Kyoto

Visa-free for short stays

Travellers from visa-exempt countries such as the US can stay up to 90 days for tourism without a visa. You need a passport valid for your whole stay and usually proof of onward travel.

Use Visit Japan Web for faster arrival

Visit Japan Web creates QR codes for immigration and customs that you can scan at automated kiosks on arrival. It is optional in 2026, and paper cards are still accepted. Set up your account about two weeks before you fly.

JESTA is not needed yet

Japan passed a law on 29 May 2026 to create JESTA, an electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, but it will not launch before 2028. Ignore websites that charge for 'early JESTA registration'.

Departure tax tripled to ¥3,000

Since 1 July 2026 the International Tourist Tax on leaving Japan is ¥3,000, up from ¥1,000. In most cases it is already included in your airfare.

Kyoto's higher hotel tax (from March 2026)

Since 1 March 2026 Kyoto charges an accommodation tax per person per night based on the room rate: ¥200 under ¥6,000; ¥400 for ¥6,000–19,999; ¥1,000 for ¥20,000–49,999; ¥4,000 for ¥50,000–99,999; and ¥10,000 at ¥100,000 or more. The room rate counts service charges but excludes meals and consumption tax.

Tax-free shopping is now a refund at the airport

From 1 November 2026, visitors pay the full price including tax in shops and get the consumption tax back after customs checks the goods at departure. You must spend at least ¥5,000 per shop per day, and you need your passport plus all items and receipts. Leave time at the airport, because purchases with a missing item or receipt are not refunded.

Carry some cash

Japan still relies heavily on cash, so check whether a place takes cards before you order. You can withdraw yen at most ATMs, at airports or at banks.

Don't tip

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause embarrassment or confusion. The price you see is what you pay.

Gion's private alleys: no photos

Residents have banned photography in Gion's privately owned alleys and streets, with signs warning of a ¥10,000 fine. Reports say the fine is not legally binding. Don't photograph geiko or maiko without asking first.

Get an ICOCA card or mobile ICOCA

ICOCA works on JR lines, private railways, buses and some taxis in Kansai. It also works at convenience stores and vending machines. It is available in Apple Pay and as Mobile ICOCA on Android, and you can top it up at station machines or convenience stores.

How Kyoto buses work

On Kyoto buses you pay when you get off, and drivers only give change for ¥1,000 notes. IC cards work on most buses but not on Yasaka bus lines. Big suitcases are unwelcome, so send luggage ahead with a delivery service.

Check your medicines before you pack

Without a permit (Yakkan Shoshomei) you can bring up to one month's supply of prescription medicine and two months' of other medicines for personal use. Over-the-counter products with pseudoephedrine (such as Sudafed and Vicks inhalers) or codeine are banned, and stimulants are prohibited. Narcotics and psychotropics need advance permission, so carry your prescription and a doctor's letter.

Plugs and voltage

Japan uses two flat parallel-prong plugs at 100 V AC. Bring an adapter, and check that your devices accept 100 V.

Emergency numbers

Dial 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance.