🇯🇵 Japan
Visa-free, cash-friendly, and worth over-preparing for.
Japan is the fastest-growing destination for Australian travellers and one of the easiest to enter — 90 days visa-free, no arrival fee. What catches Australians out is the small stuff: an IDP you can only get before you leave, a 100V power supply, and more cash-only counters than you'd expect.
Your Japan trip setup
21 things Australians need to sort. Tick them off as you go.
Entry requirements
Visa-freeUp to 90 days View detailsConnectivity
Compare 8 plansFrom $6.50 Compare eSIMsTravel insurance
Compare 5 policysFrom $19 Compare insuranceMoney & payments
Compare 5 cards0.43% – 0.65% conversion fee Compare cardsAirport transfer
NRT → TokyoFrom $25 Compare optionsDriving
IDP requiredDrives on the left Compare car hireTravel essentials
Adapter type A/BTap water: safe to drink View guideThings to do
Compare 6 experiencesFrom $30 Explore activitiesJapan at a glance for Australians
Best time to visit
March – May (cherry blossom) and September – November (autumn colour)
Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon (mid-August) unless you've booked months ahead.
9h 45m from Sydney (direct)
Health & safety
Smartraveller: Exercise normal safety precautions
There is no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and Japan. You pay for everything — a hospital admission can run into thousands of dollars.
Emergency: 110 police / 119 fire and ambulance
Money
Improving fast in cities, but Japan is still more cash-based than Australia. Small restaurants, temples, markets and rural bus fares are often cash-only.
7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs reliably accept Australian cards. Many bank ATMs don't.
Tipping: Not customary and can cause confusion or offence. Service is included. Some higher-end restaurants add a 10% service charge.
Language & culture
Japanese
English: Limited outside major tourist areas — signage in cities is bilingual, conversation often isn't
Capital: Tokyo
Where Australians go in Japan
Tokyo
Kyoto
Osaka
Sapporo
Fukuoka
Japan FAQs for Australian travellers
Do Australians need a visa for Japan?
No. Australian passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days as a temporary visitor. There's no fee and no online authorisation required, though registering on Visit Japan Web before you fly gets you through immigration and customs much faster.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Japan?
Yes, if you plan to drive. Japan accepts only the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, which you must apply for in Australia through your state motoring club before you leave. You cannot obtain one in Japan, and hire companies will refuse the car without it.
What power adapter do I need for Japan?
A Type A adapter. Japan runs on 100V — the lowest in the world — so phone and laptop chargers are fine but Australian hair dryers and styling tools often underperform or won't work.
Is an eSIM better than roaming in Japan?
Usually, yes. Australian roaming day passes run about $5 – $10 a day, while a 15-day Japan eSIM with 10GB is typically under $15 total. eSIMs are data-only, so keep your Australian SIM active if you need calls or SMS one-time codes.
How much cash should I take to Japan?
More than you'd expect. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but temples, small restaurants, markets and rural transport are often cash-only. Carry ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 and withdraw from 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs, which reliably accept Australian cards.
Is tap water safe to drink in Japan?
Yes. Tap water is safe and high quality across Japan, so a refillable bottle will save you money.
Watching Japan?
We'll email you if the visa, arrival card or entry fee rules change for Australian passport holders travelling to Japan.