United States of America → Japan

US citizens with an ordinary passport enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days: tourism, transit, unpaid business meetings. Paid work is forbidden.

The passport must be valid for the whole trip (Japan does not impose a “plus six months” rule, but an airline or a connection might). You need at least one blank page. Fill in Visit Japan Web (vjw-lp.digital.go.jp) in advance — it speeds up the kiosks; paper cards are still accepted at the border.

Ninety days go on the landing-permission stamp. Extensions of tourist visa-free stay are almost never granted. You cannot switch to work or study without leaving.

Officers may ask for a return or onward ticket and proof of funds. Unpaid bills in Japan sometimes block departure — settle hotels and car share before the airport.

For a stay of up to 90 days visa-free, no separate residence card is issued. The hotel copies the passport — that is the property’s duty, not “registration” in the CIS sense.

Carry the passport: police may check ID. If you stay longer than 90 days on another visa, you need a residence card and municipal registration.

The yen (JPY). Visa/Mastercard are accepted more widely in the 2020s, but markets, small ramen shops and temples are still cash. Withdraw yen at 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs.

Suica/Pasmo IC cards are handy for metro and coffee. There is no tipping. A little cash for the first day is still sensible.

Direct flights from major US hubs go to Tokyo (HND/NRT), Osaka (KIX) and sometimes Fukuoka. Flight time is 10–14 hours.

Domestic ANA and JAL, plus Peach and Jetstar low-cost, cover the islands. The JR Pass has been markedly more expensive since 2023: for one or two cities an IC card and point-to-point tickets are better value.

Tokyo: Shinjuku and Shibuya are noisy; Tokyo Station and Ueno are convenient for trains. Capsule hotels do not take children. Minpaku (Airbnb) must be licensed — look for the number on the listing.

A ryokan at an onsen often includes dinner: mention allergies. A late-night arrival after the last train means airport housing or a taxi.

A queue of locals is the best filter. Spell out allergies (soba buckwheat, seafood): translation cards help. Cafés and konbini cover “nowhere to eat at night”.

Tap water is potable. Do not leave a tip. Family chains and department-store food courts work well with children.

Japan is very safe for families: clean metro, parks, teamLab and zoos. A stroller is harder at rush hour and on stations without a lift — look for the “elevator” map.

A child seat in a taxi is not always there; book ahead. Tattoos can block onsen entry; children often have separate hours. Pharmacies sell familiar fever reducers under other brand names.