Japan is an attractive country where tradition and modernity coexist, offering unique culture, delicious food, and beautiful nature. Each region of Japan provides diverse experiences and attractions for travelers.
CapitalTokyo
Population125,800,000
Official language(s)Japanese
CurrencyYen
Time zoneUTC+9
The subway system in Japan is very efficient and punctual, so plan your routes in advance. Learning basic Japanese greetings can enhance communication with locals.
For tourism, Japan allows visa-free short stays for many nationalities, but the permitted length of stay varies by passport, commonly 15, 30, or 90 days. Visa requirements and stay periods depend on your nationality, so check your own passport rules before departure. Electronic travel authorization and advance online arrival/customs registration are different things: Japan does not have a separate ETA, but you can use Visit Japan Web to pre-register immigration and customs information. Paper disembarkation cards are usually available on the flight or at arrival, and cash of more than JPY 1 million or the equivalent must be declared.
Prepare entry documents
If you pre-register immigration and customs details in Visit Japan Web before arrival, you can proceed faster with a QR code. Paper arrival cards may still be used, so follow the instructions on your flight or at the airport.
Pass immigration control
At immigration, officials check your passport and purpose of stay, and may take fingerprints and a facial photo. The automated gates (e-Gates) are available only to travelers who meet the eligibility conditions.
Customs declaration
Declare cash, goods over duty-free allowances, and any restricted items to customs. Japan is strict about quarantine-controlled items such as meat products, fruit, and plants, so check your belongings in advance.
Proceed after arrival
After completing immigration and customs, collect your baggage and follow airport signs to finish arrival formalities. At some airports, a Visit Japan Web QR code or electronic processing can reduce waiting time.
Check duty-free purchases and refunds
In Japan, tax-free shopping is usually handled directly at the store rather than as a airport-wide VAT refund process. Keep your receipts and passport safe, and note that using or opening items before departure may affect eligibility.
Complete departure formalities
When leaving Japan, departure control is usually straightforward and often requires only passport verification, with no separate departure card. Procedures can vary by airport and nationality, so follow the check-in and airport guidance.
Recheck prohibited items
Before departure, check again for items such as meat, fruit, and plant products that may be prohibited by your destination country. If you have a transit connection, the final destination’s rules may matter most.