Japan is a country of contrast, with ultra-modern cities like Tokyo and Osaka standing side by side with ancient temples and areas of pristine natural beauty. There's little doubt as to why Japan is such a popular tourist destination, welcoming more than 30 million holidaymakers each year.
If you're ready to take a walk through the cherry blossoms, we'll take you through what you need to know about travelling safely in Japan.
We'll also provide everything you should know about getting travel insurance for your Japanese adventure.
Healthcare isn't free in Japan, and you won't be able to use your GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) there.
The quality of healthcare in Japan is very high, which is why it can be expensive. You'll also need to pay for any medicines you need, so getting travel insurance can be a good way to save on unwanted expenses.
Some common medicines are also banned in Japan.
Even with a valid prescription, you might not be able to bring these medicines into the country.
According to the UK Government, medicines currently banned in Japan include:
If you need medical care while in Japan, your insurance can cover the costs of treatment.
If your flights or other connecting travel gets cancelled, you may be able to claim compensation.
Most insurance providers will cover you for lost or stolen baggage. You might need to buy gadget cover for more expensive electronic items though.
This can cover the cost of travelling home in an emergency. The long flight time to Japan can mean that flights are incredibly costly if you're not covered.
This could be because of strikes or adverse weather that causes disruption to your travel plans.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) give travel advice on different countries. If you travel against FCDO advice, you won't be covered while you're away.
If you're injured or something happens involving drugs or alcohol, your insurer won't cover you.
If there's a typhoon already happening in Japan and you still decide to travel, you won't be covered for any claims relating to that 'known event'.
Standard policies won't typically cover high risk activies. You'll need adventure travel insurance to cover you here.
Changing your mind isn't normally covered by insurance providers.
This depends on how often you travel, and how long you'll be staying. Here're some options to consider:
Japan travel insurance costs:
Solo traveller1
£10.54
Couple2
£14.67
Family3
£38.44
Travel insurance for Japan could set you back as little as £10.54, though there are many factors that affect what you pay.
Health conditions you have, the length of time you're travelling for and extras you add on to your policy like gadget cover or ski insurance can all affect the price.
To find out exactly what you could pay, get a quote now. We'll show you our best prices we can find for you from some of the UK's top travel insurers in just a few short clicks.
1Lowest price for a single traveller, 30 years old, with no health conditions visiting Japan for 7 nights. Prices correct as of October 2024.
2Lowest price for a couple, both 30 years old, with no health conditions visiting Japan for 7 nights.
3Lowest price for a family of 2 adults, both aged 30, and 2 children, both aged 5, with no medical conditions visiting Japan for 7 nights.
Japan is a hotspot for adventure tourism, with intrepid travellers able to get their fill of fun from everything from climbing Mt. Fuji to kayaking through the mangroves in Yambaru National Park.
While many policies won't cover you for risky activities like these, an adventure travel insurance add-on might.
Your policy could cover things like:
The most popular times to visit Japan are between the months of March and May, or September through to November. The weather tends to be good during these times. In the peak summer months, it can be very hot and humid. Tokyo can also be rainy in the summer.
April to May is also when the Cherry Blossom Festival, known as the Sakura Blossom festival, takes place. This celebrates the blossoming of the Sakura trees throughout Japan. The exact dates change each year, as the trees blossom at different times year-to-year.
There are some periods that tourists may wish to avoid, though:
Some of the most popular tourist destinations to visit in Japan are:
Second largest city after Tokyo, famous for its nightlife, street food and fun-loving locals. Osaka castle is also worth visiting.
A city full of temples, and hundreds of wild deer who roam in Nara Park and bow to you.
This is the site of first atomic bomb strike. Hiroshima now has a large memorial known as Peace Park.
Japan's highest peak. You can visit from July to early September, with many hikers opting to stay in the halfway hut overnight. If you do decide to visit, booking this is generally advised.
Japan’s former capital, steeped in history and renowned for it’s traditional architecture. Kyoto is also the hotspot of the cherry blossom festival.
Japan’s current capital and the most populous city on earth. You can visit a wide variety of art galleries and museums, there are also countless restaurants and bars to sample.
Public transport is reliable and well priced in Japan.
The train network is renowned for its punctuality, with the Shinkansen (aka, the bullet train) being a particularly quick and comfortable way to zip around the country.
Buses are likewise good, with English signage usually present to help you navigate each route.
Taxis are also a good option. Keep an eye on their rooftop signs. Red means that taxi is booked. Green means it’s free.
To drive in Japan, you'll need an International Driving Permit.
These are usually valid for 12 months. You'll need to apply for them in person at the Post Office. If you’re staying longer than 12 months, you'll need a Japanese driving licence.
Like in the UK, Japanese cars drive on the left side of the road. Japan’s road rules are also similar to our own in the UK.
If you’re renting a car, you might need car hire excess insurance. Check with the rental firm to confirm this though.
If you're a UK citizen, you'll need a visa to enter Japan. But getting one is usually quick and easy. For shorter trips, you can pick one up at the airport. This will allow you to stay in Japan for up to 90 days. You won't need to apply for this before travelling.
For stays longer than this, you’ll need to apply before you fly. To do this, you'll need to contact the Japanese embassy. Unlike many other countries, you do not need any set length of time left on your passport to obtain a Japanese visa, but it must remain valid until the end of your stay.
You’ll also need to make sure you have a blank page free in your passport for the visa stamp.
You’ll need to declare any pre-existing conditions to your insurer, otherwise any treatment you need for it may not be covered and you’ll have to foot the bill yourself.
You should be able to travel insurance for pre-existing conditions. You’ll only be covered for emergency treatment though. Any planned treatment will not be covered.
We’re all itching to get away. But before you travel, check the restrictions for the country you’re travelling to.
What you need to consider when you're taking out your travel insurance.
Travel insurance with medical conditions is designed to make sure those with a pre-existing condition have the cover they need when on holiday.
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