up spending less on transit than in most other countries.

Tuktuk at Silom Road in Bangkok, Thailand

While Japan has the better infrastructure, Thailand is more affordable, which is a definite bonus when deciding which country to visit on Asia tours .

While neither country has individual landmarks on the same level as the Colosseum or Machu Picchu, both Japan and Thailand are chockfull of highlights that draw people from across the world.

In Japan, the cities are the main highlights, as Tokyo itself is more appealing to travellers than any one landmark within it. The futuristic environs of Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Shibuya are as attractive as the historic temples of Senso-ji and Meiji Jingu. Also, the atmosphere created by the juxtaposition between the city’s two sides is what makes it such a fascinating destination. Kyoto is equally famous, known for its hundreds of gorgeous temples that transport travellers back in time to feudal Japan. Kyoto also has individual temples such as Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousand vermilion torii gates lining a mountainside, and Kinkaku-ji, with its golden walls. They are landmarks in their own right, but the sum total appeal of the city cannot be overstated.

Japan also has Mt. Fuji, one of the most famous mountains on the planet. It has Nara , with Todai-ji, home to the statue of the Great Buddha, and the friendly deer of Nara Park. It has castles, from Himeji Castle to Matsumoto Castle to Osaka Castle. It has Hiroshima , which is a sad place, but also an essential monument to war, Itsukushima, with its gorgeous red torii gate that’s partially submerged at high tide, and the volcanic hot springs of Kyushu.

Like Tokyo is in Japan, Bangkok is an attraction in and of itself in Thailand. The city is synonymous with wild nightlife, but it’s equally known for having the best street food in the world and a number of noteworthy attractions, from Wat Arun to the Grand Palace to Wat Pho. It has the famous nightlife, as embodied by Khao San Road. It has a bustling shopping atmosphere, most notably seen at the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Chiang Mai is also popular, with its beautiful temples like Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and easy access to the jungles and mountainside. There are also famous temples elsewhere, not least of which is Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple in nearby Chiang Rai .

Phra Prang Wat Arun along the Chao Phraya River at twilight, Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand’s other main attractions are the islands and beaches of the south. Phuket is the most famous, but Ko Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay are more beautiful. Khao Lak is as pristine and natural a beach as you’ll find anywhere in Asia

Thailand is not lacking for attractions, but Japan’s are more notable and famous across the world.

Food and Drink

Both Japan and Thailand have among the best food and drink in Asia , perhaps even the world.

Japan’s food culture has only grown more popular, as sushi has found its way into all corners of the world and savoury dishes like ramen grow ever more common in western cities. While you can get sushi anywhere in the world, it cannot compare to the freshness of what you’ll find on Japan travel . Aside from sushi, Japan also has some of the most delicious creations found anywhere in the world. There are fried goods like tempura, whether prawns or vegetables like sweet potato and squash, and tonkatsu , the fried breaded pork cutlets, their own brand of dumplings known as gyoza , and all manner of noodle dishes, from ramen to soba to udon. Red meat is a relatively recent addition to Japanese cuisine, but Japanese beef is among the best in the world, especially the fatty, marbled cuts of wagyu beef like Kobe and Hida. As for drinks, Japanese beer such as Asahi and Sapporo are of a high quality, and the rice wine sake is a delicious libation. For non-drinkers, matcha tea and all kinds of soft drinks hit the spot.

Salmon sushi roll with chopsticks on a stone plate, Japan

While Thai food is not quite as popular as Japanese food, it is every bit as celebrated in the culinary world. And if you’re looking for street food, you’ll find nothing better than the offerings in Thailand . Spicy Thai curries with coconut milk broths are among the most popular foods in Thailand, and for good reason. But the noodle dishes are equally delicious, from famous pad thai with its egg and bean sprout stir-fry to the broad noodles of pad see ew and the crispy, savoury khao soi, found in the north. The spicy and sour soup of tom yum goong is possibly the best soup found in Asia. The green papaya salad, som tam , is among the spiciest things you’ll ever eat, but delicious and addictive. Desserts like mango sticky rice and all manner of fruit juices will satisfy your sweet tooth. And as far as beer is concerned, you can’t go wrong with Singha, with its dry aftertaste and refreshing palette.

Top view of a Thai street food vendor in Bangkok, Thailand

Japan has a slight advantage in terms of food, but you can’t go wrong with food in either country.

History and Culture

Both Thailand and Japan have histories that go back much longer than the modern era. Japan has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years, but the best known historical period is the Edo era from the 17th to 19th centuries, when the shogun ruled the country and a strict feudal class system was imposed on the nation. The most popular figures of Japanese history, the samurai, predate the Edo period, and you’ll find a lot of museums and historical buildings showcasing samurai artifacts and lifestyle. Geisha are also synonymous with Japanese culture and you’ll find geisha houses and people dressed up in geisha garb in the historical districts alongside samurai homes and castles. Along with Japan’s samurai past, the country’s history is also tied to its two main religions, Buddhism, which came from China in 552AD, and Shintoism, the native religion that has become aligned with the royal family and the natural world.

Maiko geisha walking on a street in Gion District, Kyoto, Japan

In the modern era, Japan is known as much for technological innovation as its samurai past. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka are among the most futuristic in the world, and the prevalence of video games and manga culture across the globe has seen Japanese cultural influence only increase as time goes by. If you have any interest in video games or fan culture, a trip to the major cities of Japan will be hugely rewarding. Baseball is also a big part of the culture, and older sports like sumo have retained their importance over the years.

As for Japanese culture, the Japanese are famously reserved and politeness is considered paramount. However, don’t mistake this reservation for rudeness; in fact, the Japanese are among the friendliest and most accommodating people you’ll meet while travelling. If you don’t like being aggressively peddled to while travelling, you’ll also probably appreciate how people respect your privacy here.

Like Japan, Thailand also has the ultramodern sitting right next to the ancient. In Bangkok, you’ll experience remnants of the country’s ancient history alongside the super-modern. The various Buddhist kingdoms that predate the nation state of Thailand go back thousands of years, and although the history of Thailand is less well-known than Japan, it is no less impactful on the region. Key to its history is Buddhism, which remains the main religion and one of the key aspects of the culture. Modern Thai culture is largely founded on respect for the monarchy and strong family ties, as well as the contributions of Thai civilization.

Buddhist Monk at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand is famously known as the Land of Smiles, which gives the impression of the country being an un-endingly happy place. However, Thai are more reserved than they let on, and politeness and social courtesy form a significant backbone of the culture. However, considering that Thailand is significantly poorer than the western countries, you’ll come across more desperate individuals when travelling here. Sales people can be pushy and you may find some of the poverty that sits alongside luxury disquieting. This isn’t to criticize Thai culture, but merely to point out that you will have different experiences here than you would in many western countries.

Food is a big part of Thai life and there’s no better way to bond with locals than over a meal, whether you’re eating from a food vendor in the street or in a fancy restaurant in one of the cities. Soccer is a national obsession, and the local marital art of Muay Thai is also very popular. If you have a love of sport, you’ll find a lot to bond with Thai people over.

It’s impossible to favour one of these cultures over the other. Japan’s history is more famous, and its role in the formation of video games and anime will make it extremely popular with certain kinds of travellers, but others will favour Thailand’s warmth and less-reserved outward culture. Choose according to your interests and how you want to be treated while travelling in a foreign land.

Which one is right for you?

As I’ve demonstrated in this (admittedly long) article, both Japan and Thailand are incredible places to visit. If you can go to both places on one Asia vacation , do it, but if you have to be more realistic, know the appeals of both countries before deciding between the two.

Generally speaking, the two countries break down like this:

If you want to experience all four seasons in a varied landscape, enjoy some of the best food and drink in the world, enjoy ultra-modern accommodations and infrastructure, and delve into video game culture or the medieval past, head to Japan.
If you want to visit a warm country with plenty of beaches, save money on food and accommodations, eat lots of spicy food, and experience a relatively friendly culture that is largely catered to tourists, head to Thailand.

There’s a lot in common between Japan and Thailand (I didn’t even touch on their cultural relations over the centuries), but they offer many cultural and geographic differences when visiting. Just be assured that no matter which of the two countries you decide to visit, you’ll be experiencing one of the essential destinations in Asia.

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Globetrotting Editor - You might say that Aren was destined to become a Globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.

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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

View Alerts and Messages Archive

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.
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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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Thailand Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Thailand.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.

COVID-19 vaccine

There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Thailand.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Thailand. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Thailand.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Thailand take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find country-specific information about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Thailand.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Thailand. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Thailand, rabies treatment is often available.

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Thailand.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

Mosquito bite
Avoid Bug Bites
Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

Sand fly bite
An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
Avoid domestic and wild poultry
Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
Bite from an infected rodent
Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
Avoid rodents and areas where they live
Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Thailand, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Thailand. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone
Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in Thailand—such as dengue, Zika, and filariasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Thailand include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Thailand. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

Use latex condoms correctly.
Do not inject drugs.
Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Thailand’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Thailand. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Thailand may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Thailand, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Thailand, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Thailand .

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Thailand.

Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in Thailand, dial 1669 for an ambulance, 199 for the fire department, and 191 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you on your trip.

Learn as much as you can about Thailand before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Thailand from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Thailand for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Thailand leads push for six-nation visa to attract more tourists

Plan could encourage more business travelers and trade.

Tourists visit Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan in Bangkok in January.

Thailand is steering an initiative for a joint-visa program with countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists last year as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ramps up initiatives to attract more long-haul and high-spending travelers.

The plan is meant to ensure seamless mobility for travelers among the six neighboring countries.

With most leaders positively responding to the single-visa concept, tourism-reliant Thailand aims to generate more revenue per traveler and cushion its economy from headwinds such as sluggish exports and weak global demand that’s hurt its manufacturing industry.

The six Southeast Asian nations reported a combined 70 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, according to official data.

Thailand and Malaysia accounted for more than half of the tally, generating about $48 billion in tourism revenue.

The single-visa is the most-ambitious among Srettha’s lineup of tourism initiatives but targeted for the long-term.

The industry has served the country well, accounting for about 20% of total jobs and making up about 12% to the nation’s $500 billion economy.

Barring the pandemic years, tourism has flourished and provided a cushion against a slump in manufacturing and exports, the traditional bulwarks of the economy.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin poses for photographs with visitors during an event to welcome inbound tourists from China at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on Sept. 23, 2023.

The tourism industry is upbeat, with Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former president of the Thai Hotels Association, saying "a common visa could entice long-haul travelers to make an easier decision.” The visa validity will need to be extended to 90 days from the usual 30-day period to make it attractive, she added.

Srettha’s administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists by 2027. And since taking power about seven months ago, his government has signed a reciprocal visa waiver deal with China — Thailand’s largest market for tourists — and offered temporary visa waivers for travelers from India, Taiwan and Kazakhstan.

It’s also mulling a plan to open casinos inside large entertainment complexes, and event-based tourism will help the country generate more revenue.

If done right, the benefits of visa-free travel won’t be confined to tourism alone as ease of travel would be a boon for business travelers and trade, according to Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality and property consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

But a Schengen-type visa may be an uphill task given ASEAN's poor track record in expediting multilateral policy framework and the group’s standing as a talk shop.

"Country by country seems to be the best way to do it,” Barnett said. "Bilateral agreements, where governments are leading the way for this type of thing, make a lot of sense as they are looking outward and not inward.”

For a joint visa plan, approvals have to be coordinated, and the absence of standard immigration criteria among participating nations, unlike the European Union, can pose challenges, according to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, professor at Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty.

ASEAN, as a grouping is a divided body with a poor immigration record, he said.

With Srettha being a neophyte in politics, he may lack the clout to push through the visa proposal, Thitinan said.

"All the various things he’s been trying to do, I see it as picking low-hanging fruits and picking fruits off the ground,” Thitinan said. "Sometimes fruits on the ground are rotten.”

Tourists visit Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan in Bangkok in January. | Bloomberg

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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 .

Strong Taiwan Quake Kills 9, Injures Hundreds

The earthquake was the most powerful to hit the island in 25 years. Dozens of people remained trapped, and many buildings were damaged, with the worst centered in the city of Hualien.

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Hualien, Taiwan A landslide after the quake. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times
New Taipei City, Taiwan Books flew off shelves as a home shook. @Abalamindo via Storyful
Taipei, Taiwan Passengers waiting at a train station as some services were suspended. Chiang Ying-Ying/Associated Press
Hualien, Taiwan People are rescued from a building that had partially collapsed. TVBS via Associated Press
Hualien, Taiwan Firefighters rescuing trapped residents from a building. CTI News via Reuters
Taipei, Taiwan Students evacuated to a school courtyard after the earthquake. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times
Guishan Island, Taiwan Rocks tumbling down one side of an island popular for hiking. Lavine Lin via Reuters
Hualien, Taiwan A building leaned to one side after the quake. Randy Yang via Associated Press
Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan Watching news on a rooftop of a hotel after a tsunami warning. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times
Hualien, Taiwan Motorbikes damaged in the quake. TVBS via Associated Press
New Taipei City, Taiwan Damage in an apartment Fabian Hamacher/Reuters
New Taipei City, Taiwan Water cascading down a building during the quake. Wang via Reuters

Meaghan Tobin and Victoria Kim

Here’s what you need to know about the earthquake.

Taiwan was rocked Wednesday morning by the island’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century, a magnitude 7.4 tremor that killed at least nine people, injured more than 800 others and trapped dozens of people.

The heaviest damage was in Hualien County on the island’s east coast, a sleepy, scenic area prone to earthquakes. Footage from the aftermath showed a 10-story building there partially collapsed and leaning heavily to one side, from which residents emerged through windows and climbed down ladders, assisted by rescuers. Three hikers were killed after being hit by falling rocks on a hiking trail in Taroko National Park, according to the county government.

By late afternoon, officials said rescue efforts were underway to try to rescue 127 people who were trapped, many of them on hiking trails in Hualien.

One building in Changhua County, on the island’s west coast, collapsed entirely. The quake was felt throughout Taiwan and set off at least nine landslides, sending rocks tumbling onto Suhua Highway in Hualien, according to local media reports. Rail services were halted at one point across the island.

The earthquake, with an epicenter off Taiwan’s east coast, struck during the morning commute, shortly before 8 a.m. Taiwanese authorities said by 3 p.m., more than 100 aftershocks, many of them stronger than magnitude 5, had rumbled through the area.

In the capital, Taipei, buildings shook for over a minute from the initial quake. Taiwan is at the intersection of the Philippine Sea tectonic plate and the Eurasian plate, making it vulnerable to seismic activity. Hualien sits on multiple active faults, and 17 people died in a quake there in 2018.

Here is the latest:

The earthquake hit Taiwan as many people there were preparing to travel for Tomb Sweeping Day, a holiday across the Chinese-speaking world when people mourn the dead and make offerings at their graves. Officials warned the public to stay away from visiting tombs in mountain areas as a precaution, especially because rain was forecast in the coming days.

TSMC, the world’s biggest maker of advanced semiconductors, briefly evacuated workers from its factories but said a few hours later that they were returning to work. Chip production is highly precise, and even short shutdowns can cost millions of dollars.

Christopher Buckley

Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s vice president, who is also its president-elect, visited the city of Hualien this afternoon to assess the destruction and the rescue efforts, a government announcement said. Mr. Lai, who will become president in May, said the most urgent tasks were rescuing trapped residents and providing medical care. Next, Mr. Lai said, public services must be restored, including transportation, water and power. He said Taiwan Railway’s eastern line could be reopened by Thursday night.

Meaghan Tobin

Taiwan’s fire department has updated its figures, reporting that nine people have died and 934 others have been injured in the quake. Fifty-six people in Hualien County remain trapped.

Shake intensity

Taiwan’s fire department reports that nine people have died and 882 others have been injured in Taiwan. In Hualien County, 131 people remain trapped.

Agnes Chang

Footage shows rocks tumbling down one side of Guishan Island, a popular spot for hiking known as Turtle Island, off the northeast coast of Taiwan. Officials said no fishermen or tourists were injured after the landslide.

The death toll has risen to nine, according to Taiwan government statistics.

Meaghan Tobin, Siyi Zhao

Officials in Taiwan warned residents to not visit their relatives' tombs, especially in the mountains, this weekend during the holiday, known as Ching Ming, meant to honor them. There had already been 100 aftershocks and the forecast called for rain, which could make travel conditions on damaged roads more treacherous.

Crews are working to reach people trapped on blocked roads. As of 1 p.m. local time, roads were impassable due to damage and fallen rock in 19 places, according to the Ministry of Transportation. At least 77 people remain trapped. A bridge before Daqingshui Tunnel appeared to have completely collapsed.

Taiwan’s worst rail disaster in decades — a train derailment in 2021 that killed 49 people — took place on the first day of the Tomb Sweeping holiday period that year, in the same region as the earthquake.

The earthquake hit Taiwan as many people here were preparing to travel for Tomb Sweeping Day, or Ching Ming, a day across the Chinese-speaking world when people mourn their dead, especially by making offerings at their graves. Now those plans will be disrupted for many Taiwanese.

The holiday weekend would typically see a spike in travel as people visit family across Taiwan. Currently, both rail transport and highways are blocked in parts of Hualien, said Transport Minister Wang Guo-cai. Work is underway to restore rail transportation in Hualien, and two-way traffic is expected to be restored at noon on Thursday, he said.

Taiwan’s preparedness has evolved in response to past quakes.

Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness has evolved over the past few decades in response to some of the island’s largest and most destructive quakes .

In the years after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan killed nearly 2,500 people in 1999, the authorities established an urban search-and-rescue team and opened several emergency medical operation centers, among other measures .

And in 2018, after a quake in the eastern coastal city of Hualien killed 17 people and caused several buildings to partially collapse, the government ordered a wave of building inspections .

Taiwan has also been improving its early warning system for earthquakes since the 1980s. And two years ago, it rolled out new building codes that, among other things, require owners of vulnerable buildings to install ad-hoc structural reinforcements.

So how well prepared was Taiwan when a 7.4 magnitude quake struck near Hualien on Wednesday morning, killing at least seven people and injuring hundreds more?

Across the island, one building collapsed entirely, 15 others were in a state of partial collapse and another 67 were damaged, the island’s fire department said on Wednesday afternoon . Structural engineers could not immediately be reached for comment to assess that damage, or the extent to which building codes and other regulations might have either contributed to it or prevented worse destruction.

As for search-and-rescue preparedness, Taiwan is generally in very good shape, said Steve Glassey, an expert in disaster response who lives in New Zealand.

“ The skill sets, the capabilities, the equipment, the training is second to none,” said Dr. Glassey, who worked with Taipei’s urban search-and-rescue team during the response to a devastating 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. “They’re a very sharp operation.”

But even the best urban search-and-rescue team will be stretched thin if an earthquake causes multiple buildings to collapse, Dr. Glassey said.

Taiwan has options for requesting international help with search-and-rescue efforts. It could directly ask another country, or countries, to send personnel. And if multiple teams were to get involved, it could ask the United Nations to help coordinate them, as it did after the 1999 earthquake.

Pierre Peron, a spokesman for the United Nations, said on Wednesday afternoon that no such request had yet been made as a result of the latest earthquake.

Meaghan Tobin contributed reporting.

At least seven people have died and 736 have been injured as a result of the earthquake, according to Taiwan’s fire department. Another 77 people remained trapped in Hualien County, many of them on hiking trails. Search and rescue operations are underway, said the fire department.

Aftershocks of magnitudes between 6.5 and 7 were likely to occur over the next three or four days, said Wu Chien-fu, director of the Taiwanese Central Weather Administration’s Seismology Center, at a news conference.

As of 2 p.m., 711 people had been injured across Taiwan, the fire department said, and 77 people in Hualien County remained trapped. The four who were known to have died were in Hualien.

Victoria Kim

Hualien County is a quiet and scenic tourist destination.

Hualien County on Taiwan’s east coast is a scenic, sleepy tourist area tucked away from the island’s urban centers, with a famous gorge and aquamarine waters. It also happens to sit on several active faults , making it prone to earthquakes.

The county has a population of about 300,000, according to the 2020 census, about a third of whom live in the coastal city of Hualien, the county seat. It is one of the most sparsely populated parts of Taiwan. About three hours by train from the capital, Taipei, the city describes itself as the first place on the island that’s touched by the sun.

Hualien County is home to Taroko National Park, one of Taiwan’s most popular scenic areas. Visitors come to explore the Taroko Gorge, a striated marble canyon carved by the Liwu River, which cuts through mountains that rise steeply from the coast. The city of Hualien is a popular destination as a gateway to the national park.

According to the state-owned Central News Agency, three hikers were trapped on a trail near the entrance to the gorge on Wednesday, after the quake sent rocks falling. Two of them were found dead, the news agency said. Administrators said many roads within the park had been cut off by the earthquake, potentially trapping hikers, according to the report.

Earthquakes have rattled Hualien with some regularity. In 2018, 17 people were killed and hundreds of others injured when a magnitude 6.5 quake struck just before midnight, its epicenter a short distance northeast of the city of Hualien.

Many of the victims in that quake were in a 12-story building that was severely tilted, the first four floors of which were largely crushed, according to news reports from the time. The next year, the area was shaken by a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that injured 17 people.

The area has some of the highest concentrations of Taiwan’s aboriginal population, with several of the island’s Indigenous tribes calling the county home .

The county government in Hualien released a list of people that had been hospitalized with injuries, which stood at 118 people as of midday Wednesday.

Across Taiwan, one building fell down entirely, in Changhua County on the west coast, and 15 buildings partially collapsed, Taiwan’s fire department said. Another 67 buildings were damaged. One of the partially collapsed structures was a warehouse in New Taipei City where four people were rescued, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency. Another 12 were rescued at a separate New Taipei City building where the foundation sank into the ground.

Peggy Jiang, who manages The Good Kid, a children’s bookstore down the street from the partially collapsed Uranus Building in Hualien, said it was a good thing they had yet to open when the quake struck. The area is now blocked off by police and rescue vehicles. “Most people in Hualien are used to earthquakes,” she said. “But this one was particularly scary, many people ran in the street immediately afterward.”

Lin Jung, 36, who manages a shop selling sneakers in Hualien, said he had been at home getting ready to take his 16-month-old baby to a medical appointment when the earthquake struck. He said it felt at first like a series of small shocks, then “suddenly it turned to an intense earthquake shaking up and down.” The glass cover of a ceiling lamp fell and shattered. “All I could do was protect my baby.”

Chris Buckley , Paul Mozur , Meaghan Tobin and John Yoon

The earthquake damaged buildings and a highway in Hualien.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday damaged many buildings and a major highway in Hualien, a city on the eastern coast, and it knocked out power as it rocked the island.

Across Taiwan, the quake and its aftershocks caused one building to completely collapse and 15 others to partially collapse, according to Taiwan’s fire department. Sixty-seven other buildings sustained damage.

Two tall buildings in Hualien that sustained particularly extensive damage were at the center of the rescue efforts there. Most damage across the city was not life-threatening, said Huang Hsuan-wan, a reporter for a local news site.

Where buildings were reported damaged in Hualien City

“A lot of roads were blocked off. There are a lot of walls toppled over onto cars,” Derik du Plessis, 44, a South African resident of Hualien, said shortly after the earthquake. He described people rushing around the city to check on their houses and pick up their children. One of his friends lost her house, he said.

One of the damaged buildings in Hualien, a 10-story structure called the Uranus Building that housed a mix of homes and shops, was tilted over and appeared to be on the verge of collapse. Many of its residents managed to flee, but some were missing, said Sunny Wang, a journalist based in the city. Rescuers were trying to reach the basement, concerned that people might be trapped there.

Photographs of the initial damage in Hualien showed another building, a five-story structure, leaning to one side, with crushed motorcycles visible at the ground-floor level. Bricks had fallen off another high-rise, leaving cracks and holes in the walls.

The quake also set off at least nine landslides on Suhua Highway in Hualien, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency, which said part of the road had collapsed.

Taiwan’s fire department said four people had been killed in the earthquake.

Across Taiwan, 40 flights have been canceled or delayed because of the earthquake, according to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Center.

President Tsai Ing-wen visited Taiwan’s national emergency response center this morning, where she was briefed about the response efforts underway by members of the ministries of defense, transportation, economic affairs and agriculture, as well as the fire department.

A look at Taiwan’s strongest earthquakes.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit Taiwan on Wednesday morning was the strongest in 25 years, the island’s Central Weather Administration said.

At least four people died after the quake struck off Taiwan’s east coast, officials said.

Here’s a look back at some of the major earthquakes in modern Taiwanese history:

Taichung, 1935

Taiwan’s deadliest quake registered a magnitude of 7.1 and struck near the island’s west coast in April 1935, killing more than 3,200 people, according to the Central Weather Administration. More than 12,000 others were injured and more than 50,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

Tainan, 1941

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake in December 1941, which struck southwestern Taiwan, caused several hundred deaths, the United States Geological Survey said.

Chi-Chi, 1999

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan killed nearly 2,500 people in September 1999. The quake, which struck about 90 miles south-southwest of Taipei, was the second-deadliest in the island’s history, according to the U.S.G.S. and the Central Weather Administration. More than 10,000 people were injured and more than 100,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

Yujing, 2016

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake in February 2016 caused a 17-story apartment complex in southwestern Taiwan to collapse, killing at least 114 people . The U.S.G.S. later said that 90 earthquakes of that scale or greater had occurred within 250 kilometers, or 155 miles, of that quake’s location over the previous 100 years.

Japan tackles overtourism with restrictions for some iconic sites

Mar 27, 2024 • 5 min read

From restricted capacity to increased tourist taxes, options are being considered to counter overtourism in Japan © Jon Hicks / Getty Images

Japan is set to limit visitors at some popular attractions so that sites don't suffer from overtourism. Here's what you need to know.

Japan’s enduring popularity for overseas visitors is bringing consequences as the country seeks to balance the benefits of tourism and the impact on the areas visited, particularly at iconic destinations .

Recently, tourists have been banned from certain private streets in Kyoto ’s famous historic Gion district , traditionally home to the teahouses where geisha (geiko) and maiko (apprentice geiko ) performers work, largely due to antisocial behaviour. Unruly tourists have even been blamed for harassing geisha, with the Japan Times reporting that one had her kimono torn and another had a cigarette butt put in her collar.

A group of four women with white-painted faces and colorful kimono

What new policies are being considered?

New fees and restrictions have already been introduced on climbing specific trails up Mt Fuji , in order to combat overcrowding, reduce the environmental impact — including cleaning up all the trash that results from so many people on the mountain — and improve safety for everyone doing the climb.

Kyoto is considering special tourist express bus routes, that will whisk visitors to the city’s most iconic sites in order to reduce overcrowding and improve efficiency on regular local buses, as well as to make what can be a complicated system easier for travelers.

Higher pricing for tourists is also being considered, having largely been absent in Japan, where many of the most famous cultural attractions are surprisingly inexpensive to enter. For example, Kyoto's famous golden temple Kinkaku-ji costs ¥400 for adults, which is about US$2.50. Changing this would be controversial, and it seems more likely that there would be increases in tourist taxes in order to fund services for visitors.

What are tourist taxes used for?

Local tourist taxes, usually collected as an extra on top of payment for your hotel, are common across many parts of the world, although these are relatively low in Japan compared with, say, destinations in the US like Honolulu and San Francisco.

These aim to fund some of the local costs associated with visitors: Kyoto’s is on a sliding scale based on the price of your hotel room, from ¥200–1000 a night (about US$1–7). The city of Hatsukaichi, home to the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima-jinja , often known as Miyajima and famous for its torii gate standing in the water off the island, recently implemented a ¥100 (about US$0.60) fee to fund the preservation and management of the site.

Japan already has a ¥1000 (about US$7) tourist departure tax that you may have never noticed as part of your plane fare.

A group of hikers head up a steep series of steps with a torii gate ahead of them

How is Japan likely to manage the problems of overtourism?

It seems unlikely that Japan will curtail its overall number of visitors because of overtourism. More likely, we’ll see more examples of capacity restrictions in specific places, like on Mt Fuji, where a certain number of people per day are allowed in.

This already happens in some cases in Japan: the famous Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and the new Ghibli Park in Nagoya both have a ticket maximum to maintain the quality of experience and to avoid overcrowding — the price for the former is just ¥1000 or about US$6.50, so it really is about capacity.

Some trains — specifically the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen between points west of Tokyo — are not included as part of the Japan Rail Pass , even though the slightly slower trains like the Hikari are. There’s only a few minutes' difference in terms of travel time, but at peak times there can be a half-dozen of the faster trains for every one of the slower ones. This is done for a variety of reasons, including that the clockwork-like efficiency of the shinkansen’s busiest section leaves only the briefest times for passengers to get on and off the train, and confused tourists (often carting large luggage with them) have been known to disrupt operations. Overseas visitors are therefore concentrated into the slightly slower Hikari and much slower Kodama services instead.

A more recent change is the 2020 introduction of the “Baggage 160” system , where travelers must reserve a space for larger pieces of luggage (over 160cm/63in in combined height, width and depth) on more popular bullet train lines or pay a carry-on fee. The change largely stemmed from the complications of visitors bringing large pieces of luggage onto trains that were not designed with large luggage storage. Japanese travelers tend not to bring large suitcases with them on trains, instead shipping them ahead to their destination via the excellent and inexpensive set of luggage delivery services like Yamato Transport , known as kuroneko (black cat) after its ubiquitous logo of a black cat carrying a kitten in its mouth.

Groups of tourists gather on the balconies of a large wooden temple surrounded by autumn foliage

How will this impact on group tours?

Keep an eye out for capacity management caps or even outright bans to potentially affect group tours first. These can be very unpopular with local people, and indeed with other visitors.

A tour bus full of visitors descending all at once can change the character of a place instantly, and that’s certainly the case in a lot of the most famous Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkaju-ji, Ryōan-ji or Kiyomizu-dera . These groups often have a reputation for behaving disrespectfully, like talking loudly in places where quiet is expected, not following rules, and getting in the way of local people and more respectful travelers.

You’re unlikely to be affected as an independent traveler, and a smart tactic is to visit at times when these groups are either still making their way from their hotels, have been packed off for lunch, or are heading back at the end of the day — and to plan to explore the less-traveled corners of this fascinating country.

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Japan extends entry ban to seven countries, including Thailand
Kyodo. May 20, 2021. The Japanese government said it will bar the entry of foreign nationals who have recently traveled to Thailand and six other countries in an effort to curb the spread of the ...
How to Plan a Trip to Japan and Thailand
Most travelers can stay in Japan without a visa for 90 days and in Thailand for 30 days. The Japanese government has required all travelers to complete the entry express clearance by filling out the information on the online Visit Japan Web (VJW). It may take you one hour or more to complete the procedure.
For Travelers
Last updated: Wednesday, May 31st, 2023. Get ready for your dream trip to Japan! Japan is now open to travelers from all countries or regions! Those who enter Japan on or after April 29th 2023 are not be required to present a valid vaccination certificate or a Covid-19 negative test certificate.
Travel to Thailand from Japan
For inquiries about visa applications, you can contact 03-5789-2433 or reach them by sending them an email through [email protected]. Vaccination status and entering Thailand. From July 1, 2022, a Thailand Pass application is no longer required. Citizens from Japan will be able to enter the country one of two ways.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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)
Can I Travel to Japan From Thailand?
Conclusion. Yes, you can travel to Japan from Thailand! There are several ways you can go about making the journey. The most popular option is to take a direct flight from Bangkok or Phuket International Airport to Tokyo's Narita International Airport, which takes approximately eight hours.
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Thai citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Japan in 2024. Thai passport holders can stay in Japan for a short period of time (for 15 days). Please, read all the information below to make your trip easy and safe. Don't rely on information from only one source. Please, with at least one more source listed in the link.
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Announcement Updates on Period of Stay in Thailand for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) 03/10/2022 Announcement updated visa fee for Tourist Visa, Transit Visa and Non-immigrant Visa (Single entry) starting from 1 October 2022
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The cheapest way to get from Thailand to Japan costs only ¥28577, and the quickest way takes just 7 hours. Find the travel option that best suits you. ... Travel Insider: Top Japan travel tips by Beatrix Holland. Top travel tips for planning a holiday to Japan. Read the travel guide.
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Travel Costs and Currencies in Thailand vs. Japan. Thailand is more affordable and Japan is relatively expensive. However, regional passes and budget options are available. A week in Japan might cost you roughly $900, while a week in Thailand might set you back about $800 (per person). Image source: iStock.
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**Effective January 8, 2022 - Temporary Measures are applied to those entering Japan from China. All travelers and returnees who have stayed in China (except Hong Kong and Macau) within 7 days prior to the entry and all travelers entering Japan via direct flight from China (except Hong Kong and Macau) will be required to obtain a pre-departure test certificate and submit to on-arrival testing ...
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If you need after-hours assistance in an emergency, please call 03-3224-5000 and ask to speak with the Embassy's duty officer. Emergency Contact Information for U.S. citizens. Emergency Preparedness for U.S. citizens in Japan. Sources of Help, including counseling services. Medical Assistance in Japan.
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The cheapest way to get from Japan to Thailand costs only ฿6642, and the quickest way takes just 8¼ hours. Find the travel option that best suits you. ... Travel Insider: Top Japan travel tips by Beatrix Holland. Top travel tips for planning a holiday to Japan. Read the travel guide.
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Thailand entry details and exceptions. Effective January 9 to January 31, 2023 - Travelers (aged 18 years old and above) arriving in Thailand must have proof of vaccination; or proof of recovery from COVID in the last 6 months; or you may also provide a vaccine-exemption letter from a doctor stating you cannot receive a COVID vaccine due to ...
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When applying for Thai Single-Entry Tourist Visa from Japan you will need: Passport valid for at least 6 months from the day of your arrival. Duly filled-in and signed Thai Visa Application Form. One passport size (3.5 x 4.5 cm) photo taken within 3 months. Personal history form completely filled in and signed by the applicant.
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Tie. Both countries have a wide range of hotel accommodations available. Hostels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, pod hotels and everything in between. Obviously from a cost perspective, hotels and other accommodations in Thailand will always be cheaper than accommodations in Japan. Barring that difference, the places that we stayed at in both ...
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How to Buy Travel Insurance from Japan. If you are a Japanese traveler coming to Thailand, you can organize your Covid insurance online. The policies are well priced and applying is fast and simple. Go to the AXA Sawasdee Thailandwebsite and apply. Pick between the 2 packages: AXA Insurance Package 1or Package 2.
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For Thailand, the best time to visit on a trip to Asia is March through May, when you can avoid the heavy rainfall of the wet season, but still enjoy the warmth, without the high temperatures of summer. In Japan, the best times to visit are spring and fall because of the foliage. Temperatures are comfortable and there's not too much rainfall.
Japan International Travel Information
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.
Thailand
To call for emergency services while in Thailand, dial 1669 for an ambulance, 199 for the fire department, and 191 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you on your trip. Learn as much as you can about Thailand before you travel there.
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