travelling to japan on business

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Business Customs

An understanding of Japanese business and social practices goes a long way in establishing and maintaining successful business relationships in Japan. Perceived indifference to local business practices may be interpreted as a lack of commitment on the part of the exporter and may lead to misunderstandings and lost business opportunities. One should not assume that because meetings and correspondence are carried out in English that Western social and business norms apply. 

Japanese society is complex, structured, hierarchical and group-oriented. It places strong emphasis on maintaining harmony and avoiding direct confrontation. Japanese social and cultural norms tend to be group-oriented rather than focused on the individual. In building relationships (which often precede a first-time sale or an agreement) one should emphasize trust, confidence, loyalty, and commitment for the long term. 

Group decision-making is important in Japan and has been generally described as a “bottom-up” exercise rather than “top-down.” Family businesses founded since WWII and smaller second-tier firms are often exceptions to this rule. However, even in large family firms, where decisions are made at the top, company members have a sense of participation. This type of group decision-making requires time. Recognizing that it takes a longer time to cultivate business relationships in Japan than in the United States, U.S. business executives should not expect to close deals in just a few days. Consistent follow-up is vital. Likewise, U.S. businesspeople should recognize the importance of working with the staff level of their Japanese counterparts and not exclusively with the executive level. 

Gift giving is expected on some business occasions in Japan. Regional U.S. gifts or company-logo gifts are appropriate. Quality is important, but the gift does not have to be expensive – it is the sentiment and relationship implied by the gift rather than its intrinsic value that is significant. Therefore, the packaging of the gift is as important as the gift itself and should be done professionally. In Japan, sets of four are considered unlucky (the number four is pronounced the same as the word for death). Gifts that can be shared among a group are appropriate. 

Business travelers to Japan should make sure to bring a large supply of business cards (with their title) when they come to Japan; printing bilingual cards is a nice touch. Business cards, still in wide use despite rapid digitalization, are exchanged to formalize the introduction process and establish the status of the parties relative to each other. Japanese bow when greeting each other but will expect to shake hands with foreign executives. A slight bow in acknowledgment of a Japanese bow is appreciated. Japanese executives deal on a last (family) name basis in business relationships, and initial business and social contacts are characterized by politeness and formality. 

Business travelers visiting a Japanese firm for the first time should be accompanied by an interpreter or bilingual assistant. Many Japanese executives and decision-makers do not speak English, although they may be able to greet visitors in English and read English product literature relevant to their business or industry expertise. Although English is a required subject in Japan’s secondary school curriculum, generally, English listening and speaking skills tend to be weaker than reading and writing skills for Japanese. Thus, the Japanese side in a business meeting generally expects visitors to bring an interpreter if they are serious about doing business. Although the cost of hiring an interpreter can be high, bringing an interpreter shows that a visiting firm is serious in its commitment to the Japanese market. 

The first visit to a Japanese firm generally serves as a courtesy call to introduce U.S. executives and their company and allows the U.S. side to begin to evaluate a target company and its executives as potential business partners. A request to meet only with English-speaking staff can mean missing the opportunity to become acquainted with higher-ranking executives. 

Written contract, even if less detailed than a contract between two U.S. companies, is essential to meet legal, tax, customs, and accounting requirements in Japan. Contractual commitments are perceived as representing long-term relationships so the terms and conditions, for example, whether to grant exclusive rights, should be considered carefully. 

Japan’s travel infrastructure is on a par with that of the United States. A wide range of business travel and tourist services are available. For additional information on traveling to Japan, contact the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) in New York at tel: (212) 757-5640; fax: (212) 307-6754, or visit  JNTO’s website . 

U.S. business travelers to Japan seeking appointments with U.S. Embassy Tokyo officials should contact the Commercial Section in advance. The Commercial Section can be reached by e-mail at:  [email protected].  

Travel Advisory

To access the most up-to-date travel and safety information,  including regarding Covid-19, please refer to the State  Department‘s  Country-Specific  Information for Japan .   U.S. citizens can also obtain up-to-date safety and security information by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S.  and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. 

Japan has long been noted for its low crime and safe streets. Crimes against U.S. citizens in Japan are rare. Crime is at levels well below the U.S. national average. Violent crime is extremely rare but does exist. Incidents of pickpocketing of foreigners in crowded shopping areas, on trains and at airports have been a sporadic concern. Complaints of robberies committed after a victim has been drugged from a spiked drink are increasing. Some of Tokyo’s entertainment and nightlife districts - in particular, the Roppongi and Kabuki-cho areas - are considered high-risk areas for crime, and the Embassy receives reports of drink spiking, credit card fraud, extortion, and even assault in these districts. 

Some U.S. citizens believe that Japanese police procedures appear to be less sensitive and responsive to a victim’s concerns than would be the case in the United States, particularly in cases involving domestic violence and sexual assault. Few victims’ assistance resources, or battered person’s shelters exist, even in major urban areas, and facilities are generally unavailable in rural areas. See also information on staying safe in Japan from  JNTO .

Visa requirements

A U.S. passport, valid for the duration of stay, is necessary to enter and travel in Japan. By Japanese law, non-residents are required to carry their passports (or their Resident Card if staying longer than 90 days) at all times. 

A visa is not required for short-term business visits (up to 90 days). However, please note that Japan requires an onward/return ticket for “visa free” stays of up to 90 days. A work or investor visa may take up to two months to obtain. Immunization and health certificates are not required. Foreigners who will be mid to long-term residents must arrive in Japan with an appropriate visa, and upon arrival at the major airports in Japan, immigration authorities will issue a Resident Card. Residents are required to register their address at the nearest municipal office. 

Upon arrival, going through both immigration and customs checks are essentially a formality for U.S. business travelers as long as passport and air tickets are in order. All foreign nationals entering Japan, with the exemption of certain categories listed below, are required to provide fingerprint scans and be photographed at the port of entry. This requirement does not replace any existing visa or passport requirements. Foreign nationals exempt from this new requirement include special permanent residents, persons under 16 years of age, holders of diplomatic or official visas, and persons invited by the head of a national administrative organization. 

Passengers are advised to exchange some U.S. dollars for yen before leaving the airport. 

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links: 

State Department Visa Website  

Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Tokyo

The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Japan’s telecommunications system, one of the most developed in the world, is both efficient and convenient. International calls can be made from private cell phones, public International Direct Dialing (IDD) phones, or hotel IDD phones. The main mobile carriers in Japan are NTT DoCoMo, KDDI, and Softbank; e-commerce giant Rakuten is building out a fully virtualized mobile network. All currently offer, and are expanding, 5G services. Many U.S. carriers offer plans. Broadband and WiFi services are easy to procure, and free public WiFi is widely available in major cities. Nearly all hotels provide free WiFi services. Many restaurants and cafés also provide free WiFi for customers. More telecommunications information can be found on the JNTO website, with insights on  telephone use  and  WiFi.  

Japan uses an electric current of 100 volts, and a frequency of 50 Hertz in eastern Japan, or 60 Hertz in Western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka). Appliances from Europe, Australia, or Southeast Asia will require an adaptor and may require a transformer depending on the electric device; most U.S. appliances do not require an adaptor. More information on plugs and electricity can be found on the  JNTO website .

Transportation

Japan has a system of modern highways and roads linking all parts of country. However, traffic conditions on expressways and in cities are often very congested. Most major intercity highways operate on a toll basis, and tolls can be extremely expensive, making passenger train travel very competitive, especially for international visitors. Japan boasts the world’s densest and most modern passenger railroad system, with fast, frequent services to all parts of the country. Japan’s famous Shinkansen high-speed rail links Tokyo with Japan’s major business centers and beyond. All of Japan’s large cities have highly developed subway and commuter train service. Taxi service is widely available.

The national language of Japan is Japanese (Nihongo) and is spoken and understood all over the country. English is a required subject in Japanese high schools, and it is by far the most widely known foreign language in Japan. International business correspondence and negotiations in Japan are almost always conducted in English. Most Japanese, including business executives, have a limited understanding and command of spoken English, although there are of course exceptions. Japanese business executives often read English much better than they can speak it or understand it when spoken. It is advisable, therefore, to be accompanied by a competent professional interpreter to all business meetings, especially an initial contact where you might be unsure of your counterpart’s mastery of English.

Aside from the area in the immediate vicinity of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power plant, crippled by the disaster in 2011, Japan poses no medical health risks to business travelers. While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to 

U.S. citizens’ expectations are expensive and not very widespread. Japan has a national health insurance system, which is only available to non-citizens with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation or medical care outside of Japan. Medical caregivers in Japan require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before treating those who are not covered by the national health insurance plan. Most major credit cards are accepted. 

State Department‘s Country Health Information – Japan 

Visitors to Japan should carry their prescription or non-prescription medication in their original containers along with a copy of their prescription. Some medications that are commonly used in the United States are illegal in Japan. Adderall, for example, is strictly prohibited because it contains amphetamines, and its possession or importation is a crime. Another example of an amphetamine drug that is illegal in Japan is Vyvance, commonly prescribed for attention deficit disorder by U.S. physicians. It is also illegal to bring into Japan some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications. Specifically, products that contain stimulants (medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers) or codeine are prohibited. Also, shipping narcotic analgesic medications into Japan is limited to institutions designated by the Japanese government. Individuals cannot legally have narcotics mailed or shipped into Japan. Medical marijuana, even with a U.S. prescription, is strictly forbidden and those attempting to bring it into Japan will be arrested and prosecuted. 

For more information on bringing medication (prescription or over-the-counter) into Japan, please refer to  US Embassy & Consulates in Japan .

Local time, business hours, and holidays

Local Time: Japan is 14 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) from April to October. Consequently, 8:00 a.m. EST in New York City corresponds to 10:00 p.m. the same day in Tokyo. 8:00 p.m. EST in New York City corresponds to 10:00 a.m. the next day in Tokyo. Japan is one of the few major industrialized countries that does not observe some form of daylight-saving time. 

Business Hours: The typical Japanese workweek is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., although many Japanese office workers put in long hours of overtime. Flex work hours have become popular at some large companies. The overwhelming majority of Japanese take their lunch break promptly at 12:00 noon and return to the office at 1:00 p.m. sharp. 

Holidays: When a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed. In addition, many Japanese companies and government offices traditionally close during the New Year’s holiday season (typically last days of December through first week in January), “Golden Week” (typically late April through early May) and the traditional “O-Bon” Festival (mid- August). 

See a  list of Japan’s holidays . 

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

No restriction exists for temporary entry of laptop computers and software for personal use. Some pharmaceutical items, including medications widely available in the U.S., are illegal in Japan, and U.S. citizens have been detained for importing them. Information on importing such items is available on the  American Citizen Services website . 

Regarding materials for exhibits, Japan is a member of the International Convention to Facilitate the Importation of Commercial Samples and Advertising Materials under the  ATA carnet  system.  The use of a carnet allows goods such as commercial and exhibition samples, professional equipment, musical instruments and television cameras to be carried or sent temporarily into a foreign country without paying duties or posting bonds. These goods cannot be sold. A carnet should be arranged for in advance by contacting a local office of the United States Council for International Business or its helpline at (800) ATA-2900.

Travel Related Resources 

U.S. Commercial Service Japan  

Consular information & official travel advisories for Japan 

Passports - U.S. Department of State  

Visas - U.S. Department of State  

U.S. Embassy Tokyo Visa  

U.S. Embassy Tokyo American Citizen Services  

Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO)  

U.S. Department of State;  Japan – Country Information   Temporary entry of materials under the carnet system

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The Truth About Doing Business in Japan

Japanese business culture can be confounding, even if business travel to Japan isn’t a new thing for you. From overarching concepts like being on time every time (literally every time), to seemingly small details like the way you hand a business card to someone, doing business in Japan can be stressful before you even enter the boardroom.

Whether this is your first Japan business trip and you’re seeking etiquette tips, or you simply want to know where to go on side excursions before or after important business events, you’re in the right place. Business travel to Japan starts here.

Japanese Business Etiquette

How to travel to Japan for business? Conducting business in Japan can be lucrative, but it can also be nerve wracking. While Japanese business people are obviously less forgiving of each others’ transgressions than they are with those of foreign visitors, you can expect the way you behave doing business in Japan to be scrutinized more than just about anywhere else in the world.

Some of the particulars of this are unsurprising, whether it’s the Japanese penchant for punctuality, or the automatic respect (and assumption of seniority) age grant someone. Others, such as several presented in this awesome article by American Express OPEN , are less obvious. Whatever you do, make sure to present your Japan business card with both hands!

Within this discussion, beyond the issue of business cards in Japan, there’s also the issue of language. Obviously, if you work for a Western company and are on a one-off business trip to Japan, it’s unlikely that you will learn Japanese at all, let alone business Japanese. However, if you make a habit of doing business in Japanese, you’ll probably want to invested in some Japanese courses, if only out of common courtesy.

Japan Business Visa

Another important thing to consider when heading to Japan for (most) commercial purposes is the business travel to Japan visa. The great news is that you don’t need anything more than an ordinary tourist visa (or visa exemption stamp, if you’re from the US or UK) if you simply plan to engage in basic “business” activities in Japan like checking email or even journalism for less than 90 days.

If you’re in doubt, of course, you can check the website of the Japanese Embassy , where you can also verify Japan business visa requirements, upon fulfilling which you will get a Japanese business visa, but not a work visa. In other words, a Japanese business visa allows you to do business activities in Japan (including starting a business) but does not entitle you to become employed by a Japanese company—this requires a separate business travel to Japan visa.

Flying Business Class to Japan

If you anticipate that your business activities in Japan will bring lucrative rewards, flying business class to Japan might be a fitting investment. Obviously, as you can see when you read my comparison of  ANA vs JAL business class , the best way to experience this is choosing a Japanese airline, but certain other airlines (mostly Asian ones) provide a comfortable and luxurious way to Japan as well.

I personally find  JAL business class a bit more to my liking than the one offered by ANA, but both are exquisite. One of the best ways to choose, if you’re on the fence, is based on airline alliance (JAL is a member of oneworld, while ANA is a Star Alliance carrier) or, absent that, simply choosing the best priced flight to Japan.

Easy Side Trips for Japan Business Travelers

If you’re traveling to Tokyo for business, you could easily spend your free time exploring different parts of the city, from ancient Asakusa , to speed-of-light Shinjuku , to ritzy, glitzy Ginza . Another option would be to take a day trip, be it to historical Nikko or vibrant Yokohama , both of which make welcome distractions on a business trip to Japan.

Over in Osaka , meanwhile, you have a similar spread of options. However, while Osaka attractions like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori pedestrian street are alluring, it’s difficult to resist the appeal of an excursion to deer-filled Nara or to Kyoto , which might be the most beautiful city in the world.

From Nagoya

You’ll probably throw Japanese business dinner etiquette out the window if your meal with clients includes sumptuous misokatsu , a sinful spread of fried pork that’s my favorite thing about traveling to Nagoya . Day trip options are less numerous here, though you could theoretically ride a Shinano Limited Express train through the Japanese Alps to Nagano , or to the Nakasendo for a day hike .

From Hiroshima

It goes without saying that any trip to Hiroshima should take you to Hiroshima Peace Park , whether you’re in the city for business or not. Apart from this, a trip across the water to Miyajima island (with its floating torii shrine), along the Shinkansen line to Kintai Bridge in Shin-Iwakuni or down the coast to Onomichi is very worth the effort.

From Fukuoka

Fukuoka is by the far the largest city in Kyushu , so if you’re doing business with Japanese companies on the country’s southernmost island, chances are it will take you here. Make sure to visit the reclining Buddha at Nanzo-in , eat a meal at the yatai food stalls along the Naka River and enjoy a stroll through the ancient temples of Fukuoka Gion .

From Sapporo

Sapporo is to Hokkaido what Fukuoka is to Kyushu, which is to say it perfectly positions you both for business and travel in Japan’s great, white north. While Sapporo’s city center is somewhat lackluster outside of the annual snow festival, a day trip to Otaru (during winter in Japan ) or lavender-filled Furano (in summer) can liven things up compared to the ho-hum of business in Japan.

Business Hotels in Japan

One thing I’ve always found really interesting about Japan is how affordable accommodation for business travelers tends to be—and I’m not talking about capsule hotels, which these days are mostly used by backpackers anyway. Moreover, Japan business hotels are not only affordable, but often have incredible locations.

This is certainly the case with Tokyo’s  APA Hotel Sugamo Ekimae , Osaka’s  Hotel WBF Kitahama and  UNIZO Inn Sapporo .

Other popular business hotel brands in Japan include Tokyu Stay, Route Inn and Daiwa Roynet. No matter which business hotel you choose in Japan, a word to the wise: If you don’t like to smoke, make sure and book a non-smoking room; many business travelers to Japan like to light up, seemingly in their beds.

Other FAQ About Japan Business Travel

Do you need a visa to do business in japan.

The good news? If you country is eligible for visa exemption on arrival, you can enter Japan to do business (but not to seek employment from a Japanese business) without needing to apply for a special visa, so long as you don’t need to stay longer than your visa allows. The bad news? If you want to seek employment, or if you typically require a visa to visit Japan, you’ll have to contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.

Can I enter Japan for business?

As of mid-October 2022, Japanese business visa procedures (and business visa exemption procedures) have been normalized to their pre-pandemic state. Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for the latest policy updates, and contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate to ask questions specific to your situation.

How much is a Japan business visa?

The cost of a Japan business visa is determined by the country of your nationality, as well as the deal your country has struck with the government of Japan. Some countries can get visas free of charge, if you can believe it! Contact your local Japanese embassy or consulate for up-to-date pricing that’s relevant to you.

The Bottom Line

My tips for business travelers to Japan are sure to help people visiting Japan on business for the first time, but will have some value for even seasoned veterans to doing business in Japan. This is especially the case when it comes to side trips to take from popular Japan business traveler destinations, from Tokyo to Fukuoka to Sapporo, and everywhere in-between. I wish you good luck on your business trip Japan—and that you also prepare well, since luck will only get you so far! Otherwise, you might want to hire me to plan it.

Plan Your Japan Trip

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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 .

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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. 

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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.
• 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 .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "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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Japan: Reopening for Business Travelers and Entrance Requirements

This article was published on February 28, 2022, and updated on March 8, 2022, to reflect new information.

March 8, 2022 Update: The government of Japan updated its requirements for approved COVID-19 tests to enter the country. The government will only allow travelers to enter the country if they have received a negative PCR or NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) test result.

Original Post From February 28, 2021:

• Japan will reopen for business travelers with up-to-date visas
• Travelers entering Japan will be subject to entrance testing measures and quarantine requirements

Beginning March 1, 2022, the government of Japan announced that business travelers would be permitted to enter the country so long as they meet specific entrance requirements. These requirements include providing proof of:

• A negative COVID-19 test was taken within 72 hours of departure
• A signed copy of the Written Pledge of entrance
• A complete COVID-19 questionnaire that the Ministry of Health has digitally administered, Labor and Welfare
• Proof of having downloaded the health monitoring app

For additional information concerning entrance requirements, click here . Travelers will still be required to quarantine upon entrance. The timeframe of quarantine will vary depending on the country or region of departure .

What are the Changes?

The government of Japan will allow business travelers to enter the country beginning March 1, 2022. These travelers will be subject to entrance requirements and must undergo quarantine upon arrival.

Looking Ahead

Continue to check the government of Japan’s website for the latest updates and information.

Written by: Jessie Butchley, Global Immigration Writer, Envoy Global Source: Ministry of Health and Labor, Japan

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Japan to loosen entry requirements for business travelers and students, but tourists still not allowed

TOKYO — Japan announced it will ease border controls beginning Monday for fully vaccinated travelers excluding tourists, responding to requests from the business community following a rapid decline in infections.

Everyone entering Japan must be fully inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines that are recognized by the Japanese authorities.

Those eligible include travelers on short-term business visits of less than three months, as well as longer term visitors including foreign students and workers on so-called technical internship programs, with a 14-day quarantine requirement.

Schools and companies sponsoring them are required to submit documents detailing their activities and how they will be monitored.

► International tourists return to the US: Expect bottlenecks at airports under strict entry rules

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The 10-day self-isolation for Japanese citizens and foreign nationals with reentry permits will be shortened to three days.

Japan shut its borders to virtually all foreign visitors in January, except for those with special permits and for humanitarian purposes.

Daily cases have sharply fallen since September, in a trend generally attributed to vaccinations and extensive mask-wearing.

► Travel to Costa Rica: Costa Rica to require vaccination proof in hotels, bars, casinos, museums

About 73% of the population have been fully vaccinated. Tokyo on Friday reported 25 cases, below 30 for the ninth straight day. Nationwide, Japan had 158 confirmed cases Thursday for an accumulated total of 1.72 million, with about 18,300 deaths.

The easing of border controls is part of Japan’s move to gradually resume social and economic activity. The government is experimenting with package tours, at restaurants and sports events before further resumption of daily activities.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara said Japan is to consider a possibility of allowing foreign tour groups by the end of the year after studying ways to control and monitor their activities.

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Vaccination certificates and pre-departure tests are no longer required to enter Japan. Travelers and returnees with COVID-19 symptoms will no longer be subjected to on-arrival testing. Travelers with a positive COVID-19 test result will not be treated at designated facilities.

Genomic Surveillance of Infectious Diseases has begun from 12:00 a.m. (JST) on May 8.

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All border measures to prevent the spread of covid-19 were lifted on april 29th, 2023..

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. Please check the latest information released by the relevant authorities.

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Making the Most of Business Trips to Tokyo: An Itinerary

If you’re jetting off to Eastern Capital on the company’s dollar and want to make the most of it, then look no further, we’ve got the guide for the perfect Tokyo business trip!

Now, of course you have work to do and that’s the primary focus, so your time for sightseeing is limited—but that doesn’t mean you can’t see the best bits. With any luck you’ll be staying somewhere pretty central and can make the most of your limited time, without wasting too much of it on the metro. Tokyo is huge, but there’s always plenty to see nearby; be it the world-famous Shibuya Crossing or the local dive bars and drinking alleys—you won’t be wasting any precious free time in the city. Since Japan is famous for omotenashi— the rather intense style of hospitality—you may find that you have dinner taken care of by your hosts, which will probably result in drinking and hopefully karaoke. There’s no better bar guide than a Tokyo salaryman, so embrace any offers you receive and prepare to get messy.

Survival tips for your Tokyo business trip

• If you need any tips on where to host a last-minute business lunch, look no further than our guide to the best spots  with options from casual to formal to suit any occasion (pun entirely intended).
• Have a read of the best co-working spaces in Tokyo if you need somewhere to settle in.
• In restaurants, always ask for a ryo-shusho— it’s a business receipt you might need for your accounts.
• Check last trains and beware of rush hour. While rush hour is an experience in itself, you might consider leaving that bit earlier to beat it as to avoid the crushed-sardine look at your first meeting.
• Business cards are major here. If it’s you’re first time in Japan on business, make sure you have plenty. You’ll have to formally exchange them (present with two hands, name facing up, and receive in the same way, taking care to look at the card and study it rather than just shoving it in your pocket). Also, they’re called meishi, just so you know.

We’ve broken this itinerary down into time chunks since all trips will vary—so whenever you can grab an evening, afternoon, morning or even a full day, there’s always something to do. We’ve even thrown in some food suggestions so you can spend that sweet, sweet meal allowance on something better than a convenience-store sandwich.

Mornings are prime time if your schedule is busy, and while you may want to sleep in, jet-lag (or your sense of adventure) might have other ideas. There’s actually a surprisingly amount of things to do early in the morning that might already be on your dream checklist: you can watch sumo, visit the fish market and see the most famous shrine and temple in the city—all before your meetings start at 9am.

If you’re after some breakfast options check out our guide to the best in Shibuya , and keep an eye out for Yoshinoya, a cheap and cheerful spot serving traditional breakfast sets across the city. Breakfast and a stroll through the city as it wakes up in a perfect way to start your day feeling like you’ve seen some of the city, rather than hopping from hotel room to meeting room without so much as an ohayo gozaimasu .

Option 1 – Tsukiji Fish Market for a sushi breakfast

If you’re up super early thanks to jet lag and don’t fancy lying in a dark room pretending to sleep until your alarm goes off, why not get up early and see the city? You could catch a taxi to the world-famous fish market and be in a meeting by 9am without breaking a sweat, just make sure you shower off that smell!

The auction starts at 3am (but be there at least an hour early to join a queue for entrance) or you can wander around the outer market anytime after that—just wear appropriate shoes and say you’re buying if you get into the inner market. There is an incredible range of sushi, sashimi and more to enjoy at the stalls, all as fresh as can be—and it makes for the perfect breakfast before work. You can even pick up a bento to take with you—you’ll get some pretty impressed looks if you mention where it’s from at the office!

Option 2 – Sensoji and stand soba

Another of the top spots in Tokyo is Sensoji: the city’s oldest temple and most visited to boot. On the front of every guidebook to the city, you’ll probably recognize the giant red Kaminarimon Gate with its dangling chochin lantern as well as the crowds beneath it.

Since you’ll be here so early though, you’ll miss the rush and be able to see the area in relative peace. Although the shops won’t be open, you can still stroll through the buildings and small surrounding gardens full of deity statues and koi, giving yourself a bit of serenity before you start work. Read up on the history of the temple here  and enjoy your early morning stroll!

Afterwards, or before if  you’re peckish, head to Soba Monju in the underground sections of Asakusa Station: a standing soba joint frequented by busy salary men for its high-quality, fast turnaround and low prices.

Option 3 – Sunrise at Meiji Jingu and a traditional breakfast

As the most visited shrine in Tokyo, Meiji Jingu is top of everyone’s list in Japan, and with good reason. Nestled in a large park and feeling a million miles away from the busy streets of Harajuku, it’s an oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic city. Luckily, the shrine opens at sunrise (between 5:30am and 6am depending on the time of year) so you can visit before work and even enjoy the view of the sunrise from the bridge just in front of the entrance.

Have a read of our full guide to learn more about the shrine of Western development and Japanese spirit, with its wine barrels, magic wells and peaceful atmosphere. Since you’ll be visiting so early, you’ll also get to see it in full tranquility mode—hopefully not too many people will have the same idea. Once you’re done strolling, there’s a Yoshinoya opposite Harajuku Station which opens at 5am, so you can enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast set before you head off for a day’s work!

Bonus option – Sumo practice at the stables

One of the images synonymous with Japan, sumo wrestlers are a sight to behold, and a terrifying one at that. While the tournaments are only held a few times a year, you can watch the wrestlers practice in their stables from around 7:30am. One of the best spots to watch is Arashio-beya, where the wrestlers have practice most mornings except for in March, July and November, but it’s best to call ahead the day before and check. Have a read of our article here on how to make those sumo dreams happen.

After a full day of business talk, presentations and meetings, it might be a good idea to head out into the hustle and bustle of the city to wake yourself up and brush away the cobwebs. Tokyo is never short of bright lights and entertainment, so you’ll never be far away from something exciting to do!

Option 1 – Shibuya Crossing and bars

An easy target to cross off on your Tokyo list, the Shibuya Crossing actually looks best at night, so you’re in luck. At its busiest in the early evening as people head to the station, you can join the crowds and make your way across, or head to one of the best photo spots (we have some ideas here ) to get that perfect shot.

There’s plenty to do around the crossing from shopping to drinking, and lots of bars to choose from once you head up past the main shops across from the station. There’s also plenty of great sushi to be had in the area—with our top affordable spots you’ll be able to try the conveyor-belt sushi without compromising on quality.

Option 2 – Shinjuku for dinner, view and alleyway drinks

Shinjuku is a great spot to head to in the evening, with plenty of areas on the interesting side of dodgy and enough bars to serve the country, you certainly won’t be bored. We suggest you head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a great (and free) view of the city, ideally at sunset if you can make it—otherwise the night view is impressive enough. Then you can either fill up on some udon and tempura at Tokyo Mentsudan   or explore the streets for something else delicious.

For a little unusual sightseeing head to the Toho Cinema to see Godzilla looming above the streets and get a great street view from the floor by the cinema entrance. Take a wander through the streets of Kabukicho with all its…er… delights and be careful not to get enticed into any sketchy bars (aside from being morally bankrupt, you might get left bankrupt yourself after the bill).

Wander up to Golden Gai to drink in the tiny bars that fill the alleys and take your pick, from rock-music-themed bars to walls covered in faux grass, you never know what you’ll get. For a slightly more rough-and-ready spot, head to Omoide Yokocho , aka Piss Alley, for chicken skewers and plenty of beer—just grab a seat and start making friends.

Option 3 – Late-night art openings and onsen

If you happen to be in Tokyo and free on a Friday evening, you can enjoy some of the city’s best art as three of the top galleries have late opening hours. The National Art Center in Roppongi has no permanent collection, and instead uses its space to host a variety of shows each year. The National Museum of Western Art houses a permanent collection of works spanning 800 years, including examples by Monet, Pissaro and Ruben among others. Last but certainly not least, the National Museum of Modern Art is home to an incredible exhibition of modern artists including Kiining Kandinsky and Boyd, as well as explorations of how Western art has influenced Japanese art and vice versa. All three museums are open until 8pm so you could squeeze some relaxing art time into your day. The National Art Center is in Roppongi and the National Museum of Western Art are a few minutes away in Nogizaka, so you could even hit both in one day!

After exercising your mind, why not relax your body? A key part of Japanese culture is the onsen, a public bath where you sit naked with strangers, soaking away the stresses of the day in silence. For the ins and outs of onsen etiquette, read here , and for a list of the best places (including some tattoo-friendly options) read here ! If you want to make a night of it, or have an early morning flight, why not head to Oedo Onsen Monogatari —they have an evening discount and a shuttle to Haneda through the night.

Full days for exploring

If you’re lucky enough to get a day or even two free in your trip then you better be making the most of it. Have a look at our guide to spending 24 hours in Tokyo and cherry pick what suits you best. You can also check out our walking guides: we’ve got Shibuya to Harajuku to Meiji Jingu , an exploration of Takadanobaba  or Ueno and the trendy Daikanyama and Nakameguro tour. We have itineraries for shopping , eating and architecture too, so you can focus on whatever you like the most.

Depending on your luck, you’ll probably be based in one of the main business or event areas in Tokyo. If you’re not so central, there’s still plenty to do so don’t worry.

Odaiba is an entertainment hub in Tokyo, with plenty aimed at families as well as some of the crazy things you might want to tick off your list. You can eat dinner at Gonpachi —the inspiration for that Kill Bill scene, or spend the evening chilling out at an onsen complex with yukata included. Check out our area guide with a video tour too, and have a look at 5 free and cheap things to do in Odaiba!

Makuhari is a relatively new commercial and retail part of town, but if you’re there for e any of the big events, you won’t be short of food and shopping options that’s for sure! You’re also only 40 minutes from Tokyo Station and 1 hour from Shinjuku and Shibuya—so you can still explore the city, just remember to check the times for the last train home!

Yokohama is the second biggest city in Japan and has plenty to offer, as well as being less than an hour from Tokyo, so don’t worry—you aren’t missing out, you just got two cities for the price of one! You can explore the contemporary art scene or visit Asia’s largest Chinatown . There’s the stunning Minato Mirai district, a fun day out at the Cup Noodles Museum or the Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum and our guide to the area as a whole complete with video!

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Travel to Japan

A record 24.04 million people visited Japan in 2016, welcomed by Japan's spirit of omotenashi . A nation where tradition and modernity share the same space, Japan offers an exciting, unique experience for everyone. From Tokyo’s urban sprawl to the peacefulness of Kyoto, from boisterous Osaka nightlife to Hiroshima's contemplative spirit, Japan’s attractions never fail to dazzle visitors. The amazing food, unique culture, and warm hospitality will keep you coming back!

To get you started, here are some useful tools for your trip: Convert US Dollars to Japanese Yen ・ Japan Weather Forecast ・ Japan train route finder (trip planner) ・ Another train route finder Download DC-based Japan Travel Agencies & JR Pass Distributors

Do I need to bring anything special?

Not usually - just a valid passport. If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to Japan for up to 90 days with a roundtrip ticket. The purpose of your visit must be tourism, visiting relatives/acquaintances, attending a conference, etc.

Japan has made agreements to waive visa requirements for tourism with 61 countries and regions. You can find more information about this on the Embassy's visa section page . If you need to obtain a visa for your travels, please contact your nearest Consulate General of Japan or call the Visa Section of the Embassy at 202-238-6800.

Where should I visit in Japan?

What can i bring through customs, can i use a credit card, is japan a safe country, do japanese people speak english, what do i do if i need help or get lost, how can people call me while i'm in japan.

To call Japan from the U.S., dial 011 81 , followed by the area code and phone number. For Japanese cell phones, the area code is 80 or 90. Other common codes are 3 for Tokyo, 78 for Kobe, 75 for Kyoto, 6 for Osaka, and 82 for Hiroshima. If you're given a number that starts with 0, remove it and dial the rest. So, if the number is 080, just dial 80. You can also look up numbers via the Japan Phone Book.

Other options for calling abroad include VoIP services such as Skype .

How is Japan's public transportation system/How can I get a "JR Rail Pass"?

Excellent! Japan has an extremely modern subway and rail system, as well as the famous shinkansen bullet trains, and a large network of buses. Japan-Guide has an excellent guide to transportation in Japan, including information on the numerous tickets and passes available. You can also use the Japan train route finders at the top of this page.

The Japan Rail Pass is one of the most popular option if you'll be traveling long distances by train, or if you're looking for an economical solution for sightseeing. Japan-Guide has more information about the rail pass, but we also have a list of distributors in the DMV area available on our DMV Resources page . You must purchase an Exchange Order before you travel to Japan. You cannot buy a Japan Rail Pass in Japan.

For information about traveling on public transport system with a wheelchair or other disabilities, please check our special circumstances section below.

Can I use a drone/UAV in Japan for tourism?

UAVs are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. Their website has a guide in English for those who would like to use UAVs in Japan.

For laws in specific cities and prefectures, you can try and contact local film offices, who might be able to provide you with information on filming with UAV.

What about prescription medications?

Medications are restricted by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. Certain medications require a Yakkan Shoumei import/export certificate which can take over two weeks to process. For information and/or restrictions on specific medications, please check with Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare .

For more information, please check the main Embassy's guide to bringing Medications into Japan . The Embassy of the United States in Japan also has good information on bringing medication for personal use, although we are not affiliated with them.

What if I'm in a wheelchair or have another disability?

What if i have a medical device (cpap machines, etc.), what if i have dietary restrictions.

Although Japanese food is considered some of the healthiest in the world, it can be difficult to find appropriate foods if you have dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and more. Many major restaurants now include pictorgrams on their menus to help, but smaller restaurants may not have them.

If you are gluten-free , Legal Nomads has provide a gluten-free card in Japanese on her website , and Celiac Travel has a different version on their website .

For vegans and vegetarians , HappyCow , Japan Vegan and Vege-Navi all have resources to help you find good restaurants. Additionally, Is it Vegan? Japan offers help with reading packaging.

For those with halal food restrictions, the JNTO provides a guide to Muslim friendly food stores as well as a travel guide. Additionally, Veg-Travel Tokyo is a vegetarian, halal, and kosher restaurant search. The Jewish Community of Japan also has helpful kosher guides.

If you have food allergies , be aware that any products containing eggs, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp and crab will be labeled by law. The JNTO's English Tourist's Language Handbook includes information on how to indicate what you are allergic to.

The best ways to travel to Japan with points and miles

After a long pandemic border closure, Japan opened back up to tourists last fall.

Japan is my favorite country, with its famous cherry blossoms, cutting-edge technology and top-notch hospitality.

The country also has unbelievable cuisine and a service industry that perfectly embodies the cultural importance placed on respect and politeness.

All of this to say, I am unbelievably excited to get back to Japan. Luckily, there are numerous loyalty programs to get travelers there — let's look at some of the best options.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

I will start with the most aspirational way to get to Japan: All Nippon Airways first and business class. While the cost of first-class awards suffered a devaluation in early 2023, it's still great value. Business-class redemptions escaped the devaluation and remain one of the best sweet spots in the industry.

Although Virgin Atlantic is now a member of the SkyTeam alliance, the airline still has individual partnerships with other airlines, including ANA (a member of Star Alliance ). The Flying Club program is quirky but has some incredibly valuable redemption options.

Here is the round-trip award chart for flights on ANA booked through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club :

In many cases, these prices are lower than most other carriers charge for a one-way award — 90,000 points round-trip in one of the world's best business-class products is an absolute steal.

Note that prices are marginally higher for flights from the U.S. East Coast and central states than from the West Coast, but the small difference shouldn't be enough to sway you. You can book one-way trips for half the round-trip ticket cost.

Unfortunately, there are two major downsides to booking ANA tickets with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. One is that ANA is stingy with award availability. The other major downside is that you cannot book tickets online. Instead, you must find award space using a Star Alliance search tool . I like to use United Airlines' or Air Canada's websites, as both show all Star Alliance award availability online.

After you've noted award availability, you need to call Virgin Atlantic and give the representative the exact flights and class of service you want. The agent will look up and confirm the space. You can then transfer points over to Flying Club. Most transfers process instantly, so you don't have to worry about losing award space.

Thankfully, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points are incredibly easy to earn. Flying Club is a transfer partner of all the major transferable currencies, including:

• American Express Membership Rewards (points transfer at a 1:1 ratio)
• Bilt Rewards (1:1)
• Capital One miles (1:1)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1)
• Citi ThankYou (1:1)
• Marriott Bonvoy (3:1)

When you transfer Marriott points to Flying Club in increments of 60,000, you receive 5,000 bonus miles. In other words, 60,000 Marriott points equal 25,000 Virgin points.

It's also worth noting that we sometimes see transfer bonuses from programs such as Chase and American Express to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

ANA Mileage Club

Another great way to get to Japan on ANA is through its own loyalty program: ANA Mileage Club .

ANA Mileage Club may not be the most well-known loyalty program, but it does have some great uses.

One of the best ways to use your ANA Mileage Club miles is for business class. ANA business-class tickets from the U.S. to Asia can be booked for as little as 75,000 miles on low-season dates. This is less than many airlines charge for a one-way business-class ticket from the U.S. to Asia. The program also allows for stopovers and open-jaw trips.

ANA prices its own tickets based on the region you're flying to and from, as well as the season in which you're flying. Currently, the airline has three different seasons: low, high and regular.

Once you've chosen your travel season, you need to find the region your flight is departing from and arriving in. You can find that by scrolling down the page .

It is worth noting that you can only book round-trip tickets with ANA Mileage Club — no one-way awards are allowed. You can also only book off-peak prices on ANA-operated flights.

The easiest way to earn ANA Mileage Club miles is by transferring American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. You can also transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to ANA Mileage Club at a 3:1 transfer ratio. You'll earn a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred, so 60,000 points are worth 25,000 ANA miles.

Related: 10 ways to redeem ANA Mileage Club miles for maximum value

Alaska Mileage Plan

The Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan program is one of the most highly regarded loyalty programs.

This is due to its generous award charts for partner airlines. Alaska Airlines has different award charts for its flights and each of its partners which opens up numerous award redemption opportunities.

In March 2021, Alaska Airlines joined the Oneworld alliance. This opened up partnerships with major airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines.

Read more: Your complete guide to Alaska Airlines partners

Flying first class on Japan Airlines is widely considered one of the best ways to get to Japan. From the great seats to the fantastic onboard cuisine to the incredible service and hospitality, Japan Airlines' first class is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Flying between North America and Japan will cost 85,000 Alaska miles from the West Coast and 100,000 miles from the rest of the United States for a one-way first-class ticket. Business class redemptions cost 60,000 or 80,000 miles depending on your departure point.

Using Alaska's search feature is relatively simple. There's an award calendar, and you can book JAL-operated awards online. Availability in premium cabins isn't fantastic, but if you're flexible on your departure date or open to last-minute award space, you may be able to find a good itinerary.

If you need to top up your Alaska balance, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card offers 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Unfortunately, Alaska Mileage Plan isn't a partner of any major transferable credit card programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards .

Because of its huge list of airline partners in the Oneworld alliance and non-alliance partners, you can earn miles by flying many different airlines and crediting those partner flights to Mileage Plan. Plus, you can earn miles when you fly with Alaska Airlines.

Also, Alaska often has buy-miles promotions that allow you to stock up on miles at a reasonable price. There is also an online shopping portal that can help you earn miles on online shopping.

American AAdvantage

Another Oneworld option to get to Japan is with your American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

Although the program lost some value over the last few years, you can still get a ton out of the program, especially as partner awards are not subject to dynamic pricing. The best way to get real value is through the airline's international partners in the Oneworld Alliance.

American publishes award charts for each region. On AA's partner award chart, Asia is divided into four regions: Asia Region 1, Asia Region 2, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. Japan is considered to be in Asia Region 1.

This means you can book Japan Airlines business class for just 60,000 AAdvantage miles each way. It costs 20,000 additional miles to fly in first class. This provides an alternative way to fly on Japan Airlines if earning Alaska miles is too difficult.

One of the easiest ways to earn American AAdvantage miles is through American Airlines credit cards . Here's a list of current offers:

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® : Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of account opening. 4 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases. Then, if you spend $150,000 on purchases in a calendar year, you'll earn a boosted rate of 5 miles per dollar spent on American purchases for the remainder of the calendar year. Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on eligible car rentals and hotels booked through American's car rental and hotel booking sites , respectively. Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on other purchases (see rates and fees ).
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® : Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Earn 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar on gas station, restaurant and eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases (see rates and fees ).
• Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® : Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. Earn 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases plus telecom merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rentals and gas stations. Earn 1 mile per dollar on other purchases (see rates and fees ).
• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® : Earn 50,000 bonus miles after making your first purchase in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee. Earn 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases.

The information for the AAdvantage Platinum Select and AAdvantage Aviator Red cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuers.

You can also earn AAdvantage miles by flying on American and partner airlines, making online purchases through the AAdvantage eShopping portal , and eating out through the AAdvantage Dining program.

Related: Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage

Singapore KrisFlyer

One final option to get to Japan is via a fifth-freedom flight operated by Singapore Airlines . Although this option is limited to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) , I thought it would be worth mentioning for our West Coast readers.

Singapore Airlines is famous for its top-notch service, especially in its premium cabins. Plus, this route is operated on a 777-300ER, which allows the possibility of flying Singapore's first-class product .

The carrier typically blocks premium-cabin award space from its partners, so you'll have to book through Singapore's KrisFlyer program . You will need 103,500 miles in business class, or 120,500 miles in first class at the lowest Saver level.

Award availability is typically scarce. However, it is worth noting that KrisFlyer allows you to waitlist for awards if your desired flight or class of service isn't available when booking.

Fortunately, these miles are easy to earn since KrisFlyer is a partner of most major transferable points currencies, including Chase Ultimate Rewards , American Express Membership Rewards , Citi ThankYou Rewards and Capital One . Transfers from all of these programs occur at a 1:1 rate.

Bottom line

With Japan finally reopened, we've seen a surge in demand for travel to the country over the last year. Cash fares remain quite high as a result, but you may be able to save money on your trips by using points and miles.

That said, you may need to be flexible and book either well in advance or at the last minute to score premium cabin award seats, allowing you to visit one of the world's most unique countries.

Additional reporting by Ben Smithson.

Updated 9/27/23

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Business Travel

Business travel in Japan - statistics & facts

Business travel characteristics, international conferences, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Number of domestic business trips in Japan 2016-2023, by type

Expenditure on domestic business trips in Japan 2016-2023, by type

Distribution of domestic travels in Japan 2022, by type

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Share of people going on business trips in Japan 2017-2023. by type

Business Travel Spending

Domestic business travel expenditure in Japan 2023, by type of expenditure and trip

Further recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic travels in Japan 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Distribution of domestic travels in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic travelers for business purposes Japan 2017-2023, by type of trip
• Premium Statistic Number of overseas travelers for business from Japan 2016-2019
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound tourist arrivals in Japan 2023, by purpose of stay
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound travelers for business purposes to Japan 2014-2023

Number of domestic travels in Japan 2014-2023

Total number of domestic trips undertaken in Japan from 2014 to 2023 (in millions)

Distribution of domestic trips in Japan in 2022, by type of travel

Number of domestic travelers for business purposes Japan 2017-2023, by type of trip

Number of domestic business travelers in Japan from 2017 to 2023, by type of trip (in millions)

Number of overseas travelers for business from Japan 2016-2019

Number of outbound travelers for business purposes departing from Japan from 2016 to 2019 (in millions)

Number of inbound tourist arrivals in Japan 2023, by purpose of stay

Number of international visitors arriving to Japan in 2023, by purpose of visit (in millions)

Number of inbound travelers for business purposes to Japan 2014-2023

Number of international travelers coming for business to Japan from 2014 to 2023 (in millions)

Travel participation

• Premium Statistic Share of people going on business trips in Japan 2017-2023. by type
• Premium Statistic Number of business trips per capita in Japan 2016-2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of people going on overnight business trips in Japan 2018-2023, by gender
• Premium Statistic Share of people undertaking overnight business trips in Japan 2023, by age and gender
• Premium Statistic Share of people undertaking one-day business trips in Japan 2023, by age and gender
• Premium Statistic Share of people going on one-day business trips in Japan 2018-2023, by gender

Share of people going on business trips in Japan from 2017 to 2023, by type of trip

Number of business trips per capita in Japan 2016-2023, by type

Average number of business trips per person in Japan from 2016 to 2023, by type of trip

Share of people going on overnight business trips in Japan 2018-2023, by gender

Share of people going on overnight business trips in Japan from 2018 to 2023, by gender

Share of people undertaking overnight business trips in Japan 2023, by age and gender

Share of people going on overnight business trips in Japan in 2023, by age group and gender

Share of people undertaking one-day business trips in Japan 2023, by age and gender

Share of people going on same-day business trips in Japan in 2023, by age group and gender

Share of people going on one-day business trips in Japan 2018-2023, by gender

Share of people going on same-day business trips in Japan from 2018 to 2023, by gender

Number of trips

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic business trips in Japan 2016-2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Monthly number of domestic business trips in Japan 2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight business trips in Japan 2023, by age
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic one-day trips for business in Japan 2023, by age
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight business trips in Japan 2023, by gender
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic day trips for business in Japan 2023, by gender

Number of domestic business trips undertaken in Japan from 2016 to 2023, by type of trip (in millions)

Monthly number of domestic business trips in Japan 2023, by type

Monthly number of domestic business trips undertaken in Japan in 2023, by type of trip (in millions)

Number of domestic overnight business trips in Japan 2023, by age

Number of domestic overnight business trips in Japan in 2023, by age group (in millions)

Number of domestic one-day trips for business in Japan 2023, by age

Number of domestic same-day business trips in Japan in 2023, by age group (in millions)

Number of domestic overnight business trips in Japan 2023, by gender

Number of domestic overnight business trips undertaken in Japan in 2023, by gender (in millions)

Number of domestic day trips for business in Japan 2023, by gender

Number of domestic same-day business trips undertaken in Japan in 2023, by gender (in millions)

Overall expenditure

• Premium Statistic Expenditure on domestic business trips in Japan 2016-2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Monthly expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Domestic business travel expenditure in Japan 2023, by type of expenditure and trip
• Premium Statistic Expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2023, by age and type of trip
• Premium Statistic Expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2023, by gender and type of trip
• Premium Statistic Domestic business travel expenses in Japan 2023, by type of trip

Domestic business travel expenses in Japan from 2016 to 2023, by type of trip (in trillion Japanese yen)

Monthly expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2023, by type

Monthly expenditure on domestic business travel in Japan in 2023, by type of trip (in billion Japanese yen)

Domestic business travel expenditure during trips in Japan in 2023, by type of expense and trip (in billion Japanese yen)

Expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2023, by age and type of trip

Expenditure on domestic business travel in Japan in 2023, by age group and type of trip (in billion Japanese yen)

Expenses on domestic travel for business in Japan 2023, by gender and type of trip

Expenditure on domestic business travel in Japan in 2023, by gender and type of trip (in billion Japanese yen)

Domestic business travel expenses in Japan 2023, by type of trip

Domestic business travel expenditure in Japan in 2023, by type of trip (in billion Japanese yen)

Expenses per trip

• Premium Statistic Unit price of domestic overnight business travel in Japan 2016-2023
• Premium Statistic Unit price of domestic one-day business trips in Japan 2016-2023
• Premium Statistic Per trip expenditure during domestic overnight business travel in Japan 2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Per trip expenditure during domestic one-day business travel in Japan 2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Per trip expenses on domestic business trips in Japan 2023 by gender and type of trip

Unit price of domestic overnight business travel in Japan 2016-2023

Unit price of domestic overnight business travel in Japan from 2016 to 2023 (in 1,000 Japanese yen)

Unit price of domestic one-day business trips in Japan 2016-2023

Unit price of domestic same-day business trips in Japan from 2016 to 2023 (in 1,000 Japanese yen)

Per trip expenditure during domestic overnight business travel in Japan 2023, by type

Per trip expenses during domestic overnight business trips in Japan in 2023, by type of expenditure (in 1,000 Japanese yen)

Per trip expenditure during domestic one-day business travel in Japan 2023, by type

Per trip expenses during domestic same-day business trips in Japan in 2023, by type of expenditure (in 1,000 Japanese yen)

Per trip expenses on domestic business trips in Japan 2023 by gender and type of trip

Per trip expenditure during domestic business trips in Japan in 2023, by gender and type of trip (in 1,000 Japanese yen)

• Basic Statistic Number of international conferences in Japan 2013-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of participants at international conferences in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of foreigners attending international conferences in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by city
• Premium Statistic Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by month
• Premium Statistic Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by field of study

Number of international conferences in Japan 2013-2022

Number of international conferences held in Japan from 2013 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of participants at international conferences in Japan 2013-2022

Number of participants at international conferences held in Japan from 2013 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of foreigners attending international conferences in Japan 2013-2022

Number of foreigners participating at international conferences held in Japan from 2013 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by city

Number of international conferences held in Japan in 2022, by city

Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by month

Number of international conferences held in Japan in 2022, by month

Number of international conferences in Japan 2022, by field of study

Number of international conferences in Japan in 2022, by field of study

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For Travelers Process Map and Checklist

All information here is gathered from the relevant authorities. Due to the regularly changing situation, it is essential for you to always check and follow the latest guidance.

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.

Process Map 　-From April 29th 2023-

Checklist for Travelers

Before Departure

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Japan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Japanese Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Japan.  

Passport validity requirements  

If you’re visiting Japan, your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. No additional period of validity is required. You need a blank page for your visa stamp.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can get a visa on arrival in Japan for tourism or business for up to 90 days. You do not need to apply before you travel.

If you need a multiple-entry visa, you must ask the immigration officials when you arrive. 

If you want to stay longer, you can apply at your nearest immigration office for an extension for another 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the period of the extension.

For long-term stays or to work or study, you must meet the Japanese government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa you need . It is illegal to work in Japan without the correct visa no matter how informal or temporary the work.

If you overstay your permission to remain in Japan, you risk arrest, detention and a heavy fine.

For residency information, see the Japanese Immigration Services Agency website and read about living in Japan .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Japan guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Japan . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Japan 

It is illegal to bring meat products including sausages, bacon and ham to Japan without permission from the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service . Penalties include a heavy fine and prison sentence.

Whale meat is available in Japan but importing it into the UK and EU is illegal. If you import whale meat to the UK, you can get a fine of up to £5,000 and a prison sentence. Customs officers will seize the meat.

Taking money into Japan 

Japan is still a predominantly cash-based society. You may have difficulty using credit and debit cards issued outside Japan. Cirrus, Maestro, Link and Delta cash cards are not widely accepted. Japanese post offices, 7-Eleven stores and JP Post Bank have cash machines that will accept some foreign cards during business hours.

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15 things to know before going to Japan

Mar 31, 2024 • 7 min read

Be ready for a visit to Japan with these tips on health, safety and etiquette © pat138241 / Getty Images

Japan has a reputation as an etiquette-bound place that can be intimidating for first-time visitors.

The truth is, though, that the traditions here are no more formal or constricting than in many other destinations around the world. Moreover, most locals are more than willing to help out or give foreign travelers a pass for any perceived faux pas.

As with just about anything in life, expectation management is key. Put your mind at ease with our top tips for smooth traveling in Japan .

1. Book accommodation in advance (and arrive at the right time)

You can probably get a room at a basic business hotel without a reservation in a pinch, but why risk it? Top accommodations can book up weeks or even months in advance, so it's best to plan ahead.

Particularly busy travel periods include the first week of January, cherry blossom season (late March through April, depending on the destination), “Golden Week” (April 29 to May 5) and August.

You should also keep in mind that smaller inns or ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) often have fixed check-in times outside of which staff won’t be present, and rooms won’t be made up. Coordinate your arrival time in advance.

2. Pack light for a visit to Japan

Since hotel rooms in Japan tend to be small, especially in cities, there is little room for large suitcases – which can also be a pain to wrangle on public transport . Packing on the lighter side is always a good idea, but especially advisable for Japan.

Note that religious sites such as Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines don’t have dress codes. High-end restaurants, bars and clubs sometimes do, but that usually just means no sleeveless shirts or sandals on men.

Keep in mind that you might find yourself sitting on the floor when dining out, which can be uncomfortable in short (or tight) clothing.

3. Buy a data-heavy SIM card at the airport

Finding your way around in Japan can be tricky. The address system is notoriously difficult to navigate – even for locals – so smartphones with navigation apps have been a real boon for travelers.

This means you're likely to be using a substantial amount of data getting from place to place, so buy a data-heavy SIM card at the airport upon arrival. 

Ready to go to Japan? Here are 24 of the best things to do when you get there

4. Bring shoes you can easily slip on and off

Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You’ll also likely have to take your shoes off frequently at religious sites, traditional inns and some restaurants – you’ll thank yourself later if you pack shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Since you’ll be slipping into a pair of communal slippers when you take your own shoes off, many visitors prefer to wear socks.

5. Learn how to use a bidet toilet

Called “washlets,” Japan’s high-tech, electronic bidet toilets will wash and dry your delicate parts with the touch of a button. (Don’t worry about any language barrier; the pictograms on the buttons are easy to understand).

Other toilet customs in Japan might throw you for a loop. Motion-sensor-activated sound machines are intended to conceal, um, sensitive noises. Also expect dedicated toilet slippers in shoes-off establishments.

Note that there is frequently a lack of towels and hand dryers (locals carry small cloths with them for this reason).

6. Come prepared for the weather

Summers in Japan are hot and humid, which can mean a real risk of heatstroke. Carry water with you, and a folding umbrella with UV blocking is useful – and does double duty in case of a sudden shower.

Late June is the start of the annual rainy season, when it can rain without end for days; this can last a few weeks or through most of July.

Rains, as well as punishing winds, are likely again during typhoon season , which runs from September through October (earlier in Okinawa ).

Typhoons can cause serious travel disruption; monitor the situation with the  Japan Meteorological Agency ’s storm and other weather warnings, which are available in English. Winters can get chilly, and  Tōhoku and Hokkaidō up north can get huge dumps of snow.

Japan’s ubiquitous convenience stores are handy for weather-related necessities like umbrellas, hats, cooling wipes and pocket warmers.

7. Make sure to carry cash...

In rural Japan and at older family-run businesses in cities, credit cards may not be accepted. It’s wise to assume you’ll need to pay cash at country ryokan and smaller restaurants and shops; stock up when you’re in a town with an ATM (cashpoint).

To pay as the Japanese do, place your cash or card in the small tray at the register rather than handing either to the cashier.

8. ...But don’t worry about tipping

Though tour guides who regularly take foreign tourists around might expect extra, Japan has no custom of tipping, and an attempt to add to your bill will more often than not fluster or embarrass staff.

In lieu of tipping, some bars and restaurants will charge a flat-rate service fee, usually around ¥300–500 per person; others, typically fancy ones, will automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill.

9. Learn the art of queueing in Japan

The Japanese are big on queues, forming neat lines everywhere from check-out counters to train platforms. (Regarding the latter: after the train doors open, it’s everyone for themselves when it comes to scoring a seat.)

10. Stand to the left (or to the right)

Always ride on one side of the escalator – but which side depends on where you are. In Kanto and eastwards, it’s to the left; in Kansai and westwards, it’s to the right. (The dividing point is somewhere just west of Nagoya ).

Incidentally, train operators want passengers to stand on both sides of the escalator and refrain from walking altogether, even if commuters have so far shrugged at these guidelines.

11. Note when the last train leaves

City subways run until 1am at the very latest. If you miss the last train for the night, the alternative is to catch a taxi, which can be expensive. 

12. Avoid the morning commute in Tokyo

For Tokyoites , the morning commute is a contact sport. On weekdays from 7:30am to 9am, millions squeeze into trains across the city, sometimes helped along by station staff who make sure everyone’s packed in.

Shinjuku Station, the busiest in the world, sees an average of over 3.5 million commuters daily; there are more than 200 exits leading in and out of the complex.

13. Eating in public is generally a no-no in Japan

It’s considered bad form to eat in public, especially while walking. Exceptions include the shinkansen (bullet train) and other reserved-seat limited-express trains, where it is customary to eat a bentō (boxed meal) on board; plus at festivals or market streets with food vendors; on a picnic; and of course if you're eating ice cream.

It’s also okay to take sips from a resealable beverage container, like a water bottle.

14. Know what to do in an earthquake or tsunami

Japan is one of the most seismically active places on the planet. While strong earthquakes are rare, minor temblors happen all the time. If this occurs during your time here, stay calm and take your cue from those around you.

Head under a table or stand in a doorway if the shaking picks up; strict building codes generally keep harm to a minimum.

Rarer but more dangerous tsunami can follow a significant quake. Should this occur, listen for tsunami warnings and get to higher ground fast if you are near the coast. 

15. Learn some Japanese lingo 

English is widely spoken in cities and around major tourist attractions; in rural areas, though, it can be hit or miss. Some Japanese words that will come in handy when dining out: 

• omori (large portion, often free at ramen stalls) • okawari (refill)  • mochikaeri (takeaway)  • tennai de (eat-in)  • onegai shimasu (please). Follow up any of your orders or requests with this; for example, if you want tea, say, “O-cha onegai shimasu.”  • sumimasen (excuse me)  • arigato gozaimasu (thank you). Because it’s a bit of a mouthful, it’s tempting to shorten it to simply arigato . Think of it as the difference between “thank you” and “thanks” and go for the politer “arigato gozaimasu.” • toire (toilet; pronounced “to-ee-rey”)

This article was first published Apr 6, 2022 and updated Mar 31, 2024.

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The Best Ways To Fly to Japan With Points and Miles [Step-by-Step]

Ehsan Haque

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Table of Contents

Best rewards programs for booking flights to japan, final thoughts.

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Key Takeaways

• Using airline miles to fly to Japan offers options like ANA Mileage Club and American AAdvantage for award flights on carriers like ANA and Japan Airlines.
• You can transfer points from programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou to airline partners for more flexibility.

Temples, palaces, bullet trains, skiing, and gourmet restaurants are just a slice of what awaits you in Japan. From its capital in Tokyo to Okinawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sapporo, Japan offers several cities worth visiting — especially if you can pay for your flight with points or miles.

From the U.S., travelers can fly nonstop to 2 major airports: Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). HND is south of Tokyo, with fewer nonstop options from the U.S., while NRT is a bit farther east of Tokyo, with a few more nonstop options from the U.S.

U.S. travelers have no problem booking flights to Japan, with several flight options no matter where you live in the U.S.

Airlines in Oneworld , SkyTeam , and Star Alliance all offer flights between the U.S. and Japan — great news, as members in any of these have several ways to use their points and miles.

Flights booked through All Nippon Airways’ MileageClub program must be booked round-trip. All other programs listed allow flights to be booked one-way.

With that said, let’s dive into the award options to book your next flight to Japan!

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

In early 2023, Virgin Atlantic joined the SkyTeam alliance, which ANA is not a part of. However, Virgin Atlantic has a partnership with ANA that’s not part of any alliance.

The Flying Club program offers insane value when booking partner ANA-operated flights to Japan. Although there was a major devaluation of the program earlier this year, it remains a viable option to fly between the U.S. and Japan.

Here’s the updated award chart for ANA flights booked through Virgin Atlantic:

A major downside to this redemption is that ANA award flights can’t be booked on the Virgin Atlantic website.

Look for frequent transfer bonuses from bank programs such as Chase and American Express to Virgin Atlantic.

Here are a couple of ANA award flight options, among many, that you can use Virgin Points to book:

• Los Angeles (LAX) — Narita (NRT) for 90,000 Virgin Points in ANA business class
• New York (JFK) — Haneda (HND) for 170,000 Virgin Points in ANA first class

With the Virgin Points in your account, use these steps to book the flight:

• Search for saver award space for ANA-operated flights on United Airlines.
• Write down the flight details, including time, date, and flight number.
• Call Virgin Atlantic at 800-365-9500 to book the flight.
• Pay the taxes and fees.

Earning Virgin Points

Earning Virgin Points is easy, as the program is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards ,  Capital One Miles,   American Express Membership Rewards ,  Marriott Bonvoy , and  Citi ThankYou Rewards .

If you want to use transferable points, keep these transfer ratios and transfer times in mind:

• Amex Membership Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and take 1 to 2 days.
• Capital One Miles transfers transfer at a 1:1 ratio and transfer instantly (via Virgin Red).
• Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and transfer instantly.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and take 2 days.
• Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio. With every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive 5,000 bonus miles. Transfers take 1 day.

Virgin Atlantic also has co-branded credit cards that earn miles directly with your everyday spending.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Chase Ultimate Rewards

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

Booking ANA award flights with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is a great way to fly between the U.S. and Japan. Look out for frequent transfer bonuses from programs such as Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan is an incredible award program that you should consider when booking award flights to Japan. Alaska Airlines is in the Oneworld Alliance with other partners such as American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways, among others.

Alaska has one major perk with its loyalty program: the ability to book stopovers .

In late 2022, Alaska revamped its award charts, including those for partner airlines. Let’s take a look at the current international award rates for flights to Japan:

Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles for maximum value .

With enough Alaska Airlines miles in your Mileage Plan account, here are a couple of flights to consider booking:

• New York (JFK) – Haneda (HND) from 100,000 Alaska miles in Japan Airlines business class round-trip
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Narita (NRT) from 140,000 Alaska miles in Japan Airlines first class round-trip
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Hong Kong (HKG) – Haneda (HND) from 140,000 Alaska miles in Cathay Pacific first class round-trip

When you’re ready to book your flight, follow the steps below for the booking process on partner flights with airlines such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines.

• Search for award flights on Alaska Airlines.
• Book the flight online.
• Pay the taxes and fees that include a $12.50 partner award flight booking fee.

Cathay Pacific first class is considered one of the best first class products in the world. Check out our guide on the best ways to book Cathay Pacific First Class using points and miles .

Earning Alaska Airlines Miles

Earning Alaska Airlines miles can be difficult as they only have one major transfer partner: Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, and with every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive 5,000 bonus miles.

With that said, these are the Marriott cards we recommend:

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
• 5 Elite Night Credits each year
• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card from Chase ® !
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Card.
• New! Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• New! Travel now, pay later – Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• APR: 21.49%–28.49% Variable

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card . The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with  no credit score impact.

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card , the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
• $250 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
• Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy ® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy ® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card ® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It ® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card  is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy   program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• Steep annual fee of $650 ( rates & fees )
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card
• Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy ® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy ® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy ® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton ® or St. Regis ® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® : Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck ® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.

There are 2 co-branded Alaska Airlines credit cards offered by Bank of America: a personal and business version.

Provides the potential to earn plenty of miles to fly with Alaska Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you spend at least $6,000 a year on the card!

With the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card in your wallet, you could get great perks and earn miles at the same time. This is a win-win if Alaska is the airline you prefer to fly with! Plus, its annual companion fare is a great benefit for traveling couples.

• 3x miles per $1 spent on Alaska purchases
• 2x miles per $1 spent on eligible gas, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services
• 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $95 annual fee
• LIMITED TIME ONLINE OFFER —Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles.
• Get 50,000 bonus miles plus a $0 Companion Fare ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
• Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. Get a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Free checked bag. Any cardholder who purchases airfare with their card, and up to 6 additional guests traveling on the same reservation, may check their first bag free.
• Enjoy priority boarding so you can get to your seat quicker, when you pay for your flight with your card.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America ® account.
• A faster way to earn status with your Alaska Airlines credit card . Throughout 2024, for every $10,000 you spend on purchases, you’ll automatically earn 4,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQMs), up to 20,000 EQMs total.
• Enjoy 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases and get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership when you pay with your new card.
• With oneworld ® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees. †
• APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Frequent Flyer Program

Alaska Airlines offers competitive pricing for American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines economy, business, and first class flights to Japan. When you factor in the ability to book a stopover , you can get plenty of value out of your Alaska Airlines miles. 

American Airlines AAdvantage

Another great option for award flights between the U.S. and Japan is with another Oneworld alliance partner: American Airlines. You can use American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly both American Airlines and Oneworld airline flights from the U.S. to Japan.

Although American Airlines has gone through some major devaluations over the years, there’s still plenty of value in the program. Partner awards with American AAdvantage are not subject to dynamic pricing, unlike American’s own flights.

On AA’s partner award chart, Asia is divided into 4 regions, and Japan is considered to be part of Asia Region 1.

Here is a look at what it costs for one-way flights on Oneworld partner airlines:

One of the best ways to redeem American AAdvantage miles is for a business class flight to Japan for 60,000 miles one-way. It costs 20,000 additional miles to fly in first class.

Booking through AAdvantage provides an alternative way to fly on Japan Airlines, as Alaska miles are more difficult to earn.

American Airlines can be a great place to look for Oneworld alliance partner award space.

Here are 2 flights to consider when you have the required number of AAdvantage miles in your account:

• San Francisco (SFO) – Haneda (HND) for 80,000 American miles one-way in Japan Airlines first class
• Chicago (ORD) – Narita (NRT) for 60,000 American miles one-way in Japan Airlines business class

You’ll want to follow these steps when you’re ready to book a flight:

• Search for award space on American Airlines.

Earning American Airlines Miles

You’ll have no problem earning American Airlines miles , as the airline offers several co-branded credit cards and partners with Marriott Bonvoy.

Transfers from Marriott Bonvoy occur at a 3:1 ratio. There is no 5,000-mile bonus if you transfer 60,000 Bonvoy points, as with other programs.

Redeeming American AAdvantage miles to fly to Japan is an excellent option. Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles for maximum value .

ANA Mileage Club

The first Star Alliance program we will look at is ANA Mileage Club .

ANA still uses award charts, so you can book award flights at published rates as long as there’s award space.

One of the main drawbacks of booking an ANA partner flight is that the flight must be booked round-trip. However, the program also allows for stopovers and open jaws on most award tickets, which can allow for a lot of creative itineraries.

ANA has 3 main awards: ANA domestic flight awards, ANA international flight awards, and partner flight awards. ANA prices its flights based on the season: low, regular, and high.

To confirm mileage, you will need to do a few things:

• Confirm the zones for the departure and destination points.
• Confirm departure date seasonalities.
• Confirm the required mileage for the class of service.

ANA places Japan in Zone 1 and North America in Zone 6.

Let’s first take a look at the ANA international flight award chart for round-trip award flights between North America and Japan:

ANA is notorious for offering very few premium-cabin award seats. However, if you can find award space, you can book round-trip flights between the U.S. and Japan for 75,000 to 90,000 miles in business class or 150,000 to 165,000 miles in first class , depending on seasonality.

ANA charges fuel surcharges on its own flights, which can be upwards of $500. Currently, fuel surcharges come out to $270. You can find more information on ANA’s site .

Here are a couple of options to consider when you have Mileage Club miles in your ANA account:

• Houston (IAH) – Narita (NRT) for 40,000 ANA miles in ANA economy during the low season
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Haneda (HND) for 75,000 ANA miles in ANA business class during the low season

Booking ANA awards during off-peak dates is the best way to receive maximum value out of your ANA Mileage Club miles. You can check on ANA’s website for seasonality changes.

With the required number of ANA miles in your account, follow these steps to book your next award flight:

• Search for award availability on United.
• Confirm the same space on ANA.

Earning ANA Miles

It’s relatively easy to earn ANA miles because ANA is a transfer partner of American Express and Marriott Bonvoy. Unfortunately, ANA doesn’t offer a co-branded credit card for the U.S. market.

American Express Membership Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and take 2 to 3 days for transfers. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio and with every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you’ll receive 5,000 bonus miles. Transfers can take up to 7 days.

If you’re looking to earn Amex points, here are the Amex credit cards that we recommend:

Recommended American Express Cards (Personal)

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $199 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR

American Express Membership Rewards

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
• $325 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express ® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards ® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• Annual Fee is $325.

Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem All Nippon Airways Mileage Club Miles for maximum value .

Etihad Guest

Next, we’ll take a look at Etihad Airways and its Etihad Guest program . Etihad is not a part of many major airline alliances but does partner with quite a few airlines around the world, including American Airlines and ANA.

Earlier this year, Etihad Guest completely overhauled its award chart with standard pricing for all its partner airlines. If you want to fly partners like American Airlines or ANA to Japan, this is the updated award chart:

When you’re ready to book an American Airlines award flight, here are the booking steps:

• Search for American Airlines flights on British Airways.
• Write down all of the flight details.
• Book the flight.

it is worth noting that you can book American Airlines redemptions online now. For other partner award bookings, you need to call Etihad at 877-690-0767 to confirm award availability.

Earning Etihad Guest Miles

Etihad Guest is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

• Amex Membership Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and transfer immediately.
• Capital One Miles transfer at a 1:1 ratio and transfer within 36 hours.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio and take up to 6 days.
• Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio. With every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you’ll receive 5,000 bonus miles. Transfers take 5 days.

With that said, below are some of the Capital One and Citi credit cards we recommend:

Recommended Capital One Cards (Personal)

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• $395 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Ability to use transfer partners
• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

If you’re a business owner, see our recommended Capital One business credit cards .

Recommended Citi Cards

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit
• Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou ® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• APR: 21.24%- 29.24% Variable APR

This no annual fee card rewards cardholders for everyday purchases. Earn bonus points at supermarkets and gas stations, plus your points are rounded up on every purchase.

• Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
• Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 Thank You ® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.*
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Earn 2X ThankYou ® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou ® Points on All Other Purchases.
• The Citi Rewards+ ® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
• No Annual Fee
• APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers and on purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  3% of each purchase transaction in US dollars

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

The Citi Double Cash ® Card  has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points . This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No annual fee
• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees
• Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou ® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Citi Double Cash ® Card Travel Portal Limited Time Offer: Earn a total of 5 ThankYou Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel SM portal on ThankYou.com or by calling 1-800-Thankyou and saying “Travel.” Offer is valid through 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) 12/31/2024.
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!

The Citi Custom Cash ® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, without an annual fee.

Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

• 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
• Multiple redemption options
• Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
• Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category
• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou ® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked via the Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash ® Card account per person.
• APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  3%

If you’re interested in redeeming Etihad miles to fly to Japan, check out our guide for the Best Ways To Earn Lots of Etihad Airways Guest Miles .

Korean Air SKYPASS

Lastly, we’ll take a look at another SkyTeam partner program: Korean Air SKYPASS .

Korean Air is known for a couple of things: the quality of its business and first-class cabins and its competitive award pricing on select routes, including round-trip flights in Korean Air business class to Japan from the U.S.

Korean Air Skypass uses a standard award chart instead of dynamic pricing for its flights, unlike other Skyteam alliance partners like Delta and Air France-KLM.

Korean Air uses region-based award charts that are based on peak and off-peak seasons.

Here is the award chart for one-way flights between North America and Japan:

For flights to Japan, you fly Korean Air with a stop in Seoul, South Korea, before connecting onward to Japan:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Seoul (ICN) – Narita (NRT) for 35,000 Korean Air miles in Korean Air economy during off-peak season
• Dallas (DFW) – Seoul – Haneda (HND) for 80,000 Korean Air miles in Korean Air first class during off-peak season

Here are the steps to book an award flight with Korean Air:

• Search for flights on Air France/KLM or Delta.
• Confirm the same award availability on Korean Air.
• Book the award flight online.

Check out our guide on Best Ways to Redeem Korean Air SKYPASS Miles for Max Value .

Earning Korean Air Miles

Earning Korean Air miles has gotten much harder, as they are no longer a Chase Ultimate Rewards partner. Currently, the only way to earn Korean Air miles is flying Korean or partner airlines, spending on SKYPASS-branded credit cards (such as the SKYPASS Visa Signature ®  Card), or by  transferring points to Korean Air from Marriott Bonvoy . Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio and take 2 days to transfer.

As demand for travel to Japan has increased significantly, cash fares remain quite high. However, you may be able to save quite a bit by using your points and miles. As we’ve covered in this article, there are several excellent programs to use to book an award flight to Japan.

To give you the most award flight flexibility, we recommend earning transferable points from American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, and Marriott Bonvoy. These points will help you to unlock value in any of the programs that we discussed.

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Premier ® Card has expired and the card is no longer open to applicants. The information regarding the Citi Rewards+ ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Double Cash ®  Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Custom Cash ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here . For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here .

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

610: Travel Tuesdays: Doing Business in Japan

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In our Travel Tuesdays series, we explore the 'need to know' items for doing business in various jurisdictions around the world. This week, we take a closer look at Japan. Stay tuned for more episodes! Host:  Peter Walts  ( Employment Law Alliance  / Global) Guest Speaker: Rikisuke Yamanaka ( email ) ( Ushijima & Partners  / Japan)

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Foreign visitors to Japan top 3 mil. in July, single-month record

August 21, 2024 (Mainichi Japan)

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of foreign visitors to Japan totaled 3.29 million in July, up 41.9 percent from a year earlier and hitting a record high for a single month, boosted by the weak yen, government data showed Wednesday.

The latest figure represented a 10.1 percent rise from July 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic took hold, exceeding the 3 million mark for the fifth consecutive month, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

The cumulative number of visitors between January and July reached about 21.07 million, exceeding 20 million at the fastest pace on record, the organization said.

The surge in visitors, though, has left Japan, which aims to lure an annual 60 million foreign visitors by 2030, facing a host of challenges, including labor shortages at some accommodations that cannot meet the demand and the negative impact caused by the tourism boom such as traffic congestion.

Visitor numbers from 19 countries and regions including South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan also hit a record high for July, according to data.

By country and region, the largest number came from China at 776,500, around 2.5 times higher than a year ago, followed by those from South Korea, which was in first place last year at 757,700, increasing 20.9 percent from a year earlier.

Taiwan ranked third at 571,700, up 35.4 percent from the same period last year, followed by those from Hong Kong at 279,100, rising 29.0 percent. The number of visitors from the United States stood at 251,200, up 26.3 percent from a year earlier, according to the organization's preliminary data.

A notable number of travelers also came from the Philippines at 55,500, up 7.3 percent from the previous year, and from Thailand at 53,500, up 7.8 percent, data showed.

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