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Japan
Tokyo
Ancient temples next to neon crossings, sushi at dawn, rooftop views from Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Tower, digital art museums and tiny bars in Golden Gai.
Do I need a visa for Japan?
Choose your passport to see the rules for Japan.
- Visit Japan Web (vjw-lp.digital.go.jp) for immigration and customs QR codes; paper forms still accepted
- Passport valid for the whole stay (MOFA states no 6-month rule); some nationalities need an ICAO ePassport
- Return or onward ticket and proof of funds may be requested
- International Tourist Tax JPY 1,000 on departure, already in the ticket price.
- JESTA (Japan's planned electronic travel authorisation) is not yet in force.
Checked October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official sites before you book. mofa.go.jp, mofa.go.jp, evisa.mofa.go.jp
Before you go to Tokyo
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Entry
Visa-free short stays
Visitors from about 70 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most of the EU, can visit without a visa, usually for up to 90 days. Check the Foreign Ministry list for your passport.
Official site · www.mofa.go.jpNo JESTA needed yet
Japan plans an ESTA-style pre-travel authorization called JESTA, now due by fiscal 2028. Nothing is required for trips in 2026.
Official site · visasnews.comRegister on Visit Japan Web
Enter your immigration and customs details online before you fly to get QR codes for a faster arrival. It's free.
Official site · www.ana.co.jpDeparture tax is now ¥3,000
The International Tourist Tax rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per traveller on 1 July 2026. It's usually added to your airline ticket.
Official site · www.japan.travel
Money
Tax-free shopping is now a refund
From 1 November 2026 you pay the full price including 10% tax, then get it refunded after customs checks the goods at the airport. Spend at least ¥5,000 per shop per day and keep your passport handy.
Official site · www.japan.travelCards are common, but carry yen
Most shops take Visa and Mastercard, but small restaurants, shrines and stalls may be cash only. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards, many around the clock.
Official site · wise.comNo tipping
Tipping isn't done at restaurants, bars, taxis or hotels and can cause confusion.
Official site · www.japan.travel
Getting around
Get a Suica or PASMO card
Tap-on IC cards work on almost all Tokyo trains, subways, buses and convenience stores. Tourists can buy a Welcome Suica at Haneda, Narita and major JR stations, or use the Welcome Suica Mobile app on iPhone.
Official site · tokyocheapo.comJR Pass only pays off for long trips
Since 1 October 2026 the 7-day JR Pass costs ¥53,000. It's worth it only with long shinkansen rides, not for getting around Tokyo.
Official site · www.japan.travel
Etiquette
Keep quiet on trains
No phone calls on public transport; keep your phone on silent and voices low. Leave priority seats free.
Official site · www.gotokyo.orgShoes off, trash in your bag
Some restaurants, temples and inns ask you to take shoes off, so wear socks without holes. Public bins are rare: carry a small bag for rubbish.
Official site · www.japan.travel
Packing
Type A plugs, 100V
Two flat pins at 100V. Most phone and laptop chargers are fine; hair dryers may not be.
Official site · www.japan.travel
Health
Strict medicine rules
Amphetamine-based ADHD drugs (like Adderall) are banned, as are pseudoephedrine products such as Sudafed and Vicks inhalers. Up to one month of other prescription medicine is fine; bring the prescription.
Official site · www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jpTap water is safe
Tokyo tap water is safe to drink. Vending machines are everywhere for hot summers.
Official site · www.gotokyo.org
Safety
Earthquakes: install Safety tips
The free Safety tips app sends earthquake and tsunami alerts in English. Police 110, fire and ambulance 119.
Official site · www.gotokyo.org
Rules and fees change. Check the official links before you travel.