Traveling To Japan: What You Need To Know

As of October 11, 2022, Japan has reopened its borders to tourists after two and a half years of COVID-19 restrictions. The country now allows visa-free travel for tourists from all countries or regions, including the United States, Australia, and some European Union countries. However, there are still several requirements and restrictions in place for entry into Japan.

Do I need a visa to enter Japan?

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Japan depends on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit.

Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of certain countries, including European countries, the United States, Australia, and Argentina, are considered visa-exempt for tourism purposes and can stay in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. During this time, it is illegal to work, and visitors cannot be paid for any activities.

Countries that Require a Visa

Citizens of CIS countries, Ukraine, and Georgia require a visa to enter Japan. Nationals from countries that are not visa-exempt need a visa to enter Japan, unless they are eligible for Temporary Visitor status, which allows for limited stays of 15 to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

Visa Application

Visas are obtained directly from Japanese embassies and consulates, although an eVisa application is completed online. The eVisa was introduced in 2022 to simplify the application process for US and Canadian citizens and is expected to be available for other nationalities in the future.

Visa Requirements

To successfully apply for a tourist visa for Japan, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages
• Submit a completed visa application form
• Provide a recent colour passport photo and a certified copy of your birth certificate
• Submit a marriage certificate, if married and issued within the last year
• Intend to leave Japan at the end of the authorised stay
• Provide proof of financial ability to support yourself during your stay
• Submit the applicant's tax return
• If applying without a sponsor, provide a copy of your Certificate of Employment
• Provide a schedule and travel plans for the trip

What are the entry requirements?

Japan reopened to independent international tourists on 11 October 2022. Remaining restrictions were dropped on 29 April 2023, so visitors no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. The government also dropped the indoor masking recommendation.

However, as of 2024, US citizens are still encouraged to carefully review the information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website, which provides official guidance.

It is also recommended that travellers enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates while abroad.

Visa requirements vary depending on nationality and length of stay. Citizens of 68 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU, can enter Japan without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

For US citizens, tourist visas are not required for short-term visits of up to three months. However, it is strongly recommended that travellers carefully review the information available from the Government of Japan, as travel regulations and restrictions are complex and subject to change.

For those who do need a visa, the process typically takes at least five business days, and there are no expedited services. Applicants need to visit the Embassy in person, and the Embassy will not accept any applications by mail.

All travellers must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. It is a legal requirement to carry your passport at all times during your trip, and local police may ask to check your identification.

Prohibited Substances

Many common medications and over-the-counter drugs in the US are illegal in Japan, regardless of whether you have a valid US prescription. It is your responsibility to ensure you understand what substances are prohibited. A comprehensive list is only available from the Japanese government and is subject to change without notice. Please check Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) website, including the FAQ, or email [email protected] before travelling to Japan.

If you need to bring more than the approved quantity of medication or medical devices, you must obtain a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho" (importation certificate) prior to travelling and present it with your prescription to a customs officer upon arrival in Japan. Certificate approval may take several weeks, so it is recommended to apply for this well in advance of your trip.

All travellers entering Japan with a prescription medication, including medication that is not restricted in Japan, should consider bringing a copy of their doctor’s prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug.

Other Entry Requirements

Japan's currency is the yen.

The standard voltage in Japan is 100V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. The power sockets that are used are type A and B, which are the flat blade attachments and the flat blades with one round blade.

What are the rules on bringing medicine into Japan?

Bringing medicine into Japan is subject to control by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and the Customs Law to prevent health hazards caused by defective products. It is important to note that many common medications and over-the-counter drugs in Western countries are illegal in Japan. Thus, it is crucial to carefully check the relevant regulations before travelling.

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Some over-the-counter medicines, including inhalers, allergy and sinus medications, are illegal in Japan. Specifically, products containing stimulants or codeine are prohibited if they contain more than the allowed quantity of stimulant ingredients. This includes medications that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers. Tylenol Cold, NyQuil, Advil Cold & Sinus, Dristan Sinus, and Lomotil are also prohibited as they contain narcotic or stimulant ingredients in excess of Japanese standards.

Permitted Amounts

According to Japanese law, travellers are permitted to bring a two-month supply of any permissible over-the-counter medication and an equivalent amount of vitamins. This also applies to contact lenses.

Prescription Medications

Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis, and stimulant drugs, including amphetamines, methamphetamines, and certain prescription medications such as Adderall, are strictly prohibited and illegal to bring into Japan. There are no exceptions, even if the medication is legally obtained outside of Japan.

Permitted Amounts

Up to one month's supply of allowable prescription medicine can be brought into Japan.

Narcotics and Psychotropics

If your prescription medication involves the use of narcotics (e.g. morphine, codeine, oxycodone), you must seek advance permission from one of Japan's eight Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare. You will need to submit an import application form and supporting documentation at least 14 days before travelling to Japan.

For psychotropic medications, the permitted dosage depends on the drug. For example, drugs such as Valium do not require a special import certificate if the quantity is lower than 1.2 grams (the limit for the active ingredient, diazepam).

Required Documentation

All travellers entering Japan with prescription medication should bring a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug. Additionally, a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho" (import certificate) may be required for larger quantities or certain types of medication.

What is the recommended budget for a trip to Japan?

Japan has a reputation for being an expensive place to visit, but with some careful planning, it can be affordable. Here is a breakdown of the costs to consider when planning a trip to Japan.

Transportation

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a great way to save money on transportation in Japan. The pass offers consecutive days of unlimited travel on JR trains, including the bullet train. A 7-day pass costs 50,000 JPY, a 14-day pass is 80,000 JPY, and a 21-day pass is 100,000 JPY. These passes are a much better deal than single tickets, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

There are also other low-cost transportation options in Japan, such as local trains, buses, and long-distance buses like the Willer Express. Night buses are a great option as they save you money on accommodation as well. If you are travelling as a group or family, renting a car can also be a cost-effective option.

Food

Contrary to popular belief, food in Japan can be quite inexpensive. Here are some tips to save money on food:

• Eat at "100-yen" shops, where groceries, water, and other items are only 100 JPY.
• Use sushi trains, where you can get delicious sushi for 125-625 JPY per plate.
• Eat at convenience stores like 7-11 and Family Mart, which offer preset meals for under 500 JPY.
• Cook your own meals at hostels or Airbnbs with kitchens.
• Buy food at supermarkets after 8 pm, when fresh food is often discounted.
• Eat cheap local foods like curry, ramen, and donburi.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Japan can be expensive due to the high living costs in the country. Here are some tips to save money on accommodation:

• Stay in hostels, which typically cost 2,500-4,500 JPY per night for a dorm bed.
• Work for your room by cleaning a few hours a day at some hostels.
• Stay with a local through Couchsurfing or hospitality exchanges.
• Use credit card points to book accommodation for free.
• Try capsule hotels, which cost around 3,000-5,500 JPY per night and offer a unique Japanese experience.
• If travelling with a group, consider Airbnb, although prices tend to be high due to regulations.

Attractions

Many attractions in Japan are either free or very cheap. Here are some tips to save money on attractions:

• Visit shrines and temples, which are usually free to enter.
• Go on hikes or walking tours, which are free and offer a rewarding experience.
• Relax in the city parks, which are generally free to enter.
• Look for museum and attraction passes, such as the Kansai Grutto Pass in Kyoto, which offers discounted admission to multiple attractions.

Overall Budget

If you stay in hostels, buy a rail pass, eat cheap food, and visit a few attractions, you can expect to spend around 10,000-16,000 JPY per day. By utilizing the cost-saving tips mentioned above, it is possible to further reduce your budget to 7,000-10,000 JPY per day.

So, while Japan may have a reputation for being expensive, with careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to have a fantastic trip on a reasonable budget.

What are the cultural differences I should be aware of?

When travelling to Japan, it is important to be aware of the cultural differences you may encounter. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Physical Contact

Japan's culture differs from that of the West when it comes to physical contact and greetings. While Westerners often shake hands or kiss each other on the cheek, the Japanese typically practice their traditional bowing custom, known as kowtow. The depth of the bow varies depending on the situation, with casual bobs of the head for most greetings and deeper bows reserved for more formal settings.

Individuality vs Group Mentality

Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on the group and the ability to prioritise the group's needs over one's own. This is in contrast to Western cultures, which tend to emphasise individualism and self-reliance. As a result, directness and bluntness are more common in Western communication styles, while Japanese communication is often more subtle and indirect to avoid causing offence.

Hospitality and Home Visits

Japanese-style hospitality, known as "omotenashi," focuses on creating a pleasant and benevolent atmosphere for guests. However, it is important to note that Japanese people rarely invite guests over to their homes. This is due to both cultural norms and practical considerations, as housing in Japan, especially in urban areas, tends to be more compact.

Dining Etiquette

Dining etiquette differs significantly between Japan and Western countries. Firstly, slurping noodles loudly is considered a custom in Japan, as it is believed to enhance the dining experience by engaging the senses of hearing and smell. Secondly, eating in public or while walking is generally frowned upon in Japan, as it can be seen as messy and unpleasant for others. Lastly, tipping is not practised in Japan, and doing so may even be considered insulting, as it implies that the employee's salary is insufficient.

Names and Titles

In Japan, the naming convention is the opposite of Western cultures, with the family name or last name coming before the given name or first name. Additionally, Japanese people often refer to each other by their surnames, even in informal settings. This is in contrast to Western cultures, where first names are commonly used in various circumstances.

Fashion and Appearance

Japanese fashion tends to cater to a smaller body frame, and you may find that clothing and shoe sizes are smaller than what you are used to. Additionally, tattoos may not be allowed in certain traditional settings, such as onsen (hot springs).

Frequently asked questions