Table of Contents for the Cruise Guide
Page headings
- Tipping: Not required in Japan
- Power supply: 100V, Type A plug
- Cash, cards, ATMs
- Duty-free shopping (changes effective November 1, 2026)
- Weather and seasons
- Also worth reading
- FAQ
- Source/Reference Information
Cruise Guide
Key points of this page
- Tipping is not required in Japan. Check the cruise line's policy regarding onboard service charges.
- The power supply is 100V, Type A (two flat pins). If your charger is compatible with 100-240V, you can use it as is, provided the connector shape matches.
- While many shops accept cards, there are still places where only cash is accepted. Bring about 10,000 yen per person per day of port call, with plenty of 1,000 yen bills and 100 yen coins.
- Starting November 1, 2026, the tax-free system will change to a "refund system." You will pay the full price including tax at the store and receive a refund upon departure.
Last verified: October 1, 2026 (Source at the end of this page)
Tipping isn't necessary, but having some small change is convenient! Some temples and buses only accept cash.
Tipping: Not required in Japan
- Tipping is not customary in Japan. In restaurants, hotels, taxis, etc., you simply pay the amount requested. Trying to tip may make the service provider uncomfortable.
- When you want to express your gratitude, simply saying "Thank you" with a smile is enough.
- It's common to give a small token of appreciation to a personal guide or interpreter who is familiar with overseas customs. In that case, the Japanese custom is to put it in an envelope (which can be bought at convenience stores, etc.) before handing it over.
- Onboard service charges (which are charged daily in addition to the cruise fare) are determined by the cruise line. These are separate from tipping customs at Japanese ports, so be sure to check the cruise line's information.
Power supply: 100V, Type A plug
- The voltage in Japan is 100V nationwide. The frequency is 50Hz in eastern Japan and 60Hz in western Japan (Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, etc.).
- The outlet is Type A (two flat pins). It's the same shape as in the US and Canada, but plugs with a third pin for grounding may not fit.
- If you are coming from Australia, Europe, the UK, or other similar places, be sure to bring a power adapter.
- Most smartphone and computer chargers are compatible with 100-240V. In that case, a voltage converter is not needed. However, appliances that are not compatible with 100V, such as hair dryers, will require a voltage converter.
- The shape and voltage of electrical outlets on board vary from ship to ship. It's best to check with your cruise company beforehand.
Bus change machines often don't accept 10,000 yen bills. It's a good idea to have 1,000 yen bills and some coins ready!
Cash, cards, ATMs
While many stores in Japan accept credit cards, a cash-based culture still persists. In the following situations, cash may be the only option:
- Temple and shrine entrance fees, offerings
- Small restaurants, food stalls, markets, local shops
- Route buses, transportation IC card top-up (ticket vending machines), coin lockers
Cash budget guideline (cruisefun guideline): It's reassuring to have about 10,000 yen per person per day of port call. If you participate in a cruise tour and meals are included, you can manage with less.
- Denominations: Pack plenty of 1,000 yen bills and 100 yen coins. Bus change machines often don't accept 10,000 yen bills.
- ATMs: You can often withdraw Japanese yen using cards issued overseas at ATMs in post offices and convenience stores. However, there may not be ATMs or currency exchange offices at port terminals, so it's a good idea to prepare in advance before boarding the ship or at the first port of call.
- Transportation IC cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.): Convenient for use on trains, buses, and at convenience stores. A 500 yen deposit (refundable upon return) is required when purchasing a card. The number of routes where you can use contactless credit card payments is also increasing.
Duty-free shopping (changes effective November 1, 2026)
- From November 1, 2026, the tax-free system for foreign tourists will change to a "refund system."
- You pay the price including consumption tax at the store, and the consumption tax is refunded after it is checked by customs when you leave Japan.
- Items purchased duty-free must be kept unopened when you leave the country. If you open them, use them in Japan, or give them to someone else, you will not be eligible for a refund.
- You must leave the country within 90 days of purchase.
- For information on where and how to complete the necessary procedures when departing by cruise ship, please check with the port of departure or the cruise line.
Weather and seasons
- Rainy season: In most regions except Hokkaido, a period of heavy rain continues from June to mid-July.
- Typhoons: Typhoons may approach during the summer and autumn (especially August and September), which may result in the cancellation of port calls or changes to the route. For more information, please see below. Typhoon and Cruise Guide fart.
- Even on the same day, temperatures can vary greatly between Hokkaido and Okinawa. Check the weather forecast for each port of call and prepare clothing that can be layered to adjust to temperature changes. Items to bring: Cruise packing checklist Please refer to this as well.
Also worth reading
- Port Day Guide: Landing permission, all-aboard time, transportation, communications, emergency contact information
- Haneda/Narita to the Yokohama cruise terminals
- Can you walk to the city? List of all ports
- Monthly weather and clothing recommendations (rainy season, typhoons, cold weather)
- Tips for visiting ports of call independently
- For those with children or dietary restrictions
- How to spend your time in Yokohama and Tokyo before boarding and after disembarking
- Cruise Port Guide: Docking locations and access to the city at each port
FAQ
Q1 Is tipping necessary in Japan?
It's not necessary. You simply pay the amount charged at restaurants, hotels, and taxis. Please note that onboard service charges (determined by the cruise line) are separate; check the cruise line's information.
Q2 Do I need a power adapter?
Japanese electrical outlets are Type A (two flat pins) and the voltage is 100V. Since they are the same shape as those in the US and Canada, you can usually plug them in directly. Those in Australia, Europe, or the UK will need a power adapter. If your charger is compatible with 100-240V, you won't need a voltage converter.
Q3 How much cash should I prepare?
Many shops accept cards, so you don't need a lot of cash. However, it's a good idea to have about 10,000 yen per person per day of port of call, with plenty of 1,000 yen bills and 100 yen coins, for temple entrance fees, small shops and stalls, and bus fares (cruisefun's guideline).
Q4 How will duty-free shopping change from November 2026?
The system has changed to a "refund system" where you pay the full price including consumption tax at the store, and the consumption tax is refunded after it is checked by customs when you leave Japan. You must keep the purchased items unopened when you leave the country.
Source/Reference Information
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) “Tipping in Japan”
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) “Japan Electrical Outlet”
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) "FAQ" (Cash, ATM, IC Card)
- Japan Tourism Agency's "Special Page for Travelers" (Consumption Tax Exemption System)
- Japan Shopping Tourism Association: "Regarding the Amendment to the Tax Exemption System (Refund Method) Effective November 1, 2014"
Last updated: October 1, 2026. System and fees are subject to change. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.