+ 8 h / + 7 h during our summer time

Tokyo

Official language

Japanese

Language capabilities

English

110 volt / adapter required

Banks
9.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. (Mon - Fri)

Some banks are also open on Saturday mornings, generally from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.

Shops
10.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. daily

Opening hours vary by region. Many convenience stores (konbini), such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson, are open around the clock. Numerous shops also open on Saturdays and Sundays, particularly those in shopping centres and shopping streets. Some smaller shops may nevertheless be closed on Sundays, especially in rural areas or where specialist retailers are concerned.

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (Ganjitsu)

• Second Monday in January: Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi)

• 11 February: National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)

• 23 February: the Emperor’s Birthday (Tennō Tanjōbi)

• Around 20 February: Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi)

• 29 April: Shōwa Day (Shōwa no Hi)

• 3 May: Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpō Kinenbi)

• 4 May: Greenery Day (Midori no Hi)

• 5 May: Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi)

• Third Monday in July – Marine Day (Umi no Hi)

• 11 August: Mountain Day (Yama no Hi)

• Third Monday in September: Respect for the Aged Day (Keirō no Hi)

• Around 20 September: Autumnal Equinox Day (Shūbun no Hi)

• Second Monday in October: Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi)

• 3 November: Culture Day (Bunka no Hi)

• 23 November: Labour Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi)

• From 28 December: New Year holidays (not statutory public holidays)

The following information is intended for Swiss citizens resident in Switzerland. The following documents are required to enter Japan:

• A Swiss passport valid for the entire duration of the stay.

• No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. It is possible to extend the stay.

• A ticket for the return or onward journey. The required documents for onward travel must be in order.

• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.

• Travellers must present a form to the immigration and customs authorities on arrival. The form can also be completed online before departure.

• Minors: ask the local authorities about the entry formalities for minors and the travel authorisation required when travelling with children.

Information last updated in September 2025

Hokkaidō and Tōhoku (north)

• Summer (June to August): temperatures are generally between 20°C and 25°C, but may occasionally rise above 30°C.

• Winter (December to February): temperatures can become very cold and often fall below freezing. Snowfall is frequent, particularly in mountainous areas.

• Spring/autumn: temperatures vary considerably, with cool conditions in March and April and milder temperatures in September and October.

Kantō (Tokyo and surrounding area)

• Summer: temperatures are generally between 25°C and 35°C. High humidity can result in muggy conditions.

• Winter: temperatures are generally between 0°C and 10°C. Snow occasionally falls, but usually not in large quantities.

• Spring/autumn: temperatures vary considerably, with a cool start to spring and pleasantly mild conditions in autumn.

Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kōbe)

The climate in Kansai is similar to that in Kantō, although summers tend to be slightly warmer and winters somewhat milder.

Chūgoku and Shikoku (west)

• Summer: similar to Kantō and Kansai, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C.

• Winter: winters are slightly milder than in Hokkaidō and Tōhoku, but snowfall is possible at higher elevations.

• Spring/autumn: as in other regions of Japan, spring and autumn temperatures are mild.

Kyūshū (south)

• Summer: temperatures can be very hot, often exceeding 35°C, accompanied by high humidity.

• Winter: winters tend to be milder than in the more northerly regions, with snowfall rare in lowland areas.

• Spring/autumn: as in other parts of Japan, temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant.

The ideal time to visit Japan

• Beach holidays: June-August

• City breaks: ideal throughout the year; March-May for cherry blossom season / September-November for autumn foliage

• Winter holidays: December-March for winter sports; November and December for traditional events such as New Year (Shōgatsu) and winter illuminations

• Mobile phone use: using a mobile phone in Japan may incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming fees before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a special roaming package to reduce costs.

• Wi-Fi: free Wi-Fi is now available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public places.

• Prepaid SIM cards: prepaid SIM cards and mobile Wi-Fi routers (Pocket WiFi) are very popular for longer stays or high data usage. Providers such as NTT Docomo, SoftBank and au offer cards and routers that are available at airports, from electronics retailers or online. Identification is generally required for registration.

• Other information: Japanese mobile networks generally use the standard GSM band. Swiss travellers should therefore ensure that their devices are compatible with Japanese networks. If necessary, they can have their devices unlocked or purchase a phone that is compatible worldwide.

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto: a beautiful Buddhist temple whose top floor is completely covered in gold leaf.

• Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto: a famous Shinto shrine known for the thousands of red torii gates that form a path leading towards the mountain.

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: a place commemorating the victims of the atomic bombing during the Second World War, with the Atomic Bomb Dome at its centre.

• Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: home to the iconic Mount Fuji and beautiful Lake Kawaguchi, it offers spectacular scenery and numerous outdoor activities.

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto: a picturesque bamboo grove with a breathtaking walking path.

• Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara: a Buddhist temple housing Japan’s largest bronze statue of a seated Buddha (Daibutsu).

• Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo: one of the world’s largest fish markets, known for its auctions and fresh seafood.

• Himeji Castle in Hyōgo Prefecture: a stunning example of traditional Japanese castle architecture, also known as the “White Heron Castle”.

• The Gion district in Kyoto: a historic neighbourhood famous for its traditional wooden houses, geisha culture and teahouses.

• The temples and shrines of Nikkō: a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its magnificent Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples set amid picturesque mountain scenery.

• Meiji Shrine in Tokyo: an important Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, surrounded by a peaceful forest.

• The Akihabara electronics district in Tokyo: a mecca for technology enthusiasts, known for its countless electronics shops, anime stores and video arcades.

• Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture: an exceptionally well-preserved 16th-century wooden castle recognised as a national treasure of Japan.

• The canal town of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture: known for its well-preserved historic districts, traditional warehouses and picturesque canals.

Travel inspiration

Explore our inspiring blog posts and discover Japan’s most fascinating destinations:

• The best tips for stress-free long-haul flights

• Tokyo attractions: the most beautiful places and insider tips

• Cherry blossom season in Japan (sakura): travel dates for 2026, the most beautiful places and tips

Japanese cuisine is diverse and extensive, and this list offers only a brief insight into the many delicacies that can be enjoyed in Japan. Japanese food culture is also strongly shaped by the seasons and regional specialities, making every culinary experience unique. Particularly noteworthy specialities include:

• Sushi: known around the world, Japanese sushi consists of rice topped with raw fish, seafood or other ingredients such as vegetables or eggs. There are several types of sushi, including nigiri, maki and sashimi.

• Ramen: a popular noodle soup made with a savoury broth, noodles and various toppings such as pork, eggs, seaweed and vegetables. Different varieties are found according to region and preference.

• Tempura: a fried delicacy in which seafood, vegetables or other ingredients are coated in a light batter. It is often served with a dipping sauce.

• Yakitori: grilled chicken skewers that are very popular in Japan. They are generally seasoned with teriyaki sauce or salt and cooked over a charcoal grill.

• Okonomiyaki: a type of Japanese pancake or omelette topped with different ingredients such as vegetables, meat, seafood and noodles. It is often garnished with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise.

• Wagyū beef: highly prized Japanese beef known for its tender texture and rich marbling. It is often served as steak, sukiyaki or shabu-shabu.

• Matcha: finely ground green tea used in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is also used in confectionery, drinks and desserts and has a distinctive, slightly bitter taste.

• Sake: a traditional Japanese drink made by fermenting polished rice. Many varieties are available with different flavour profiles, from dry to sweet. Sake is often served with food or as part of ceremonies, including kaiseki cuisine.

• Izakaya: Japanese establishments serving a variety of small dishes and snacks alongside alcoholic drinks such as sake and beer. They are popular venues for informal gatherings with friends and colleagues.

• Greetings: in Japan, it is customary to greet people with a slight bow. The depth of the bow depends on the formal or informal nature of the encounter. On formal occasions, a person’s surname is often followed by the honorific suffix “san”, for example “Tanaka-san”.

• Saying please and thank you: politeness is very important in Japanese culture. It is customary to say “please” (onegaishimasu) and “thank you” (arigatō gozaimasu) to express respect and gratitude. A direct “thank you” is generally not expected when paying in shops, but customers are expected to behave politely.

• Clothing: it is important to dress appropriately and maintain a well-groomed appearance, particularly on formal occasions. Suitable clothing covering the shoulders and knees should be worn at religious sites such as temples and shrines.

• Dining culture: before eating, it is customary to say “itadakimasu” and after the meal “gochisōsama deshita”. Food should not be touched with the hands unless it is a dish such as sushi or onigiri that is traditionally eaten by hand. Passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another is considered impolite because it resembles a funeral ritual.

• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public places in Japan, including streets and parks. It is important to use the designated smoking areas. In restaurants, smoking is generally permitted only in specific smoking areas.

• Tipping: tipping is not customary in Japan. Service is already included in the prices and a tip may be perceived as impolite.

• Other tips: remove your shoes before entering Japanese homes, traditional ryokans and certain temples and shrines. Slippers are often provided for use indoors. Avoid photographing people without their permission, as this may be considered disrespectful. It is customary to bring a gift when visiting someone or attending a business meeting. The gift should not be too expensive and should be presented with both hands.

• Drinking water quality: drinking water in Japan is generally of very high quality and meets international standards. Tap water can usually be consumed without concern, particularly in urban areas. In remote rural areas or places affected by natural disasters, however, it may be advisable to use bottled water to avoid possible risks.

• Vaccinations: no specific vaccinations are generally required for travellers entering Japan. Travellers are nevertheless advised to keep routine vaccinations up to date, particularly those for diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles.

Information last updated in September 2025

• Medical care is available. Some hospitals require a financial guarantee before treatment, such as proof of health insurance, a credit card or advance payment. People with a negative Rhesus factor may experience difficulty obtaining a blood transfusion.

• Not all European medicines are available in Japan. If you depend on certain medication, your travel pharmacy should contain an adequate supply. Please note, however, that many countries have special regulations governing the import of medication containing controlled substances, such as methadone, and substances used to treat mental health conditions. If necessary, contact the relevant foreign representation, namely the embassy or consulate, directly before departure.

Information last updated in September 2025

• Before and during your trip, keep up to date with the current situation through the media and stay in contact with your tour operator.

• Further information about the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• Japan is generally a stable country. It should nevertheless be borne in mind that tensions on the Korean Peninsula can occasionally affect Japan. For example, a North Korean missile flying over northern Japan briefly triggered an alert on 4 October 2022.

• The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out in Japan either.

Information last updated in September 2025

• Driving licence: the Swiss driving licence is temporarily recognised only when accompanied by a Japanese translation issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or the Swiss Embassy in Japan. An international driving licence issued in Switzerland is not recognised.

• Car rental: rental cars may be booked only by drivers who have held their licence for at least one year. Drivers must be at least 21 years old.

• Traffic rules: traffic drives on the left.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.3‰.

• Long-distance trains: Japan has an excellent high-speed rail network known as the Shinkansen. These trains provide fast connections between the country’s major cities and are a popular choice for long-distance travel. They are comfortable and punctual and offer different ticket options, including reserved and non-reserved seats.

• Regional trains: in addition to the Shinkansen, an extensive regional rail network serves remote areas and smaller towns. These trains offer an affordable way to explore the country and allow travellers to visit areas that would be difficult to reach by car. Some routes are connected to well-known tourist itineraries, such as the Hakone Tozan Line to the Hakone area or the Kintetsu Line to Nara.

• Buses: buses are another popular transport option, particularly for travel in rural areas or short urban journeys where there are no rail connections. Many cities have a well-developed bus network that makes it easy to reach tourist attractions. Long-distance buses also offer an affordable way to travel between cities.

• Metro / tram: larger cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto have dense metro and tram networks that make travelling within the city easier. Metro services are fast, frequent and easy to use. In cities such as Hiroshima and Nagasaki, trams also connect tourist attractions and major transport hubs.

• Tickets: various types of public-transport tickets are available, including single tickets and day or weekly passes. For long-distance trains such as the Shinkansen, it is often advisable to book a reserved ticket in advance to secure a seat and benefit from discounts. Many stations and transport hubs have ticket machines, and ticket machines are also available on most trains.

• Tokyo-Narita (NRT): direct flights from Zurich.

• Tokyo-Haneda (HND): direct flights from Zurich.

• Osaka-Kansai (KIX): direct flights from Zurich.

• Osaka-Itami (ITM): direct flights from Zurich.

• Nagoya-Chūbu Centrair (NGO): direct flights from Zurich.

• Fukuoka (FUK): direct flights from Zurich.

• Sapporo-Chitose (CTS): direct flights from Zurich.

• Hiroshima (HIJ): direct flights from Zurich.

• Sendai (SDJ): direct flights from Zurich.

Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Peach Aviation, Skymark Airlines, Jetstar Japan, Air Do, Vanilla Air, Solaseed Air, Japan Transocean Air (JTA) and Skynet Asia Airways are among the main airlines operating in Japan.

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

• Police: 110
• Fire brigade / ambulance service: 119

5-9-12 Minami-Azabu
Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-8589

Tel. +81 3 5449 8400 / +81 3 3473 6090
Email: tokyo@eda.admin.ch

The country is located in an active earthquake zone.

Safety

• North-east of the country: all stays in the evacuation and exclusion zones designated by the Japanese authorities are discouraged.

Special legal provisions

Very strict drug-control laws apply.

Information last updated in September 2025