Japan Travel Update: Costs, Yen, and What’s Current for 2026
Travellagio · Last checked September 2026 · We revisit this page whenever rules change
Japan has remained one of the most-searched destinations for a reason that has nothing to do with cherry blossoms: the exchange rate. Here’s the current state for 2026.
Entry & visa status
Most EU, US, UK, and Israeli passport holders can still enter Japan visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. Visit Japan Web, the online pre-registration system for customs and immigration, remains optional but genuinely speeds up the arrival process if completed in advance.
The yen situation
The weak yen that made Japan a standout value destination has largely persisted, keeping hotels, food, and shopping meaningfully cheaper for foreign visitors in dollar or euro terms than the pre-2022 baseline. This remains the single biggest reason Japan has stayed at the top of so many travel wish lists.
What’s changed on the ground
Tokyo and Kyoto have both seen a continued rise in visitor numbers, which means booking accommodation and popular restaurants further ahead has become more important, especially around the cherry blossom (late March–April) and autumn foliage (October–November) windows.