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!

British Airways flight BA519 from Lisbon to London Heathrow declared an emergency on July 5, 2025, while entering British airspace due to a technical issue with the aircraft’s nose gear steering system. The Airbus A319 (registration G-EUPG) departed Lisbon Airport at 18:33 WEST, nearly two hours behind its scheduled departure time, and was originally expected to land at Heathrow at 19:10 BST.

As the flight began its approach to London Heathrow, pilots activated the emergency squawk code 7700, signaling the need for a priority landing because the nose gear servo was malfunctioning, preventing the aircraft from steering on the ground. This technical issue raised concerns about safe taxiing after touchdown, prompting emergency protocols at the airport.

Air traffic control initially switched landings from runway 27L to 27R at 20:50 BST to manage traffic and emergency response. However, BA519 returned to final approach on runway 27L by 20:58 BST. The aircraft safely landed on runway 27L at 21:05 BST, where it was immediately met by emergency vehicles including fire trucks. The plane vacated the runway by 21:07 BST and was inspected on the taxiway, escorted by fire services.

By 21:24 BST, the aircraft had been guided to stand A14 at Terminal 5 for further inspection and passenger disembarkation. Normal landing operations resumed on runway 27L shortly before this. There have been no reports of injuries or further complications, and the incident was managed efficiently with coordinated emergency response.

The delay in departure from Lisbon and the subsequent emergency landing caused a ripple effect on airport operations, temporarily halting runway 27L landings and drawing attention on social media and flight tracking platforms. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance and emergency preparedness, as well as the professionalism of flight crews and ground teams in handling in-flight technical difficulties safely.

British Airways and Heathrow Airport have not released detailed statements yet but confirmed the safe landing and ongoing investigation into the nose gear servo malfunction. Passengers on board were reported safe, and the aircraft is undergoing technical assessment to determine the cause and necessary repairs. This event adds to a series of operational challenges faced by the airline in recent months, highlighting the critical role of safety protocols in commercial aviation.

Abu Dhabi has achieved a major milestone in urban transportation by successfully conducting its first test flight of a flying taxi at Al Bateen Executive Airport, signaling the emirate’s rapid progress toward launching commercial air taxi services by early 2026. The test was carried out in partnership between US-based Archer Aviation and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio), utilizing Archer’s fully electric, driverless Midnight eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft.

This aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, reach speeds up to 241 km/h, and cover distances of about 150 km, making it ideal for short urban commutes such as airport-to-downtown routes.

The test flight is part of a broader strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in advanced air mobility. The initiative extends beyond simply operating air taxis; it aims to develop a comprehensive aviation ecosystem.

This includes pilot training, maintenance and repair operations (MROs), talent development, and manufacturing, with plans for Archer to set up a production facility in Al Ain that could eventually export aircraft across the region. There are also collaborations with local universities to create specialized curricula and short diploma programs, ensuring a skilled workforce for the sector’s future needs.

The ongoing testing phase will continue through the harsh UAE summer, focusing on the aircraft’s performance in extreme heat, humidity, and dust—conditions critical for ensuring reliability and safety in the local environment. According to officials, the tests are structured not just for demonstration but for commercial readiness, with the goal of integrating the air taxi service seamlessly into Abu Dhabi’s transportation infrastructure.

The project also includes the development of vertiports, with the first dual-use heliport expected to be operational at Mina Zayed Cruise Terminal by the end of 2025, close to major city landmarks. When commercial operations begin, customers will be able to book rides via a smartphone app, similar to current ride-hailing services, with pricing anticipated to be competitive with premium ride-sharing options—previous estimates suggest inner-city trips could cost around Dh300 to Dh350.

Archer Aviation and Abu Dhabi authorities emphasize that the service is intended for the general public, not just luxury travelers, and as the network expands, costs are expected to decrease, making flying taxis a practical daily transport option. Manufacturing is set to begin in 2027, with ambitions to export the technology regionally. This achievement places Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global race to deploy sustainable, efficient, and futuristic urban air mobility solutions

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) is advancing a comprehensive infrastructure development program to expand and modernize the country’s aviation network, focusing on new airports in Mirpur (Azad Kashmir), Dera Ismail Khan, and Hyderabad, alongside the reconstruction and expansion of Sukkur Airport. These projects aim to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and address long-standing accessibility challenges in underserved areas.

The feasibility report for the Mirpur Airport is in its final stages, signaling imminent progress on this key project that will improve air travel options for Azad Kashmir. In Dera Ismail Khan, land acquisition is actively underway, with authorities emphasizing that the new airport will resolve persistent connectivity issues affecting southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neighboring regions. The strategic location of Sukkur Airport has prompted plans for its reconstruction and the development of a new terminal, intended to transform it into a regional aviation hub serving northern Sindh and adjacent areas.

At Hyderabad Airport, the government has directed the Pakistan Airports Authority to initiate commercial flight operations. In parallel, plans are moving forward to establish an aviation training school at Hyderabad, designed to boost technical education and professional skills development within the aviation sector, supporting workforce capacity building.

These infrastructure initiatives are part of a broader modernization effort by the PAA, which also includes the recent launch of an e-gates implementation project at major international airports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. This project, expected to be completed within 24 months, will introduce automated passenger processing systems aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, enhancing security and passenger experience.

Additionally, approvals have been granted for the construction of two new international airports in Sukkur and Muzaffarabad, with land acquisition and development activities underway. These airports are projected to be completed within five years, representing a significant investment in Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure.

The PAA’s ongoing runway upgrades, such as the 53% completion of the Runway 07L/25R upgrade at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport as of May 2025, further demonstrate the authority’s commitment to enhancing airport capacity and safety.

Collectively, these projects reflect Pakistan’s strategic vision to modernize its aviation facilities, improve regional and international connectivity, foster economic development, and create employment opportunities in underdeveloped regions. The involvement of international consultants and adherence to global standards underscore the commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure and services.

For the first time in years, UAE residents can enjoy affordable last-minute summer getaways, with airfares dropping to their lowest levels since before the pandemic. Traditionally, July and August see a surge in ticket prices, but this year, connecting economy flights from Dubai to London are available for as little as Dh1,300—a significant decrease from last year’s Dh2,500 for similar routes.

Travellers departing from Abu Dhabi are finding even better deals. For example, flights to Mumbai are currently listed at Dh708 for travel between July 15 and 31, making Abu Dhabi an attractive starting point for budget-conscious holidaymakers.

“We are seeing a much more manageable increase in airfares this July,” said Rashid Abbas, Managing Director at Arooha Travels. “Some fares to CIS and Indian destinations have dropped to between Dh610 and Dh800. These prices are certainly more attractive than what travellers have had to contend with in the last couple of years.”

Are these the lowest fares since 2020? According to Abbas, “Yes and no. While some destinations are seeing dramatic drops, others especially certain European cities still command higher prices, between Dh2,500 and Dh3,800 for last-minute bookings. However, these are still well below the peaks of 2022, when airfares soared to unprecedented levels.”

Direct flights to major European cities such as London, Stockholm, Lisbon, and Barcelona remain in the Dh2,500–Dh3,000 range. Yet, budget carriers are offering competitive alternatives; for example, Dubai to Paris on a low-cost airline is available for Dh2,815, and flights to Berlin can be found for Dh1,860.

Here are some of the best last-minute deals for travel between July 15 and 31:

From Dubai:

• Dubai to Tbilisi on flydubai: Dh1,300
• Dubai to Istanbul on AJet: Dh653
• Dubai to Chisinau, Moldova on Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: Dh538
• Dubai to Cairo on Air Arabia Express: Dh1,430
• Dubai to New York on United Airlines: Dh2,945

From Abu Dhabi:

• Abu Dhabi to Yerevan on Etihad: Dh618
• Abu Dhabi to Manama on Etihad: Dh415
• Abu Dhabi to Muscat on Etihad: Dh485
• Abu Dhabi to Istanbul on Etihad: Dh1,006
• Abu Dhabi to Athens on Etihad: Dh1,635

From Sharjah:

• Sharjah to Istanbul on AJet: Dh706
• Sharjah to Doha on Qatar Airways: Dh755
• Sharjah to Tbilisi on Air Arabia: Dh1,432

From Ras Al Khaimah:

• RAK to Mumbai on IndiGo: Dh742
• RAK to Istanbul on AJet: Dh653

Travel agents attribute the drop in fares to changing travel habits among UAE residents. “Couples and singles often travel home during off-peak months to save on fares,” said Sapna Aidasani, Head of Marketing at Pluto Travels. She noted a trend toward shorter trips, typically lasting one to two weeks, rather than extended summer holidays. Many are also exploring destinations closer to the UAE, such as Azerbaijan or Schengen countries, and Africa is gaining popularity.

Corporate leave policies also play a role, with most employees preferring to split their travel into multiple shorter trips throughout the year. Dubai residents usually return by early August and then plan additional holidays for winter or Diwali, breaking up their summer travel.

With schools closed and temperatures soaring, residents are encouraged to keep up with the latest events, deals, and safety tips through Summer Vibes in collaboration with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). There’s plenty happening across the Emirates this July and August, making it easier than ever to plan a memorable and affordable summer.

A routine international journey turned into a 42-hour test of patience for passengers on Qatar Airways Flight QR579, after a technical fault in Delhi triggered a domino effect of missed connections, late arrivals, and what travelers describe as “zero accountability” from the airline and regulators.

The trouble began on November 22, 2024, when Flight QR579 from Delhi to Doha was delayed by more than five hours due to technical issues, departing at 9:10 AM instead of the scheduled 3:40 AM. This delay caused passengers to miss their connecting flight to Cape Town, leaving them stranded in Doha. Rather than providing immediate rebooking, Qatar Airways rescheduled the group for a flight the following day, ultimately delivering them to Cape Town at 8 PM on November 23 over 26 hours behind schedule.

The extended delay upended travel plans and, according to one passenger, created a safety risk due to the late-night arrival. “We endured 42 hours of fatigue, disrupted plans, and a complete lack of accountability from the airline,” the passenger wrote in a widely shared online post. The airline’s response offering $200 non-refundable vouchers per person, valid only for future bookings was met with frustration. 

Multiple attempts to escalate the matter with Qatar Airways’ senior customer service staff yielded no further compensation, and a formal complaint to the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) was dismissed. The QCAA argued it could not intervene since Doha was only a transit point, a stance passengers say contradicts the Montreal Convention, which sets global standards for airline liability in cases of delay.

The Montreal Convention allows international travelers to claim damages for delays, including reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses up to a capped amount, regardless of where the delay occurs. However, as this case illustrates, enforcement can be inconsistent. “QCAA refuses to enforce it,” the passenger noted, after their claim was rejected. With few options left, the traveler is now considering whether to pursue the matter with India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or in consumer court, though they question whether the effort will be worthwhile.

The story has resonated with many, drawing responses from others who report similar experiences with international flight delays and minimal accountability. As one commenter put it, “It’s when things go wrong airlines really show their true colours, and in this case Qatar were very poor”. With regulatory protections like the Montreal Convention often difficult to enforce, the burden of seeking redress continues to fall on the passengers themselves.