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First-Time Visitor Info

  • Plan Your Trip

Smooth your way with a little forward planning

It is easy to feel a little overwhelmed and disoriented when you visit Japan for the first time, so find out the basics before you fly and get acquainted with the country through our helping you plan guide.

Learn a little more about Japan's customs, culture and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as its seasonal weather, geography and luggage delivery options. Many of the questions first-time travelers might have are answered here, along with insider tips and practical advice to help you navigate the country with confidence.

Japan's official language is Japanese, but English is generally understood in major cities and designated tourist sites.

Language

All of Japan sits within the same time zone, and no daylight saving is practiced. The country is nine hours ahead of GMT.

Timezone

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

Wireless hotspots are popping up all over major cities in Japan, so you should never be too far from a Wi-Fi connection.

Wifi&Connectivity

Plugs & Electricity

Japan uses two flat parallel prong plugs. For guaranteed charging of your electrical necessities, purchase a plug adapter beforehand.

For Other Pages

The Japanese yen is used throughout the country and you can exchange foreign currency at the airports and most major banks.

Currency

Tax-Free Shopping

Visitors to Japan are eligible for tax exemption on many consumer goods. The process of receiving your tax back can vary from store to store.

Tax-free Shopping

Tipping is not practiced in Japan. In fact, it can cause discomfort and confusion if you do. A service charge is generally added on to the final bill in restaurants.

Tipping

Credit Cards

Even though Japan is a cash-centric country, credit cards are usually accepted in most shops, restaurants and taxis in major cities.

Credit card

Weather (When to Visit)

The weather in Japan can vary wildly depending on where you are traveling to. Find out the best times to visit and what to pack.

Weather

Please check the latest information on Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website or contact the Japanese embassy/consulate in your country/region of residence.

Visa Information

International Tourist Tax

Visitors to Japan pay a 1,000 yen departure tax to expand and enhance the country’s tourist infrastructure—a small tax that will make a significant difference.

Airport

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a visitor hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

img_Hotline_2

Customs & Duty

The Japan Customs official page is your most trustworthy source to answer any questions or queries related to Japanese customs and duty.

Visa Information

IC Travel Cards

Make your journeys as smooth as the public transportation you will ride on by purchasing a chargeable IC travel card.

IC Travel Cards

Drinking Water

While bottled water is readily available all over Japan—including in the infinite vending machines—the tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

Safe Drinking Water

Luggage Storage & Delivery

If you don't wish to haul your luggage around with you, drop your bags and cases off at the delivery service kiosks located at the airports.

Luggage Delivery

Tips for Budget Travels

To stretch your yen as far as possible, research into discounted travel and accommodation, as well as eating options that won't break the bank.

Tips for Budget Travels

Staying Safe in Japan

If you do find yourself in a situation that requires serious help, dial 110 for an urgent call to the police and 119 for fire or ambulance.

Emergencies

Your embassy is there to help and support you if you should need it. Make sure you know how to get in touch.

Visa Information

Custom & Manners

Following a general travelers code of respect for the people you meet and places you visit will stand you in good stead.

Customs & Manners

Make sure you are aware of the local laws in Japan as ignorance is not accepted as a valid line of defense.

Local Laws

Business Hours & Holidays

Avoid closed doors and fully-booked hotels by finding out the Japanese business hours for major businesses, services, and facilities, and the dates of the major holidays.

Timezone

Download a selection of apps to make your trip to Japan run even smoother. Choose from a list of all-round, navigation, sightseeing and accommodation applications.

Useful Apps

Postal Services

Instead of just an email, send a postcard back home to let friends and family know about your Japanese adventure.

Postal

Telephone Calls

While modern technology enables you to connect with friends and family around the world from the palm of your hand, there still might be times when you need to make use of public telephones.

Telephone

Book your stay in Japan through one of these useful sites offering a wide range of accommodation options.

Online Reservation Sites

At major train stations, airports, and hotels, as well as in most newer shopping centers and theaters in the city, the disabled traveler or wheelchair user should have little trouble getting from place to place.

Traveling With a Disability

Traveling With Children

Traveling to Japan with children may seem like a daunting prospect and something best avoided, however, the country is surprisingly accessible.

Traveling With Children

Japan continues to enhance its hospitality for Muslim travelers through the introduction of Muslim-friendly facilities.

Muslim Travelers

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

  • About Japan

Visiting Japan

  • Information Related to COVID-19 - JapanGov
  • Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
  • TeCOT (COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers) - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
  • Vaccination Certificate for Overseas Travel - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
  • Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) advisory information - Japan National Tourism Organization

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We welcome you to visit Japan

Empowering the Disabled

This movie introduces the new essential steps ahead of an unforgettable travel in Japan.

General Information

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Japan: the Official Guide

Japan National Tourism Organization

General tourism information of Japan in multi languages. Climate, Healthcare, Money, Visa, Emergency info, etc. WEB: http://www.jnto.go.jp/

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Open for Professionals

Japan External Trade Organization

The Government of Japan strongly welcomes highly-skilled foreign professionals. WEB: https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/hrportal/

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Disaster Prevention Portal

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Portal Site for Disaster Prevention in a Tokyo Inland Earthquake Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. WEB: http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/

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Safety Tips

Safety tips is an app to push notify the disaster information of Japan. Download the app from the website as follow; WEB: http://www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/

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Japan Weather Forecast for Travelers

Weather forecast in English for travelers. WEB: http://www.jnto.go.jp/weather/eng/index.php

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Japan Meteorological Agency

WEB: http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html

Embassies, Visas, Customs and other Tourism Related Information

  • Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions Overseas [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
  • Visas – Guide to Japanese Visas – [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
  • Customs – Procedures of Passenger Clearance – [Japan Customs]
  • The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
  • Animal Quarantine [Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries]
  • Plant Protection Station [Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries]

Studying and Teaching

  • Study in Japan Comprehensive Guide [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
  • Gateway to study in Japan [Japan Student Services Organization]
  • Erin's Challenge! I can speak Japanese [The Japan Foundation]
  • Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture [The Japan Foundation]
  • Portal Site on Policies for Foreign Residents [Cabinet Office]
  • The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET)
  • Tours & Experiences
  • Tailor-made Trips
  • Bahasa Indonesia

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Young tourist enjoying the sunset in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, one of the most famoust places in Kyoto, Japan

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Group of Friends Eating Take Away Food on the Street in Tokyo.

Japan is truly timeless, a place where ancient traditions fuse with modern life, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Mt Fuji and Cherry Blossom

Fuji Five Lakes

Fuji-san is among Japan's most revered and timeless attractions, the inspiration for generations of poets and the focus of countless artworks. Hundreds of…

Tokyo, Ueno, Taito-ku: Tokyo National Museum, Honkan

Tokyo National Museum

Ueno & Yanesen

If you visit only one museum in Tokyo, make it the Tokyo National Museum. Here you'll find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including…

Peace Statue, Nagasaki,Japan

A still, serene and deeply moving place, Nagasaki's Peace Park commemorates the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945, which reduced the…

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Nishiki Market

Downtown Kyoto

The covered Nishiki Market (Nishiki-kōji Ichiba) is one of Kyoto’s real highlights, especially if you have an interest in cooking and dining. Commonly…

April 29, 2018: The Robot statue in an open garden space at the Ghibli museum.

Ghibli Museum

This museum is the heart of the Studio Ghibli world, a beloved (even 'adored') film studio responsible for classic, critically-acclaimed animated titles…

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Kanto region, Japan. Tiny alleys crowded with night bars and clubs at Golden Gai district.

Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo

Golden Gai – a Shinjuku institution for over half a century – is a collection of tiny bars, often literally no bigger than a closet and seating maybe a…

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Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa

Rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world (and definitely in Japan), Shibuya Crossing is like a giant beating heart, sending people in all…

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Cup Noodles Museum

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Shirara-hama

Kii Peninsula

Shirahama's main beach is famous for its white sand – though what's there now was imported from Perth in the '90s, as the original sand was lost to…

Kikunoi

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Odaiba & Tokyo Bay

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Matsuo-jinja

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Churei-tō Pagoda

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Taikodani-Inari-jinja

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Visit Japan Web: The Online Registration Before Arriving in Japan

Japanese customs: mysos replaced from november, 14,  2022.

During the Covid pandemic, entry procedures in Japan have changed a lot, which created some confusion. It is still somewhat the case after the reopening to tourism since October 11, even if a focus has been placed on easing the procedures especially through digitalization , to minimize human interactions and subsequent contamination risks.

Until recently, the Japanese government asked visitors to install specific app on their smartphones:

  • MySOS, for advance registration of information regarding vaccine status / PCR test, for faster airport procedures in Japan (the "fast track" system)
  • COCOA, an app to track contact-cases and infected persons, but it was discontinued in September 2022.

MySOS was not mandatory but highly recommended . Travelers who could not use the app were directed upon their arrival in Japan to a specific line in order to complete the necessary steps (showing a valid vaccination certificate / PCR test, etc.) which lengthened their time at the airport.

New website available since November 1st, 2022

In mid-October 2022, a new change in the procedure has been announced for all entry in Japan from November 14 included : every traveler (tourist, foreign resident and Japanese citizen alike) can register in advance on the Visit Japan Web site.

Visit Japan Web is a free, single portal to group formalities related to:

  • Covid-19   🦠 ( quarantine , vaccination certificate, PCR test); The Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures section collects the information that were previously filled in the MySOS app ("Fast Track" function);
  • Immigration : the Disembarkation Card for Foreigner that was formerly handed in the plane  ✈️ just before landing (does not concern Japanese citizens and foreign permanent residents);
  • Customs  🛂 , with the Declaration of Personal effects and Unaccompanied Articles , to fill upon arrival, formerly either on a paper form or on the Japanese government’s Zeikan shinkoku app (税関申告アプリ).

In the facts, registering on the website has been possible since November 1, 2022 , for any arrival in Japan from November 14 in one of its largest airports:

  • Tokyo -Narita,
  • Tokyo-Haneda,
  • Osaka - Kansai (KIX),
  • Chubu ( Nagoya ),
  • Fukuoka ( Kyushu ),
  • New Chitose ( Hokkaido ) and
  • Naha ( Okinawa ).

Travelers arriving in Japan before November 14, 2022, can still use the MySoS app to fill their Covid related data and are not the target of the Visit Japan Web.

1 blue screen and 2 QR Codes to show on a smartphone

Like with MySOS previously, each step of the registration process is ended by a change in the page display that includes:

  • A blue screen , for a successful quarantine procedure registration,
  • and the creation of 2 QR Codes for customs and immigration procedures.

Once all the steps are completed, a visitor’s smartphone  📱 will display first a blue screen, then 2 QR Codes to show at each checkpoint.

Starting April 29, 2023 , according to March 10 and April 26 latest announcements of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, some of the borders restrictions will be lifted and the Covid-19 quarantine procedure (blue screen) will not be required anymore .

It is highly recommended to register before departing for Japan : at the latest 6h prior to the flight’s departure, and ideally within the 10 preceding days , in order to allow time for the review of the submitted documents. Reviews are sorted by date of arrival in Japan . Visit Japan Web is available in English.

Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, consider using Visit Japan Web to make sure to board your flight to Japan, as airlines reserve the right to refuse passengers who may potentially be banned at the Quarantine Procedures step.

The necessary documents are:

  • A valid email address (will be used as a user ID to each access to Visit Japan Web);
  • Until April 29, 2023 , Covid vaccination certificate or negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before departure and translated in English (use the Japanese-English form provided by the Japanese Ministry of Health here );
  • An address in Japan (for example, of the first accommodation you will be staying at).

If traveling with underage children , it is possible to register them on the same Visit Japan Web account (up to 10 travelers). Dependent or handicapped adults who cannot go through the procedures alone can also be registered in the Family members traveling with you section. However, each of them has to have their own passport or equivalent immigration document.

Each member of the family registered on the same account will also have their blue screen and 2 QR Codes, to show at checkpoints at the arrival airport in Japan.

Like with MySOS, registering with Visit Japan Web is not mandatory , however it helps going through the entry procedures in Japan faster, and reduces the hurdles of tedious formalities after 12 hours of more spent in a plane.

On April 5, 2023, Kono Taro, the Japanese Minister of Digital Affairs, announced that travelers are no longer required to show any document at arrival airport’s quarantine in Japan . However, filling information forms for immigration and customs is still a requirement.

Additional tips and advice

An Internet  📶 connection is required to use the Visit Japan Web site, especially to create the account, fill in the user’s information, and their family’s when applicable (name, passport number, etc.), the forms regarding vaccination or PCR test and create the first QR Code. The digital Disembarkation Card for Foreigners and custom procedures can be completed offline and the QR codes created upon arrival at the airport.

Creating a Visit Japan Web account is possible on a computer (Chrome browser is recommended) or on a smartphone (Chrome browser recommended on Android). In any case, before departure, make sure to be logged in only on the device you will use to travel (a smartphone ideally), and check that all information is up-to-date.

Questions asked at immigration and customs procedures are the same than on the paper forms. In any event, official Japanese sources (the Embassy of Japan or the Border Control page of the Japanese Ministry of Health for example) are the ultimate references regarding entry procedures in Japan and should be checked frequently.

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Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

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Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

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