Spain

Visa-free for Japanese passport holders (up to 90 days in Schengen area).

💬 Language

Spanish (Castilian) is official. Catalan, Basque, and Galician in respective regions. English growing in tourist areas but less common than in Northern Europe.

🚆 Transport

AVE high-speed rail (Madrid-Barcelona 2.5 hours). Excellent metro in Madrid and Barcelona. Buses for smaller towns. Domestic flights. Ferries to Balearic Islands.

💳 Payment

Cards widely accepted. Contactless standard. Cash at small tapas bars and markets. ATMs at banks. Euro zone.

📋 Travel Basics

Mediterranean and continental climate. Dinner starts at 9-10pm. Siesta tradition (2-5pm, some shops close). Tap water safe. Watch for pickpockets in Barcelona.

General assessment