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Authentic Japan · The Journal

Japan for Brazilian Travelers: 8 Things to Know (2026)

From your passport type to tipping and quiet public space, Japan works very differently from Brazil. Eight things worth sorting out before you fly.

Oleh Authentic Japan · September 20, 2026 · 8 min bacaan

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Most Japan guides are written for visitors from the US or Europe. If you are coming from Brazil, the things that matter most are which passport you hold, the long flight and time difference, and how differently public life works. Here are eight.

BrazilJapan
VisaVisa-free up to 90 days with an ePassport
Voltage / plug127V or 220V, Type N100V, flat-pin Type A
Tipping10% service often addedNot expected
GreetingKisses, hugsBow, no contact
Time differenceAbout 12 hours ahead

1. Check which passport you hold first

Since September 2023, Brazilian passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days — but only with an ePassport, the biometric kind. On an older non-biometric passport you still need a visa in advance, and arriving without one can mean being refused entry. Check your passport early, because renewing takes time.

2. Bring a plug adapter

Brazilian Type N plugs do not fit Japanese flat-pin sockets, and voltage is 100V. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 100–240V and just need an adapter; check single-voltage items like hair dryers.

3. No tipping, and no service charge

Tipping is not expected anywhere, and leaving money on the table can cause confusion. Good service is the baseline.

4. Bow, do not hug

Physical contact is rare. A small bow is the standard greeting. See our guide to bowing.

5. Get an IC card for transport

Use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA — see our IC card guide or Suica on iPhone.

6. Cash still matters, and Pix does not exist

Cards are accepted in cities, but small restaurants and shrines are often cash-only, and Brazil's Pix is not available. Carry yen and read our cash versus card guide.

7. Quiet in public, and few bins

Phone calls on trains are rude, conversations stay low, and public bins are scarce. See how not to cause trouble in Japan.

8. Plan for the time difference

Japan is roughly 12 hours ahead of Brazil, so expect jet lag after a very long flight. Give yourself a slow first day.

Where to go next

Choosing a base? Read Kyoto or Osaka. For data, compare eSIMs.

Do Brazilians need a visa for Japan?

Not for short tourist stays if you hold an ePassport — that allows up to 90 days visa-free. With an older non-biometric passport you do need a visa. Confirm the current rules with the official Japanese embassy or consulate.

Do I need a plug adapter in Japan from Brazil?

Yes. Brazilian plugs do not fit Japanese flat-pin sockets. Most chargers handle 100–240V, so an adapter is usually enough.

Do I tip in Japan?

No. Tipping is not expected anywhere.