Travelling to Japan: visa, seasons, money and practical tips

Japan is a dream destination for more and more travellers – a country where ancient temples stand next to futuristic skyscrapers, trains leave to the second and food is an art form. To enjoy the trip without surprises it pays to prepare in advance: documents, season, money, even the power sockets are different. In this guide we have gathered the essentials. For what to see once you are there, read our article on the most interesting places in Japan.

Visa and entry requirements for Bulgarian citizens

The information below is based on the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and official Japanese sources as of November 2026. Citizens of other countries should check the rules for their own passport.

• Visa-free for up to 90 days: Bulgarian citizens can stay in Japan without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism, visiting and other short-term purposes, but may not do paid work. Longer stays require a visa. Citizenship is what counts, not where you live – a foreign national with a Bulgarian residence permit does not automatically get visa-free access.
• Passport: a passport valid for the entire stay. You cannot travel to Japan with an ID card.
• Ticket and accommodation: a return or onward ticket is required. Border officers may ask for a hotel booking, an itinerary and proof of funds.
• Medical insurance: according to the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulgarian citizens need to have insurance. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Japan, and healthcare is excellent but expensive.
• Vaccinations: none are required.
• Visit Japan Web: we recommend registering in advance on the official Visit Japan Web platform. You enter your immigration and customs details and receive a QR code that speeds up airport checks. It does not replace your passport.
• Medicines: Japan has strict rules. Some medicines sold freely in Europe – for example those containing codeine or certain allergy medications – are banned from import. Personal medication may be brought in limited quantities (up to about 2 months' supply), so check in advance and keep the original packaging.
• Customs: importing meat and meat products is strictly prohibited. Amounts over 1 million yen must be declared.
• Driving: Japan does not recognise Bulgarian international driving permits, so as a tourist you cannot drive. The good news is that public transport is excellent.
• Departure tax: since July 2026 the departure tax for leaving Japan is 3,000 yen. It is usually included in the air fare.
• JESTA: Japan is preparing an electronic travel authorisation (JESTA), expected to launch around 2028. As of November 2026 it is not required.

Tip: register on Visit Japan Web a few days before your flight and keep a copy of your passport photo page. Always check the current requirements before you travel with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan.

When is the best time to visit Japan

Japan is a year-round destination, but every season shows a different side of the country:

• Spring (March – May): cherry blossom season – sakura. Parks and streets turn pink and temperatures are pleasant. Ideal for Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Avoid Golden Week (late April – early May), when the Japanese themselves travel.
• Summer (June – August): hot and humid, with a rainy season in June. It is the time of festivals and fireworks, beach holidays in Okinawa and the cooler island of Hokkaido. Late summer and early autumn are typhoon season.
• Autumn (September – November): maple trees turn red and gold and the weather is pleasant for walking. Kyoto, Kanazawa and Takayama are especially beautiful.
• Winter (December – February): snow in Hokkaido, ski resorts, winter festivals and hot spring baths – onsen.

If we had to pick one period, we would choose April for the cherry blossoms or the second half of October and November for the autumn colours. Exact blossom dates change every year.

How to get to Japan from Bulgaria

There are no direct flights from Sofia, so the trip involves one connection – most often in Istanbul, Vienna, Frankfurt, Munich, Warsaw, Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Depending on the route, the journey takes roughly 13–18 hours.

The main airports are Narita and Haneda for Tokyo (Haneda is closer to the centre), Kansai for Osaka and Kyoto, and Chubu Centrair for Nagoya. A convenient option is to fly into Tokyo and out of Osaka or vice versa, so you don't have to return to your first city.

Money, payments and tipping

• Currency: Japanese yen (JPY, ¥). Euros and dollars are not accepted directly – exchange them at banks, exchange offices and airports.
• Cards: hotels, large stores and chains accept cards, but small restaurants, family shops, temples and markets are often cash only.
• ATMs: those in 7-Eleven stores and post offices accept foreign cards.
• Tipping: not done. Service is included in the price, and leaving money can cause confusion – staff will assume you forgot your change.

Shopping and tax-free

Bargaining is not customary – prices are fixed almost everywhere. Japan is a great place to shop for electronics, cosmetics, anime goods, clothing and traditional souvenirs.

New rules from 1 November 2026: at registered tax-free shops you now pay the full price including tax, and the tax is refunded when you leave – at customs, before check-in for your flight. You need your passport when you buy, and goods must leave the country within 90 days. Consumables (cosmetics, food) lose their refund eligibility if you use them in Japan. Allow extra time at the airport.

Food and water

Tap water in Japan is safe to drink, and restaurants usually serve water free of charge. Japanese cuisine is varied and of very high quality – be sure to try sushi, ramen, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, mochi and taiyaki. If you have food allergies, carry a card listing them in Japanese, and if you are not used to raw fish, start with cooked dishes.

Clothing and sun

• Comfortable shoes: you will walk a lot in Japan – this is the most important item in your luggage.
• By season: spring and autumn – layers and a light jacket; summer – light breathable clothes, a hat, sunglasses and SPF 30–50+ sunscreen; winter – a warm jacket, and proper winter gear for Hokkaido and the mountains.
• Temples and traditional places: dress modestly and be ready to take your shoes off.
• Rain: in June and during typhoon season carry a folding umbrella.

Electricity and sockets

The voltage in Japan is 100 V and sockets are type A and B – with two flat pins. European plugs do not fit, so you need an adapter. Check your chargers: if they say INPUT 100–240V, 50/60Hz, they work with a simple adapter. Devices made only for 220–240 V (such as some hair dryers and straighteners) need a voltage converter.

More useful tips

• Transport: Shinkansen bullet trains connect the big cities quickly and comfortably, and city transport is extremely punctual.
• Cleanliness: many places have no bins – carry a small bag for your rubbish.
• Quiet: people don't talk loudly on the phone on trains and the metro.
• Language: big cities have English signs, but a translation app is very useful.
• Internet: a tourist eSIM or Pocket Wi-Fi gives you constant access to maps.
• Natural hazards: Japan is an earthquake zone. Follow staff instructions and official warnings. Emergency numbers: 110 (police) and 119 (ambulance and fire).

Frequently asked questions

Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa for Japan?

No, not for tourist stays of up to 90 days. You need a valid passport, a return ticket and medical insurance.

How long is the flight from Sofia to Tokyo?

With one connection, roughly 13–18 hours depending on the route.

When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?

Usually from late March to mid-April in Tokyo and Kyoto, earlier in the south and later in the north. The dates change every year.

Can I drive in Japan with a Bulgarian licence?

No. Japan does not recognise Bulgarian international driving permits, so rely on trains and public transport.

Need help planning?

Japan takes more preparation than most destinations – from a flight with a convenient connection to hotels in several cities and Shinkansen tickets. The Clio Travel team will help you plan a trip that suits your interests and budget, remind you about documents and insurance, and take care of flights, accommodation and transfers.