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Japan

The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.

EmergencyPolice 110Ambulance 119Fire 119

Plug typesA · B100 V · 50 Hz CurrencyJPYJapanese Yen

Drives on theleft

TippingNot expected

Local time–+81 · Calling code

The country in brief

About 123 million people live in Japan, on 377,974 km². The capital is Tokyo.

Capital: Tokyo
Population: 123,366,734
Area: 377,974 km²
Official languages: Japanese

Land borders

No land borders

Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.

Before you go

Which plugs are used in Japan?
Sockets take plug type A/B, at 100 V and 50 Hz.
That is lower than Europe's 230 V: phone and laptop chargers handle it, but check hair dryers and the like.
What is the emergency number in Japan?
Call 110 for the police, 119 for an ambulance and 119 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Japan?
Not expected.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Japan?
Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when you cross the street.
What currency is used in Japan?
Prices are in Japanese Yen (JPY).
What language do they speak in Japan?
Official languages: Japanese.
How do I call a number in Japan from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +81.