Japan for Americans: visa, cost of living and safety

Getting in on a US passport

No visa needed for tourist stays up to 90 days. You can't switch to a work or other visa while you're in Japan; you have to leave and apply from outside. The departure tax rose to ¥3,000 on July 1, 2026, and a pre-arrival authorization (JESTA) is planned for fiscal 2028 but isn't in effect yet.

Staying longer

The digital nomad visa, available since 2024, allows up to 6 months with no extension and requires at least ¥10 million a year in income; you then wait 6 months before you can apply again. Staying longer means getting a work, student or spouse visa.

What a month costs

Lean: about $1,570 a month. Comfortable: about $2,150 a month. One person, rent included.

Tokyo. Numbeo (updated Sep 24, 2026): $889 a month single-person costs without rent, plus a 1-bed outside the centre at $681 (low) or in the centre at $1,260 (comfortable).

Where to base yourself

Tokyo

It has two airports with daily nonstops to LAX and the most English-friendly services and jobs, but it's the most expensive city on this list.

Osaka

Rent is cheaper than in Tokyo, Kansai airport has flights to the US and around Asia, and Kyoto is under an hour away by train.

Fukuoka

It's a smaller, cheaper city whose airport is a few subway stops from downtown, and it has short flights to Seoul and Taipei.

Heads up

Some US prescriptions, including Adderall, are illegal in Japan even with a doctor's note, and possession can bring prison time, so check before you pack. In Roppongi, Kabukicho, Shibuya and Ikebukuro, don't follow street touts into bars; the State Dept reports spiked drinks and robbery there.

Emergency numbers

Police: 110
Ambulance: 119
Tourist police: No tourist police; Japan Visitor Hotline 050-3816-2787 (24/7, English)
Anti-trafficking: Anonymous Report Dial (Tokumei Tsuho Dial) 0120-924-839; police consultation #9110; emergencies 110
US Embassy: +81-3-3224-5000

Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions (reissued May 15, 2025). No regions flagged.

Practical

Currency: Japanese yen (JPY)
Plugs: A, B (100 V, 50/60 Hz)
Nonstop flight from the US: Yes
Typical door-to-door from LAX: about 12 hours

18+ only. If you see anyone who looks underage, or anyone being forced to work, call the anti-trafficking number above or the police. Rules change: check the embassy and immigration sites before you book.