Tap water
Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Asia country brief
Japan travel essentials
日本
Japan uses Type A / Type B power outlets at 100V, 50/60Hz. The general emergency number is 110 (police) / 119 (fire & ambulance). Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Last reviewed
Verify visa and entry rules with official authorities before travel.
Quick answer
Japan uses Type A / Type B power outlets at 100V, 50/60Hz. The general emergency number is 110 (police) / 119 (fire & ambulance). Tap water is generally safe to drink.
P
Power and plugs
- Plug types
- Type A, Type B
- Voltage
- 100V
- Frequency
- 50/60Hz
Japan runs at 100V. Travelers from 220–240V regions (Europe, most of Asia) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
E
Emergency numbers
General
110 (police) / 119 (fire & ambulance)
Police
110
Ambulance
119
T
Travel notes
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause confusion. Excellent service is standard and included. Do not leave cash on the table unless a venue clearly has a tip box or service system.
Best season
Spring and autumn are the classic seasons, with cherry blossoms from late March to April and foliage in October to November. June is rainy in many regions, and midsummer can be hot and humid.
Visa basics
Many nationalities can enter Japan visa-free for short tourism stays, while others need a visa before travel. Rules can change by passport and purpose, so check the Japanese embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departure.
✓
Before you go: Japan checklist
- Pack a Type A/Type B plug adapter for Japan.
- Japan runs at 100V. Travelers from 220–240V regions (Europe, most of Asia) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
- Bring a refillable bottle — tap water in Japan is generally safe.
- Save the emergency number 110 (police) / 119 (fire & ambulance) in your phone before you arrive.
- If you'll drive, remember traffic keeps to the left in Japan.
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Reference
Emergency numbers by country
Browse emergency numbers across all published TravelReady Guide country briefs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink tap water in Japan? ⌄
Yes. Tap water in Japan is considered safe to drink.
What power plug and voltage are used in Japan? ⌄
Japan uses Type A, Type B plugs running at 100V, 50/60Hz. Japan runs at 100V. Travelers from 220–240V regions (Europe, most of Asia) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
What is the emergency number in Japan? ⌄
Dial 110 (police) / 119 (fire & ambulance) for general emergencies in Japan. Police: 110. Ambulance: 119.
When is the best time to visit Japan? ⌄
Spring and autumn are the classic seasons, with cherry blossoms from late March to April and foliage in October to November. June is rainy in many regions, and midsummer can be hot and humid.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Japan? ⌄
In Japan, traffic drives on the left side of the road, so the steering wheel is on the right. Visitors from right-hand-drive countries should take extra care.
What is the country calling code for Japan? ⌄
The international dialing code for Japan is +81. Dial this prefix after your exit code (e.g. 00 or +) to call a Japan number from abroad.
S
Sources
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