As of October 11, 2025, travelers to Japan should be aware of several important updates and precautions. Japan is experiencing a surge in tourism, with over 3.4 million visitors in August alone, marking a near 17% increase from the previous year. This rise in tourism has led to increased hotel prices and a shortage of accommodations in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

The weak yen makes Japan more affordable for international travelers, but it also means that popular spots are becoming increasingly crowded. To manage these crowds, authorities have implemented visitor caps at certain sites, including restrictions in Kyoto's Gion district. Travelers are advised to pre-book tickets and explore lesser-known destinations to avoid the crowds.

Safety remains a top priority in Japan. Despite being one of the safest countries, listeners should be mindful of natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions. Recent weather events include Typhoon Halong impacting the southern Izu Islands in early October. The Japan National Tourism Organization offers a "Safety tips" app that provides alerts and evacuation information.

Additionally, there's a growing concern over infectious diseases, such as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), which has been reported in various regions. Travelers are advised to take precautions against tick bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent.

Fake "Japan ESTA" websites have appeared, so travelers should be cautious not to submit personal information on unauthorized sites. Japan has not yet introduced an ESTA-like system, but plans to do so by 2028.

When traveling, it's essential to stay informed about local conditions and follow official guidelines. For example, the area around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant remains restricted due to radiation risks. Travelers should always carry their passports and keep copies of important documents. Taxis should only be hailed from official stands, and fares should be negotiated or metered to avoid overcharging.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI