Japan

It depends on nationality. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries, and 60+ other countries and territories can enter visa-free for tourism or business, for stays of 15 to 90 days depending on nationality (most major countries get 90 days). Working Holiday visas are available separately for citizens of certain countries aged 18-30. Anyone not covered by a visa-exemption arrangement needs to apply through a Japanese embassy or consulate before travel.

Yes, more than the high-tech image suggests. Many restaurants, small shops, and taxis still don't accept credit cards, and convenience-store ATMs (7-Eleven, post offices) are the most reliable way for foreign cards to withdraw yen. Carry enough cash for daily spending, especially outside major cities.

No — tipping isn't practiced in Japan and can come across as confusing or even offensive. Excellent service is the standard expectation, already reflected in the price, so there's no need to leave anything extra at restaurants, taxis, or hotels.

Cherry blossom season (sakura) typically runs late March to early April in Tokyo and Kyoto, later further north, with exact bloom dates shifting year to year. It's Japan's most in-demand travel window — book accommodation 6+ months ahead and expect peak pricing. Autumn foliage in November is just as spectacular with noticeably thinner crowds.

It depends on your itinerary. The JR Pass (7, 14, or 21 days) covers unlimited rides on most JR trains and shinkansen services, and pays off best on genuinely long-distance, multi-city trips — a single Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo round trip often costs less bought as individual tickets. It must be purchased before entering Japan for the best price. For city travel alone, an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) is the more useful purchase.

The official climbing season runs early July to early September, when mountain huts, first-aid stations, and public transport to the trailheads are all operating. Climbing outside this window is for experienced mountaineers only and actively discouraged given the weather risk. Most climbers time a pre-dawn start for sunrise at the summit.

Yes, though the risk is well-managed. Japan has earthquakes are frequent, most too small to notice, and buildings are built to strict earthquake-resistant standards. Typhoon season runs roughly June to October and can disrupt shinkansen and flight schedules with little notice — build a buffer day into any itinerary crossing that window, and download the “Safety Tips” app for English-language disaster alerts.