Japan
Ancient traditions meet cutting-edge technology in this captivating island nation.
Capital
Tokyo
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Language
Japanese
Timezone
JST (UTC+9)
Best Time
March-May (spring) or October-November (fall)
Visa
Canadians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days
Top Highlights
Essential Travel Tips
Get a JR Pass
Purchase the Japan Rail Pass before arriving—it offers unlimited travel on JR trains and can save you hundreds of dollars on a multi-city trip.
Cash is King
Despite being technologically advanced, Japan is still largely cash-based. Always carry yen and look for 7-Eleven ATMs which accept foreign cards.
Learn Basic Phrases
While many signs have English, knowing basic Japanese phrases like 'sumimasen' (excuse me) and 'arigatou' (thank you) goes a long way.
Respect Temple Etiquette
Remove shoes when entering temples and traditional spaces. Bow when greeting, and never stick chopsticks upright in rice.
Cultural Insights
Bowing Culture
Bowing is an essential part of Japanese etiquette. A slight bow is appropriate for casual greetings, while deeper bows show greater respect.
Quiet Public Spaces
Japanese culture values quiet in public spaces. Avoid talking on phones on trains and keep conversations at a low volume.
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is important in Japan. Bring small gifts from Canada for hosts, and always present and receive gifts with both hands.
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