Planning a trip to Morocco from Japan? Few places feel as different from Tokyo or Osaka: Sahara dunes, old medinas, red canyons and the blue streets of Chefchaouen. This guide covers what Japanese travelers need to know: entry rules, flights, the best season, money, plugs and the best route. Our family team is from Merzouga and based in Marrakech. We wrote this to help you plan a trip to Morocco from Japan with confidence.
Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Morocco?
No, for a normal holiday. According to Wikipedia, Japanese passport holders can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 3 months. Entry rules can change, so check the latest advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and register your trip with Tabireg before you fly.
Flights to Morocco from Japan
There are no nonstop flights between Japan and Morocco. Every trip to Morocco from Japan connects through at least one hub. According to FlightRoutes, the fastest routes from Narita go through Brussels or Amsterdam with Royal Air Maroc partners, or through Abu Dhabi, Doha or Dubai. Total travel time is usually around 18 to 22 hours.
Casablanca is the main international airport, and Marrakech also receives many flights from Europe. Some travelers combine Morocco with a trip to Spain or Portugal. Read our guide to airport transfers in Morocco.
Best time to visit Morocco from Japan
Morocco has four seasons, like Japan. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the most comfortable. Here is how the main Japanese holidays line up:
- Golden Week: Late April to early May is Moroccan spring, one of the best times for the cities and the Sahara.
- Obon: Mid August is the Moroccan summer. Marrakech and the Sahara are very hot, so plan early mornings and evenings outdoors.
- Silver Week: When it falls in September, it is a pleasant time, with warm days and cooler nights.
- New Year: Moroccan winter. Days are often sunny, but desert nights are cold and snow can fall on the High Atlas.
See our full guide to the best time to visit Morocco and what to expect in Morocco in winter.
Money, time, plugs and driving
A few practical differences will make your trip to Morocco from Japan easier:
- Money: The currency is the Moroccan dirham. Euros and US dollars are the easiest to exchange, and ATMs are common in the cities. Cash is still important in the souks and small villages. Read our guide to tipping in Morocco.
- Time: Morocco is usually 8 hours behind Japan. During Ramadan, Morocco moves its clocks back one hour, so the difference becomes 9 hours.
- Plugs and voltage: Morocco uses European two pin sockets, types C and E, at 220 V. Bring a plug adapter, and check that your devices accept 220 V. Most phone and laptop chargers do, but some Japanese appliances made only for 100 V do not.
- Driving: Morocco drives on the right, unlike Japan. If you plan to drive, check whether you need an International Driving Permit and read how to rent a 4×4 in Morocco.
- Water: Most travelers drink bottled water. See is tap water safe in Morocco.
Language and culture
Moroccans speak Darija and Amazigh at home, and French is common in the cities. English is spoken in hotels and by people working in tourism, but less in small villages. Morocco is a Muslim country, so dress modestly in villages and ask before you take photos of people. Read what language is spoken in Morocco and our guide to Moroccan etiquette.
Where to go on a trip to Morocco from Japan
A classic first trip combines cities, mountains and desert. Many guests start in Marrakech, cross the High Atlas, visit Ait Ben Haddou, drive through the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge, spend a night in the Sahara at Merzouga and finish in Fes. With more time, add Chefchaouen or the imperial cities of Morocco.
Not sure how long to stay? Read how many days you need in Morocco.
The Sahara: the highlight of Morocco from Japan
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are the moment most visitors dream of. Ride a camel at sunset, share dinner at camp and watch a sky full of stars far from any city lights. For more adventure, try a buggy ride on the dunes. Read about a night in a Sahara desert camp and what to pack for the Sahara.
Our 4 day Marrakech Sahara desert tour is a good start, and our guide to choosing a 3 or 4 day desert tour explains the difference.
Why book a private tour of Morocco from Japan?
A private tour takes care of the details, so you can enjoy the journey. Your driver meets you at the airport, handles the roads and helps with language and directions. We are a family team from Merzouga, so the desert part of your trip is run by our own people. Read how booking works or see our 7 day imperial cities and Sahara tour.
FAQ: Morocco from Japan
Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Morocco?
No, according to Wikipedia, Japanese passport holders can stay up to 3 months without a visa. Check the latest rules before you travel.
Is there a direct flight to Morocco from Japan?
No. Flights from Tokyo connect through a hub such as Brussels, Amsterdam, Abu Dhabi, Doha or Dubai.
What is the time difference between Japan and Morocco?
Morocco is usually 8 hours behind Japan, and 9 hours behind during Ramadan.
Can I use Japanese devices in Morocco?
Most chargers work with a plug adapter, since Morocco uses 220 V. Check that each device accepts 220 V before you plug it in.
When is the best time to visit Morocco from Japan?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Golden Week is a very good time for the Sahara.
Planning a trip to Morocco from Japan? Tell us your dates and we will plan your route.
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