01

How to get from Japan to Croatia

Currently, there are no direct flights between Japan and Croatia. From Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), you will need to travel via major hubs in Europe or the Middle East.

Recommended airlines: Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Lufthansa (via Munich/Frankfurt)

Duration: 16-22 hours, including layovers.

Arrival cities: Zagreb (the capital), Split, and Dubrovnik are the main destinations.

02

Do Japanese citizens need a visa?

For short-term tourism (up to 90 days), Japanese citizens do not need a visa.

Important information for 2026: You may be required to register online with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling. The cost is approximately €20 (approximately ¥3,200) and it is valid for 3 years.

03

What is the best season?

May, June, and September (Golden Month): Temperatures are a comfortable 20-25°C. The sea sparkles, and the crowds are just right.

July and August (peak season): Perfect for swimming, but extremely hot and crowded. Imagine Dubrovnik being as crowded as during Golden Week in Japan!

Winter: Zagreb's award-winning Christmas market is a major draw. However, many hotels and ferries along the coast close during the winter.

04

Are Japanese people welcome?

Absolutely! Croatians have a very positive image of Japan, associating it with quality, politeness, and discipline.

Japanese travelers are known for respecting local culture and showing gratitude, so locals will likely give you a very warm welcome.

05

Is it safe for women to travel alone?

Croatia consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world.

Nighttime safety: In Split and Zagreb, it's common to see women walking alone late at night.

Note: While violent crime is almost non-existent, be careful of pickpockets in touristy areas such as the Dubrovnik city walls.

06

Are prices high in Croatia?

Compared to neighboring countries like Italy and France, it used to be a fairly inexpensive country. However, since the introduction of the euro (€) in 2023, prices have been rising.

Reference: The price of eating out is about the same as in Tokyo. A dinner with wine will cost around €25-€40 (approximately ¥4,000-¥6,500).

💡Saving tip: Avoid buying water and snacks inside the city walls of coastal cities' "old towns." You can buy them much cheaper at local supermarkets just a 5-minute walk outside the gates.

07

Payment methods in Croatia

The official currency is the euro (€).

Credit Cards: VISA and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere (hotels, restaurants, large stores).

Cash: Small bakeries (pekara), souvenir shops, and some small cafes require cash.

ATMs: "Bankomat" ATMs are everywhere. To avoid fees, use ATMs attached to official banks such as PBZ and Zagrebačka Banka.

08

Does Croatian cuisine suit the Japanese palate?

I'm sure you'll love it! The food culture of Dalmatia (the coastal region) is very similar to the food philosophy of Japan.

Fresh seafood: Grilled white fish, octopus salad, and "Turni Rigiotto" (squid ink risotto) are staples.

Light seasoning: Instead of heavy sauces, the style of seasoning with high-quality olive oil and sea salt is perfectly suited to the Japanese palate.

⚠️Caution: Croatian portions are considerably larger than in Japan. Often, one dish is enough for two people!

09

Communication with local people

Croatian (Hrvatski) is a difficult language, but most people working in the tourism industry speak English well.

Simply saying "Hello" politely can create a good impression.

10

How to get around within Croatia

Buses: The most reliable and frequent mode of intercity travel. Arriva and FlixBus are clean and offer Wi-Fi.

Ferries: For island hopping to islands such as Hvar and Korčula, use the Jadrolinija ferries or high-speed catamarans.

Regarding trains: Unlike in Japan, Croatian trains are slow and have limited routes. If you are heading to the coast, avoid trains and use buses or rental cars instead.