If you're planning a trip to Japan, it's crucial to be well-prepared. From essential arrival information and cultural etiquette to the best seasons for travel, this guide covers everything you need to know. Japan has emerged as a leading international destination, welcoming a staggering 3.9 million visitors in April 2025, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

Although the country is known for its hospitality, navigating its unique culture and systems can be challenging. Here are ten vital tips to enhance your travel experience.

1. Understand Visa and Tourist Tax Regulations

For U.S. passport holders, no visa is required for entry into Japan. Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay and has at least one blank page for stamps. A tourist tax of 1,000 yen (around $7 USD) is automatically included in your airfare upon departure.

In the near future, discussions are underway regarding the implementation of a tourist tax for foreign visitors, potentially starting in 2026. Meanwhile, certain cities like Kyoto already impose accommodation taxes. Visitors currently benefit from an exemption on Japan’s 10% consumption tax. However, starting November 1, 2026, tourists will need to request refunds for tax-free shopping.

Pro Tip: To expedite your arrival, complete your immigration and customs declaration via Visit Japan Web before your flight. This will provide you with a QR code to show upon landing, saving you valuable time.

2. Choose the Right Time to Visit

Japan offers diverse experiences year-round, with each season showcasing its unique charm. Spring, particularly during cherry blossom season from mid-March to early April, draws the largest crowds. Conversely, winter offers fewer tourists and opportunities for skiing or soaking in a local onsen (hot spring). Summer can be hot and busy, but it’s an excellent time to explore Okinawa and its beautiful beaches. Autumn is known for comfortable weather and stunning foliage.

Pro Tip: If you want to avoid peak prices and large crowds, steer clear of Golden Week, which typically runs from late April to early May and sees a surge in domestic travel.

3. Select the Right Accommodations

Japan boasts an array of accommodation options, catering to all budgets. From luxurious hotels and traditional ryokans to budget-friendly capsule hotels, you’ll find something that suits your preferences. In Tokyo, popular areas for first-time visitors include Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza.

Pro Tip: Many hotels provide yukata (traditional Japanese robes) for guests to wear during their stay, enhancing your cultural experience.

4. Familiarize Yourself with Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Japan. However, some dining establishments may include a table charge that is disclosed upfront. While tipping for exceptional service is not expected, it can be appreciated in specific contexts, such as private tours or experiences with geishas.

Pro Tip: If you do choose to leave a tip, present it politely with a slight bow to show respect.

5. Carry Cash—Credit Cards Aren't Always Accepted

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, it's advisable to carry cash (JPY) for places that may not accept cards, particularly American Express. You can exchange U.S. dollars for yen at banks and hotels throughout the country. ATMs in convenience stores are reliable and safe for withdrawals.

Pro Tip: Keep a small coin purse handy to manage your change more easily.

6. Make Restaurant Reservations

With more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country, Japan offers incredible dining options. While you can enjoy good meals without breaking the bank, it's wise to make reservations at highly-rated restaurants well in advance. For spontaneous dining, Tabelog is a useful restaurant reservation app.

Pro Tip: Stations and shopping malls are excellent spots to discover a variety of dining options and local snacks.

7. Learn Basic Etiquette

Understanding Japanese customs is vital for a smooth experience. This includes practices like removing your shoes before entering homes or certain establishments, bowing as a sign of respect, and maintaining a low volume in public spaces. Familiarize yourself with bathing rituals at onsens to fully enjoy the experience.

Pro Tip: Don’t be alarmed—slurping your noodles loudly is considered a compliment to the chef and is part of the dining culture.

8. Use Public Transportation

Japan’s public transport system is efficient, safe, and cost-effective. Consider purchasing an IC Card for seamless travel on trains and buses. The most popular options, Suica and Pasmo, can be easily topped up on your smartphone or at stations. A Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a great investment for extensive travel, covering many train lines.

Pro Tip: Remember that each passenger, including children, must have their own IC Card for travel.

9. Visit a Konbini

Convenience stores, or konbini, are integral to daily life in Japan and are open 24/7. You can find a wide range of products, from snacks and meals to tickets for attractions. Many konbini ATMs accept foreign cards, making them a reliable option for cash withdrawals.

Pro Tip: Use konbini ATMs for hassle-free cash withdrawals during your trip.

10. Download Essential Travel Apps

Several apps can significantly enhance your travel experience in Japan. Google Maps is invaluable for navigation, while Google Translate helps bridge communication gaps. A currency converter is useful for quick conversions from yen to dollars. For dining, Tabelog is excellent for making reservations, and the Suica Card app simplifies transportation management.

Pro Tip: While WiFi hotspots are common in major cities, consider renting a pocket WiFi or purchasing a local SIM card for better connectivity in remote areas.

Additional Tips

Learn a Few Basic Japanese Phrases

While many Japanese people understand English, especially in urban areas, knowing a few basic phrases can go a long way. Simple greetings like "konnichiwa" (hello) and "arigato" (thank you) can enhance your interactions and show respect for the local culture.

Respect Local Customs and Traditions

Japan has a rich cultural heritage, and being aware of local customs can enhance your experience. For example, it’s common to bow when greeting someone, and being punctual is highly valued. Take time to learn about traditional practices, especially if visiting temples or participating in local festivals.

Stay Hydrated and Try Local Beverages

Japan has a range of local beverages to try, from matcha (green tea) to unique sodas and sake. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, and make sure to sample local drinks to fully immerse yourself in the culture.

Embrace the Unique Japanese Toilets

Japanese toilets often feature advanced technology, including heated seats and bidet functions. While they may seem intimidating at first, they provide a comfortable experience. Don’t hesitate to explore these modern conveniences!

Be Mindful of Public Behavior

In Japan, public decorum is important. Speaking loudly on public transportation or in restaurants is frowned upon. Maintain a respectful demeanor, and remember that personal space is valued.

By keeping these additional tips in mind, you’ll be even better prepared for an unforgettable journey in Japan!

Flying in and out of Cape Town just got even more convenient this summer as international airlines ramp up their schedules to the Mother City. Qatar Airways, recently voted the World’s Best Airline for a record ninth time in 2025 by Skytrax, is adding two extra weekly flights from Doha, upping their total to 12 weekly services. This near double-daily frequency promises greater flexibility and potentially more competitive fares for travellers.

A highlight for tech-savvy flyers: Boeing 777 flights are fitted with Starlink, offering free in-flight internet access to stream Netflix and more while deciding between chicken or beef meals.

But Qatar is not alone in expanding; Norse Atlantic Airways, which launched its inaugural Cape Town flights last year, is back with increased service. Starting October 28, 2025, Norse will resume its seasonal route to London Gatwick with three weekly flights, scaling up to four weekly from December 2025 through April 2026. This route, serviced by Boeing 787 Dreamliners, offers budget-conscious travellers direct access to and from the UK with increased frequency and ease.

Meanwhile, French connection lovers have cause to celebrate as Air France returns with seasonal flights between Paris and Cape Town. From mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026, it will operate daily services connecting these two iconic cities.

For those dreaming of tropical paradise, South African Airways is launching non-stop flights from Cape Town to Mauritius starting December 9, 2025. This new route offers a direct escape to sandy beaches and turquoise waters without the need to transit through Johannesburg.

With these enhanced offerings from major global airlines, Cape Town is poised to become an even more accessible and attractive destination for international travellers during the summer season and beyond.

A dramatic arc of water erupted over Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER as Flight EK310 touched down at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on July 30, marking not just the arrival of a new daily flight but a new era of connectivity between the innovation capitals of Dubai and China’s Silicon Valley. The ceremonial water cannon salute, gift packages for inaugural passengers, and a VIP delegation comprising Emirates’ senior leaders all signaled a high-profile debut for the airline’s fifth mainland Chinese destination a feat achieved within a month of its last launch in Shenzhen.

Hangzhou, a city of over 2,000 years of cultural legacy and the birthplace of Alibaba, is fast earning its “China’s Silicon Valley” moniker as it leads advances in artificial intelligence, big data, and digital commerce. It’s this dual identity historic hub and digital trailblazer that Emirates is tapping into with its new daily service, connecting not just tourists but entrepreneurs, traders, and tech enthusiasts. “Connecting these two cities makes perfect sense,” said Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, International Affairs, highlighting both heritage and innovation.

The logistical backbone supporting this flight the Boeing 777-300ER boasts eight First class suites, 42 Business class seats, and 304 Economy seats, a total of 2,478 seats each week between Dubai and Hangzhou. For Hangzhou’s e-commerce giants and bustling manufacturing sector, it’s the sky-high cargo capacity that truly stands out. Each flight ferries up to 16 tonnes of high-value cargo, streamlining the movement of electronics, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and Alibaba’s e-commerce goods directly to global markets via Dubai.

This is a boon for UAE consumers and businesses, who now gain faster, more cost-effective access to Chinese products as Emirates SkyCargo leverages Hangzhou’s vast logistics infrastructure and digital trade ecosystem.
Dubai’s magnetism for Chinese travelers is surging: 2024 welcomed 824,000–830,000 Chinese tourists a 30–31% leap over 2023, fueled by enhanced connectivity, language-tailored services, and promotional events. Emirates’ expanded Chinese network now includes 49 weekly flights across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and now Hangzhou, with onboard service tailored for Chinese passengers, including Mandarin-speaking crew and in-flight catering adjustments.

For business, Emirates’ rapid expansion in China two new routes in a single month has prompted a surge in corporate and labor traffic, as well as flows of overseas Chinese visiting families in Europe and beyond. “Before this route, Hangzhou passengers had to connect via Shanghai. Direct service makes the journey seamless and reflects strong demand from business, labor, and diaspora communities,” said Adam Li, Emirates’ Vice President – China.

Hangzhou’s digital economy industries generated over Dh1 trillion (¥2 trillion) in 2024, accounting for nearly a third of the city’s GDP. Its cross-border e-commerce exports are expected to exceed Dh70 billion by 2026—growth directly supported by Emirates’ expanded air corridor. As part of broader BRICS and Belt and Road initiatives, this route is more than an aviation milestone; it’s a statement of intent for commercial, cultural, and technological bridges between East and West.

For Emirates, the inaugural Hangzhou flight is a symbol of two decades of partnership with China. As new air corridors accelerate business flows, tourism, and digital commerce, the world’s horizons for travelers, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike just got a bit broader and a lot more connected.

Key Flight Facts:

• Route: Dubai (DXB) – Hangzhou (HGH)Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (8 First, 42 Business, 304 Economy)
• Flight times: EK310 departs Dubai 03:10, arrives Hangzhou 15:30; EK311 departs Hangzhou 00:10, arrives Dubai 04:55
• Cargo: 16 tonnes of bellyhold capacity per flight

Notable Growing Trends:

• 30–31% year-on-year increase in Chinese tourists to Dubai in 2024
• Hangzhou’s digital economy topped Dh1 trillion in 2024 revenue
• Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights between Dubai and China’s five key gateways

Emirates’ launch of daily flights to Hangzhou marks a new chapter for global connectivity, enabling the movement of people, ideas, and trade between two of the world’s most future-focused cities.

In a sweeping move to enhance global connectivity, Qatar Airways has unveiled its expanded winter 2025 schedule, increasing frequencies to over 15 international destinations and setting a new record with up to 10 daily flights between its Doha hub and London Heathrow. This monumental boost reaffirms the carrier’s commitment to providing greater choice and more flexible travel options for both leisure and business passengers worldwide.

More Destinations, More Choices

Travelers flying with Qatar Airways this winter will discover added flight options to key cities across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The schedule climb includes:

London Heathrow: Now up to 10 daily flights, the highest-ever frequency for Qatar Airways to any single airport, complemented by British Airways’ double daily services.

Major frequency increases by city:

• Abu Dhabi – up to 6 daily flights
• Berlin – up to 21 weekly flights
• Cape Town – up to 12 weekly flights
• Dublin – up to 17 weekly flights
• Frankfurt – up to 21 weekly flights
• Johannesburg – up to 18 weekly flights
• Madrid – up to 17 weekly flights
• Maldives – up to 4 daily flights
• Manchester – up to 24 weekly flights
• Phuket – up to 4 daily flights
• São Paulo – up to 18 weekly flights
• Sharjah – up to 7 daily flights
• Tokyo Narita – up to 14 weekly flights
• Toronto – up to 7 weekly flights.

Additionally, in partnership with Virgin Australia, the Melbourne–Doha route expands to three daily services, and flights to Canberra will resume, further cementing Qatar Airways’ position as a leader in bridging Australia to the world.

Leadership in Sky-High Connectivity

Keeping pace with modern traveler expectations, Qatar Airways has swiftly equipped all 54 of its Boeing 777 aircraft with complimentary, ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi, offering gate-to-gate speeds of up to 500Mbps—available to all passengers, in all classes. The carrier stands as the first in the world to fully outfit and operate over 50 widebody jets with Starlink and remains the exclusive provider of this high-speed service in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The rollout is now expanding to the airline’s Airbus A350 fleet, targeted for completion within a year, making free, high-speed internet even more widely available to passengers journeying to Qatar Airways’ network of over 170 destinations.

Hospitality, Awards, and Environmental Commitment

Qatar Airways’ relentless focus on excellence continues to be recognized: it earned the coveted title of “World’s Best Airline” from Skytrax for a record ninth time in 2025, alongside honors for best business class and best airport lounge. Passengers also benefit from Hamad International Airport recently voted the “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the 11th consecutive year and lauded for its world-class shopping experiences.

Beyond customer experience, Qatar Airways leads as the first Middle Eastern airline to earn IATA’s top-level environmental certification and the inaugural global signatory for anti-wildlife trafficking standards highlighting its ongoing commitment to responsible travel.

As global demand rebounds, Qatar Airways’ expanded winter schedule and drive for onboard innovation solidify its role as a visionary in international aviation, offering travelers more destinations, more comfort, and more seamless connectivity than ever before.

A new chapter is set to take flight in Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape with the announcement of a Dammam-based low-cost airline, led by UAE’s Air Arabia in partnership with Saudi firms Kun Investment Holding and Nesma Group. Far from just adding another budget carrier to an already bustling market, this initiative is a strategic move deeply aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan, aiming to diversify the economy, boost tourism, and stimulate regional development.

Dammam, home to King Fahd International Airport Saudi Arabia’s third-largest and a crucial gateway for the Eastern Province, will serve as the airline’s headquarters. This marks a significant pivot from the usual Riyadh and Jeddah focus, placing Dammam at the heart of expanded connectivity efforts. The new carrier is designed to unlock the airport’s untapped potential as a hub linking underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Abha, Jazan, and Tabuk with the Gulf capitals Doha, Manama, Kuwait City, and Sharjah, enhancing both domestic and regional access.

The airline is set for an ambitious start with a fleet of 45 aircraft, targeting to serve 81 destinations (24 domestic and 57 international), and plans to transport up to 10 million passengers annually by 2030. This expansion is expected to create over 2,400 direct jobs, boosting the local economy and increasing travel options with affordable fares and greater seat capacity.

Saudi Arabia’s domestic air travel demand has surged past 62 million passengers in 2023, fueled by growing religious tourism and the rise of mega leisure projects like NEOM and AlUla. The new airline aims to cater to these evolving travel patterns by providing competitive, budget-friendly flights that stimulate latent demand in ways the existing full-service carriers do not.

This move comes amid a robust aviation ecosystem supported by heavy investments over SR50 billion into airport modernization and privatization initiatives that tackle infrastructure bottlenecks, making the environment ripe for low-cost carrier growth. With two-thirds of Saudi Arabia’s 35 million population under 35 and rising consumer preferences toward budget travel, the regional aviation market is expanding rather than cannibalizing existing players like Flynas and flyadeal.

The Air Arabia-led consortium, combining regional low-cost expertise and local governance, symbolizes a mature approach to Gulf aviation partnerships. It contrasts with the less successful ventures by foreign carriers lacking regional rooting, emphasizing the importance of cost discipline, fleet strategy, and market alignment to thrive in the Kingdom.

In essence, this new Saudi low-cost airline launching from Dammam is a calculated strategic lever not a gamble to energize the Eastern Province, strengthen regional connectivity, and underpin the Kingdom’s economic diversification through tourism and transport. Its success will hinge on local responsiveness, disciplined operations, and the ability to integrate seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s broader national vision.

This pioneering airline, expected to begin flights by late 2026, is more than a carrier it is a bold statement on Saudi Arabia’s evolving aviation ambitions and a beacon for the future of budget travel in the region.

In a landmark moment for both its fleet and passenger experience, Etihad Airways has received its first Airbus A321LR at the Airbus Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg a major milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory and a bold step in redefining single-aisle travel.

The new A321LR is the first of 30 such jets set to join the Abu Dhabi-based carrier, ushering in a new era where widebody amenities and luxurious innovations are available on shorter routes. Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, hailed the delivery as “an extraordinary moment,” emphasizing the airline’s mission to deliver “luxury at every altitude” and across its expanding global network.

Among the jet’s standout features is Etihad’s inaugural narrowbody First Suites cabin—a first for the airline. These private suites offer sliding doors, fully-flat beds, and bespoke design touches reminiscent of the airline’s long-haul flagship products. Window seats are further enhanced by 20-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and companion seating, blurring the line between widebody and narrowbody experiences.

The 14-seat Business Class cabin features a 1-1 herringbone layout akin to widebody flagships, with direct aisle and window access for every guest. Each seat sports a 17.3-inch 4K screen, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity, elevating comfort and privacy on short-haul journeys.

Etihad’s Economy Class also receives a premium upgrade, offering 144 seats with extra space, 13.3-inch 4K seatback touchscreens, USB charging, and Bluetooth connection for personal headphones plus over a thousand hours of content. Increased overhead luggage space also brings widebody convenience to the narrowbody segment.

Airbus Executive Vice President Sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, commented on the delivery: “The arrival of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR symbolizes innovation and partnership, deepening the longstanding bond between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new comfort benchmark for single-aisle jets and expands Etihad’s global reach from Abu Dhabi.”

The A321LR is also equipped with next-generation Viasat Wi-Fi, promising lightning-fast speeds reaching 100’s of Mbps for uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and gaming at cruising altitude. This gate-to-gate connectivity will be available on Asian routes from September 2025, ensuring travelers stay productive and entertained throughout their journey.

Set to debut commercially on 1 August 2025 on the Abu Dhabi–Phuket route, the A321LR will soon serve a diverse mix of both short- and medium-haul destinations, including Bangkok, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, Tunis, Zurich, and more. The aircraft’s arrival is a key pillar in Etihad’s “Journey 2030” vision to reinforce Abu Dhabi as a world-class aviation hub and support the airline’s goal of reaching 38 million annual passengers by 2030.

With another nine A321LRs landing in 2025 and an ambitious slate of 27 new routes in a single year, Etihad is poised to bring the luxury of widebody flying to more travelers and more destinations than ever before—raising the bar for what’s possible in single-aisle aviation.