Fiji From Japan: The Complete Guide for Japanese Travellers • Fiji Travel

Japan and Fiji share a connection that most travellers on either side of the Pacific do not fully appreciate. Japanese visitors have been coming to Fiji since the 1980s, when the islands became one of the first tropical holiday destinations marketed to Japan’s newly affluent travelling class. At peak, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Japan was among Fiji’s top five source markets for tourism. The numbers declined after the global financial crisis and Japan’s own extended period of economic stagnation, but the connection never disappeared entirely — and it is now rebuilding in meaningful ways. Fiji Airways’ direct Narita-Nadi service, the growing interest among younger Japanese travellers in destinations beyond Southeast Asia and Hawaii, and Fiji’s genuine warmth toward Japanese visitors all point in the same direction.

For Japanese travellers considering Fiji, the appeal is straightforward. The flight is direct and under nine hours from Tokyo. Entry is visa-free. The climate is warm year-round but less oppressively humid than much of Southeast Asia. The water is among the clearest in the Pacific. The resorts range from world-class luxury to simple beachfront bures that cost a fraction of what equivalent accommodation in Hawaii or Okinawa commands. And the cultural experience — the kava ceremonies, the village visits, the Bula spirit of genuine hospitality — offers something fundamentally different from the resort-enclosed experiences available closer to home.

This guide covers the practical details: how to get there, what to expect, and the Japan-specific considerations that make the difference between a smooth trip and an unnecessarily complicated one.

Flight Routes: Getting From Japan to Nadi

The most important fact for Japanese travellers is that Fiji Airways operates a direct service from Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) to Nadi International Airport (NAN). This is the simplest and most efficient route available. The flight time is approximately eight and a half to nine hours southbound and around nine and a half hours northbound, making it comparable in duration to a Tokyo-to-Honolulu flight but with a destination that feels considerably more remote and unspoiled.

The Narita-Nadi service operates several times per week, with frequency increasing during peak Japanese travel periods — Golden Week in late April to early May, Obon in August, and the New Year holiday period. Fiji Airways uses Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on the route, with economy and business class configurations. Business class on this route is a genuine product — lie-flat seats, improved meal service, and priority boarding — and is worth considering for travellers who want to arrive rested, particularly given the time zone adjustment.

Fares from Tokyo to Nadi vary by season and advance booking. Economy return fares typically range from JPY 80,000 to JPY 180,000, with the lower end available during shoulder seasons and with advance booking of two to four months. Peak season fares — Golden Week, Obon, and New Year — cluster toward the higher end and can exceed JPY 200,000 if booked late. Business class returns range from JPY 250,000 to JPY 450,000 depending on season and availability.

For travellers not based in Tokyo, or seeking alternative routing, several connection options exist.

Via Auckland (AKL): Fly from Tokyo Narita or Haneda to Auckland on Air New Zealand (a direct route of approximately eleven hours), then connect to Nadi on Fiji Airways or Air New Zealand. The Auckland-Nadi leg is roughly three hours. This routing adds total travel time but creates the option of combining Fiji with New Zealand — an increasingly popular itinerary among Japanese travellers.

Via Sydney (SYD): Fly from Tokyo to Sydney on Qantas, Japan Airlines, or ANA, then connect to Nadi on Fiji Airways. The Sydney-Nadi flight is approximately four and a half hours. This routing works well for travellers combining Fiji with an Australian visit.

Via Seoul Incheon (ICN): Fiji Airways has periodically operated or codeshared services through Seoul. Check current schedules, as this routing can offer competitive pricing for travellers in western Japan who can access Korean connections efficiently.

Via Honolulu (HNL): Fly from Tokyo to Honolulu on Japan Airlines, ANA, or Hawaiian Airlines, then connect to Fiji Airways’ Honolulu-Nadi service. The Honolulu-Nadi leg is approximately six hours. This routing is the longest but offers a Hawaii stopover, which appeals to travellers who want to break the journey in a familiar destination.

One note on booking: Fiji Airways’ Japan-language website and customer service can handle bookings in Japanese. Travel agencies in Japan — both the major chains like JTB and HIS, and smaller specialist agencies — regularly package Fiji trips, and for travellers who prefer Japanese-language support throughout the booking process, using an agency is a practical choice.

Visa Requirements for Japanese Citizens

Japanese passport holders receive a visa-free entry permit on arrival in Fiji, valid for up to four months. This is among the most generous visa arrangements Fiji offers, and it means Japanese travellers need not apply for anything in advance. No online registration, no embassy visit, no application form before departure.

The entry requirements are simple:

A valid Japanese passport with at least six months of remaining validity beyond your intended departure date from Fiji
A confirmed return or onward flight ticket
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (a credit card or hotel booking confirmation is typically adequate)
A completed arrival card, distributed on the aircraft or available at the Nadi immigration counter

Immigration processing at Nadi is generally efficient. The four-month entry permit is more than sufficient for any holiday itinerary, and extension is possible at the Fiji Immigration Department in Suva if needed, though few holiday travellers would require it.

The Historical Japan-Fiji Tourism Connection

The relationship between Japan and Fiji as a tourism corridor has a history worth understanding, because it shapes the infrastructure and attitudes that Japanese visitors encounter today.

In the 1980s, as Japan’s economic boom created a new generation of international travellers, Fiji became one of the Pacific island destinations actively marketed to the Japanese market. Tour operators in Tokyo developed Fiji packages. Resorts on the Coral Coast and in the Mamanuca Islands hired Japanese-speaking staff. Some properties built Japanese-style bathhouses and adjusted their food offerings to include Japanese breakfast options. The wedding tourism market was particularly significant — Fiji became a popular destination for Japanese couples seeking a tropical overseas wedding, and several resorts developed dedicated wedding chapels and ceremony packages targeting Japanese couples.

This period peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The decline that followed was driven largely by Japan’s domestic economic conditions rather than any change in Fiji’s appeal. The global financial crisis, the long period of deflation, and shifts in Japanese travel preferences toward cheaper Southeast Asian destinations all contributed to reduced numbers.

The legacy of that earlier period persists in meaningful ways. Many Fijian tourism workers of a certain generation speak some Japanese. The concept of Japanese hospitality standards — attention to detail, cleanliness, anticipating guest needs — resonates with Fiji’s own culture of service. And the infrastructure for welcoming Japanese visitors, while less prominent than it once was, has not disappeared entirely.

The current rebuilding of the Japan-Fiji tourism relationship is driven by several factors: Fiji Airways’ sustained commitment to the direct Narita route, the growing interest among younger Japanese travellers in authentic cultural experiences rather than packaged resort holidays, and the simple fact that Fiji offers extraordinary value compared to the other Pacific destinations accessible from Japan.

Currency Exchange: JPY to FJD

The Fijian dollar (FJD) is the local currency, and it is the only currency accepted for routine transactions. Japanese yen are not accepted directly at shops, restaurants, or tour operators in Fiji.

The approximate exchange rate as of early 2025 is 1 JPY = approximately 0.015 FJD, or put the other way, 1 FJD = approximately 65 to 70 JPY. For practical mental arithmetic, dividing a Fijian dollar price by roughly 65-70 gives you the yen equivalent. A meal costing FJD $30 (AUD $21) is approximately JPY 2,000. A resort room at FJD $500 per night (AUD $350) is approximately JPY 33,000.

Exchanging money before departure: Major Japanese banks and currency exchange services at Narita and Haneda airports carry Fijian dollars, though availability can vary and the exchange rate at airport counters is typically less favourable than at banks or post offices. Exchanging a moderate amount of FJD before departure — enough for taxis, tips, and initial expenses on arrival — is practical. The bulk of your spending money can be accessed via ATMs in Fiji.

ATMs in Fiji: ATMs are available at Nadi Airport, in Nadi town, and in resort areas including Denarau Island. They accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard international networks and dispense Fijian dollars. Japanese bank cards issued by major banks — MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho — generally work at Fijian ATMs, though it is worth confirming with your bank before departure that your card is enabled for international withdrawals and noting any daily withdrawal limits or fees.

Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at resorts, larger restaurants, and tour operators. JCB acceptance is more limited — it is accepted at some larger resorts and in duty-free shops but not reliably outside of those settings. Carrying a Visa or Mastercard in addition to any JCB card is advisable.

Cash considerations: Smaller establishments, market vendors, local transport, and village shops are cash-only. Carrying a mix of cash and cards is the most practical approach. Denominations of FJD $5, $10, and $20 are most useful for everyday purchases. Tipping is not expected in Fiji to the degree it is in some Western countries, but small tips for good service — FJD $5 to $10 (approximately JPY 325 to 650) — are appreciated.

Time Zone and Jet Lag

Fiji operates on UTC+12 (UTC+13 during Fiji’s daylight saving time, observed from November through January). Japan Standard Time is UTC+9. This means Fiji is three to four hours ahead of Japan, depending on the time of year.

This is genuinely good news for Japanese travellers. The time difference is modest — among the smallest of any significant international holiday destination from Japan — and jet lag is minimal compared to travel to Europe, the Americas, or even Australia’s eastern states. Most travellers adjust within a day, and many report no noticeable jet lag at all.

The practical effect is that if it is 12:00 noon in Tokyo, it is 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM in Fiji. The direct Narita-Nadi flight departs in the evening and arrives in Nadi in the early morning the following day, which works reasonably well with the body clock — you can sleep on the plane and arrive ready for a full day.

Cultural Similarities and Differences

Japanese travellers often find Fiji more culturally comfortable than they initially expect, and the reasons for this are worth exploring.

Hospitality as a core value: Both Japanese and Fijian cultures place enormous importance on the proper treatment of guests. The concept of omotenashi — the Japanese tradition of wholehearted hospitality — has a direct parallel in the Fijian Bula spirit. Fijian service workers are attentive, anticipatory, and genuinely warm in ways that Japanese visitors consistently recognise and appreciate. The service style is different — less formal, more spontaneous, warmer in a personal rather than professional way — but the underlying commitment to making guests feel welcome is shared.

Respect for elders and community: Fijian society, like Japanese society, places strong emphasis on respect for elders, community hierarchy, and proper social conduct. The village chief system in Fiji, the protocols around kava ceremonies, and the deference shown to senior community members will feel intuitively understandable to Japanese visitors, even though the specific forms are different.

Gift-giving culture: The Fijian tradition of sevusevu — presenting a gift (traditionally kava root) when visiting a village — aligns with the Japanese understanding that gifts and formal greetings are a natural part of respectful social interaction. Japanese travellers who participate in a village visit will find the gift-giving protocol familiar in principle, even if the specific customs are new.

Key differences to be aware of: Fiji is a substantially more physically expressive and verbally open culture than Japan. Fijians greet strangers warmly and loudly, make eye contact readily, and engage in casual conversation with people they have just met. This can feel surprising to Japanese visitors accustomed to a more reserved public interaction style, but it is meant entirely positively and is best received in that spirit. A warm “Bula!” in response to a greeting is all that is needed.

Time operates differently in Fiji. The concept of “Fiji time” — a relaxed, unhurried approach to schedules and commitments — is genuine and pervasive. Buses depart roughly when they are ready, restaurant service proceeds at a leisurely pace, and planned activities may start later than advertised. For Japanese visitors accustomed to precise punctuality, this is the cultural adjustment that requires the most patience. It is not disrespect; it is a fundamentally different relationship with time.

Japanese-Friendly Resorts and Services

While the extensive Japanese-language infrastructure of the 1990s has diminished, several resorts and services continue to cater specifically or meaningfully to Japanese guests.

Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa on Yanuca Island has historically been one of the most popular properties for Japanese visitors, with Japanese-speaking staff and menu options that include Japanese dishes. Its position on the Coral Coast, approximately two hours from Nadi, makes it accessible while offering a distinctly island setting.

Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island draws a consistently international clientele and maintains service standards that align well with Japanese expectations for hotel quality, cleanliness, and attention to detail. The Denarau location also provides easy access to the island’s restaurants and shopping.

Mana Island Resort and Spa in the Mamanuca Islands has a long history with the Japanese market and has at various times maintained dedicated Japanese guest facilities. The resort offers a range of accommodation from budget to premium, and its accessible location — about ninety minutes by fast catamaran from Port Denarau — makes it a practical choice.

Castaway Island Resort and Malolo Island Resort in the Mamanucas also have track records of welcoming Japanese guests, with staff accustomed to the service expectations and communication preferences of Japanese travellers.

For Japanese travellers who prefer to book through a Japanese-language service, JTB, HIS, and other major Japanese travel agencies offer Fiji packages that include Japanese-speaking support, airport transfers, and pre-arranged itineraries. These packages remove the language barrier from the planning process and can offer competitive pricing due to bulk booking arrangements with resorts.

Language Considerations

English is Fiji’s official language, and it is spoken widely throughout the tourism industry. Resort staff, tour guides, taxi drivers, and restaurant workers communicate in English as a matter of course. Japanese travellers with functional English will have no difficulty navigating Fiji independently.

For travellers with limited English, Fiji is still manageable — the tourism infrastructure is well established, signage is clear, and Fijian hospitality workers are patient and accustomed to communicating with guests across language barriers. Pointing, gesturing, and simple phrases go a long way.

That said, carrying a translation app on your phone — Google Translate’s offline Japanese-English pack is reliable and works without data — is practical insurance for situations outside the resort environment, such as navigating local markets, communicating with bus drivers, or handling any unexpected situations.

A handful of Fijian phrases will earn you genuine warmth:

Bula — Hello (the universal Fijian greeting, used constantly and enthusiastically)
Vinaka — Thank you
Vinaka vakalevu — Thank you very much
Moce (pronounced “mo-they”) — Goodbye
Io — Yes
Sega (pronounced “senga”) — No

Japanese visitors who make even a small effort with Fijian greetings will find that the response is disproportionately warm. Fijians are delighted when visitors try their language, and the exchange — a Japanese visitor saying “Vinaka” and receiving a beaming smile and a “Domo arigato!” in return — is one of the small pleasures of the trip.

Food for Japanese Travellers

This is a subject worth addressing honestly, because food is a central concern for Japanese travellers, and the reality in Fiji is mixed.

What works well for Japanese palates: Fiji is an island nation, and fresh seafood is abundant. The fish — mahi-mahi, tuna, snapper, wahoo — is excellent and often caught that day. Kokoda, Fiji’s national dish, is raw fish marinated in citrus and coconut cream, and it bears a meaningful resemblance to Japanese preparations of raw fish — the freshness, the clean flavour profile, and the emphasis on quality ingredients will feel familiar. Many Japanese visitors find kokoda to be one of the highlights of Fijian cuisine.

Sashimi availability: Fresh sashimi-grade fish is available in Fiji, though it is not prepared in the Japanese style at most establishments. Some resort restaurants will prepare sashimi on request if fresh tuna or mahi-mahi is available. The fish quality is high, but do not expect the knife skills, presentation, or wasabi-and-soy accompaniments of a Japanese sushi restaurant. For Japanese visitors who want properly prepared sashimi and sushi, a few restaurants in Nadi and on Denarau cater to this — though expectations should be calibrated accordingly.

Japanese restaurants in Fiji: Options are limited. Nadi and Denarau have a small number of restaurants that offer Japanese or pan-Asian menus, but these are modest operations rather than the quality Japanese dining available in Australia or New Zealand. The Sofitel on Denarau offers Asian dining options that approach Japanese standards. For travellers who find it difficult to go more than a few days without Japanese food, bringing a supply of instant miso soup, rice crackers, and umeboshi is not unusual among Japanese visitors to the Pacific and is a practical comfort measure.

Indo-Fijian cuisine: This is the unexpected culinary highlight for many Japanese visitors. Fiji’s large Indo-Fijian population — descendants of Indian labourers who arrived in the late 19th century — has created a distinctive cuisine that blends Indian spices and cooking techniques with local Fijian ingredients. Roti, curry, dal, and chutney are available throughout Fiji at remarkably low prices, and the flavour profiles — while different from Japanese food — tend to appeal to Japanese palates that appreciate complexity and depth. A roti wrap with fish curry from a roadside stall costs approximately FJD $5 to $8 (AUD $3.50 to $5.60; approximately JPY 325 to 520) and is one of the best-value meals in the Pacific.

Rice: Fiji eats rice. This is a simple but important fact for Japanese visitors. White rice accompanies most Fijian meals and is a staple of the local diet, which means that the fundamental starch component of your diet does not need to change. The rice is not Japanese short-grain — it is typically long-grain — but it is rice, it is plentiful, and it is served at virtually every meal.

Travel Insurance for Japanese Visitors

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any international trip from Japan to Fiji. Japanese insurers — Sompo Japan, Tokio Marine & Nichido, Mitsui Sumitomo, and AIG Japan — all offer overseas travel insurance policies that cover Fiji.

Key coverage to look for:

Medical expenses overseas: Fiji’s medical infrastructure is limited compared to Japan. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand, and the cost of medical evacuation without insurance can reach several million yen. Ensure your policy includes medical evacuation coverage.
Trip cancellation and interruption: Covers non-refundable costs if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, or other covered events.
Cyclone and weather disruption: If travelling during the wet season (November to April), ensure the policy covers weather-related disruptions including flight cancellations and accommodation damage. Some budget policies exclude named storm events — read the terms carefully.
Baggage and personal effects: Covers loss, damage, or theft of luggage and personal items.

Policies can be purchased online before departure, at Narita and Haneda airports from insurance counters, or through travel agencies as part of a package booking. Airport purchases are convenient but tend to offer less customisation than policies purchased in advance through an insurer’s website.

Shopping and Duty-Free for Japanese Visitors Returning Home

Fiji offers duty-free shopping at several locations, and Japanese visitors should be aware of both the opportunities in Fiji and the customs allowances when returning to Japan.

Shopping in Fiji: The main duty-free shopping is at Nadi Airport (both arrivals and departures) and at Jack’s of Fiji and Tappoo stores, which are the two major retail chains with locations in Nadi, Suva, and resort areas. Popular purchases include Fiji Gold and Fiji Bitter beer, Pure Fiji beauty products (coconut oil-based skincare that is genuinely excellent), Fijian handicrafts including tapa cloth and carved wooden items, and vanilla and spice products.

Japanese customs allowances on return: When returning to Japan, the duty-free allowances for personal effects brought from overseas are:

Alcohol: 3 bottles (760ml each)
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes (or equivalent)
Perfume: 2 ounces (approximately 56ml)
Other goods: Total market value of JPY 200,000 (items individually valued under JPY 10,000 are generally exempt from this calculation)

Items exceeding these allowances are subject to Japanese customs duty. The declaration form is distributed on the return flight and must be completed honestly — Japanese customs is thorough.

Pure Fiji products deserve specific mention because they have become one of the most popular Fiji souvenirs among Japanese visitors. The coconut oil skincare range — body butter, body oil, hydrating lotion — is produced in Fiji, uses local ingredients, and is genuinely high quality. Prices in Fiji are significantly lower than the few retail outlets that carry the brand in Japan or online. Stocking up at the airport duty-free on departure is practical.

Getting Around Fiji: A Comparison for Japanese Visitors

Japanese visitors accustomed to the extraordinary efficiency of the Japanese rail system — the Shinkansen, the JR network, the punctual-to-the-second urban trains — will find Fiji’s transport system operates on fundamentally different principles. This is worth stating plainly rather than discovered through frustration.

There is no rail system in Fiji. Getting around the main island of Viti Levu is done by road (bus, taxi, rental car, or private transfer), and getting to the outer islands is done by boat or small aircraft. The Yasawa Flyer catamaran, which services the Yasawa island chain from Port Denarau, is the closest thing to a scheduled public transport network for the islands — it operates on a fixed daily route with timed stops at each island, and purchasing a Bula Pass (multi-day hop-on, hop-off) functions somewhat like a JR Pass in concept, if not in execution. Passes are available in ranges from 5 to 21 days.

Buses on Viti Levu are frequent, inexpensive (FJD $1 to $15 / AUD $0.70 to $10.50 / approximately JPY 65 to 975 depending on distance), and an authentic local experience. They are not air-conditioned, they do not run precisely on schedule, and they are not the JR East experience. They are, however, friendly, safe, and effective for getting between major towns.

Taxis are widely available in Nadi, Suva, and Denarau. They are metered in theory, though negotiating a fare in advance is common and advisable for longer journeys. Airport transfers from Nadi to Denarau cost approximately FJD $30 to $50 (AUD $21 to $35; approximately JPY 1,950 to 3,250).

Rental cars are available at Nadi Airport from international and local operators. Fiji drives on the left — the same side as Japan — which is one less adjustment for Japanese drivers. Roads on Viti Levu are generally adequate on the main routes but deteriorate quickly off the primary highways.

Inter-island flights on Fiji Airways’ domestic network and smaller operators like Northern Air connect Nadi to Taveuni, Savusavu, and other outer islands. These are small aircraft, schedules are subject to weather, and the experience is more casual than domestic aviation in Japan.

Health and Safety

Fiji is a safe destination for Japanese visitors. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and the general atmosphere throughout the islands is welcoming and relaxed. The standard precautions — securing valuables, being aware of your surroundings in urban areas at night, not leaving belongings unattended on beaches — apply as they would in any international destination.

Health considerations: Fiji is malaria-free, which is a significant advantage over many tropical destinations. No specific vaccinations are required for entry from Japan, though ensuring your routine immunisations are current is sensible. The sun in Fiji is significantly stronger than in most of Japan, and sunburn is the single most common health issue among Japanese visitors. Bring Japanese-standard high-SPF sunscreen (readily available in Japan and generally superior to what is sold in Fiji), reapply frequently, and wear a hat and rash guard for extended water activities.

Water: Tap water in Nadi, Suva, and resort areas is generally treated and safe, but bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. On outer islands, resort-provided water is the standard, and bottled water is always available.

Medical facilities: Fiji’s hospitals and clinics provide basic medical care, but facilities are limited compared to Japan. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential, not optional.

Best Time to Visit From Japan

Fiji’s dry season, from May to October, offers the most reliable weather: lower humidity, consistent sunshine, and calm seas. This period coincides with Japan’s rainy season (June-July) and hot summer (July-August), making Fiji an appealing escape from both.

Golden Week (late April to early May): Falls at the very beginning of Fiji’s dry season. Weather is transitioning and generally good, though occasional showers are possible. Flights and resorts book up well in advance for Golden Week — reserve three to four months ahead.

Obon (mid-August): Sits squarely in Fiji’s peak dry season. Excellent weather, but competition for flights and popular resorts is high. Book early.

New Year (late December to early January): Falls in Fiji’s wet season. Weather is hotter and more humid, afternoon showers are likely, and cyclone risk exists. However, prices are lower outside the holiday premium period, and many Japanese visitors find that the wet season’s drawbacks are offset by fewer crowds and greener landscapes. Travel insurance with cyclone coverage is essential.

The sweet spot for Japanese travellers with flexible schedules: Late May to June, or September to early October. Weather is excellent, crowds are lower than July-August, and fares are typically at their most competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Fiji from Japan?

No. Japanese passport holders receive a visa-free entry permit on arrival in Fiji, valid for up to four months. No advance application is required. You need a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, a confirmed return flight, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

How long is the flight from Tokyo to Fiji?

The direct Fiji Airways flight from Tokyo Narita to Nadi takes approximately eight and a half to nine hours. This is comparable in duration to a Tokyo-Honolulu flight. Connection options via Auckland, Sydney, or Honolulu add several hours to the total journey time.

What is the time difference between Japan and Fiji?

Fiji is three to four hours ahead of Japan, depending on whether Fiji is observing daylight saving time. This modest time difference means jet lag is minimal for Japanese visitors — one of the genuine advantages of Fiji over other long-haul destinations.

Can I use JCB in Fiji?

JCB is accepted at some larger resorts and duty-free shops, but acceptance is not universal. Carrying a Visa or Mastercard in addition to your JCB card is strongly recommended for reliable payment coverage throughout Fiji.

Is Japanese food available in Fiji?

Options are limited. A small number of restaurants in Nadi and on Denarau offer Japanese or pan-Asian menus, but they are modest operations. Fresh seafood is excellent and kokoda (raw fish in coconut cream) is a local preparation that appeals to Japanese palates. Bringing comfort items like instant miso soup and rice crackers is a common and practical approach among Japanese visitors.

Is Fiji safe for Japanese tourists?

Yes. Fiji is generally safe for international visitors, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Standard travel precautions apply — secure valuables, be aware of your surroundings in urban areas after dark, and do not leave belongings unattended. The Bula spirit of Fijian hospitality is genuine and extends particularly warmly to Japanese visitors, given the historical tourism connection between the two countries.

What should I bring from Japan that I cannot find in Fiji?

High-SPF Japanese sunscreen (significantly better than most options available in Fiji), any specific medications you require (bring sufficient supply plus a doctor’s note in English), Japanese comfort foods (instant miso soup, rice crackers, umeboshi, green tea), and a good quality underwater camera or housing if you plan to snorkel or dive — electronics are more expensive and less varied in Fiji than in Japan.

By: Sarika Nand