From the buzz of city life in Tokyo to the majestic views of Mount Fiji, there are many amazing places to visit in Japan. But before you book your trip, you’ll want to consider travel insurance options and learn more about what to expect when visiting Japan.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at options for travel insurance, requirements for traveling to Japan, and offer destination-specific travel tips so you can make the most of your trip.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Japan?
Travel insurance is not required to visit Japan. However, it’s still a smart idea to have in case of trip cancellation, lost luggage or medical emergency.
Should You Buy Travel Insurance for Japan?
Whether traveling to Japan or any other international destination, travel insurance is always recommended. Your domestic health insurance often does not cover you in another country. That means that if you get sick or hurt during your trip in Japan, you could have costly medical bills to pay out of pocket. Plus, you never know when an unexpected event could put the money you spent for your trip — from flights and hotels to shrine tours and sumo wrestling tickets — at risk.
Japan Travel Insurance Coverage Options
Seven Corners offers several plans that can be customized to meet your needs, whether you’re traveling internationally or in your own country. Coverage options can differ depending on the plan, specific benefits and add-ons you choose, and your state or country of residency. The travel insurance benefits below can be found in many of Seven Corners’ plans. Consider all of your options to best protect your trip to Japan.
Trip Cancellation
Seven Corners can reimburse you for the prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses you insured if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Covered reasons vary by plan, but they can include triggers such as an illness that prevents you from traveling or inclement weather, like a hurricane.
For the flexibility to cancel your trip for any reason, not just those listed in your plan document, consider adding optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage
Trip Interruption
An interruption often means you ended your trip and returned home early, but it can also include needing to start your trip late. Trip interruption benefits can reimburse you for the prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses you didn’t use if you must interrupt your trip for a covered reason. They can also cover transportation expenses resulting from a covered trip interruption.
For more flexibility to interrupt your trip and still be reimbursed, consider adding optional Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) coverage. This allows you to interrupt your trip for any reason, such as not feeling safe at your destination or simply changing your mind about travel, not just the covered reasons listed in your plan document.
Trip Delay
This benefit can cover expenses resulting from a delay, whether you’re en route to Japan, returning home, or even in the middle of your trip. To be reimbursed, the trip delay must be caused by a covered reason, such as a flight delay lasting the required amount of time.
Lost or Delayed Baggage
If you’re on your way to Japan and your baggage is delayed by your airline or other common carrier, Seven Corners will reimburse you to replace necessary personal belongings. Necessary personal items include things like clothing or toiletries — the things you need most so you can continue on your trip.
If your baggage is lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen during your trip, your travel insurance could pay to replace or repair the insured items.
There are some requirements and exclusions for both lost and delayed baggage. These include items such as laptops and jewelry, which may not be covered. Your luggage also must be delayed for the length of time stated in the plan before you are eligible for reimbursement.
Travel Medical
Travel medical insurance can cover expenses for medical treatment if you get sick or hurt during your trip. This is particularly important when your domestic health insurance does not provide coverage overseas.
Seven Corners Trip Protection plans for U.S. residents provide coverage for Emergency Accident and Sickness as well as Emergency Dental expenses. Seven Corners also provides travel medical plans. This robust medical coverage is available to both U.S. and international residents.
Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
Sometimes adequate medical care is not available at your destination. If you get sick or injured during your trip to Japan and transferring you to another facility is deemed medically necessary, Seven Corners will pay for and arrange an emergency medical evacuation. We will also arrange your return home where you can continue your recovery.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
This Seven Corners benefit provides coverage for loss of life or limb resulting from an injury caused by an accident during your trip to Italy.
What Is The Best Travel Insurance for Japan?
Seven Corners Trip Protection is our most popular plan for U.S. residents traveling to Japan. With this plan, you’ll find coverage to protect your trip expenses, belongings, and emergency medical expenses. We also offer an annual trip protection plan for multiple trips, perfect for frequent travelers to Japan or anywhere else in the world.
Seven Corners Travel Medical Insurance provides great levels of confidence for U.S. and non-U.S. residents traveling to Japan. These plans offer robust coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured during your trip. You want to be able to get the care you need without having to worry about how you’ll pay for it, and travel insurance can help you do that.
Finding the best travel insurance for your special trip to Japan is easy. Answer a few simple questions on our interactive guide and we’ll show you the best options for you and your trip. The quick quote you get is hassle-free and there’s no commitment on your part. If you have questions or need additional support, you can also contact our licensed agents. We’re ready to help you choose the best travel insurance for a vacation to Japan.
How Much Does Travel Insurance to Japan Cost?
The cost of travel insurance varies by plan as well as a number of other factors. For trip protection plans, the cost is based on your trip expenses and is generally 4-10% of your total insurable trip cost. See how to calculate your trip cost and make sure you have the right amount of coverage.
The cost of a travel medical plan is based on:
- The plan you choose
- Your age
- The length of your trip
- Medical maximum, deductible, and other add-ons you select when customizing your plan
Get a quick quote when you answer a few simple questions about your trip to Japan and see what kind of coverage could be best for you.
Travel Requirements for Japan
Before heading off on your vacation to Japan, it’s important to consider what travel documents and requirements your destination has. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need when traveling to Japan.
Visa Requirements for Japan
If you have a United States passport you do not need a visa to visit Japan as long as your trip is shorter than 90 days.
There are many countries whose residents are exempt from needing a visa for a short-term visit to Japan. Check out the full list here.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, learn more about the procedures for long-term stays here.
Documents and Forms
You’ll need to bring your passport when traveling to Japan. Be sure to carry your passport at all times during your trip, as it’s a legal requirement, and you may be asked to show identification. It’s also important to ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
Public Health Requirements
As of January 19, 2024, there are no COVID-19 restrictions in place when traveling to Japan.
You won’t need to provide a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination to enter the country.
However, the Centers for Disease Control recommends getting up to date on COVID-19 vaccines before traveling and wearing a mask in crowded places on your trip.
Bringing Medication into Japan
It’s important to note that many common medications in the United States, including Tylenol, Nyquil, and Advil Cold & Sinus, are illegal in Japan. There are limits to the amount of medication and medical devices you’re allowed to bring in.
If you have to exceed these limits, you’ll need to obtain a “Yunyu Kakunin-sho” (importation certificate). You can apply for your certificate online.
Travel tip: Start the process of applying for your Yunyu Kakunin-sho early, as it may take several weeks to process.
Travel Information & Safety Tips for Japan
Want to learn about the weather at your destination? Looking for more info on transportation? Check out these travel and safety tips for a deep dive into what you can expect on your trip to Japan.
Is Japan safe to visit?
Japan is generally a safe place to visit.. Crime is low, but pickpocketing does happen in crowded areas like public transport or tourist attractions. Always be aware of your surroundings when traveling in public, and make sure your valuables are secure.
Be especially cautious if you plan to visit entertainment or nightlife districts like Shibuya, Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, or Ikebukuro. These areas have instances of drink-spiking, assault and robbery.
If you’re a United States citizen traveling to Japan, you can enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) as an additional safety precaution. Through the program, you’ll get up-to-date information about safety precautions in your destination country. It will also help the U.S. Embassy and your friends and family contact you in case of an emergency.
Travel tip: If you need emergency services in Japan, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire truck or ambulance.
What languages are spoken in Japan?
The vast majority of the population (99.2%) speak Japanese as their first language. Korean is the next most popular language, spoken by 0.5% of the population, followed by Chinese at 0.2%. People in large cities may speak English, but it’s not considered common. Japan is ranked 87th in English proficiency out of 113 countries.
What currency is used in Japan?
The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen. As of January 19, 2024, one United States dollar is equal to 148 Japanese Yen.
For the most current currency rate, check out this currency exchange tool.
What is the weather like in Japan?
In the spring, Japan is moderate to cool, with temperatures averaging in the mid-seventies in most places. It is one of the most popular times to visit Japan, as the cherry blossoms bloom. Cherry blossoms tend to peak around late March to early April.
Summer in Japan starts with a rainy season in June, followed by hot and humid months in July and August. There are many nice beaches in Japan where you can cool off with swimming or snorkeling. Popular spots include Kotohiki in Kyoto and Kamakura.
In the fall, temperatures dip, and leaves change in Japan. Temperatures can range from 40s to 70s. Fall is a great time to head to the countryside to experience nature and autumn foliage.
Winter in Japan is dry and cold. Pack a thick coat, as temperatures can drop into the 20s. Skiing is a popular winter activity, especially in areas like Hakuba, Nagano, Niseko, and Hokkaido.
Food and Water Safety in Japan
Feel free to drink tap water anywhere in Japan. Many metro stations have water stations, so if you carry a reusable water bottle, you’ll be able to fill it up on the go. It’s generally safe to eat produce from local markets as well.
There are many outdoor markets across Japan offering a wide range of foods. Check them out here.
Food Etiquette in Japan
In Japan, chopsticks are the most common eating utensil. It’s important to know how to use them properly when dining out at a Japanese restaurant. Here are the do’s and don’ts of using chopsticks:
Do:
- Use the provided chopstick rests
- Place food from shared bowls on your own plate before putting it in your mouth
- Pick up small bowls or plates and bring them closer to your mouth while eating
Don’t
- Use one chopstick in each hand
- Lick or chew on chopsticks
- Stab food to pick it up
- Point at someone with your chopsticks
- Use chopsticks to grab a bowl or shift it toward yourself
Transportation
Japan has an efficient, punctual public transportation system. Japan’s four main islands are covered by an extensive railway network that you can use to move between major cities.
If you plan to move between cities a lot during your trip, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass. This pass allows for unlimited train rides for 1, 2, or 3 weeks.
Do I need a power adapter for my electronics?
Japan uses Type A and Type B power sockets, the same as those used in the United States. However, type B is not as common.
If you’re traveling with Type A two-pronged electronics, you shouldn’t need an adapter. If you’re traveling with Type B three-pronged electronics, it’s a good idea to have an adapter with a two-prong plug.
U.S. Embassy and Consulate Information for Japan
Before traveling to Japan, you should know the location of the nearest Embassy or Consulate to where you’re staying. Here’s a full list of Embassy and Consulate locations.
U.S. Embassy in Tokyo:
1-10-5 Akasaka
Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 Japan
U.S. Consulate in Naha:
2-1-1 Toyama,
Urasoe City, Okinawa 901-2104
U.S. Consulate in Osaka:
2-11-5, Nishitenma,
Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543
U.S. Consulate in Sapporo:
Kita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku,
Sapporo 064-0821, Japan
U.S. Consulate in Fukuoka:
5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku,
Fukuoka 810-0052
U.S. Consulate in Nagoya:
Nagoya International Center Bldg. 6F
1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0001
Contact Seven Corners about Travel Insurance for Japan
Finding the best travel insurance doesn’t have to be hard. For more than 30 years, Seven Corners has been helping travelers to Japan choose the right plan so they can explore more confidently. Get a quick, hassle-free quote online or chat with a licensed Seven Corners agent. We’ll answer all your questions and help you customize your coverage for your next Japanese adventure.
