Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
It depends. As long as you have a U.S. Passport, a Visa is not required for short term visits (<3 months). However, this is subject to change. Find more information at The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan.
Is it fine that I don't understand any Japanese?
It is completely fine to not understand any Japanese on your trip. Learning Japanese can ease your trip into a smoother experience, but high mastery in Japanese is not required at all. Most locals understand English, but be prepared to have a Japanese translator tool just in case.
Is Japan safe?
Japan is generally a safe place for tourists to visit, having relatively low crime rates. However, Japan is known for its natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis, and it is still possible to get robbed even in Japan, so make sure you have contact of Japanese emergency services just in case (110 for police, 119 for ambulance).
Do I have to do anything medically related before traveling?
If possible, try to get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage. Additionally, ask your local health provider for any medications/shots you need before traveling.
