Japan Beach Holidays
Okinawa's tropical reefs, Shikoku's Pacific surf, and volcanic island beaches across 6,800 islands. Plan your Japan beach holiday with flights and tips.
€1 = ¥186
Today
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Weather in Japan
Fri
Sat
Sun
SPF level in Japan
Autumn
SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for Japan
You can get a visa on arrival for tourism for up to 90 days without applying before you travel.
Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay, with no additional validity period required.
Ensure you have a blank page in your passport for the entry stamp.
You can apply at an immigration office in Japan to extend your stay by another 90 days.
It is illegal to bring meat products like sausages or ham into Japan without prior permission.
Good to know:
Japan is still a predominantly cash-based society, and foreign credit or debit cards may be difficult to use.
When returning to the UK, you must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
Safety in Japan
Japan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport or Japanese residence card with you as police can arrest you if you cannot show proof of your visa.
Be extra vigilant for drink spiking and credit card fraud in entertainment areas like Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro, and do not follow street touts into bars.
Smoking on the streets of Tokyo and some other cities is illegal, so smoke only in designated areas.
Some public facilities like swimming pools, hot springs, and beaches may not admit people with visible tattoos, so you may need to cover them.
Check bar and club menus for prices and confirm admission costs before entering to avoid disputes over excessive bills.
Bonus tips:
Drink-driving laws are strict with a legal alcohol limit about a third of the UK limit, and passengers can also face arrest if aware the driver has been drinking.
Female travellers on commuter trains should be aware of incidents of inappropriate touching or upskirting; police advise shouting to attract attention and asking someone to call staff.
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Driving in Japan
UK driving licenses are not valid in Japan. You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. You must also carry your UK driving license with you.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
40-60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Remember: Japan drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in Japan
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not valid in Japan. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical care can be expensive for non-residents.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and necessary health precautions before travelling to Japan. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit card acceptance is growing, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. However, cash is still widely used, particularly in smaller establishments, rural areas, and for transportation.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-410-581-9994
Tipping in Japan
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Attempts to tip may cause confusion or even be considered rude. Exceptional service is already factored into prices.
Restaurant
Never tip. It's considered impolite.
Bar/Café
Never tip. It's considered impolite.
Taxi
Never tip. The fare is the only payment required.
Hotel Porter
Tipping is not expected or appreciated in hotels.
Hotel Housekeeper
Tipping is not expected for housekeeping services.
Tour Guide
Tipping is not expected for tour guides in Japan.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer automatically apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Japan. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card or using Wi-Fi where available.
Local SIM
10 GB for 3000 JPY (~£16)
Network coverage
4G LTE, 5G
Electrical in Japan
Voltage
100V / 50/60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in urban areas. Free Wi-Fi hotspots are becoming more common, but may require registration or have limited usage time. Pocket Wi-Fi routers are a popular option for tourists.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Mobile internet access is generally fast and reliable in Japan. Pocket Wi-Fi rental is a convenient option for tourists who need constant internet access. Many hotels also offer free Wi-Fi.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
110
Police
110
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Save 110 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Japan
Country code
81
To call Japan from the UK, dial 00 81 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8381, Japan
Phone
+81 (0)3 5211 1100
Website
Haneda Airport
Narita International Airport
Fukuoka Airport
Kansai International Airport
New Chitose Airport
Osaka International Airport
Recent updates
Safety
A new section warns of extreme heat in Japanese summers, with temperatures often exceeding 35 degrees in July and August.
The guidance now includes a link to the Japanese Environmental Agency's heat stroke index and advice website for alerts and prevention.
A new subsection called 'Legal system in Japan' has been added.
It states you can be arrested and detained without charge for up to 23 days, even for minor offences.
Typhoon Jangmi section has been removed, indicating the immediate threat in central Japan has passed.
The global disruption notice remains, but the specific typhoon disruption notice is no longer required.
A new weather warning is in place for Typhoon No. 6 Jangmi affecting central Japan including Tokyo, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and transport disruption.
If in an affected area, monitor the Japan Meteorological Agency (English) and NHK World for updates and follow local authority instructions.
There are now increased reports of drink spiking and credit card fraud in nightlife areas. The amount stolen ranges from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds.
Most British victims of these crimes have reported being targeted by 'kyakuhiki' street touts in Tokyo's Kabukicho district. Do not follow street touts into bars.
New advice to reduce risk: secure your finances against fraud and only carry what you need, securing spare cash and valuables at your accommodation.
Child custody law has been updated: parents in Japan can now choose joint custody after divorce, or one parent can hold sole custody.
The entire section about a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in northern Japan on 20 April 2026 and the related megaquake alert has been removed.
The specific warning for residents and tourists in Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba to remain vigilant is no longer present.
The advice to follow the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) leaflet on megaquake preparation is no longer included.
Beaches in Japan
No beaches listed for Japan yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.