Osaka

Departure tax is now ¥3,000

Japan's International Tourist Tax rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026. It is usually included in your ticket price when you buy the ticket.

Osaka accommodation tax

Since 1 September 2025, Osaka Prefecture charges a tax per person per night based on the room rate. Rooms under ¥5,000 are exempt; ¥5,000 to under ¥15,000 pays ¥200, ¥15,000 to under ¥20,000 pays ¥400, and ¥20,000 or more pays ¥500. It is usually collected at check-in or checkout.

Carry cash; use 7-Eleven or post office ATMs

Japan is still largely cash-based, and some cards issued abroad don't work. ATMs at 7-Eleven stores, Japanese post offices and JP Post Bank accept some foreign cards.

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.

90 days for UK tourists

British visitors can enter for tourism or business for up to 90 days without applying in advance. An extension of a further 90 days can be requested at an immigration office.

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'.

Check your medicines

Japan's anti-stimulant law bans some common medicines, including Vicks inhalers, cold and flu tablets containing pseudoephedrine, and some codeine painkillers. Foreign nationals have been detained and deported for carrying them. Check with a Japanese embassy before packing.

Typhoon season June–December

Typhoon season runs from June to December and peaks from July to September. Follow Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) forecasts and any evacuation orders.

Earthquakes and the Visitor Hotline

Japan is a major earthquake zone, so follow tsunami warnings and staff instructions in hotels and stations. The Japan Visitor Hotline (+81 50 3816 2787) gives emergency help in English.

Avoid street touts in nightlife districts

UK police advice warns of drink spiking and inflated bar bills linked to English-speaking street touts. Don't follow touts into bars, and check menu prices and cover charges first.

Don't tip

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

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.

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.