Travel To Japan: Which Travel Insurance Should I Get?
What is it really like to travel Japan? Aside from viewing beautiful sakura blooms in Spring, the urban metropolis of Tokyo beckons us, plus visiting the old Japanese shrines at Kyoto, and skiing on powder snow in Hokkaido, and indulging in Japanese cuisine excites us to no end.
However, youâve got to keep in mind other travel essentials such as getting travel insurance coverage to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances like earthquakes, tsunamis, or flight accidents.
Best Japan Travel Insurance Plans in 2025
Budget Travel
FWD Premium, Business, First plans
Overall Good Budget
Bubblegum plan
Extreme Sports & Flight Disruptions
Tiq Entry, Savvy, Luxury plans
Pre-existing Conditions (Esp. for Elderly)
MSIG TravelEasyÂź Pre-Ex Standard, Elite, Premier plans
Overseas Medical Expenses
Singlife Travel Prestige
For Pregnancy and Families
Allianz Travel Basic, Silver, Platinum plans
Natural Disasters
Singlife Travel Lite, Plus, and Prestige plans
COVID-19 Coverage
Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze, Silver, Gold plans
Best Seasons to Visit Japan đŻđ”
Catch the Cherry Blossoms
The exact timing which cherry blossoms in Japan bloom varies by region, with southern areas like Kyoto and Hiroshima blooming earlier, while northern regions like Hokkaido bloom later.
But itâs recommended to catch them from late March to early April.
Have Picnics in Parks
Spring and summer are perfect for picnics in parks like Ueno (Tokyo) and Maruyama Park (Kyoto), with cherry blossoms in full bloom. For lakeside picnics, visit Lake Kawaguchi (near Mt Fuji) and Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa).
The exact timing which cherry blossoms in Japan bloom varies by region, with southern areas like Kyoto and Hiroshima blooming earlier, while northern regions like Hokkaido bloom later.
But itâs recommended to catch them from late March to early April.
Have Picnics in Parks
Spring and summer are perfect for picnics in parks like Ueno (Tokyo) and Maruyama Park (Kyoto), with cherry blossoms in full bloom. For lakeside picnics, visit Lake Kawaguchi (near Mt Fuji) and Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa).
Sightsee on Long Train Rides
With longer daylight hours and scenic routes, the Hokkaido Shinkansen and Sagano Scenic Railway offer breathtaking countryside views. Remember to use the Japan Rail Pass to save more on your rides!
Take a Boat Ride
Endearingly known as the âVenice of Japanâ, sail gently down the stream of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama while admiring a mix of colonial and traditional Japanese housing.
With longer daylight hours and scenic routes, the Hokkaido Shinkansen and Sagano Scenic Railway offer breathtaking countryside views. Remember to use the Japan Rail Pass to save more on your rides!
Take a Boat Ride
Endearingly known as the âVenice of Japanâ, sail gently down the stream of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama while admiring a mix of colonial and traditional Japanese housing.
Go Trekking
Enjoy stunning fall foliage while hiking around Mt. Fuji or Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha venturing through thousands of torii gates. For a more challenging route, consider the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and the Japan Alps too.
Stay in a Ryokan
No Japan trip is complete without culturally immersing yourself in a ryokan stay.
Popular ryokans include Hoshinoya Kyoto for a riverside retreat. Meanwhile, the luxurious Gora Kadan ryokan (Hakone) and the classic Nishimuraya Honkan ryokan (Kinosaki Onsen) offer serene respites in charming hot spring towns.
Go on Temple Tours
Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) with its stunning gold leaf exterior, Nara's Todai-ji housing a colossal Buddha statue, and Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine which is renowned for its thousands of red torii gates are among the must-visit spiritual landmarks.
Enjoy stunning fall foliage while hiking around Mt. Fuji or Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha venturing through thousands of torii gates. For a more challenging route, consider the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and the Japan Alps too.
Stay in a Ryokan
No Japan trip is complete without culturally immersing yourself in a ryokan stay.
Popular ryokans include Hoshinoya Kyoto for a riverside retreat. Meanwhile, the luxurious Gora Kadan ryokan (Hakone) and the classic Nishimuraya Honkan ryokan (Kinosaki Onsen) offer serene respites in charming hot spring towns.
Go on Temple Tours
Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) with its stunning gold leaf exterior, Nara's Todai-ji housing a colossal Buddha statue, and Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine which is renowned for its thousands of red torii gates are among the must-visit spiritual landmarks.
Relax in Onsens
While onsens are available all year round, thereâs nothing more shiok than unwinding and relaxing in a steaming hot onsen on a freezing winter dayâespecially mountain onsens like those in Hakone or Noboribetsu.
Winter Skiing
From beginner-friendly gentle inclines, to steeper gradients and moguls, Japan boasts world-class skiing destinations like Niseko and Furano in Hokkaido, renowned for abundant powder snow and ski resorts. Nagano, the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, has diverse terrain and easy accessibility from Tokyo, and features Japan's largest ski area with varied slopes and good facilities.
While onsens are available all year round, thereâs nothing more shiok than unwinding and relaxing in a steaming hot onsen on a freezing winter dayâespecially mountain onsens like those in Hakone or Noboribetsu.
Winter Skiing
From beginner-friendly gentle inclines, to steeper gradients and moguls, Japan boasts world-class skiing destinations like Niseko and Furano in Hokkaido, renowned for abundant powder snow and ski resorts. Nagano, the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, has diverse terrain and easy accessibility from Tokyo, and features Japan's largest ski area with varied slopes and good facilities.
Travel Requirements To Enter Japan
Vaccination and travel insurance requirements
Since 29 April 2023, COVID-19 vaccination certifications, pre-departure and on-arrivals tests are no longer required, as according to the Embassy of Japan in Singapore. Although travel insurance is not legally required, it is highly recommended to purchase a Japan travel insurance to stay safe while exploring.
VISA application
As Singapore is one of the 71 Visa Exemption countries and regions, Singapore nationals do not need a visa for up to 90 days as a Temporary Visitor touring Japan.
For other travel purposes, you may apply for the Japan eVSIA either online or in person, about 3 months in advance, before your planned travel date. If youâre applying in person at the Embassy of Japan in Singapore, itâll take at least 5 working days to process the visa application, assuming there are no issues with the documents submitted. If further verification or referral to Japanese government offices is necessary, the processing period can be extended up to 1 or 2 months. Once finalised, youâll need to return to the Embassy to collect your passport and visa on the specified date.
Here are the common types of Japan eVISA which you can apply for:
- Temporary Visit for Sight-seeing: Multiple-entries / Single or Double-entry
- Temporary Visit for Visiting Relatives or Friends in Japan
- Temporary Visit for Business: Multiple-entries / Single or Double-entry
- Transit visa
- Temporary visa for a spouse of Japanese: English / Japanese (æ„æŹèȘ)
- Long-term visa for a spouse of Japanese: English / Japanese (æ„æŹèȘ)
- Work or long-term visa
In the meantime, you can keep a lookout for the latest updates on visa exemptions on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japanâs website.
How To Choose Travel Insurance For Your Japan Trip?
There are many more things to consider now as compared to buying travel insurance prior to the pandemic such as overseas hospital allowance, flight delays or trip cancellation due to unexpected personal accidents or severe illness diagnosis.
Here are 5 steps to get you started:
Here are 5 steps to get you started:
Step 1
Check extent of medical coverage
While premium prices are important, the benefits and reimbursement limits for travel insurance claims like medical expenses, trip cancellations, flight delays, and baggage theft and/or damage, are equally essential as well.
Step 2
Ensure any pre-existing conditions are covered
With select travel insurers covering injuries or illnesses sustained during the trip stemming from pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. pregnancy), you can manage unexpected health issues with greater ease and financial protection.
Such benefits include in-patient hospitalisation expenses overseas that allows you to claim for medical, surgical, nursing or hospital charges, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
Step 3
Compare policy premiums
The amount that you need to fork out for your travel insurance costs really depends on your destination and length of stay. Most travel insurance companies have 2 to 3 tiers of plans at different price points, with varying comprehensiveness and reimbursement limits.
Step 4
Get special activities coverage
Japan is not just about shopping and eating, but itâs also a great place for many activities including water sports and extreme sports, but the breadth of coverage needed largely depends on your Japan itinerary. For instance, if youâre planning to go diving around the beautiful islands of Okinawa, make sure you get a policy that covers diving sports like MSIGâs TravelEasyÂź Standard, Elite and Premier plans.
Step 5
Be insured for trip disruptions and baggage damage/loss
As Japan is located along a highly active seismic and volcanic belt (Pacific Ring of Fire), it is prone to earthquakes.
Thus, obtaining coverage for baggage damage/loss and trip disruptions and cancellations arising from natural disasters are recommended.
Thus, obtaining coverage for baggage damage/loss and trip disruptions and cancellations arising from natural disasters are recommended.
We Asked Singaporeans About Flight Disruptions, and They Answered
Flight cancellations and delays disappoint, frustrate, and inconvenience many travellers across the globe yearly. Find out which airlines have the delays and cancellation.
7 Essential Tips for Exploring Japan
Heading to Japan soon? Put these tips to good use while youâre planning for your Japan trip!
Move across Japan with domestic flights
Domestic flights, such as those with Japan Airlines' Japan Explorer Pass, can save time and money on some routes. However, for journeys like Tokyo to Nagoya, Nagoya to Osaka, and Osaka to Fukuoka, the middle leg often lacks cost-effective, time-saving flights. Better deals are usually found on the first and last legs of the trip.
Use a mix of bus and train to get around
Depending on your budget and transport preferences, taking a bus around Japan can be more satisfying at times. Although bus rides tend to take longer, they cost less and provide more scenic views than other transport modes.
Consider off-peak periods
If you prefer fewer crowds, avoid Japan's peak tourist season during Sakura season (Feb to Apr) and at the end of the year (Dec to Jan). While the summer months (Jun to Aug) are still considered peak for several reasons, it's arguably less intense in than spring or major holidays.
The summer period offers many festivals anyway, varying across cities and prefectures. But as Singaporeans, we won't fault you for visiting during autumn and winter for the cooler weather and colour foliage.
The summer period offers many festivals anyway, varying across cities and prefectures. But as Singaporeans, we won't fault you for visiting during autumn and winter for the cooler weather and colour foliage.
Tap on travel apps
If you donât speak Japanese, Google Translate is essential for communicating with locals. Navigating Japan, especially Tokyo, can be confusing due to the multiple metro lines operated by different companies.
Besides Google Maps, Maps.me, HyperDia, and Japan Travel by NAVITIME apps are great alternatives to download offline area maps.
Besides Google Maps, Maps.me, HyperDia, and Japan Travel by NAVITIME apps are great alternatives to download offline area maps.
Immerse in Japanâs vending-machine culture
Instead of just chips, chocolate bars and other quick snacks, Japanese vending machines will surprise you with delectable bites and even substantial meals with caviar, fresh sashimi, and wagyu steak. You'll get to chow down on a variety of food without having to constantly spend a bomb on expensive restaurant meals.
Rent a car to go âoff the beaten pathâ
Letâs say you and/or your travel companions decide to take the road less travelled and go to places which are much more elevated and less touristy.
Doing a road trip around Japan can be really interesting. However, youâve got to remember to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Without it, it is illegal to drive overseas.
If you are going to a rural part of Japan and will be renting a car, make sure that your travel insurance provides rental car excess cover.
Doing a road trip around Japan can be really interesting. However, youâve got to remember to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Without it, it is illegal to drive overseas.
If you are going to a rural part of Japan and will be renting a car, make sure that your travel insurance provides rental car excess cover.
Get a regional train pass instead of a full train pass
The nation-wide full train pass for Japan Rail (JR) is definitely costlier than the regional ones. If youâre covering 2 or more regions but not the whole of Japan, then regional JR Passes e.g. JR Hokkaido Pass, JR Kansai Pass and JR Kyushu Pass, will be more wallet-friendly options that will help you cover your routes in a pretty similar way.
Accidents Can Happen Anytime, Anywhere
Some things in life like unexpected accidents are out of our control, but at least, we can stay prepared.
How Does Travel Insurance Cover Me in the Event of Natural Disasters or Unforeseen Events?
Baggage & Personal Belongings Coverage
While many travel insurers exclude travel coverage claims due to a natural disaster, an Act of God or adverse weather conditions including earthquakes, there are travel insurance plans by companies like Etiqa and DirectAsia that provide reimbursements for personal baggage, personal belongings, and even resulting trip disruptions.
Such coverage benefits consider the loss of your personal baggage or belongings due to circumstances like natural disasters which are beyond your (the insured personâs) control at the planned destination. Notably, there are reimbursement limits per article, a set of items, a laptop or other types of personal effects and the limits differ from insurer to insurer.
Such coverage benefits consider the loss of your personal baggage or belongings due to circumstances like natural disasters which are beyond your (the insured personâs) control at the planned destination. Notably, there are reimbursement limits per article, a set of items, a laptop or other types of personal effects and the limits differ from insurer to insurer.
Trip Curtailment, Cancellation, or Travel Delay Coverage
For trip curtailment and/or cancellation following a travel delay, reimbursements are usually for irrecoverable unused pre-paid transport and accommodation expenses (excluding admin charges or fee related), which were cancelled within 30 days before you were due to start the insured trip. Compensation for travel delays are often limited to a certain maximum claim amount per person or per family, depending on the travel insurance plan's policy terms and conditions.
Worldwide Medical Costs Coverage
If you sustained an accidental injury due to a natural disaster, some travel insurance plans do provide coverage, depending on what type of travel insurance plan (which tier, basic, premium, etc.). For example, Etiqa and Directasia provide variable coverage for medical costs due to injury from a natural disaster, be it for your overseas medical expenses or even medical costs back in Singapore.
This compensation is payable either to the medical facility overseas or in Singapore that provided your treatment or to your designated beneficiaries, and the treatment is to be carried out within a certain number of hours from your date of return to Singapore, and according to the specified limits of your travel insurance plan.
This compensation is payable either to the medical facility overseas or in Singapore that provided your treatment or to your designated beneficiaries, and the treatment is to be carried out within a certain number of hours from your date of return to Singapore, and according to the specified limits of your travel insurance plan.
What Is The Average Cost Of A Travel Insurance To Japan?
There are so many travel insurance plans out there in the market that it can get rather overwhelming trying to compare each and every one of them before deciding on one.
To get you started, weâll use an example to illustrate. Letâs say that youâre planning to go for a 1-week trip to Japan and need a single trip insurance plan.
As you compare across the 7 travel insurersâ benefits and premiums, the average cost of a travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage for a 1-week Japan trip is about $69.50, assuming that we take the highest-tier plan offered by each travel insurance provider.
Estimated average cost of a travel insurance plan:
$47.70 + $40 + $88.20 + $50 + $122.40 + $80 + $58 = $486.30
$486.30 Ă· 7 = $69.50
Bubblegum, FWD, and Starr may be more suitable if youâre looking at more economical options. When considering medical expenses coverage, those by Singlife and AIG are quite extensive with unlimited coverage and $2,500,000 respectively for medical expenses in the situation that you get diagnosed with a severe illness or injury. As for claiming benefits for trip cancellation, Singlife provides the highest coverage of up to $20,000.
To get you started, weâll use an example to illustrate. Letâs say that youâre planning to go for a 1-week trip to Japan and need a single trip insurance plan.
| Insurer | Overseas Medical Expenses | Baggage Damage/Loss | Trip Disruptions/Cancellations | Total Premiums |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | Up to $1 million | Up to $7,500 | Up to $15,000 | $25.60 to $47.70 |
| Starr TraveLead | Up to $1 million | Up to $7,500 | Up to $15,000 | $24.35 to $40 |
| Singlife | Unlimited | Up to $8,000 | Up to $20,000 | $40.85 to $88.20 |
| Bubblegum | Up to $150,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $50 |
| AIG | Up to $2.5 million | Up to $10,000 | Up to $15,000 | $54.40 to $122.40 |
| Allianz Travel | Up to $1 million | Up to $5,000 | Up to $10,000 | $35 to $80 |
| Tiq by Etiqa | Up to $1 million | Up to $3,000 | Up to $10,000 | $26 to $58 |
| *Above estimated premium rates are based on the highest tier of each insurance provider's plans for a 1-week single trip plan to Japan, updated as of 28 January 2025. All premium rates are subject to change without prior notice at each insurance company's sole discretion. | ||||
As you compare across the 7 travel insurersâ benefits and premiums, the average cost of a travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage for a 1-week Japan trip is about $69.50, assuming that we take the highest-tier plan offered by each travel insurance provider.
Estimated average cost of a travel insurance plan:
$47.70 + $40 + $88.20 + $50 + $122.40 + $80 + $58 = $486.30
$486.30 Ă· 7 = $69.50
Bubblegum, FWD, and Starr may be more suitable if youâre looking at more economical options. When considering medical expenses coverage, those by Singlife and AIG are quite extensive with unlimited coverage and $2,500,000 respectively for medical expenses in the situation that you get diagnosed with a severe illness or injury. As for claiming benefits for trip cancellation, Singlife provides the highest coverage of up to $20,000.
About the Author
Once a clueless Z-llennial herself, Emma understands (and relates) all too well the struggle of juggling savings, credit cards, and everything in between. Having since garnered over 3 years of writing experience in the personal finance space, she now helps others sieve through the noise and break down money matters into clear, bite-sized insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Japan?
- Singaporeans can travel to Japan visa-free, up to 90 days. Citizens from 71 countries donât need a visa to travel to Japan. But, if youâre from other countries such as China, Russia, Philippines or Vietnam, you need to apply for a visa before you go to Japan.
Is Japan open for travel?
- Yes, with effect from 11 October, all travellers, whether individual or group tours or business travellers, are allowed to enter Japan, as announced by recently by Japanâs Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on 22 September 2022.
Do Singaporeans need visa to enter Japan?
- No, Singaporeans donât need a visa to enter Japan and can stay in Japan for up to 90 days.
Does travel insurance cover car rental in Japan?
- Usually, car rental companies offer car insurance that covers accidents and breakdowns. However, you would have to pay an âexcessâ, which is an upfront payment. Some travel insurance policies provide rental car excess cover, which means that the travel insurance will pay this excess for you if you encounter an accident.
Is Japan safe to visit?
- Yes, Japan is generally safe to visit. However, due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it is prone to more natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic activity, and even tsunamis sometimes. Rest assured, these occurrences usually err on the milder side.
Is it safe to travel to Japan when pregnant?
- Yes, it is safe to travel to Japan when pregnant. Avoid raw fish (sashimi) if advised, check with your doctor before entering onsens, and bring pregnancy safe medication. Concerns over high radiation levels in Japan have been debunked, and food and water are safe for consumption.
Which travel insurance is the best in Singapore?
- There is no âbestâ travel insurance plan in Singapore. It all boils down to what policy benefits you prioritise: for instance, high overseas medical cost coverage would be important to those with pre-existing conditions whereas for others, cheap premiums matter more.
When to travel to Japan?
- Spring and autumn are popular seasons to travel to Japan due to the cooler weather and vibrant colours. Alternatively, you can plan your trip to Japan based on specific activities or experiences you wish to enjoy.
When is Sakura Season in Japan?
- Sakura cherry blossoms bloom all throughout January to May varying in region. Cherry blossoms in Kawazu town and Atami city bloom between January to February while those in Greater Tokyo, Tohoku region, and Hokkaido bloom between April to May.