Japan

Land of the Rising Sun

Current Local Time

Japan Flag
Time Zone
Asia/Tokyo (JST)
UTC/GMT +9 hours (No Daylight Saving)

Current Weather in Tokyo

28°C
Sunny
Feels like: 30°C
Wind: 10 km/h E
Humidity: 65%
Visibility: 12 km
Tomorrow
26°C / 20°C
Partly Cloudy
Day After
24°C / 19°C
Rain
Sunrise
4:30 AM
Sunset
6:45 PM
Pressure
1012 hPa
UV Index
7 (High)

Country Information

Capital
Tokyo
Population
125.7 million (2023 est.)
Area
377,975 km²
Government
Constitutional monarchy
Emperor
Naruhito (since 2019)
Prime Minister
Fumio Kishida (since 2021)
Currency
Yen (¥, JPY)
GDP
$4.23 trillion (2023 est.)
Calling Code
+81
Driving Side
Left

Major Cities

Japan is divided into 47 prefectures across 8 regions.

Tokyo
Capital
Yokohama
2nd largest
Osaka
Economic hub
Kyoto
Cultural capital
Sapporo
Hokkaido
Hiroshima
Peace memorial

Must-Visit Landmarks

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji

Japan's highest mountain at 3,776 meters and iconic symbol.

Shizuoka/Yamanashi
Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates in Kyoto.

Kyoto
Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree

World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower at 634 meters.

Tokyo
Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle

Japan's most spectacular castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hyogo Prefecture
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Magical towering bamboo grove in western Kyoto.

Kyoto
Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine

Famous "floating" torii gate in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Miyajima Island

Brief History of Japan

660 BCE

Mythological Founding

According to legend, Emperor Jimmu establishes Japan's imperial line.

710-794

Nara Period

First permanent capital established at Nara, introduction of Buddhism.

1185-1333

Kamakura Shogunate

Military government established, samurai class rises to power.

1603-1868

Edo Period

Tokugawa shogunate rules, Japan isolates from foreign influence.

1868

Meiji Restoration

Imperial rule restored, rapid modernization and industrialization.

1945-Present

Post-War Japan

Economic miracle, technological leadership, and cultural influence worldwide.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Visa Requirements

Many nationalities can enter visa-free for 90 days. Check requirements based on your passport before traveling.

Currency & Payments

Yen (¥) is the currency. Cash is still widely used, though credit cards are accepted in major establishments.

Transportation

Excellent rail network with JR Pass for tourists. IC cards like Suica/Pasmo simplify payments on public transport.

Etiquette

Remove shoes indoors, bow when greeting, don't tip, be quiet on public transport, and avoid eating while walking.

Best Times to Visit

Spring (Mar-May): Cherry blossoms
Summer (Jun-Aug): Festivals
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Fall foliage
Winter (Dec-Feb): Snow festivals

Electricity

100V, 50/60Hz. Type A/B plugs (two flat pins). Visitors from most countries will need adapters.