Best time to visit Japan from the UK: weather by month, seasons and what to know

A. FruchardCo-founder & CEOLast updated: 15 November 2026
The answer

When is the best time to visit Japan from the UK?

Spring (cherry blossom, between March and May) and autumn (leaves, between late September and early December) are the seasons Japan's tourist board describes as good for exploring outdoors. Summer is hot and humid, with typhoons possible in August and September, and winter is cold, with snow in the north and the mountains.

We read Japan's weather averages at the Japan Meteorological Agency, the seasons and festivals at the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and the hazards, laws and entry rules in GOV.UK's foreign travel advice for Japan, all on 8 November 2026. GOV.UK shows that its Japan advice was last updated on 28 August 2026 and was still current on 8 November 2026. The JNTO pages show no update date, so confirm festival dates and transport details before you book.

How we work

Every guide on hellosafe.co.uk is written from official sources: GOV.UK and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the embassies and immigration services of each destination. Each fact is checked on the date shown under its table, and the page is updated when a rule changes. No airline, tour operator or visa service pays for a place in our guides.

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Weather by month

What is the weather like in Japan month by month?

Japan runs from Hokkaido in the north to subtropical Okinawa, and JNTO says the weather varies greatly from region to region. The table gives the Japan Meteorological Agency's averages for 1991 to 2020 in four places: Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo on Hokkaido and Naha on Okinawa. Each cell shows the average daily high and low in degrees Celsius, then the rainfall for the month in millimetres.

  • January
    Tokyo
    9.8 / 1.2°C, 59.7 mm
    Kyoto
    9.1 / 1.5°C, 53.3 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    -0.4 / -6.4°C, 108.4 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    19.8 / 14.9°C, 101.6 mm
  • February
    Tokyo
    10.9 / 2.1°C, 56.5 mm
    Kyoto
    10.0 / 1.6°C, 65.1 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    0.4 / -6.2°C, 91.9 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    20.2 / 15.1°C, 114.5 mm
  • March
    Tokyo
    14.2 / 5.0°C, 116.0 mm
    Kyoto
    14.1 / 4.3°C, 106.2 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    4.5 / -2.4°C, 77.6 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    21.9 / 16.7°C, 142.8 mm
  • April
    Tokyo
    19.4 / 9.8°C, 133.7 mm
    Kyoto
    20.1 / 9.2°C, 117.0 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    11.7 / 3.4°C, 54.6 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    24.3 / 19.1°C, 161.0 mm
  • May
    Tokyo
    23.6 / 14.6°C, 139.7 mm
    Kyoto
    25.1 / 14.5°C, 151.4 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    17.9 / 9.0°C, 55.5 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    27.0 / 22.1°C, 245.3 mm
  • June
    Tokyo
    26.1 / 18.5°C, 167.8 mm
    Kyoto
    28.1 / 19.2°C, 199.7 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    21.8 / 13.4°C, 60.4 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    29.8 / 25.2°C, 284.4 mm
  • July
    Tokyo
    29.9 / 22.4°C, 156.2 mm
    Kyoto
    32.0 / 23.6°C, 223.6 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    25.4 / 17.9°C, 90.7 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    31.9 / 27.0°C, 188.1 mm
  • August
    Tokyo
    31.3 / 23.5°C, 154.7 mm
    Kyoto
    33.7 / 24.7°C, 153.8 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    26.4 / 19.1°C, 126.8 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    31.8 / 26.8°C, 240.0 mm
  • September
    Tokyo
    27.5 / 20.3°C, 224.9 mm
    Kyoto
    29.2 / 20.7°C, 178.5 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    22.8 / 14.8°C, 142.2 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    30.6 / 25.8°C, 275.2 mm
  • October
    Tokyo
    22.0 / 14.8°C, 234.8 mm
    Kyoto
    23.4 / 14.4°C, 143.2 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    16.4 / 8.0°C, 109.9 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    28.1 / 23.5°C, 179.2 mm
  • November
    Tokyo
    16.7 / 8.8°C, 96.3 mm
    Kyoto
    17.3 / 8.4°C, 73.9 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    8.7 / 1.6°C, 113.8 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    25.0 / 20.4°C, 119.1 mm
  • December
    Tokyo
    12.0 / 3.8°C, 57.9 mm
    Kyoto
    11.6 / 3.5°C, 57.3 mm
    Sapporo (Hokkaido)
    2.0 / -4.0°C, 114.5 mm
    Naha (Okinawa)
    21.5 / 16.8°C, 110.0 mm
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency, climate normals (monthly values, 1991 to 2020) for Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo and Naha; the agency's tables are in Japanese and carry no update date. Daily high and low are the averages of each day's highest and lowest temperature in the month. Checked on 8 November 2026.

In Tokyo, October and September are the wettest months, with 234.8 mm and 224.9 mm, and August is the hottest, with an average daily high of 31.3°C. In Kyoto, July is the wettest month at 223.6 mm. Sapporo's average daily high stays below freezing in January, at -0.4°C, and Naha's average daily low is 14.9°C even in January, its coolest month.

The agency's overview of Japan's climate says early summer is the rainy season, known as the Baiu, which begins in early May in Okinawa, and that rainfall is large in September because of the autumn rain front and tropical cyclones. It adds that in October anticyclones bring sunny conditions. You can open the agency's own tables for Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo and Naha.

Seasons

Which season is best for visiting Japan?

There is no single best month: each season has a draw and a catch, and the catch is often a crowd, the heat or a typhoon. The table sets out what JNTO says about each season, with the points GOV.UK and the Meteorological Agency add.

  • Spring
    March to May
    What the sources say
    Cherry blossom starts in the south and moves north, blooming between March and May depending on the location. JNTO calls the weather cool and breezy with generally sunny skies, and says most of Japan rests at a pleasant 12 degrees Celsius.
    What to watch
    Golden Week begins at the end of April, when most of the country goes on holiday; blossom brings pollen and hay fever; temperatures may suddenly drop; the rainy season begins in May to June.
  • Summer
    June to August
    What the sources say
    Stiflingly hot and intensely humid, with beaches, firework displays and street festivals. The Mt Fuji climbing season runs from early July to around the first week of September.
    What to watch
    Obon rituals in mid-August, when many Japanese return home; JNTO says August and September may bring typhoons; GOV.UK says temperatures often exceed 35 degrees in July and August and heat stroke is a significant risk.
  • Autumn
    September to November
    What the sources say
    Leaves turn between late September and early December, starting in Hokkaido and moving south; JNTO's autumn guide puts the vivid reds, oranges and yellows from mid-November to early December. Most of Honshu and Kyushu are a pleasant temperature in October and November.
    What to watch
    Many Japanese have holidays in late September; Hokkaido is cold enough to need a winter jacket for most of the season; evenings are cooler.
  • Winter
    December to February
    What the sources say
    The ski season begins and the north is covered with powder snow; the weather varies from region to region, with many sunny days.
    What to watch
    A warm winter jacket is a necessity wherever you go; most restaurants and attractions shut down over the New Year holidays; heavy snow falls on the Sea of Japan side and temperatures as low as -20°C are frequent in inland Hokkaido.
Sources: JNTO, Weather and geography, and the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter in Japan guides; Japan Meteorological Agency, Overview of Japan's climate; GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Japan, safety and security (updated 28 August 2026). The JNTO pages show no update date. Checked on 8 November 2026.
What to see

What can you see in Japan, and when?

If a particular sight is driving your choice of month, start here. JNTO's seasonal guides name these as the main reasons to go in each season, with the places it suggests. Blossom and leaf dates differ by place, so read the spring and autumn guides for the detail and check the local forecast nearer the time.

  • Cherry blossom
    When JNTO puts it
    From late March at the southern tip of Kyushu, moving north through Honshu and Hokkaido into April
    Places JNTO names
    Nishi Park in Fukuoka; Kyoto and Nara; Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Ueno Park in Tokyo
  • Autumn leaves
    When JNTO puts it
    Mid-November to early December, when the trees turn
    Places JNTO names
    Rikugien Garden in Tokyo; Lake Kawaguchiko at the base of Mt Fuji; Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto
  • Skiing and snowboarding
    When JNTO puts it
    Winter; many Hokkaido resorts stay open well past March
    Places JNTO names
    Hakuba in Nagano; Niseko, Furano and Rusutsu in Hokkaido
  • Climbing Mt Fuji
    When JNTO puts it
    Early July to around the first week of September; reserve accommodation well in advance
    Places JNTO names
    Mt Fuji
  • Hot springs
    When JNTO puts it
    JNTO places them in its winter guide
    Places JNTO names
    Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata; Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma; Kurokawa Onsen in Kyushu
  • Snorkelling and diving
    When JNTO puts it
    Summer, in JNTO's summer guide
    Places JNTO names
    Okinawa and its nearby islands
Sources: JNTO, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter in Japan guides. The pages show no update date and say the information may be subject to change. Checked on 8 November 2026.

Festival dates are the ones to pin down. JNTO gives these in its summer, autumn and winter guides, and you should confirm each with the organisers before you plan around it.

  • Hatsumode, first temple or shrine visit of the year
    When JNTO gives
    1 January
    Where
    Meiji-jingu in Tokyo; Heian-jingu and Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto; Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka
  • Sapporo Snow Festival
    When JNTO gives
    First week of February
    Where
    Odori Park, Susukino and Tsudome in Sapporo
  • Nagaoka Matsuri fireworks
    When JNTO gives
    First week of August; some 20,000 fireworks in a typical year
    Where
    Niigata Prefecture
  • Aomori Nebuta Festival
    When JNTO gives
    2 to 7 August
    Where
    Aomori
  • Yamagata Hanagasa Festival
    When JNTO gives
    5 to 7 August
    Where
    Yamagata
  • Sendai Tanabata Festival
    When JNTO gives
    6 to 8 August
    Where
    Sendai
  • Nagasaki Kunchi
    When JNTO gives
    Beginning of October
    Where
    Nagasaki
  • Jidai Matsuri
    When JNTO gives
    Later in October
    Where
    Kyoto
  • Saga International Balloon Fiesta
    When JNTO gives
    Beginning of November
    Where
    Saga, Kyushu
  • Kobe Marathon
    When JNTO gives
    Mid-November
    Where
    Kobe
Sources: JNTO, Winter, Summer and Autumn in Japan guides. The pages show no update date and say the information may be subject to change. Checked on 8 November 2026.
Weather risks

What natural hazards should you plan for in Japan?

GOV.UK's safety and security page for Japan gives the natural hazards in one place, and it is the first thing to read after you have picked your dates. Its latest update, on 28 August 2026, added the flooding and heavy rain entry.

  • Typhoons
    What GOV.UK says
    The tropical cyclone (typhoon) season is between June and December, peaking between July and September, and the highest risk is in southern parts of the country. Follow the local authorities and emergency services, including any evacuation orders.
  • Heat
    What GOV.UK says
    Summers are extremely hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 35 degrees in July and August; heat stroke and heat-related illnesses pose a significant risk.
  • Heavy rain and flooding
    What GOV.UK says
    Periods of heavy rainfall are common, particularly in the rainy season and typhoon season, and can cause flooding, landslides and significant disruption to transport. Conditions can worsen rapidly, especially in low-lying, coastal and mountainous areas.
  • Earthquakes and tsunamis
    What GOV.UK says
    Japan is in a major earthquake zone. Take note of the instructions in hotel rooms and at train stations and follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Volcanoes
    What GOV.UK says
    There are several active volcanoes in Japan. Monitor local media reports, follow local authorities and check the volcano warnings of the Japan Meteorological Agency.
  • Bears
    What GOV.UK says
    Sightings and attacks have increased in parts of Japan, especially in mountainous and forested areas, including near populated zones. Avoid walking alone in areas where bears have been sighted.
Sources: GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Japan, safety and security (updated 28 August 2026, still current on 8 November 2026). Checked on 8 November 2026.

For help in an emergency, JNTO's Japan Visitor Hotline runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in English, Chinese and Korean, and takes calls about accidents, illness and natural disasters on +81-50-3816-2787 from overseas. JNTO lists 110 for the police and 119 for fire and ambulance, and GOV.UK's health page says to dial 119 and ask for an ambulance.

Laws and safety

What should British visitors know about crime, the law and local customs?

GOV.UK says most Japanese people are welcoming and friendly, and its advice on crime is the same as at home. What differs is the law, and the nightlife areas. Medicines are covered in our Japan visa guide, which sets out the embassy's rules on quantities; GOV.UK adds a list of common products that are banned outright.

  • Crime and nightlife
    What the sources say
    Tokyo's entertainment districts carry a higher risk of crime, particularly at night in and around clubs and bars. Drink spiking and credit card fraud reports have increased, and the police name Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya and Ikebukuro in Tokyo as high-risk zones. GOV.UK says not to follow street touts into bars.
  • Bar bills
    What the sources say
    British nationals have been arrested after disputes over excessive bar bills. See a menu with prices before you enter and confirm the price of admission to clubs.
  • Carrying ID
    What the sources say
    You must always carry your passport or Japanese residence card. JNTO also says to carry your passport at all times.
  • Arrest
    What the sources say
    Japanese and UK law are very different: you can be arrested and detained without charge for up to 23 days, even for minor offences such as theft or trespassing.
  • Drugs
    What the sources say
    There is zero tolerance of drug crime. If the police find an illegal substance in your bloodstream you may be charged, whether or not you were aware of taking it. JNTO says cannabis is treated like other drugs, even if prescribed in your own country.
  • Medicines
    What the sources say
    Some common medicines are illegal under Japan's law on anti-stimulant drugs: Vicks inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems, cold and flu medication containing pseudoephedrine and some over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine.
  • Smoking
    What the sources say
    Smoking is illegal on the streets of Tokyo and some other cities: smoke only in designated areas.
  • Drinking in public
    What the sources say
    Not generally illegal, but there are bans in specific areas on certain days, for example New Year's Eve.
  • Tattoos
    What the sources say
    Some public facilities do not admit people with tattoos, for example public swimming pools, hot springs, beaches and some gyms. Other places ask you to cover them.
  • Behaviour
    What the sources say
    Loud, boisterous behaviour may receive negative attention, and showing affection in public is less common than in the UK.
Sources: GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Japan, safety and security and health (updated 28 August 2026); JNTO, Local laws. The JNTO page shows no update date. Checked on 8 November 2026.
Getting around

How do you get around Japan?

JNTO's transportation pages cover each way of travelling. The table picks out what matters most to a first-time visitor.

  • Japan Railways (JR)
    What JNTO says
    JR is the leading railway company. Tickets for short distances come from ticket machines or a prepaid IC card; long-distance tickets and reservations are handled at ticket offices at major stations. Most, if not all, trains stop operating late at night or around midnight.
  • Shinkansen (bullet train)
    What JNTO says
    The Tokaido Shinkansen links Tokyo with Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka. Nozomi trains on the Tokaido-Sanyo lines are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass unless the holder buys an additional ticket each time. Oversized baggage (more than 160cm overall) on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu lines needs a reserved seat with luggage space; only the regular reserved-seat fare applies.
  • Subway
    What JNTO says
    Most major cities have a subway. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on it, but Suica and a number of other local IC cards can be used. If you are unsure of the fare, buy the cheapest ticket and adjust it at the fare adjustment machines at the gates.
  • Local buses
    What JNTO says
    In cities a flat fare is usually charged and many buses take IC cards such as Suica; you usually board at the front. Outside the main cities some buses charge by distance, and IC cards may not work.
  • Highway buses
    What JNTO says
    Generally less expensive than flying or rail and run day and night. For long-distance buses you need to buy a ticket before boarding.
  • Taxis
    What JNTO says
    Fares run on the meter, with a late-night surcharge between 22:00 and 05:00. Credit cards can generally be used in major city taxis, but cash might be your only option in the countryside. Drivers do not expect or accept tips.
  • Luggage
    What JNTO says
    "Hands-Free Travel" counters at Narita, Haneda and Kansai International airports can send luggage to your hotel, and most major hotels can arrange delivery between hotels. Coin lockers are available at most stations.
Sources: JNTO, Japan Railways (JR), Shinkansen, Subway, Buses, Taxis and Luggage and storage pages. None shows an update date. JNTO advises checking the railway companies' own sites for current timetables and fares. Checked on 8 November 2026.

To reach Japan, JNTO's page on getting there names airports in Tokyo and Osaka among several that handle international flights.

  • Narita
    What JNTO says
    Sits an hour-long express train ride from Tokyo, in the neighbouring prefecture of Chiba, and is known as the gateway to Japan.
  • Haneda
    What JNTO says
    Tokyo's city airport: visitors can be in Tokyo within half an hour of leaving the terminal.
  • Kansai International (Osaka)
    What JNTO says
    Serves western Japan, including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Wakayama. It is around 50 minutes from Shin-Osaka and 75 minutes from Kyoto Station.
Sources: JNTO, Getting to Japan. The page shows no update date. Checked on 8 November 2026.

If you plan to drive, GOV.UK says roads are well maintained and driving is on the left. You need the 1949 version of the international driving permit with your UK driving licence, and an IDP cannot be bought outside the UK, so get one before you travel; our guide to the international driving permit explains how. The legal limit of alcohol in your system is about a third of the UK limit, and the passenger can also face arrest if the police suspect they knew about the driver's drinking.

Entry rules

What does a British passport holder need to enter Japan?

GOV.UK says that on a full British citizen passport you can get a visa on arrival in Japan for tourism or business for up to 90 days, with no need to apply before you travel. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay, with no additional period required, and you need a blank page for the stamp. Our Japan visa guide for British passport holders covers the stay, extensions and visas for longer trips, and our Visit Japan Web guide explains the online registration.

At the airport, Japan Customs says all passengers entering Japan must declare their belongings, and that you choose the green channel if you have nothing to declare or the red channel for everything else. It recommends declaring electronically through Visit Japan Web, and its declaration page says the paper form can still be used. JNTO says registration on Visit Japan Web is not required, but that registering in advance makes procedures such as tax-free shopping more convenient. The customs allowances for an adult are in the table.

  • Alcoholic drinks
    Duty-free allowance for an adult
    3 bottles, a bottle being approximately 760cc
  • Cigarettes
    Duty-free allowance for an adult
    200 cigarettes
  • Cigars
    Duty-free allowance for an adult
    50 cigars
  • Other tobacco
    Duty-free allowance for an adult
    250 grams; with more than one kind of tobacco product, the total allowance is equivalent to 250 grams
  • Perfume
    Duty-free allowance for an adult
    2 ounces, one ounce being about 28ml
  • Meat products, including sausages, bacon and ham
    Duty-free allowance for an adult
    Illegal to bring in without permission from the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service, with a heavy fine and a prison sentence as penalties (GOV.UK)
Sources: Japan Customs, Procedures of passenger clearance, duty-free and tax-free allowance; GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Japan, entry requirements (updated 28 August 2026). The Japan Customs page shows no update date. Checked on 8 November 2026.
Practicalities

What else should you know before you go to Japan?

A few everyday points catch first-time visitors out. JNTO's guide to manners and etiquette and GOV.UK's health and safety advice cover them.

  • Tipping
    What the sources say
    Taxi drivers do not expect or accept tips, and at western-style hotels there is no need to tip.
  • Shoes
    What the sources say
    You take off your shoes at the entrance area inside the doorway and put on the indoor slippers provided. Take the slippers off on tatami mats, and change into the separate pair provided in the toilet.
  • Baths and hot springs
    What the sources say
    Most facilities have separate baths for men and women, and you remove all clothing and wash with soap before you enter. Tattoos are generally not permitted in hot springs, public bathhouses, pools or gyms, with exceptions by establishment.
  • Trains and buses
    What the sources say
    Speaking on your phone at any volume is generally frowned upon, so keep it on silent. Line up to the side to let passengers disembark before you board, and give priority seats to older, pregnant or disabled riders.
  • Vaccines and health risks
    What the sources say
    GOV.UK says to check the latest vaccine recommendations at least 8 weeks before your trip. It lists dengue, biting insects and ticks, and whooping cough among the health risks, and says altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Japan.
  • Tourist information
    What the sources say
    JNTO runs a telephone information service on +81 50-3416-0010, daily from 9:00 to 17:00 Japan time. Its in-person counter in Tokyo closed on 31 March 2026.
Sources: GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Japan, health (updated 28 August 2026); JNTO, Manners and etiquette, Taxis and Tourist Information Center. The JNTO pages show no update date. Checked on 8 November 2026.

Our travel vaccinations guide explains where to get jabs in the UK, our jet lag guide helps with the long flight, and the holiday packing list puts documents first. More general advice is in our travel tips for UK travellers.

Before you go

What should you check before you fly to Japan?

Work from the date of your trip: the season sets what you pack and what can go wrong, and the rules do not change with it.

  • Your season
    Spring and autumn for walking, summer for heat and typhoons, winter for snow and ski.
  • Your forecast
    The Japan Meteorological Agency publishes weather warnings and volcano warnings, and GOV.UK tells you to follow local authorities.
  • Your passport
    Valid for the whole stay, with a blank page, for up to 90 days on arrival.
  • Your driving
    A 1949 international driving permit and your UK licence, collected before you leave the UK.
  • Your medicines
    Check cold, allergy and codeine products against GOV.UK's list of banned medicines.
  • Your vaccines
    Check the recommendations at least 8 weeks before you travel.
  • Your numbers
    110 for the police, 119 for fire and ambulance, and the Japan Visitor Hotline for help in English.
FAQ

Japan: your questions answered

  • JNTO describes spring, with cherry blossom between March and May, and autumn, with leaves between late September and early December, as good seasons for exploring outdoors. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold, with snow in the north.

  • The blossoms bloom between March and May depending on where you are, according to JNTO, starting at the southern tip of Kyushu in late March and moving north through Honshu and Hokkaido into April.

  • The leaves cover the country between late September and early December, starting in Hokkaido and moving south, according to JNTO. Its autumn guide puts the vivid reds, oranges and yellows from mid-November to early December.

  • JNTO says the rainy season begins in May to June and that August and September may bring typhoons. GOV.UK gives the typhoon season as June to December, peaking between July and September, with the highest risk in the south.

  • Temperatures often exceed 35 degrees in July and August, according to GOV.UK, and high humidity makes it feel hotter. The Meteorological Agency’s average daily high in Tokyo in August is 31.3°C.

  • On a full British citizen passport you can get a visa on arrival for tourism or business for up to 90 days, with no need to apply before you travel, according to GOV.UK. Our Japan visa guide has the detail.

  • No. JNTO says registration is not required, but registering in advance makes procedures such as tax-free shopping more convenient. Japan Customs recommends it for the customs declaration, and the paper form can still be used.

  • GOV.UK says to take the same precautions as at home. It warns of a higher risk of crime in Tokyo’s entertainment districts, drink spiking and card fraud in nightlife areas such as Kabukicho and Roppongi, and strict drug and medicine laws.

  • Not in taxis or at western-style hotels, according to JNTO: taxi drivers do not expect or accept tips, and there is no need to tip at western hotels.

  • You need the 1949 version of the international driving permit with your UK driving licence, according to GOV.UK, and you cannot buy one outside the UK. Driving is on the left.

  • Dial 110 for the police and 119 for fire and ambulance, as listed by JNTO. The Japan Visitor Hotline, run by JNTO, is open 24 hours a day in English, Chinese and Korean.

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