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Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

A Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures

While it’s recommended to use the Visit Japan web app, it’s not mandatory. In fact it may be quicker to use the standard paper immigration forms on arrival in Japan.

There are now no Covid protocols for Japan. The Japanese government still recommends that visitors to Japan use the Visit Japan Web app, which replaces the paper arrival card and customs declaration, but you DO NOT HAVE TO USE THE VISIT JAPAN WEB APP.

On our last entry to Japan in October 2023, those not using the app actually moved faster through immigration and customs. So, it’s really up to you: use the app or just go old school and fill out a paper arrival card and customs declaration (and if you don’t get them on the plane, you can pick them up at immigration and customs).

Visit Japan Web

Time required to fill out and instruction manuals

When you first download the app and look at the instruction manual, you may get the impression that it’s going to take a long time to complete Visit Japan Web. In practice, it takes about 15 minutes and is pretty intuitive. I suggest using the simplified manual and quarantine section manuals linked below.

Three parts to Visit Japan Web

Note, Visit Japan Web actually consists of three parts: 1) immigration information (ie, disembarkation card information), 2) customs information (ie, customs declaration), and 3) tax-exemption section. When you successfully complete these sections, you will receive three QR codes. The first two you will show at the airport upon arrival. The third you will show at shops that offer tax-free shopping to tourists.

Important tip

You will need a charged smartphone with internet access for Visit Japan Web to work at the airport when you arrive. Japanese airports have free wifi, so connectivity is not an issue, but be sure to charge your phone before flying. Just in case something goes wrong with your phone or you cannot get online at the airport, it’s a good idea to do two things to print out your immigration and customs QR codes to show at the airport.

Important Visit Japan Web Links

• Here’s the Visit Japan Web download site .
• Here’s a detailed manual for using Visit Japan Web.
• Here’s a simplified Visit Japan Web Manual (scroll down for instructions).

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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Embassy of Japan in the United States of America

Visa and Travel Information

• If you need a visa, check how and when you can apply for a visa: General Rules & Processing Time
• If you do NOT need a visa, skip to STEP #6 .

Visa Information

Who needs a visa.

• The Visa Waiver Program applies based on your nationality, NOT on your U.S. residence status (including green card).

Back to Top

General Rules for Visa Application

Application procedure & processing time.

• In general, it takes 5 business days to issue a visa. (ex., If you apply on Monday, you can pick up a visa next Monday. Our holidays are not counted as business days.)
• It may take more than one month depending on the visa. We recommend that you apply for a visa approximately 1.5 months before your departure date. We do NOT have expedited services.

Types of Visas & Application Documents

• Please click on the applicable box below to see application documents on each visa. 
• If you intend to stay in Japan more than 90 days, please click on the "COE Holders" box.
• The online application for a short-term tourism visa ( single entry only, and only for the purpose of tourism ) is available. For further information, please click on the “Short-term Tourism/Business/Study” box below.  

Application drop-off/pick-up & payment Hours

• No appointment required.
• No parking available.
• Please check our holidays before visiting.
• In case of adverse weather conditions, Embassy of Japan follows the guideline of U.S. Federal Government. When the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announces federal agencies in the Washington, D.C. area are "closed" or "delayed", Embassy of Japan along with VISA section will be closed/delayed accordingly.
• The Embassy will NOT accept any applications by mail.

• US citizens are exempt from visa fees. (Some countries and regions are also exempt from visa fees. Please check the Visa Fee Exempt list to find out if your visa fee is waived. )
• Applicants who have applied for a visa online are required to bring a printed copy of “Registration Information Form” to the Embassy for your payment (payment is only acceptable in the afternoon). *Applicants who has applied for evisa (online visa) on or after 10th July are eligible for online payment ( Details / Video ).
• We accept CASH only. We DO NOT accept personal checks and credit cards.

Information on Border Measures

Covid-19 travel guidelines.

• On-arrival surveillance for travelers and returnees with COVID-19 symptoms has been conducted since 12:00 am (JST) on May 8, 2023.
• Insurance Before Entrance
• Guidebook for when you are feeling ill  

Visiting Japan

• After April 29, 2023, pre-registration for quarantine procedures on Visit Japan Web are no longer required, however, you can still use Visit Japan Web to pre-register for "Immigration", "Customs" and "Tax-free Shopping Service" (Optional).   
• For information about traveling with minor(s), please read our FAQ . 

Staying in Japan

• Be aware of traffic rules in Japan
• Nice to Meet You! Let's Be Friends!
• Study in Japan
• Japanese pension law
• Information on Local Call Centers
• It is a CRIME to sell or give a bank account without just cause.
• Roadmap for the Realization of a Society of Harmonious Coexistence with Foreign Nationals
• Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals
• A daily life support portal for foreign nationals
• Guidebook on Living and Working
• New to Japan? Useful pages for foreign nationals

Recommended Information

• Consular Section: Embassy of Japan, 2520 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Office Hours: Application Drop-off/ M-F 9:15am-12:00pm Visa Pick-up/ M-F 1:30pm-4:00pm
• Contact Us: 202-238-6800/ M-F 9:00am-5:00pm
• Japan Visa Information Hotline (Available in English/Vietnamese/Russian/Ukrainian) 1-202-499-1468 Domestic call fee applies, 24hours, 7days/week

How to Fill in the Visit Japan Web (VJW) : Handy Guide to Entering Japan:

Starting November 1, 2022, you can use Visit Japan Web, short for VJW, for express entry into Japan. All handwritten information that was previously required, such as immigration information and customs declaration forms, can be filled out in advance through Visit Japan Web, reducing the time required for entry into Japan.

We have already explained how to create a VJW account in this article ( New Rules for Japanese Immigration: mySOS to be retired in favor of VJW . If you need it, please click the previous link to see it. This article will lead you step by step to fill out the VJW.

In addition, Visit Japan Web can only be used at several major airports in Japan: Narita International Airport (Tokyo/Chiba), Haneda Airport (Tokyo), Kansai International Airport (Osaka), Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya), Fukuoka Airport (Fukuoka), New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido/Sapporo), and Naha Airport (Okinawa). If the airport you plan to land at is not one of the above seven airports, you cannot use VJW for expedited customs clearance and must use paper documents instead.

All picture from VJW Official Website・デジタル庁

Table of Contents

Visit Japan Web User Registration Procedure

Registration of your details.

Click “Your Details” on the “Home Screen”, and register your details using Visit Japan Web.

Differentiate between entry/return procedures

Answer the question of  entry and return procedures.

※ Confirmation of re-entry permission If you have a long-term visa to Japan (e.g., for study, employment, permanent residence, etc.), which means you will enter Japan with a re-entry permitselect “Yes”. If you are traveling to Japan, then select “No”.

Passport details in Visit Japan Web

Intended address in japan (optional).

Visit Japan Web Registration complete

The display shows “Registration complete” to complete the registration.

Register your planned entry/return trip to Japan in Visit Japan Web

Register the information required for entry/return procedures when arriving in Japan here.

New registration for planned entry and return

Click “New registration” on the Home Screen, and proceed to “Register Planned Entry/Return – Planned Entry/Return Screen”.

You can register a maximum of 5 entries.

If there are more than 5 reservations, the oldest reservation in “Arrival in Japan” will be deleted.

Registering Planned Entry/Return

Enter your planned entry/return.

The follows are required fields:

• Planned arrival date in Japan
• Airline company name
• Flight number (numbers only)
• Boarded flight number

Intended Address in Japan

Enter your intended address in Japan.

• Postal code
• Hotel name, place of stay
• Contact phone number

Select family members traveling with you

If you have family members accompanying you, select “Family member accompanying you”.

Confirm the entered details

Registration of planned entry/return complete

Visit Japan Web: Entry/return procedures

Quarantine procedures (fast track), disembarkation card(as of december 28, 2022, abolished).

Updated April 28, 2023

Starting from April 29, 2023, individuals entering Japan on or after April 29, 2023, are not required to present valid vaccination certificates or pre-departure testing certificates. In accordance with the above-mentioned regulations, the “Quarantine Procedures (Fast Track)” button will be removed from midnight on April 29 (Japan time).

Click “Quarantine Procedures (Fast Track)” in the “Japan Entry/Return Procedure Screen”, and proceed to the “Quarantine procedures (Fast Track) Screen”.

Disembarkation Card For Foreigner registration

Registration of foreigner’s entry record is required for landing application.

For Japanese nationals and foreign residents re-entering the country (i.e., permanent residents, holders of work visas, or study visas, etc., and foreign nationals holding a residence card), the “Disembarkation Card For Foreigner” in the “Japan Entry/Return Procedure” will be grayed out, and no data entry is required.

After registering the foreigner’s entry record, you can present the QR code to the immigration officer for landing.

Basic information

• Date of Birth

Immigration information to Japan

• Purpose of visit
• Specific purpose for visit
• Last flight No.
• Intended length of stay in Japan (number of years, months, days)

Intended address in Japan

If you are staying at a friend’s house, you can ask him/her how to fill in the address, or if you have a hotel reservation, you can send an email to ask how to fill in the hotel.

Finally, there are some questions to fill out

After confirming all the information, you can finish filling out the form.

Customs Declaration

Preparation for customs declaration.

Click “Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles” in the “Japan Entry/Return Procedure Screen”, and proceed to the “Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles – Operation Selection Screen”.

Fill in the following basic information

• Passport number
• Date of Arrival
• Name of flight (ship)
• Point of embarkation

If you are traveling with someone, please select the number of people you are traveling with.

After confirming all the information, you will finish filling out the form.

Preparation for entry into Japan

Show the QR code (different from the above QR code for quarantine!) to the immigration officer at the time of entry. You will be able to clear customs quickly.

※Update January 25

GetAround Japan is your number one travel guide, providing the latest information on visiting and living in Japan, with tips on what to eat, things to do, and places to stay. Whether you’re planning for a trip far in the future, or already in Japan in need of some fresh ideas, our archive of posts will help you find the best way to fill your time and get the most out of your travel experience. We provide you updates on serious policies that affect visitors and foreign residents while also keeping things light and fun with articles on quirky trends and pop culture. How do we know how to provide visitors the information they need? Our affiliate company CDJapan Rental provides WIFI and Sim Card rentals to thousands of visitors to Japan every year. In other words, we are constantly in touch with and listening to the voices of our customers, and infuse our blog with the information they ask us for. For inquiries, contact us here =Company Information= CDJapan Rental (Neowing Corporation) 1-10-15-3F Nihonbashi Horidome Chuo, Tokyo 103-0012, Japan

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The Japanese Disembarkation Card for Foreigners

About one hour before landing in Japan, the cabin crew hands out small cards to passengers. These bilingual Japanese and English documents are called the Japanese Disembarkation Card for Foreigners and the Customs  🛂 Declaration. Filling them in is compulsory before going through Japanese immigration and customs services.

After 10 hours or more of flight in a pressurized atmosphere, the traveler’s mind might not be as sharp as usual, and the cabin crew might not be able to help as they are busy in preparation for landing. Japanese immigration and custom agents are very strict with any crossing-out or inaccuracy, so it is very important to carefully fill in the cards. This is the key to a smooth and swift arrival in Japan.

Disclaimer – The content provided on this webpage is for information purposes only. Filling in the Japan Disembarkation Card for Foreigners and the Customs Declaration forms is the sole responsibility of each traveler and Kanpai cannot be held liable for any mistake or inconvenience.

The Disembarkation Card

The Japanese Disembarkation Card for Foreigners (外国人入国記録 gaikokujin nyûkoku kiroku) is a recto-verso form. It will be collected by the immigration services, whose officer will also put a stamp on your passport.

The card’s purpose is for you to provide information about your identity and your stay in Japan.

One of the most frequent questions is which intended address in Japan and telephone  📱 number to provide. As travelers may have booked several accommodations to fit their journey, they might be puzzled about how to answer. You only need to write down the address and telephone number of the first hotel  🏨 or apartment of your stay (make sure to have the information printed or readily accessible before your departure). For other travelers, it might be best to write down the address and telephone number of the place where they will stay the longest, even if it is not the first accommodation.

The back side of the card is also to be filled in carefully. You might undergo a thorough cross-examination in the following cases:

• if you answer "yes" to any of the three first questions
• and/or if you declare travelling with more than one million yen (~US$6,466) in cash per person

The Japanese Immigration Services Agency recently started the Trusted Traveler Program. This program allows, under certain conditions, expedited customs formalities for frequent visitors who can go through automatic gates.

However, this service is only accessible upon prior registration and is submitted to authorization upon the first entry in Japan.

The Japanese Immigrations Services Agency has provided information about this service on their Offical Website (in English).

Visit Japan Web since late 2022

With the resuming of post- Covid   🦠 tourism, it is highly recommended to register on the Japanese governmental site " Visit Japan Web" before departing to Japan, to speed up the procedures upon arrival.

Further explanations are available in a dedicated post:

The Customs Declaration

This second document is to be submitted to customs officers once you have retrieved your checked baggage.

The customs officer can decide whether or not to inspect your luggage and/or bags, even if what you have declared stays within the authorized limits.

Since August 2019, the Electronic Customs Declaration Gate System, or e-Gate, has been introduced at Narita Airport Terminal 3. The system is to be extended to Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2, Haneda, Kansai , Chubu , Fukuoka , and New Chitose airports by spring   🌸 2020.

To use the e-Gate system, the traveler must download the Customs Declaration App (only available in Japanese at the moment) and fill in the electronic form. A QR code will then be generated with the information of the declaration. This QR code and the IC passport must be scanned at the terminal. During the process, a face picture will also be taken. The traveler can then pick up their checked baggage and exit the airport.

An explanatory comic strip is displayed on the Japanese Customs website to help travelers understanding the procedure.

In compliance with the duty free, each adult should not carry more than:

• 3 bottles of alcohol (of 75 ml each)
• 100 cigars or 400 cigarettes or 500 g of tobacco (note that in 2021, from October 1st, the allowance will be changed to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco)
• 60 ml of perfume (2 ounces)
• And objects of less than ¥200,000 (~US$1,293) global value, not including objects of less than ¥10,000 (~US$64.66) global value each.

However, if you carry more than what is allowed, the customs duties are still affordable. As an example : ¥500 (~US$3.23) per liter for rum, or ¥13 (~US$0.08) per cigarette.

It is strictly forbidden to import the following items in Japan:

• All kinds of drugs (even soft drugs)
• Firearms, ammunitions, explosives, chemical weapons
• Counterfeit products and means of payment
• All kinds of pornography

Be careful to strictly follow this list as any infringement can be severely punished.

Please note that there might be some importation restrictions on items such as:

• living animals
• food and beverages
• pharmaceutical and cosmetic products

General Rules

Always write in capital letters.

Be honest: always fill in the forms with the most sincere information as the Japanese Immigration Services and Customs officers might ask for additional details.

Crossing-out or alterations are not allowed. The cabin crew can usually provide extra blank documents in the plane  ✈️ . Otherwise, these documents are easily available in the waiting room for immigration, before entering Japan.

Write down all your firstnames, even if you do not use them all. The informations filled in the forms must be exactly the same as they appear on your passport.

In the gallery, you will find samples of a Japanese Disembarkation Card for Foreigners and of a Customs Declaration form to help you fill in these documents.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » How to use Japanese prepaid IC cards: PASMO, SUICA, ICOCA and more!

How to use Japanese prepaid IC cards: PASMO, SUICA, ICOCA and more!

April 8, 2024

Navigating international travel can be daunting, whether you’re a novice voyager or a seasoned globetrotter. Yet, Japan has always striven to simplify its internal transportation for everyone, resident or tourist. Their ingenious solution? The IC Card , designed to make traveling throughout the country as effortless as a gentle summer breeze.

Update : Please note the sale of IC cards, Pasmo and Suica, has been put on a temporary hiatus. No resumption date has been set. Consider the purchase of a JR Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains nationwide.

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What is an IC Card

Similar to those subway cards used in transportation systems around the world, the Japanese IC Cards are rechargeable prepaid travel cards that can be loaded with funds and used for public transportation at train stations, metro stations, bus depots, and on ferries, and cable cars.

They are also commonly accepted at some convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants throughout the country. Besides, the 10 most popular IC cards , including Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca, are compatible with each other , so it is possible to travel with them on almost all train, subway, and bus lines inside Japanese cities .

This credit-card-size card is available for non-Japan Rail transportation in Tokyo, such as the Tokyo railway, Tokyo Metro subway system, and city buses . The Pasmo Card can be purchased at Tokyo Metro stations.

Pasmo cards come pre-charged and ready to use, and can also be employed as an electronic wallet to make small purchases in convenience stores and at vending machines.

Initially, the PASMO costs 1,000 yen: 500 that you will get as credit, and 500 as deposit , which will be refunded 100% once you give the card back at a Japan Railways office.

This popular card is offered by JR East . The SUICA mascot, a friendly penguin, is an icon of the Tokyo subway.

The card services JR trains in the areas of Tokyo, Sendai, and Niigata and includes transport by train, subway, monorail, and bus. Travel on bullet trains, long-distance trains, or airport transfers is not included.

In the same way as the PASMO, you can use it as an electronic wallet in food stores, restaurants, taxis, station ticket offices, and automatic vending machines where the SUICA logo appears.

Each SUICA is charged with 2,000 yen , including the 500 yen deposit that you can retrieve at JR East stations in Tokyo. A SUICA is valid for 10 years and is not unipersonal, although it is only valid only for use by adults. A children’s version of SUICA can be obtained while in Japan.

Welcome SUICA

The Welcome SUICA card was introduced in September 2019 and is useful for travelers only planning to stay in Japan for a few weeks. Valid for 28 days and deposit-free , a Welcome SUICA card can be issued with a variety of preloaded amounts from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen.

This blossom-print disposable IC card is perfect for those wishing to avoid the hassle of having to return a SUICA card and obtain the ¥500 yen deposit.

The Welcome SUICA card can be purchased at the following JR East Travel Service Centers:

• Hamamatsucho Station
• Haneda Airport International Terminal Station
• Ikebukuro Station
• Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station
• Narita Airport Terminal 2/3 Station
• Shinjuku Station
• Tokyo Station
• Ueno Station

SUICA vs PASMO

What are the differences between the PASMO and SUICA cards? The Pasmo and Suica cards are essentially identical . Perhaps the only thing that could make a difference is if you need a commuter pass, since traveling daily on a JR line requires a Suica and on a non-JR line requires a PASMO.

Suica cards, unlike PASMOs, support virtual IC cards.

* Only deductible from the remaining charge, not your deposit.

Can’t decide on whether to use PASMO vs SUICA? The cards are compatible and nearly identical in their uses. Which one you choose will likely depend on which station you come to first, whether your travels take you to a JR train station  (Suica) or a Tokyo Metro station (Pasmo).

Other types of Japanese IC Cards

There are a number of regional IC Cards to choose from . Most are compatible with one another and differ mostly by where they can be purchased. Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca are the three most popular IC Cards you can consider to supplement your Japan Rail Pass for local travel.

Below you can find the top regional IC cards, all named with phrases appropriate for their district and distinguished by their own individual mascots.

The cards are compatible with one another . IC Cards are available for other areas and specific forms of transportation within the areas discussed. Talk to an attendant when visiting a station in these or other areas to discover what card options may be available to you.

The ICOCA Card is offered by JR West and services JR trains in the regions of Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama .

This card covers a slightly larger area than the others and is also compatible with some minor local cards, such as the Paspy Card in Hiroshima.

ICOCA stands for IC Operating Card, but it is also a play on a Japanese phrase meaning “Shall we go?”. The ICOCA cards are decorated with one of 2 mascot designs ; either Ico, a blue duckbill platypus, or a pair of different platypuses, Icota and Icomi.

PITAPA Card

PITAPA is the main IC card for the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka), and the Okayama, Hiroshima and Shizuoka Prefecture.

The PITAPA can be used on 11 buses and 19 Kansai train systems other than JR Rail, including the Hankyu Railway. the Osaka Municipal Subway and New Tram, and the Keihan Electric Railway.

PITAPA is postpaid rather than a prepaid card, unlike the other nine IC cards.

TOICA is issued by JR Central for the area of Chugoku (Greater Nagoya) and some parts of Shizuoka prefecture.

The TOICA card is accepted on the following JR Central lines :

• Tōkaidō Main Line, between Kannami and Samegai (except between Ōgaki and Mino-Akasaka, Atami and Kannami, Samegai and Maibara)
• Chūō Main Line, between Nagoya and Nakatsugawa
• Kansai Main Line, between Nagoya and Kameyama
• The whole of Taketoyo Line
• Gotemba Line, between Shimo-Soga and Numazu
• Minobu Line, between Fuji and Nishi-Fujinomiya
• Iida Line, between Toyohashi and Toyokawa
• Takayama Main Line, between Gifu and Mino-Ōta
• The whole of Taita Line.

MANACA Card

MANACA is a prepaid IC card issued in Nagoya . Manaca means “center”, because Nagoya is roughly in the center of Japan. The mascot is a yellow smiley face.

It can be used on the following transportation systems in the Nagoya area:

• Aonami Line
• Nagoya City Bus
• Nagoya Municipal Subway lines
• Nagoya Railroad (Meitetsu) lines
• Meitetsu Bus
• Toyohashi Railroad
• Yutorito Line

Like the other IC cards, it can also be used for traveling nationwide on private train, metro and bus operators other than Japan Railways and Kintetsu.

KITACA Card

KITACA is the prepaid card issued by JR Hokkaido in the greater Sapporo area, and can be be used on Sapporo’s subways, buses and tram.

The official mascot of the card is Ezo momonga , a kind of flying squirrel native to Hokkaidō, as designed by Sora, a famous local illustrator.

SUGOCA Card

SUGOCA is the prepaid card issued by JR Kyushu in the greater Fukuoka and Kyushu metropolitan areas. Sugoka means “great” in the local Japanese dialect.

SUGOCA is also an acronym of “Smart Urban GOing CArd”. The card was implemented on March 1st, 2009, and can be used across 124 JR stations in Fukuoka Prefecture .

NIMOCA Card

NIMOCA , an acronym of “nice money card”, is issued for the Fukuoka area and covers the Nishitetsu trains.

The card’s design features one of 2 mascots ; NINOCA mascot Ferret, or Mejiron, a widely-loved cute bird mascot.

The fact the name of the card contains nimo (Japanese for ‘also’) is apt because like the other 9 IC cards, the NIMOCA can be used also on buses, also on trains, also for shopping , and so on.

HAYAKAKEN Card

Hayakaken cards are also IC Cards for the Fukuoka area, issued by Fukuoka city for its subway system .

Hayakaken means “Because it’s quick” in local Japanese dialect. The card has a distinctive design featuring the mascot prairie dog of the region, Chikamaru.

Where to buy an IC Card

Upon your arrival in Japan, you can purchase an IC Card from a ticket counter or an automated kiosk at any major train station . Kiosk instructions are available in English to aid international travelers.

Usually, the card will cost ¥2000 . This includes a ¥500 refundable deposit and ¥1500 loaded to the card for use. The card can be loaded with up to ¥20,000 . When your balance gets low, the IC card can be recharged with additional funds at any train station and at other convenient locations.

How to use IC cards in Japan

When using the train or metro lines, find a ticket gate that accepts IC Cards – be advised that some gates accept regular tickets only. At the gate , just touch the contactless card to the blue illuminated card reader for a second.

Cards must be used within their service area. This means that both the station of departure and arrival must be located within the card’s geographic area . If you pass through the wrong gate or scan your card in error, see a station attendant for assistance.

To use your IC Card to make purchases at vending machines, stores, or restaurants , look for the IC Card logo. Once you have located the card reader, scan the card as you would at the station. Look for participating vendors in urban areas and near train stations. For buses, the card reader will be located at the vehicle’s entrance or exit.

How to recharge your IC Card

When going through a train or metro gate with an IC card, your card’s balance will be displayed near the card reader.

When your balance gets low, the IC card can be recharged with additional funds directly in the train or metro station.

In most locations, kiosks where you can recharge your IC card are available on the platform side of the station.

As you prepare to leave Japan, you can return your card and redeem your deposit . To do this, bring the card to a station attendant. You may also collect the balance of your card for a processing fee of ¥220. Balances less than ¥220 cannot be redeemed.

If you plan on traveling to Japan again in the future, the validity of your card and its balance will remain intact for ten years.

Supplementing your Japan Rail Pass

You can purchase an IC Card once in Japan and use it along with your Japan Rail Pass for an ease of travel like you’ve never experienced before. With them, you will be able to move quickly through busy train stations without waiting in long lines to purchase your ticket.

This speedy combination will provide you with less wait time and more time to enjoy your Japanese vacation .

Related posts

Related tours & activities.

I’ll be in Nagoya for 3 days and planning to go to tokyo with the standard train. Can I buy JR pass tickets for only 2 days? And what type of JR ticket should bought if don’t wanna ride to bullet trains? Any suggestion to more cheaper price from Nagoya to tokyo ?

Hello I am traveling to Tokyo for 4 nights 5 days and want to just do a trip to Disney land and the base of mount Fuji what do you recommend getting and we land in Narita airport. Thanks

Hi, I am arriving in Tokyo from Narita Airport. We are traveling after a few days to Kyoto and perhaps from Kyoto to Osaka or Nara and then back to Tokyo (straight to airport). How/Where can I find the fees of each of these travels? In addition to a JR pass a PASMO/SUICA/IC card has to be purchased for local metro travel? If I buy one of these cards in Tokyo can I also use them in metros Kyoto/Osaka/Nara? Can I buy any of these at Narita airport.

Konnichiwa! My travel companion & I will be visiting Kyushu Fri 6 – leaving on 12 Sept 2019.

Our itinerary : 6 Sept – Arrive at Hakata 7 to 8 Sept – Nagasaki 9 Sept – Return to Hakata 10 Sept – Day trip to Saga from Hakata 11 Sept – Day trip to Kumamoto from Hakata 12 Sept – Depart Hakata in morning

My current understanding on how I should go about with the IC Prepaid cards + JR Kyushu Pass : 1. Upon Arrival at Fukuoka International Airport,we can get 2 cards – 1. Hayakaken Card – which enables to take our subway to Hakata Station & I can continue to use it for subways in other cities & prefectures within Kyushu.

2. Separately I should also buy a 3 Days Northern Kyushu JR Pass which covers : – JR Kamome Limited Express from Hakata to Nagasaki – Limited Express Train from Hakata station to Saga City – Shinkansen to from Hakata to Kumamoto

While I understand SUGOCA Prepaid Card covers JR Pass, I’m still not sure if buying the prepaid card is enough or I need to combine with a 3 Days Northern Kyushu Rail Pass.

Look forward to your advise . Thank you

Hi, We purchased the JR Pass for one week. We are arrive in Narita airport 2.25 p.m. and go to Kyoto. What the train we have to use? Do we need request for sites? We need to use one train or two? Anna.

Hi Anna! For routes and timetables we strongly recommend you to check Hyperdia , which offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance, which will help you greatly in organizing your trips in Japan. Happy travels!

hi there! I’m planning to buy the 7 day Rail Pass, can I use it to and from Narita Airport, Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto? How about Mt. Fuji or the Lakes/ Gotemba outlet? Does this mean that as long as I have the pass, and as long as it is within the JR Line, then it is for free?

Yes, the JR Pass offers unlimited travel in the JR lines, including the Narita Express from Narita Airport. Please check our Mount Fuji and Hakone guides to learn how to get there by train.

Happy travels!

Can I use the Pasmo card for JR Yamanote and JR Chuo? Please advise.

Hi Krystle,

Yes you can! Both PASMO and SUICA, as well as your JR Pass.

Happy travels,

My family will be traveling to Japan in May 2019. We are arriving at Narita airport and staying in Tokyo most of the time. However, we are planning to travel to Osaka and then to Kyoto, then back to Tokyo. What pass would you recommend purchasing?

Hi Shelbie! The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. A 7-day JR Pass only costs ¥29.110 which is actually cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train. This means that if you make just one long-distance trip you can already save money. If you make multiple trips then you start saving thousands of yen.

Hi, If We arrive in Osaka and buy the Icoca card, will We be able to use the card for our trip around Japan? Is the top up machine also available in other cities in Japan? Can We redeem our balance in Narita Intl Airport? Thank you

Hi Dian! As stated in this article, the Icoca Card is offered by JR West and services JR trains in the regions of Hiroshima, Kyoto , Osaka , and Okayama. Happy travels!

I want to make sure that I understand these prepaid cards correctly. All cards (ICOCA, PASMO and SUICA) will work with all rail providers (JR, Toei, etc), and the only difference between the cards is what station they are purchased at.

Hi Kristofer,

Yes, the IC cards are practically identical to each other in terms of coverage. They mainly differ on where they can be bought and refunded. Most people prefer to get the card available in the first city where they arrive (Suica or Pasmo in Tokyo or Icoca in Osaka).

Hi, I will be in traveling to Japan in October with my parents and my 5 year old daughter, already ordered the 7 day pass. Have the following questions that hope that you can clarify:

Arriving at 22:45 at Haneda Airport, what would be the most economical way to get to my hotel in Tokyo city center (Shinjuku)? What is the nearest station or point near Shinjuku to exchange my JR Pass? What is the best card to use to travel within Tokyo city using metro, monorail, bus, etc? Planning to have a day trip to Mount Fuji what is the best station to exit for sightseeing?

Hi Francisco!

From Haneda Airport you can take the Tokyo Monorail to get to Tokyo’s city center. It is included in your Japan Rail Pass. Should you need to reach Shinjuku, please step off the monorail at Monorail Hamamatsucho Station and take the Yamanote line (also included in your pass), which will take you straight to Shinjuku Station.

At Shinjuku Station you will find not one, but 2 JR Exchange Offices. One of them is located at JR EAST Travel Service Center (New South Gate) and the other in the Information Center (East Gate).

Regarding your trip to Mount Fuji we strongly recommend you to check our article Mount Fuji from Tokyo: Day trip itinerary to get all the details!

Very happy travels!

Arriving Narita airport Dec 20, 2018, and will stay in Ikebukuru till return to Narita airport on Jan 5, 2019. What type of travel pass is recommended for only touring areas surrounding Ikebukuro, Asakadai, and Shiki Station?

Hi Tena! An IC prepaid card would be a good option for you. Please make sure to read this article carefuly to assess which one fits your trip better. Enjoy your stay!

Dear JR I will be visiting Tokyo in from 13 to 18 October for 5 days with a family of 6. Itinerary will be 1. Narita to Shinjuku 2. Disney Sea / Disneyland 3. Tokyo to Mount Fuji 4. Around Tokyo 5. Shinjuku to Narita Will it be wise to purchase JRpass or i can opt for other.

Hi Muhammad,

Yes, the 7-day JR Pass will be a good choice for you! We suggest you also check Hyperdia for train schedules before making your seat reservations.

My husband and I are traveling to japan in November we will be there on the 7th at Harneda Airport what is the best pass we need to buy as we are going to Shinjuku and we will stay in Tokyo till November 14 and then to Osaka for 5days

We ( group of 5 ) will go to Narita Airport on November 3, 2018 . We will sightseeing in Tokyo 2 days , after that we will go to Yokohama port on November 5 ,2018 for Cruise . On November 13 ,2018 we will want to have sightseeing in Yokohama before go back to Natita Airport. What kind of tickets we should buy ? Best regards , Tammy

Hello! We will arrive in Tokyo at Narita on May 19 and stay for 5 days before going to Kyoto for 2 days and Osaka for 2 days. In Tokyo we are staying near the Akhibara Line. What is the best transportation card for using both JR and Tokyo metro subway? I was thinking of buying a 72-hour tokyo metro pass + 1-way Keisei Skyliner pass and then buy a 48-hour tokyo metro pass, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to use the JR line that goes around the city, which seems like an important line. What do you suggest? Thank you!

Hello. Will be in Tokyo and Kyoto for 8 days. Will be buying jr pass to travel down to Kyoto. What card do you suggest I buy to get around Tokyo city which compliments the jr pass?

Hi Hatien! As described in this article, the best would be either PASMO or SUICA. Which one you choose will likely depend on which station you come to first, whether your travels take you to a JR train station (Suica) or a Tokyo Metro station (Pasmo).

Hi! I’ll be traveling directly from Harita airport to Kyoto (one way) – can I use Suica card for the Tokyo – Kyoto portion and just buy the Narita Express ticket? I will have JR West Rail Pass once in Kyoto. Thanks!

Forgot to mention, I am hoping to take the nozomi shinkasen tokyo – kyoto so I can make the checkin time before they close. Thanks!

Please advise on the most cost-efficient way to travel around on my trip:

– 22 Dec – Narita Airport to Shibuya 12pm – 22 Dec – 30 or 31 Dec or 1 Jan – travel around Tokyo and day trips nearby – 30 or 31 Dec or 1 Jan – Tokyo to Kyoto (please advise how I can book the seats in advance as I need to book my accomodations accordingly so I need to know availability on the trains) – 30 or 31 Dec ot 1 Jan – 5 Jan – day trips to Osaka and travel within Kyoto – 6 Jan – Kyoto to Kansai Airport 8am

Please advise if the 14 day pass will cover all of this? If not, then the most cost-efficient combination option please?

Thanks, Linda

Can I use the ICOCA card for transportation within Tokyo?

Hi Loan! ICOCA can be used in Tokyo Tokyo where SUICA Card would be accepted (transport by train, subway, monorail and bus). Enjoy your stay!

You can use the IC card for all non-JR transportation in that area. So all normal Tokyo subways are fine to go (also the new transit line Yurikamome which is fully automated; not sure about the monorail because I used my JR pass there). You can also use the IC card for the Enoshima Electric Railway if you’re going for places like Kamakura and Enoshima.

Hi I have bought the 7 day JR Pass for my 9 days stay at Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Hiroshima. The last two days I need to purchase an ICOCA card. I’ll be catching the shinkansen down from Tokyo to Osaka. Where can I purchase the ICOCA card with the Haruka ticket since I’ll be departing from Kansai Airport? I’ve been searching that we can collect the ICOCA card & Haruka from Kansai airport, is there another location for pick up other than the airport?

Regards, Tracy

The Icoca Card services JR trains in the regions of Hiroshima , Kyoto , Osaka , and Okayama . Please note you won’t be able to use it to travel between Tokyo and Osaka . ICOCA Card can be purchased once in Japan at any JR West station.

Enjoy your stay!

I will be travelling to Kyushu. What is the best option? Fukuoka April 8-11 Beppu April 11-12 Yufu April 12-13 Takachiho April 13-14 Fukuoka April 14-15

The Kyushu region offers a perfect mix of history, natural beauty, and modern cities. You will for sure enjoy! The city of Fukuoka is one of the main tourist destinations in southern Japan, and it is listed among Japan’s ten most populous cities. To continue your journey throughout Kyushu, you can travel quickly and comfortably using the Kyushu Shinkansen. Also, JR Limited Express trains are available from Hakata Station. The Sonic Limited Express connects with Beppu and is also covered by the JR Pass .

We hope you enjoy your stay!

I plan to visit Osaka and Kyoto next month ,Can I use a PASSMO card in this area? thank you

As stated in this article, PASMO Card is available from non-Japan Rail transportation in Tokyo , such as the Tokyo railway, Tokyo Metro subway system, and city buses. It won’t be useful for Osaka and Kyoto.

Hi, our family of 5 will be travelling to Japan on June 10-16,2018. Our itinerary will be Narita airport – Tokyo Shibuya – Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka Kansai airport What tickets should we buy?

Given your itinerary, we would advice you to buy the 7-day Japan Rail Pass It will cover both of your airport transfers as well as transportation in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and the bullet trains connecting these cities.

Have a nice trip!

April 12/2018 we (2) wiil be at the NRT Terminal 1. Like to go to 169-0074. Stay until April 15 to check in to the cruise ship in YOOKOHAMA port 231-0002. Please advice. I plan to buy one Suica or Passmo card at the air port . Could this card be used to that destination? one for both or one for each? Do I have to line up to buy train tickets to transfer from NRT to 169-0074 even if I have the card above Suica/Passmo. Buy “3-day-pass subway” to go around Tokyo. Go to Yokohama and get there around noon April 15. Please advice thru my email. Thanks

As stated in this article, the PASMO Card is available from non-Japan Rail transportation in Tokyo while SUICA services JR trains in the areas of Tokyo, Sendai, and Niigata. Which one you choose will likely depend on which station you come to first, whether your travels take you to a JR train station (SUICA) or a Tokyo Metro station (PASMO). The Narita Express is not included with these IC Prepaid Cards.

We hope you enjoy your trip!

Hi, can we use only ICOCA card for short-distance travel in both Tokyo and Kyoto? Thanks

As stated in this article, the Icoca Card is offered by JR West and services JR trains in the regions of Hiroshima , Kyoto , Osaka , and Okayama. It won’t cover the trip between Tokyo and Kyoto .

We (a group of 4 persons) would be visiting Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo in the next few weeks. Can the Suica card be used for all 3 cities?

As stated in this article you are commenting, SUICA is a card that services JR trains in the areas of Tokyo , Sendai and Niigata. You will not be able to use it in Osaka and Kyoto.

Enjoy your trip!

When we were last there, that was the majority of our itinerary as well. Our friend suggested we wait until we entered Tokyo and get a PASMO in the morning (it was 2am i think). I was able to use it between Osaka and Tokyo and pretty much all the railways in between, like Enoshima Electric down south in Kamakura and north of Tokyo to Seibu Stadium in Saitama to watch a baseball game. Between the JRP and my PASMO, I don’t think I paid cash for any rail transport except for the small fee the Seibu line charges for the portion that goes directly into Seibu Dome (500Y, iirc).

Good Luck on your trip! Make use of that JRP, it’s a great thing to have.

My daughter and I will be spending 10 days in Japan in June, visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Will we need to purchase both ICOCA and SUICA IC cards for our rail transportation in addition to our JR 7-Day Passes?

The cards are recommended but you can also buy a 3-day ticket for JR trains in Tokyo.

Comments are closed.

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• Transportation

Guide to Suica Cards

How to get a Suica Card and more

For a convenient and stress-free travel experience, both around Tokyo and in regions beyond, it’s worth investing in a Suica card. This debit-style transportation card is popular with both residents of Japan and visitors alike. Take the hassle out of trying to figure out metro routes and ticket costs by purchasing a rechargeable Suica card.

What is a Suica card?

Suica is a debit-style transportation card sold by the JR Rail Company in its Tokyo train station hubs, as well as in locations such as Haneda and Narita Airports. This distinctive bright green card with its penguin logo can be used almost indefinitely – it doesn’t expire unless a period of ten years has passed between uses, and any monetary balance remains unaffected in that time.

What are the benefits of having a Suica card?

Above all – convenience. With Japan still often considered a cash-based society , it pays to have a multi-purpose card that can take care of most of your travel needs, but the Suica IC card can achieve a lot more:

• Tap-and-go access to trains, buses and trams around Japan. More >
• Pay at vending machines, shops and restaurants. More >
• Access to luggage storage lockers at stations. More >

How are Suica and PASMO different?

Many first-time visitors to Japan may often wonder what are the differences between Suica and PASMO – another IC travel card often mentioned.

PASMO cards are transportation cards that are designed and sold by Tokyo Metro. Suica cards are designed and sold by Japan Rail (JR).

Aside from their outward appearance, there is virtually no difference in usage between the Suica and PASMO cards. For travelers or visitors staying near the center of Tokyo, which has an abundance of Tokyo metro stations, it may simply be easier to purchase a PASMO card from the nearest station instead of making the trek to a more outlying JR rail station.

How can I purchase a Suica?

Suica cards can be purchased from ticket machines in most of Tokyo’s main JR rail stations (ie Tokyo, Hamamatsucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc). English instructions walk buyers through the steps needed to obtain a card. Cards can be personalized or left blank – if personalized, a card that is lost can later be identified and reclaimed with proof of identification.

Cards require an initial ¥500 deposit, though this can be reclaimed when returning the card (inside the station) at the end of your holiday.

How to top up a Suica

Cards can be topped up immediately, or at regular intervals as needed. When charging the card, cash can be added in increments of ¥1000. Suica cards can hold a balance of up to ¥20,000. Only yen cash can be used to add money to a Suica card. Credit cards are not accepted.

You can also top up a Suica at most ticket machines, even at non-JR stations, such as Tokyo Metro, as well as buses that accept Suica/PASMO.

Did you know? If you are caught out and run out of charge on the card when arriving at a station, you can even top-up at special kiosks inside the gates before you exit. It reduces the need to worry about trying to calculate the exact fare between stations.

For children aged 6-11, a special youth Suica card can be obtained. Marked with the kanji for small (小), this card entitles younger users to a discount of 50% on the regular train fare. Youth Suica cannot be purchased at the self-service kiosks and must be bought in person from a JR staff member in one of the JR train offices. Presentation of identification or of the minor him or herself may be required.

Step-by-step guide to buying the Suica

• Find the nearest ticket vending machine.
• Touch the 'English' button on the right corner of the monitor to switch languages for easier use.
• Select 'Purchase New Suica' on the lower left panel.
• You'll have 3 options: MySuica (for personalization - useful if needing to reclaim a lost card), Suica and Charge.
• There are several options you can choose, from ¥1000 to ¥10,000 (including the deposit cost of ¥500).
• Insert cash.
• And finally, take your Suica card, change, and receipt.

Returning your Suica when leaving Japan

If you decide not to keep your Suica for future use, you may return it to any JR rail office.

If any amount of money over ¥220 is left on the card, the JR company will charge a fee of ¥220 to process a refund and return the remaining amount to you. If the balance is under ¥220, no refund is issued and the balance is zeroed out.

(This includes balances such as ¥80, that would end up in negative numbers upon subtraction of the refund fee. The balance is simply zeroed out with no penalty to the card holder.)

However, all customers will receive the initial ¥500 deposit back upon turning in the card.

Where can I use my Suica card?

Travel with suica.

Suica are most commonly used as transportation passes, which users simply tap over the ticket gate to gain entry to the train tracks and tap again to exit a station, where the fare for the journey is automatically calculated and debited. There is a small discount on single journeys for those that use a Suica pass compared to those that rely strictly on paper tickets.

While cards emblazoned with Suica are sold in Tokyo, these JR-sponsored passes are also usable on regional forms of transportation.

Since 2013, Suica can be used interchangeably with the regional IC cards, like Kansai's ICOCA and PiTaPa, Nagoya's TOICA and Manaca, Sapporo's Kitaca, Fukuoka's SUGOCA and Hayakaken and Kyushu's nimoca. Hiroshima's street car/trams also support Suica, as well as several other regional transport systems.

Note that continuous travel between different regions of Japan is not possible just on a Suica alone.

Shop with Suica

Suica can also be used to make purchases at vending machines marked with the card’s logo. Simply tap the card against the machine’s card reader, select the product of your choice, and tap your card a second time to complete the purchase.

Many convenience stores also now provide an option for Suica holders to use their card to pay for purchases. Look for the card reader at the cash register and follow the clerk’s instructions or the instructions on the screen.

Many restaurant chains also support payments by Suica – just look for the familiar green logo near the payment terminal.

Luggage Storage

A number of lockers in Japan have begun switching to a coinless system, where users access their bags with a Suica or other debit-style transportation card.

Often found in train stations, these lockers don’t require a key for entry, and instead provide an entry code to be used in conjunction with the Suica card when reclaiming any baggage.

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• Travel Tips

Tourist Cards in Japan: Which one to choose?

Discover where and how to buy a Japan tourist card so that you can make the most of your trip and enjoy the landscape better

Carolina S.

April 26, 2023

In this article

Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees

Plans that may interest you

Plan your budget for Japan 2023 with our travel tips to visit the different tourist hotspots in this beautiful country. If you don’t know what IC cards are or where to buy a Japan tourist card , pay close attention because we will summarize the most useful and suitable options for your pocket.

Knowing which tourist card to buy in Japan is a must if you want to travel among the main cities of the country. Why? Because you’ll reduce travel time, and you’ll be able to get discounts on some of the most important attractions or museums.

Save money in your trip to Japan!

Did you know with a Japan data eSIM , you can connect to the internet in just five minutes and without surprise bills for international roaming services? Learn more about eSIM and other internet services for travelers in our article Mobile Internet for Japan.

Get 5% OFF! Code: MYESIMNOW5

What is a tourist card?

In Japan, you can buy an IC card, which is a prepaid card that can be used to travel on different Japanese modes of transportation , and sometimes to pay at different commercial establishments.

>>You may also be interested in Things to do in Osaka

What tourist cards can be used in Japan?

In detail, the cards most used by travelers are the SUICA card, JR Pass, PASMO, ICOCA, Japan Bus Pass, and the Hakone Free Pass. So, below, we will talk a little about them.

The SUICA card is one of the most popular in Japan because it allows you to travel on different public transportation , such as the subway, train, bus, and even the monorail.

It’s very easy to use, and you can top up the card at any transport station with no limit.

In addition, it can be used as an electronic wallet . In other words, you’ll be able to make purchases with the SUICA card in supermarkets, shops, restaurants, and vending machines and you’ll even have the possibility of paying for some taxi services. (The payment service is available only in establishments that have the SUICA logo)

Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass or also known as the JR Pass is a non-transferable transport card , which you can use to take Shinkansen bullet trains and Narita Express trains.

You have two options when you’re buying: Standard Pass or Green Pass (first class). The best thing about this card is that you can buy it online from home, and you can choose the pass that is valid for 7, 14, or 21 days, depending on your itinerary.

Standard prices per person range from $209 USD to $424 depending on the number of days , and as for the Green Pass, costs start at $281. The services obtained in first class are usually food on board, seats with even more space for luggage, and seat reservations, among other things.

As for the PASMO card, we have to mention that you won’t only have the option of using it as a tourist transportation card in Tokyo , but also as a credit card . You’ll be able to make purchases at a vending machines and establishments marked with their logo.

To start, you must buy the PASMO card at the different authorized service spots, and after that, you’ll have to top it up . When purchasing the PASMO card it will be necessary to deposit 500 yen ($3.50) along with the purchase price. (The deposit will be refunded 100% once you give the card back after your trip)

Japan Bus Pass

If you prefer to travel by bus , you can also do so. You can choose to buy the Japan Tourist Card for 3, 5, 7 days, or even two months. But, it’s not possible to use this card in Hokkaido or Okinawa.

The main advantage of the Japan Bus pass is that you can sleep during the night trip on the bus, which will allow you to save time and money on accommodation. Important to keep in mind, all inter-city routes are available except the Narita Shuttle Ikebukuro.

The ICOCA card can be used for JR West or trains in the Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama regions , but it’s also valid throughout Japan, as it can even be used to make purchases.

You can buy the ICOCA card at any Japan Rail stations in the Kansai region and at Osaka Kansai Airport.

Hakone Free Pass

With the Hakone Free Pass , you can get multiple discounts on excursions located in Hakone and it is valid for 2 days . Additionally, with this tourist card, you’ll be able to enter and use the transportation service in the area, which includes the train, the Ropeway, the Sightseeing boat, and the different buses.

Comparison of tourist cards in Japan

When selecting the best Japan tourist card , it’s important that you can compare the benefits, prices, and disadvantages of each of them. Therefore, we have prepared a comparative table below, which will serve as a guide.

Where to buy a Japan tourist card?

Buying IC cards or Japan tourist cards is easy, as you can do so at counters or service points located in the train, metro, or bus stations .

As for the Japan Rail Pass , this card or pass can be purchased directly from their website . This is definitely convenient because you’ll have the option to buy the card before traveling.

Buy tourist card in Tokyo

The transport network in Tokyo is intricate and a very complete service since it includes everything from trains to buses and monorails. To get around Japan and be able to use the different means of transport , it’s important that you get a Japan tourist card , which could even be used to make purchases at participating vending machines or commercial stores .

You can buy Japan tourist cards at the Japan Rail East traveler service desks, the automatic ticket machines in the city’s transportation stations, the airport, the Japan Rail Café, or the railway ticket offices.

You may be interested to know about the best SIM card for Tokyo .

How to use Japan tourist cards?

Using an IC card or a Japan tourist card is really simple. In fact, the system doesn’t differ much from the access to the subway in other countries.

When taking the train or subway, you must enter through the transport entrance , where you’ll find a blue illuminated reader. While there, you’ll have to put your card in the reader, and then, you’ll see the available balance on your card, and you’ll be able to go through the security system.

Japan Tourist Card to have internet

Did you know that you can also buy a card to have internet before traveling to Japan? With the Holafly virtual SIM card or a Japan unlimited data eSIM , you’ll be able to connect to the internet from the moment you land in Japan.

In particular, with the Holafly Japan virtual SIM card,  you’ll have unlimited data , and you’ll be able to choose the best option according to your budget and travel itinerary. Moreover, if you travel to different countries on the Asian continent, you can opt for Holafly eSIM for Asia , which will allow you to connect to the internet in 11 countries on the continent.

Get internet with Holafly and enjoy the best data connection on the continent at 3G/4G/LTE/5G speed.

FAQs about Japan tourist cards

You can top up the Japan tourist cards at the train, metro, or bus stations at the indicated points of sale spot.

Yes. At the end of your stay in Japan, you must give back your IC card. This way you’ll be refunded 100% of your deposit. You can give back the IC card at the tourist service counters or the city’s transport stations.

If you no longer use your IC card and you have a balance of more than 220 yen ($1.54), it will be registered, and you can recover it on your next visit to Japan. (As long as you return in a period of less than 10 years)

In the case of the PASMO or SUICA card, you must buy a new one. There is no penalty, but you won’t get a refund nor will the previous balance be readded.

These cards don’t work to take a bullet train or fast train.

It will depend a lot on your travel time and shopping needs. If you want to visit different cities in Japan, we recommend buying the Japan Rail Pass and the SUICA, as they will complement your trip perfectly. But if you prefer to save money, it’s best to purchase the Japan Bus Pass because it’s cheaper, and you’ll have the option of traveling overnight.

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Entering Japan

Below is a basic introduction to the Japanese immigration system. Contact your closest Japanese embassy or consulate outside Japan or an immigration bureau inside Japan for official advice.

All foreigners, including foreign residents, get fingerprinted and photographed upon entering Japan as a measure aimed at preventing terrorism and other illegal activities. Excluded from this procedure are persons under the age of 16 and a few special groups, such as diplomats and visiting dignitaries.

All foreigners receive a status of residence when entering Japan. There are more than twenty statuses of residence, including "temporary visitor" for tourists, and a range of statuses for students , workers and relatives of Japanese nationals and residents.

If you are a citizen of one of the over 50 countries with which Japan has a "general visa exemption arrangement", you need only a valid passport to enter Japan as a "temporary visitor". Otherwise, you need to obtain a visa before entering the country. Temporary visitors from most countries are allowed to stay for up to 90 days.

If you are a citizen of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, you have the possibility to extend your stay to a total of up to six months. You still initially enter Japan on a 90 day permit, but can then apply for an extension at an immigration bureau in Japan.

Visitors to Japan are encouraged to use Visit Japan Web to digitally submit immigration and customs-related information ahead of their arrival for a smoother entry into the country without the need to fill out paper forms. The system can be used to also create a tax exemption QR code for an enhanced tax-free shopping experience.

Temporary visitors are not allowed to engage in any paid activities. However, short term studies at Japanese language schools are permitted.

All foreign tourists in Japan are required to carry their passports with them at all times.

Longer stays for the wealthy and digital nomads

If you are a citizen of one of the over 50 countries with which Japan has a "general visa exemption arrangement" and have savings of over 30 million yen, you and your spouse may qualify to stay in Japan for up to one year for the purpose of sightseeing and recreation. Likewise, professionals with an annual income of over 10 million yen may qualify to work remotely from Japan for up to six months. Respective visas (for "long-term residents for sightseeing/recreation" or "digital nomads") have to be obtained before traveling to Japan.

White-collar work

Foreigners who wish to work in Japan need to get a work visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate outside of Japan to enter the country on a status of residence permitting work.

There are over a dozen such statuses of residence, each allowing the holder to work only in a specific professional field, for example, journalism, arts, research, education, engineering, entertainment, business management, international services, etc. If you change jobs while you are in Japan and your new job falls into a different professional field (e.g. from education to engineering), you will need to change your status of residence.

A university degree or considerable professional experience in the applicable field is required to qualify for most work visa types. Most also require you to have a prospective employer as a sponsor. Residence permission is granted in periods of 4 months to 5 years and is extendable.

Workers may bring their spouses and children to Japan on a dependent visa. Dependents are not allowed to engage in any paid activities unless they get permission from the immigration office, but even then, they may work only a set maximum number of hours per week.

Other work and trainees

The so-called "Specified Skills" status allows for work in one of over a dozen professional fields, including construction, hospitality, nursing and manufacturing. Applicants do not need a degree but have to pass a technical skills test and know some Japanese. There are two types: Type 1 allows workers to stay in Japan for up to five years, but they may not bring their family. Type 2 is for more highly qualified workers, can be extended indefinitely and allows for the family to live in Japan. Type 1 holders may upgrade to type 2 after five years.

Furthermore, there is the "Technical Intern Training Program", which lets foreign workers acquire skills at a workplace in Japan that they could not otherwise acquire in their home countries. After a few years, participants become eligible to switch to the above-mentioned "Specified Skill" type 1 status. Most trainees come from South East Asia.

Working holidays

This is a special visa type that allows some paid activity for citizens of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and a few other countries between the ages of 18 and 30. Consult the working holiday visa page for details.

Foreigners who wish to study in Japan (except for short term studies at language schools ) need to get a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate outside of Japan in order to enter the country on a status of residence that permits long term studies.

Sponsorship from an educational institution in Japan and proof of sufficient funds to cover all your expenses during your stay are required to qualify for a student visa. Residence permission is granted in periods of between 3 months and 4 years and 3 months and is extendable.

Students must not engage in paid activities unless they get permission from the immigration office. Even then, students may work only a set maximum number of hours per week.

Foreigners who are married to a Japanese national or to a permanent resident of Japan can obtain a spouse visa, which allows them to engage in any paid activity in Japan. Residence permission is granted in periods of 6 months or 1, 3 or 5 years and is extendable.

Staying in Japan

Inside Japan, most immigration-related matters, such as extending residence permission or changing the status of residence, are handled by the Immigration Services Agency, which has bureaus across the country.

Residence card

All new foreign residents are issued a residence card upon initially entering Japan at Narita , Haneda , Kansai or Chubu airports. New residents arriving through different ports can get their cards at their municipal offices.

The residence card is an important document required for opening a bank account , obtaining a cell phone , converting a drivers license and similar activities. It stores the holder's personal information, including the current address, the status of residence and period of stay. Foreign residents are required to carry their residence card with them at all times.

Extending residence permission

Most statuses of residence allow you to stay in Japan for a period between three months and five years. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at an immigration bureau inside Japan before the expiry date of your current residence permission.

The application process is relatively simple, provided that you still fulfill the conditions for the specific status of residence. It typically takes a couple of days or weeks for the application to be processed, and you are allowed to remain in Japan during that time even if your previous residence permission expires in the meantime.

Changing status of residence

It is possible to change your status of residence (e.g. from instructor to arts or from student to engineer) at an immigration bureau inside Japan. You will have to provide similar documentation as you would when applying for a new status of residence at an embassy or consulate outside of Japan.

Re-entry permits

Foreign residents who wish to temporarily leave Japan for longer than a year, need to get a re-entry permit before departing Japan; otherwise, they lose their status of residence. Re-entry permits can be obtained at immigration offices in Japan. For absences of less than one year, re-entry permits are not required.

Permanent residence

Foreign residents, who have shown good conduct and have sufficient assets or ability to make an independent living, can be granted permanent residence if they reside in Japan for a certain number of consecutive years. For highly-skilled professionals and spouses of Japanese nationals, the minimum amount of years is typically one to five years, while for others it is typically ten years. Permanent residence status is indefinite and allows for any paid activity.

Naturalization

Foreigners, who have resided in Japan for at least five consecutive years (less if married to a Japanese national), have shown good conduct, have never plotted against the Japanese government, have sufficient assets or ability to make an independent living and are willing to renounce any other citizenship held, can be granted Japanese citizenship.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

A guide to japanese visas, japan customs, guide to the animal quarantine service, the ministry of foreign affairs, immigration services agency of japan.

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With regards to visa inquiries, you can contact “Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information” or “the Japan Visa Information Hotline” listed on the website of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan. Due to the complex nature of visa requirements, we are UNABLE to respond to visa-related inquiries made through this website at the moment. We advise you to contact the Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan nearest you for more information and advice.

If you are a foreign national, please click the links below for specific information related to respective subjects.

1. Visa Application Procedures

2. about visa.

• 3. Visa Application Documents

4. Frequently Asked Questions

5. announcements.

• 6. Inquiries Concerning Visas
• Be aware of fraudulent website, social media, emails in an attempt to extract payments from visa applicants (July 5, 2017)

Short-Term Stay

(A stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities)

Click on the nationality of the visa applicant traveling to Japan.

Visa exemption arrangements have been resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

It is highly recommended to purchase international travel medical insurance for your trip to Japan. Overseas travel medical insurance helps you in case of emergency.

Work or Long-Term Stay

(A stay during which the applicant performs remunerative work in Japan or a stay of over 90 days in Japan, etc.)

• Procedures chart for long-term stays
• The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan
• Japan’s Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening

Visa for Medical Stay

Visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.

• Points to Note and Application Procedures
• Visa Processing Time
• Validity of a Visa
• Criteria of Visa Issuance
• Visas and Landing Permission

3. Visa Application Documents (download)

• (Note1) Refer to [1. Visa Application Procedures] for details of documents required.
• (Note3) Visa application forms that are not in the QR code (PDF) format cannot be saved. Please print a paper copy of the Visa application.
• Visa application form
• Tell me why you rejected my visa application.
• I want to go to Japan. Do I need a visa?
• I want to invite a foreign national to Japan. What procedures are necessary?
• What should I do to get a Certificate of Eligibility?
• The Certificate of Eligibility will not arrive by the time I apply for a visa. Can I still apply for a visa with its copy?
• As a “guarantor”, to what extent do I need to be responsible?

Newly introduced visas

• Special highly skilled professional (J-Skip)
• Designated activities (Future creation individual, Spouse or Child of future creation individual) (J-Find)
• Designated activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad)

Review on restrictions on new entry of foreign nationals into Japan

• Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel
• Border measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Statistics for the Number of Visas

• Number of Visas Issued in 2021(May 31,2022)

Relaxation of Visa Requirements

• Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Possession of Ordinary Passports(September 30, 2023)
• Signing of the Japan-Israel Working Holiday Agreement (April 28, 2023)
• Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the State of Qatar based on Ordinary Passport Registration System (April 2, 2023)
• Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the United Arab Emirates in Possession of Ordinary Passports (November 1, 2022)
• Japan’s Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (April 3, 2020)
• Japan's Visa Policy in Accordance with Measures to Combat Trafficking in Persons (February 2009)

6. Inquiries about Visas Application

Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information

Yotsuya Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0004 Navi-Dial: 0570-011000 (For some IP phones and calls from overseas, please call +81-3-5369-6577) Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00

Related Links

• Websites of Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions

Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, visit japan web: how to register your arrival in japan (step by step).

Japan has finally re-opened its door to tourism, an event that I’m sure many of you have long awaited.

With thousands of people entering Japan every day, you can imagine things can get chaotic quickly, so you’ll want to minimize the stress by doing all the immigration and customs processes before your arrival to Japan. And yes, you can do all that online.

Read on to find out how you can simplify your immigration entry to Japan!

PS: I entered Japan twice while COVID protocols were still in place. It was a painful experience. If you have a morbid curiosity what it was like to enter Japan while all the COVID protocols were still in place, you can read my experience here .

What is Visit Japan Web?

Is visit japan web required to enter japan, step 1: register for a visit japan web account, step 2: register details of visitors who will be visiting japan, step 3: register for a trip to japan on the visit japan web, (optional) adding your child to your visit japan web account, step 4: immigration clearance, step 5: customs declaration.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Visit Japan Web is Japan’s online service for immigration procedures and customs declarations, launched in November 2022. While Japan was still dealing with the pandemic, Visit Japan Web also doubled as a way to verify COVID-19 vaccinations.

After Japan scrapped its COVID-related entry requirement, it became a place where visitors could complete their immigration and customs procedures before arriving in Japan. It does make the airport formalities quite efficient!

What is Fast Track?

Now, what is Fast Track ? Fast Track was a way to handle COVID-related quarantine procedures on Visit Japan Web. After registering for an account at Visit Japan Web, you could upload your vaccination document to have it pre-verified before you arrive in Japan. As of 29 April 2023, this process is no longer required .

No, Visit Japan Web is NOT a requirement to enter Japan . You could just rock up to Japan without completing Visit Japan Web.

However, you’ll have to do the same things you do on Visit Japan Web when you check in for your flight. Then when you land at the airport in Japan, you’ll need to fill in the immigration card physically on paper if you have not done Visit Japan Web.

The information you need to fill in on the physical card is the same one that you would have provided on Visit Japan Web. So might as well prepare it before you arrive. It’s free and fast. And as a bonus, if everyone uses Visit Japan Web, it will make immigration faster for everyone.

Visit Japan Web procedure step-by-step

The process of completing Visit Japan Web thankfully can be done online. To prevent any confusion, I’ll cover exactly how you can utilize Visit Japan Web to make your arrival in Japan easier:

If you don’t have a Visit Japan Web account yet, you can register for an account here .

Account registration is free and very straightforward. Just create an account with your email address and a password. You’ll need to verify your email but that’s easy enough to do – they’ll send you a 6-digit code via SMS (text message) to your phone that you need to input on the Visit Japan Web before you can proceed to step 2.

💡 Save your Visit Japan Web account credential! You can use the same account again for your future travels to Japan, so make sure to save your Visit Japan Web credential.

From my understanding, every adult needs an account for themselves, but kids under 18 can be added on to their parent/guardian. With that said, I have heard of instances where people added their spouse/parents to their account and were able to go through immigration just fine. I’ll go over how to add other people to your account in Step 2.

Once you have your account set up, proceed to log in with the password you’ve set in Step 1 before.

Then, provide your details by clicking on the button that says “ Your details ” and start filling in the form. Again it’s quite straight forward so I won’t go into too much detail here.

The only thing I would say is, please make sure your passport number is correct and that it matches the passport you’d be using to enter Japan!

If you’re traveling with children under 18 : Once you’ve registered yourself, you can also register your kids to your account. I’ve written in detail about registering children to Visit Japan Web below .

Next, you’ll need to register your trip to Japan by clicking on “ + New registration “.

You can do this for each trip you’ll be taking to Japan if you’re planning to go more than once. Make sure you give a unique name for each trip so that you can manage multiple plans if you need to.

Again, if you’re traveling with children and have provided their details in the “Details of family members traveling with you” section, you can indicate that the child will be traveling with you on this trip. The child’s name will come up as a dropdown that you can toggle later on. I’ve written in detail about registering children to Visit Japan Web below .

If you’re traveling with children, you can add them to your Visit Japan Web account as long as they are under 18 ! If you do this, they’ll be able to skip quarantine even if they are not fully vaccinated, as long you (the parent) are fully vaccinated.

Here is how:

1. Add your child’s details to your Visit Japan Web account

Once you’ve registered yourself on Visit Japan Web, you can register kids who are under 18 in your account by clicking on “ Details of family members traveling with you “. You’ll need to provide their passport number and personal details, similar to what you’ve done for yourself when you provided your details.

2. Include your child as a family member traveling with you

Once you’ve provided their details, you’ll be able to select your child’s name when you’re registering a trip plan. Make sure they are selected under “family members traveling with you”, and make sure they show up on the confirmation page when you register the trip plan.

If you forgot to include them when creating your trip, you don’t have to start over. You can just edit the existing trip plan and make sure the blue box next to their name is checked!

Now the big question: Can you also add other family members who are not your child to your Visit Japan Web?

From my understanding, every adult needs an account for themselves. However, I have heard many instances where people signed up their spouse or parents with their account under “Details of family members traveling with you” and were able to go through just fine. However, please bear in mind that each adult will still need to provide their vaccination certificate and obtain the blue screen.

If you do this, just ensure each adult has a screenshot of their QR code upon landing.

If you are a resident of Japan, you do not need to complete this step.

But as a visitor, the next thing you can do is complete your immigration clearance by filling out the disembarkation card. This is the exact same procedure for entering Japan as it has always been, even before COVID, except it’s no longer done by writing down your info manually on paper.

You could still do this when you land via the paper way, but it literally took me seconds to do it online and I don’t see why you shouldn’t just do it now.

When you’re done, you’ll be provided with a QR code that will be scanned when you are in the immigration queue, so I recommend screenshotting this QR code for immigration later. You’ll still receive your passport stamp as usual at immigration.

Similar to the disembarkation card, you can also do your customs declaration online so you can just breeze through when you’ve landed. Again, this is the same procedure as it has always been for entering Japan, just digitized now!

When you’re done, you’ll be provided with a QR code you can use when you arrive at the airport. Again, screenshot this QR code !

After clearing immigration, you’ll see a machine at the baggage carousel area to register your passport and QR code for customs declaration. The machine will also scan your face. Go ahead and do this, and then you can simply walk out of the airport using the facial scanner machine at the exit.

(Optional) Travel insurance and emergency contact

If you have travel insurance, you can also provide the information here, as well as your emergency contact in case something happens to you while you are in Japan. But this step is completely optional.

(Optional) Tax-Free QR

Japan allows tax-free shopping for purchases above 5,000 yen on a single receipt at participating stores. Normally, you’ll need to show your passport upon purchase. If you obtain the Tax-free QR from Visit Japan Web, then you don’t need to show your passport. However, it is still recommended to carry your passport or an ID with you.

And that’s all!

Frequently Asked Questions about Visit Japan Web

Still have questions about entering Japan? Here are a few questions I get asked a lot:

1. When should I complete the disembarkation card on Visit Japan Web?

You can start the process as early as you want, as long as you complete it no later than 6 hours before you arrive in Japan. I’ve done mine 3 weeks before my arrival, as well as 12 hours before arrival for an emergency visit, and both times things went according to plan. No drama!

2. Can I travel to Japan if I have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 or if I am not considered fully vaccinated?

Yes, you can enter Japan! There are no more requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations to enter Japan.

3. Can I travel to Japan with kids who have not been vaccinated against COVID?

Yes, you can! There are no more requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations to enter Japan.

4. What should I do if I’m only going to be in Japan for a layover?

Many people have asked me about what to do if you’re only in Japan for a layover and don’t have a hotel booked because you won’t be staying overnight, and thus won’t have an address to fill out with.

While I must preface this by saying I am not sure since I haven’t experienced this myself, based on the accounts of other people on Reddit , it seems that you should be able to use Visit Japan Web to fast-track even if you’re only there for a layover. Simply use the address and phone number of the airport you’re going to be flying out from.

What else should I do or prepare before my travel to Japan?

Visiting Japan is no doubt one of the most exciting travel experiences. Here are a few more tips to make your travel smoother!

• If you are traveling alone, you can look into  getting a prepaid SIM card .
• If you are traveling in a group, or have multiple devices, another option is to rent a pocket Wi-Fi,  which you can get here
• If you like my writing style, you can check out all my posts related to Japan to prepare for your visit to Japan.

And that’s all about fast-tracking your arrival in Japan! Let me know in the comment below if there is anything more you need to know 🙂

257 Comments

• April 3, 2024

Everyone talks about the procedures for entering into Japan. What about the process when we leave Japan? Do we need to update the information online as well or do we just go through the normal process at the counter? Thanks

Hey CK, what information are you referring to?

Hi Melissa,

I am just wondering what is the immigration process when a tourist leave Japan. If I remembered correctly, we used to complete the disembarkation card and then line up to have our passport stamped. With the digitilization of the entry process, has the exit process change?

You still need to get your passport stamped again on the way out but there’s no more disembarkation card

• January 16, 2024

Do I need to register for the Tax Free QR code if I want to have tax-free shopping? It seems impossible to take a picture of my passport that the website will accept when in comes to this QR code, but if I select the option in which I say I don’t need the tax free code, everything goes smoothly. Can’t I just present my passport at stores or when retrieving the JR Pass?

Hey Carol, you don’t have to. I didnt and just showed my passport and it still worked.

• December 2, 2023

I just registered my 17 years old son to my upcoming trip as himself and not adding him to my account. Do you think it’s okay or he needs to be under mine since he’s under 18?

• December 4, 2023

should be fine as long as he can produce the QR at immigration

• December 5, 2023

Thanks Melissa for the response. He has his own QR code. Do I just need to fill out one e-custom form for three of us or each one of us has to do it since we have to show the QR code?

Hey Andrew, I think you can do for each. On arrival, there is a machine that scans the custom QR before you can exit the airport.

• December 6, 2023

Thanks Melissa for the update. I will get the QR code for each one of us and try to scan just one as a family at the scanner and see what happens. I appreciate your responses.

• November 27, 2023

Thank you for your post! I was looking on how early or how late I can fill-up the embarkation form and information was provided.

It said on the Japan website that you can do it up to 6hrs prior to your departure. I saw some people posted that they did it as far as 2 months before their departure and they had no issue.

• November 13, 2023

Just want to say “Thank you” for this post, it is very helpful article.

• November 6, 2023

For the “Intended address in Japan” under the Register planned entry/return section, if I am staying in multiple hotels, do I just fill the first hotel in? Thank you.

• November 7, 2023

yes i would fill in the first one

• November 2, 2023

Hi there! I’ll depart from Indonesia to Hongkong then Hongkong to Japan, I am wondering for the flight number which one I should write? Is it the Hongkong to Japan flight? Thankss

Hey Vin, use the Hong Kong to Japan one

• September 24, 2023

I’m in the process of doing the Visit Japan registration. We are doing a 10 day Bike Tour of Kyushu. We are travelling to different places each day. The site asks for Accommodation details of where we are staying. Do i just put in the first address of the Hotel?

yeah i would put the first one

• September 12, 2023

My husband has completed his own registration on the VJW and came across the question ‘how many family members are you travelling with’ giving the option of ‘over 20 years old’. Should he select 1 as he’s travelling with me (I’ll be doing my own VJW) to have my own account/QR code but wasn’t sure if that option was for adding someone to your account or simply saying how many people you are travelling with! Hope that makes sense?!

We’re coming on our honeymoon so want to make sure we’re doing it right!

Thanks so much!

Hey Amy, there have been people saying they were able to add their spouse to their VJW account. You will each get assigned QR code. Just make sure you have your QR for each of you ready at immigration.

• September 2, 2023

Hi Melissa! If I do VJW, does that cause any issues with getting the “temporary visitor” sticker needed for activating my JR Pass? I was in Japan in 2018 and remember needing that sticker to show eligibility for the JR Pass. If you use VJW, you still have to see an immigration officer at NRT, correct? Thanks!!

• September 3, 2023

yup, no change to the previous immigration process, except you no longer need to fill out the arrival card in the airport

• September 4, 2023

Thanks so much! I’ll be there with my wife next April. We land at NRT at ~4pm local time, so praying that the immigration line isn’t terrible. I’ve heard it is not as bad now since they eliminated all of the Covid-related procedures … how much time do you think doing VJW saves you for the whole immigration/customs process?

• August 12, 2023

Hi Melissa, I would like to know if I need to submit VJW only once or thrice for my trip? I already have an existing account. Every new entry, I’ll have to use this account and new Trip name?

Sin – Osaka (5days) Osaka – Hokkaido (5days) Domestic Flight Hokkaido – Osaka ( 2 days) Domestic Flight

Thank you for your kind help.

Hey Lav, you only need to submit VJW once every time you enter Japan from another country (international flight). You don’t need to do it for your domestic trips. Judging from your itinerary, you only need to do it once for your Sin – Tokyo flight.

Hi Melissa, Thank you so much for your prompt reply.

Cheers! Lav

• June 29, 2023

Hi, I’ll be flying from Istanbul to Tokyo with Korean Airlines and I have a layover at Incheon Airport, Seoul. For the “Last Flight Number” in the immigration clearance part, I wrote the flight number from Incheon to Narita. Is this correct?

And in the customs declaration part should I add “Incheon” as my point of embarkation or “Istanbul”? I will not be going through customs at Incheon airport because I will be staying in the transfer zone as a transfer passenger. But I will be taking the 2nd flight from Incheon airport which will be the last flight. Since I wrote flight number of the flight from Korea to Japan, is it better to choose Incheon? I’m sorry for the long question, I’m really confused.

• July 3, 2023

1. I would write the flight from incheon to narita as well 2. for customs, i would still put istanbul

• June 21, 2023

Hi there, the website asks to put the main flight number in case of codeshare flights. Is this the flight number i booked through or the operating flight?

Hey Ahmad, I would put the flight number of the operating flight.

• June 20, 2023

Is it a must to fill in Visit Japan Web to enter the country? When should I fill in and any suggestions on that? tq

Hey Jeffrey – it’s not a must, but it will make it easier when you land since all they have to do is scan your QR at the immigration

That means once i landed in any airports in Japan, I could cut the queue without waiting ?

U mention that you’ll have to do the same things you do on Visit Japan Web when you check in for your flight. I have no idea regarding filling any documents while checking in for the flight. Could you pls explain more for this? thanks and appreciate it

Hey jeffrey, if you didnt do VJW, you’ll have to: 1. Fill in an arrival card at immigration point 2. Join the queue 3. When you get to front of queue, Immigration officer will need to check your details and process your entry, then she/he will give you the immigration sticker and let you in

with VJW: 1. You still have to join the queue 2. When you get to front of queue, immigration officer will just scan your QR, then she/he will give you the immigration sticker and let you in

So it cuts down the time you spend getting in to Japan. And if everyone does VJW, it cuts down overall time spent in queue as its faster for the officer to process everyone’s entry.

Hope that explains.

Hi, I would like to ask whether Malaysians are required to fill in visit japan web? Since Japan authority no longer needs vaccination approval?

• June 18, 2023

As is described, upon entering your details on the VJW, it is advised that the passenger gets a QR code. Excuse my ignorance, what do I do with this QR code ? Do I print the page showing the QR code and take it with me to show the Japanese Officers ? Please assist. Thanks.

Hey Samir, you don’t need to do anything. Immigration officer will scan it when you go through immigration in Japan. I would screenshot it to make sure you have it when you get to Japan.

Hi Melissa, In your reply, you say immigration officer will scan the QR code. Scan it ” from where” ?? Thanks in advance. Samir

Usually from your smart phone

• December 27, 2023

Hi , I will have connecting domestic flight. Indonesia-Haneda-Hiroshima. The Flight Number is from Indonesia to Haneda? Hotel address will be at Hiroshima ,is it ok?When I arrived at Hiroshima I need to fill up new Japan visit Web again or only show only the one that I will show at Haneda? Thanks

Yes, Indonesia to Haneda only. and yes, an address at Hiroshima will be enough. You only need to do VJW once to enter Japan. They wont ask you in Hiroshima since that is a domestic flight.

• June 15, 2023

hi, may i know..is this the same with visa?

Hi Santi. Visit Japan Web is not visa. You are still required to obtain visa from the Japan embassy in your country. Once you get the visa, you could input the visa information to your VJW account to make immigration easier

• June 14, 2023

HI , I WILL ARRIVE IN JAPAN BY CRUISE SHIP,AND LEAVE AT HANEDA AIRPORT, ON THE VJW APPLICATION IT DOESNT SEEM TO ALLOW YOU TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION AS YOU CANNOT STATE YOUR ARRIVAL PORT, ONLY LISTS AIRPORTS,SO IS THIS SERVICE NOT AVAILABLE FOR MY SITUATION???

Hey Lee, it seems that VJW is only for airports for now

• June 10, 2023

Hi, just working through the japan web stuff. It asks for flight but only numbers if the prefix for my flight is D7, do I include the 7 or just the other 3 numbers? Don’t want to stuff it up. Thanks

Hey Sam, I believe D7 is the airline carrier code. If I were you I would just include the other 3 digit after selecting the airline carrier from the dropdown

• June 8, 2023

Hi, I have a question – do each traveller need to complete this form to enter Japan. My husband registered and added me to his entry form. Thank you!

Lori, technically each traveller should complete their own, but I have heard it’s ok to include family members on your account. At immigration, they only care to scan your QR code

• June 6, 2023

On the first page you are given the option to register for a QR code to help reclaim VAT taxes. This requires you take a picture of your passport. For the life of me no matter what device or lighting I used the website kept saying my picture was too dark. It seemed just fine to my eye but maybe with a US passport’s underlying patterns It is impossible for the machine to read it. In any event I was despairing finding a solution but then checked the “no” box for the VAT (not sure that’s the actual name of it in Japan). When I did that it took me on into the website where I could manually input my info as clearly spelled out in the article. Previous to that I couldn’t get by the first screen and there was no indication that the passport photo requirement was only for the VAT QR code. Whew! Thanks so much for all the useful info!

Thanks Helen for sharing this useful information!

• May 31, 2023

I am going to hire a car with Toyota and I saw their conditions are that I must have the immigation arrival stamp in my passport in order to to hire….Could you clarify that with the Visiot Japan Web QR codes I will still pass through the normal immigatation and get the stamp… thanks Geoff

yup you will still get a stamp

• May 28, 2023

Thank you for all the usefull infos!

• May 24, 2023

Hi Melissa, This is very informative! I have a question, we are travelling from Canada, landing in Tokyo, 2h20 lay over, next flight to Osaka, then board a cruise ship. My question is, do we clear customs and immigration at our first stop Tokyo, or in Osaka? We have 4 hours to get to ship. I googled the distance between airport and port, it is 30 mins away, from what I read. I’m wondering if we clear customs at our first stop. This would make it easier Osaka. Thanks so much for your help.

Hey Collette, I think you will go through customs in Tokyo since the Osaka leg is a domestic leg. Was it booked under one booking? Maybe asking your airline would be the best bet

• May 23, 2023

Thank you for the advice. However, I have a problem using JAPAN WEB. I created an account on my personal computer and all worked OK, but when I tried logging on using my mobile phone I can’t – message says loginID or password are incorrect. So using my phone I go through the “change my password” process but type in the exact same password as on my PC. This is accepted and I can now logon, but not from my PC getting the exact same error message. So I change the password again on my PC to the exact same password again – this is accepted and I can logon again from my PC, but not with my phone. The issue seems to be the different keyboards for my personal computer and the mobile phone generating different code for the required special characters in the password.

• May 15, 2023

Great post, very informative! Thanks for sharing this helpful info.

• May 5, 2023

Hi I completed the procedure on Japan web prior to change of rules and received QR codes for immigration and customs. Do I need to go back and update as there is an additional bit about tax free shopping. I don’t particularly wish to avail of this facility.

you don’t need to do it if you’re not going to do tax free shopping in Japan

• April 30, 2023

I followed your advice to fill out Visit Japan Web. It was very helpful, thank you.

• April 29, 2023

I’ve just visited the Japan Wen and found something that you may be interested and may want to update your readers. [Quote] Anyone entering Japan on or after April 29, 2023 is no longer required to show a valid vaccination certificate or a test certificate obtained before departure. With the above change, the “Quarantine procedure (Fast Track)” icon was removed on April 29 at 00:00 JST. [/Quote]

Two question. 1. Visit Japan Web – Can I complete all the process for the Vist Japan Web in advance before flying to Japan or are there certain parts where I have to complete only when reaching immigration 1) registration of Japan Web account 2) immigration information (ie, disembarkation card information), 3) customs information (ie, customs declaration)

2. Collection of JR Pass – Understand that only those who have passports bearing the Immigration stamp or sticker can exchange and use a JR Pass. Does that mean that we cannot use the Immigration E-gates?

Thanks Cae, I have updated my post to let people know vaccination is no longer required

1. You can complete all before arrival 2. Yes, this is correct. though I was not aware tourist (who qualify for JR pass) can Use E-gates?

Hi Melissa, thanks for the reply.

1. Just to clarify, can i complete the entire Visit Japan Web (including customs info) a week in advance? 2. How do i check if i can use the e-gates.

1. Yes you can, as long as you know your flight info. I think one of them asks for seat number if I remember correctly but I cannot remember if it was because of COVID. You can try and let me know! 2. I found this re: JR pass “When you use an automated gate at the airport, no stamp/sticker will be stamped or put on your passport. Therefore, you need to either use a manned automated gate or ask a clerk to apply a stamp/sticker in your passport. However, a customer who has a “registered user card” under the Trusted Traveler Program will be required to show the card to confirm the “Temporary Visitor” status.” ( Source )

• April 25, 2023

I believe Japan has now lifted any Covid vaccine requirements for entry. Effective May 8, 2023, you will no longer need to show Covid vaccination proof.

• April 26, 2023

Hey Nigel! Yep, you are right – just saw the news. VJW will still have the immigration and custom QR though, which will help expedite processes on arrival.

How about including elderies (patents) in the same Visit Japan Web account? Does it work? Or still need to register separately?

The reason being they are not tech savvy like us. So m thinking to include them in the same registered account.

Yes you can include them. But be prepared to flash their blue box on arrival!

• April 13, 2023

Hai, saya mau tanya , saya dan suami sudah mendapatkan barcode dan halaman biru untuk bagian sertifikat vaksin, namun anak saya yg berusia 1tahun masih berwarna merah , pdhal sudah saya kaitkan dalam anggota keluarga saya , apa yg harus saya lakukan ? terimakasih

• April 18, 2023

Hey Winona, buat anak yg berwarna merah tidak apa2, asal orang tuanya punya box biru.

• April 11, 2023

Hello! Does a Booster count as a third vaccination? Thank you for your helpful information 🙂

Usually it does, yes.

• April 10, 2023

Thank you for the very helpful write up.

I will be visiting Japan with my hubby. Wonder if I could just create one VJW account and input both our details (instead of having to create separate accounts). Would it work?

i have heard people do this and it works for them as long as you both receive the blue box on your respective profile

I will submit my vaccination certificates but it shows: Registration procedures: Time remaining to complete registration: 00 hours 00 minutes

And I can’t click the Register vaccination certificate button.

Anything I can do?

Hey it seems that you have exceeded the time given to complete the VJW process. Can you double check the arrival time you’ve provided? It should have expired 6 hours before your arrival. You can create another trip and redo the process.

• April 28, 2023

A bit confused here. Does that mean the whole registration thing have to be done on the flight as it will expire 6 hours before arrival?

Or is there a portion that I can do before flight take off and a portion that I need to do after touchdown.

Thanks in advance for the clarification.

Hey Mich, You can complete all before arrival. Btw, vaccination is no longer required to enter Japan

• May 6, 2023

Any idea if I were to travel to Tokyo, stay for a few days, then fly to Sapporo, then fly back home.

I just registered with the Visit Japan Web and updated a trip on Tokyo. Do i need to do another for Sapporo, so that I have a QR for “Immigration” and Customs again? And another for exiting Japan to fly back home?

Hey Mich, you only need to do it once when you enter Tokyo.

Hey, trying to register my trip and when I click it it asks for my VISA application info, but I don’t need one since I’m from the USA (just an overnight layover in Tokyo) heading back to LA from the Philippines. Not sure what to do as I don’t see any FAST TRACK info options at this point or anywhere else. Any ideas on what to do?

Hey Naundi, by visa, I assume you mean the “link VISA” option inside the trip detail on the VJW website? the visa part is a new step and it’s optional. If you won’t need a visa to Japan, then just skip that part and do the rest of the steps. right below it is the “Quarantine procedures (Fast track)” button that you’ll need to complete as detailed on the article above.

• April 8, 2023

Received attachment file vaccination healthcert.oa from Notarise email, is this the file to upload to Visit Japan Web?

I received my vaccination certificate on email from notarise but unable to save it as psf file, click on the printer icon nothing show up and I wonder is it because i read it on handphone not pc. Pls help. Thanks.

Hey Ronald, you can try uploading screenshots if you cant save it as PDF

• April 7, 2023

Thank you for sharing, I followed your steps and all gaps were so easy to fill up. One note: now it is possible to attaché 2 or more photos of vaccination certificate. Waiting for approval of vaccinate because I have only first dose Janssen and Pfizer booster. Wish me luck, All the best to you!

• April 6, 2023

Hi Melissa, what do i have to do?, I have a vaccination certificate and i cant load it, it turned yellow and says ” review completed”. I must have pushed wrong button while doing the process. Please help. Thanks

Hmm you can create a new trip and try submitting the vaccine certificate again? make sure you are meeting Japan’s requirement for vaccination

• April 4, 2023

I filled everything out and was accepted on the Visit Japan site, but I never got a QR code. Where is it? It didn’t appear when I did it on my computer, and didn’t appear when I did it on my phone.

Hey Stan, I need more info. Did you follow the steps I outlined above? there is no longer a QR code for the trip. You just need the blue box in the trip detail. For immigration and customs, the QR is inside the trip detail page.

• May 22, 2023

Same happend me , so is it a separate line for those who got the QR code ? O how is this going to work with out QR code , How can I see the QR code ? Inside my trip details .

Hey Carolina, Starting 29 April, you no longer need to provide covid vaccination. You only need Visit Japan Web to do immigration and custom procedures. To get QR code for those, you just need to click on the “display QR code” button inside the trip detail (scroll down to see it)

• April 2, 2023

Hello, if I will travel from Milan to Tokyo with a landing on Abu Dhabi (and wait 4 hours there), should I insert MILAN as Point of embarkation in custom declaration?

Furthermore I always used the Flight No./Name of Vessel of Abu Dhabi – Tokyo flight.

Hope I did the right thing 🙂

Thank you for your guide, it is amazing!

I am sorry if I do another question, but what is an Unaccompanied article? I don’t understand if I should include my luggage!

Thank you in advance, regards.

• April 3, 2023

Hey Zac, it usually means the luggage you check in vs the one you’re bringing on board

• April 27, 2023

Unaccompanied is not your check-in luggage, but other luggage you have sent separately to retrieve on your arrival. That’s my understanding, anyway.

Hey Zac. Yes i would do as you have stated – Milan as point of embarkation and the Abu Dhabi flight for the flight number

Just want to say, I love your post! Its very useful.

• March 27, 2023

Hello Melissa,

The last two legs of my flight have Japanese cities as destination: the first one to Tokyo and the next to Osaka (from Tokyo). For the purposes of VisitJapan, which one should I choose: the one that lands in tokyo (being the first to land in Japan), or the last flight which is actually from Tokyo to Osaka?

• March 28, 2023

i’m guessing you have to go through immigration in Tokyo then go to the local terminal to take your Osaka flight? If so I would put the Tokyo one. If you go through immigration in Osaka, then I will put Osaka one.

• March 26, 2023

Hi there thank you for the amazing information. Question for you. Is there a time limit on the booster? Meaning as long as it’s done before you leave it’s considered valid?

Also. If I choose to test instead. Do I just do everything I can and wait until I arrive in Japan or do I submit my test once I have results?

Hey TJ I think there is no time limit. I don’t see this requirement on the website. To be safe it should be done 14 days before your arrival in Japan though.

If you decide to test, submit it as soon as you have the result to VJW. But the test must be done within 72 hours of your arrival to Japan, not any time earlier.

Can you clarify VJW?

VJW = Visit Japan Web

• March 22, 2023

Hi there I need some help. After modifying some passport details I have been advised that the QR codes need to be updated as they do not update automatically. Could you please advise on this matter? Unfortunately nobody is answering my query on the Visit Japan chat.

Hey Violetta, where did you hear that you need to update the QR?

• March 23, 2023

Hello Melissa:)

Thank you for getting back.

A disclaimer appears right after the passport information changes are made. It says the following:

“Editing passport details will cancel your pre-registered quarantine Fast Track and will require details registered again. The created QR code is not automatically updated so update the QR code after checking the details registered”.

After that no further instructions are shown. I did refill the quarantine Fast Track details again, and also received an approval. However I’m afraid the QR codes might not work.

I also tried asking through the chat but had no answer.

Do you think I should erase my application and re-apply?

When you refill the fast track, did you do it through a separate trip? if so, it should be fine since the QR code would have been generated via the new passport detail

Thanks you for the detailed info. It’s been so helpful especially the updates. My query is – I have registered the whole family under one account so 2 adults and under 18 kids. I -as the primary account holder- have filled out one disembarkation card for foreigner and declaration of personal effects. Do I need to fill it out for the other adult and kids too? Thanks you.

Hey May, yes you have to fill out the card for each adult and kids too. You can do it via Visit Japan Web – you just need to select your kids names from the dropdown, which will allow you to access their disembarkation card too.

• March 21, 2023

I am currently filling in my fast track but what do I do if we are staying in multiple addresses in the one trip? Do I then need to add in each place we are staying in the trip?

You can just fill in the first address that you’ll be staying in

• March 20, 2023

This step by step is brilliant, thanks Melissa. It’s our first trip to Japan from Australia (April 2023). I registered all 4 of us using my iphone only (husband, 18, 16 yr olds) and have received blue boxes for all. All happened within a few hours. Very grateful to peruse this website and confirm I was doing it right. Easy once you get the swing of it, I anticipate our arrival will be much less stressful with all this sorted.

Hi Ellyanne, Thanks for the comment! I hope you’ll have a lot of fun in Japan, April is a great time to visit. Make sure everyone has their QR code screenshot on their mobile devices so that it will be easy to show! Once you have the Blue box, you should not be waiting in line at all and should proceed to immigration. There might be a line at immigration though.

• March 19, 2023

Thank you for the information on this page, it was very useful. I uploaded my Vaccination Certificate and the review was completed in 8 minutes! I was impressed.

Hey David. I’m glad you were successful! Have fun in Japan.

• March 18, 2023

I hope you can answer my question. I am travelling with my 2 boys -age 8 and 4. They do not satisfy the 3 vaccine COVID requirement so I put “will not submit” in the Fast Track section. I understand children under 18 have exemption as long as the accompanying parent/adult meets the covid requirements. Question is do I also put “No” under “Do you wish to do prior registration of a test result certificate taken less than 72 hours before departure” OR do I leave this bit unanswered- which means it will remain “Yellow” with the wording “Please register”.?

You can put No or leave it blank, it will remain yellow eitherway. They will be ok as long as you have the blue box!

On the vaccination certificate submission page, it wants a list of vaccine names and manufacturers, and then asks for the date of “third” vaccine. I have received 4 doses altogether as I have had a booster dose in February this year. Wondering if I should put the date of the latest 4th vaccine as the “third” one they are asking for.

Hey David. You can just put the date of the third one. It doesn’t matter when, they just want you to have at least 3 doses.

• March 16, 2023

Hi Melissa, how did you do the customs part one for the family? My mom, brothers and I will each have our own accounts on VJW, is there a category/part that we can list all our names for customs?

• March 17, 2023

Hey Eve, when doing the customs part, one of you just need to declare that you’re traveling with 2 other adult family member. Then you can all use the same QR code for customs.

I followed your steps to the letter and even completed the disembarkation and custom declaration portions. However when I clicked on quarantine procedures (fast track), I get this big blank space with a grey line going in circles. I have left it running for hours, even overnight and nothing happened. I have tried returning to the previous page and starting again and yet I am stuck at that blank page. I cannot get to the page to upload my vaccination certificate. Did I miss a step somewhere? I need to complete this quickly within the next few days. I would hate to have to join the long queues to do it manually at Narita. Help!

Hey Jeanie. Have you tried using a different browser or different device?

Thanks for the tip. Tried it on my tablet and it is working (being reviewed).

Awesome! Hope you get the blue box soon.

Hi Melissa! This is probably a very simple question, but wanted to confirm. When you filled out the Disembarkation card for foreigner, on the section for Immigration information to Japan– asking about “Last flight number”, is that referring to just my flight number? the word “last” is what confuses me. Thanks!

Hey Nica, they just mean the flight number you take to get to Japan. It’s possible some people take multiple flights to get to Japan and they just want to make sure you provide the flight number of the last leg

• March 14, 2023

Hi,we are flying to Tokyo and starting a cruise straight away. What go we enter as our address in Japan – the ship or the port?

• March 15, 2023

hmm! I would put the ship if they have an address

• March 13, 2023

Hi. Just want to ask do I need to do declaration of personal effects and unaccompanied articles for my child?. in the no of family member page its not allowing me to modify and because of that it says there 1 adult and 1 child travelling with my child. it should be 2 adults.

I can’t see how to make a comment so I thought I’d get my question in by doing this! The visit japan web just won’t accept my password no matter what I try and there is no answer that I can find to help me. All suggestions as to how to resolve this welcomed.

Do you mean when you’re creating an account or are you trying to log in to an account you’ve previously created?

Hey Jean. Is this for the customs declaration?

Hi. Yes melissa the customs declaration. is it optional for children?

For customs I have always just filled out one for the family, and my husband and toddler just goes with me

• March 11, 2023

Hi Melissa, thank you for your very clear guidance on the VJW. I have a bit of a problem. The name on my vaccination certificate is different from that on my passport. That is because my vaccinations were done in Hong Kong using my HK ID Card which bears my maiden name. My passport which was issued in Canada is in my married name. Recently, I made a sworn declaration before a government official in Hong Kong that both names refer to the same person. Should I upload that declaration along with my vaccination certificate? I’m sure there are others who are in a similar situation and wonder how they overcome this problem. Thank you.

Hey Monica, usually they are quite specific about having the names match. I suggest checking out this fb group and asking your question there: https://m.facebook.com/groups/913769919120863/

• March 12, 2023

Thank you Melissa. I just stumbled upon this in the Fast Track FAQ of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Q. What should I do if my family name changes due to marriage, etc., so the name on the vaccination certificate does not match the name on my passport? A. On the vaccination certificate, please use a pen or pencil to clearly write your name as indicated in your passport. Please upload an image of the certificate that clearly shows the full name you have written. Please note that your document might not be accepted if the names in the vaccination certificate and passport differ significantly (for example, neither your first nor family name actually matches between the two documents).

This might be the solution to my problem. I’m sending you this for the information of others who are in a similar situation.

hey Monica. Thanks for this info! It does indeed sound like it would solve the issue. let us know if you’re able to get through with this.

Guess what? I uploaded my vax certificate “as is” without putting my passport name on it and they accepted it. I suppose it’s because my first and middle names are exactly the same. Thanks for bearing with me!

that’s great to hear! Have fun in Japan!

• March 10, 2023

Hello! We took our PCR in the morning but our departure is 3:45 pm. When it says 72 hours, is that specific that we need to take it in the afternoon instead. I registered it and got completed. It gave me a blue color. That does mean I don’t need to take the PCR again? I was thinking to take it again. Please advise! Thank you so much 🙏

hey ana. if it’s more than 72 hours i would take it again. the airline might check when you are checking in for your flight.

• March 9, 2023

it was fabulous help thank you for registering.on Japan web.How do I use my registration when I arrive at the airport in Tokyo?

Hey Anna, if you have followed all the steps above, then all you need to do is show the Blue box when you land in Tokyo. Then if you complete the steps for immigration and customs, then you just need to show the QR codes for those.

• March 7, 2023

Hello, thank you for this information. But would just like to check, I already had 3 covid-19 vaccines but may last vaccine was January 2022 and I will be travelling this June 2023. Do I still need to provide negative RT-PCR test when entering Japan? Thank you very much.

Hi Jen, as long as you provide the 3 vaccine certificates and get the blue box as I outlined in the blog post, you won’t need to provide negative RT-PCR.

Hi I have just received Email to say ‘we have re received and accepted image ‘ for our quarantine but I had logged out of system and I don’t know how to get back in for taking a screenshot It seems to come up that you have to register Thanks

Hey jennifer, you can login here with the password you’ve created before https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001

What if I don’t have a vax certificate? I only have vaccination cards. My country is inefficient and my shots cannot be found in their system.

You can take photos of the vaccination card and upload them to VJW, as long as your name, date of birth, the name of the vaccine, and the date you received the vaccine are clearly stated on the card. You can review the requirement here: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_vaccine.html

• March 6, 2023

Hi. Thanks for sharing this. I will be filling this up later. So from what I read above, there will no more QR code for the quarantine portion of the procedure but we can still do Fast Track. Am I right?

yes! you just need to submit your certificate or covid test and wait for the box to turn blue and you’re good

Hi I will be picking a JR pass which will need a stamp on my passport. Using the fast track system for everything including immigration and customs will I miss getting my passport stamped since everything is automated with the QR code or will there be an immigration officer that stamps the passport after checking your QR codes. Thanks!

hey AK. you’ll still get the stamp. They will just scan the QR on immigration.

Thanks for confirming!

Today 06-march-2023 I checked this site ( https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/ ) but it doesn’t have an option to upload certificates anymore.

“Notice No longer required to register your passport and answer the questions on the web for the Quarantine process (Fast Track) from Dec. 28, 2022. Due to these updates, QR code for Quarantine will not be shown any longer. The “Fast Track” service for quarantine procedure has been available in Visit Japan Web from November 1st, 2022.”

Hi Keenan, QR code is no longer generated but you can still do fast track online. in order to do fast track, you need to sign up for an account and upload vaccination certificate there. Please read the blog post from Step 1. It will tell you step by step what you need to do: https://girleatworld.net/visit-japan-web-how-to/#step-1

• March 4, 2023

Thank you so much for this detailed page explaining EVERYTHING. This was extremely helpful. My trip to Japan is in about 2 weeks (arrival on March 17). I started doing the “Quarantine Fast Track” yesterday. Submitted around 2pm USA Eastern Time. Later in the evening, around 8pm, my info was accepted. Living in the US, I have had the first 2 Pfizer shots, the first booster shot, then the second booster shot last September. I have 2 CDC cards, front and back. This gave me 4 jpeg files to upload. I used Adobe to combined the 4 jpeg into 1 pdf file, compressed it, then submitted it. It seems that you can only upload 1 file on Visit Japan Web. I was incredibly stressed about this part. Hope this helps my fellow USA residents. The rest (Disembarkation Card and Declaration) was super straightforward. Happy travels everyone!

Hi Phuong, thank you for this update and thanks for the tip about combining everything into one PDF!

Hi Melissa. Thanks so much for your detailed page. I am heading to Japan on coming April 20th. Can I just register for the Immigration Clearance & Custom Clearance weeks ahead together with the Quarantine Fast Track? Or they can only be registered on my fly day ? Thank you.

You can register everything with the fast track!

Hi! I am going to Japan on March 14th. My vaccines certificate has a front and back. When I went to upload them there were two places where I could upload vaccine certificates, so I uploaded the front card and the back card. Now my screen has been ” thinking ” for over 10 minutes. You know the little circle that keeps spinning. I am beginning to wonder if that is because I uploaded two separate files. I almost put them in one file, but when there was a place for two of them I went ahead. Now I am wondering if I should close out the screen and upload a collage of the front and back in one file? What do you think? Another question, I read in a different post that children 13 and up should complete their own account. Well the parent should complete their account registration on visit Japan web. Here I see it is 18 and above. Has anyone registered their 13 year old child on visit Japan web as a family member traveling with you? Because hotels in other organizations in Japan consider 13 and above as an adult fee, I thought that might apply here as well per the other post. Hoping someone has personal experience. Thank you so much! Getting nervous about this!

Hey Vicki, your 13 year old does not need their own account. You can add them to your account.

Hello, Thank you for all the details and clarifications. A question for traveling in Japan. If you travel with only two vaccines, will my friend have a problem entering temples, restaurants and going on public busses and the bullet train? Regards, Hanne

Hey Hanne, once you’re inside Japan, vaccine is not checked. But to enter Japan you’ll need a negative COVID test if you only had two vaccine shots.

• March 3, 2023

Thanks for the great info. When entering info regarding where we are staying. We are staying at multiple hotels do we just list the first one? When asked telephone contact number do we list our cell number or the hotel’s number

yes, I was staying in multiple places too and I just list the first one. I think for contact number it’s the accommodation’s number too.

• March 2, 2023

Thank you for your post, it definitely helps me a lot! Just a quick question, I accidentally uploded my Vacinnation document under my husband’s name and is now being reviewed. There is no button to cancel or edit. How can I amend this? Thank you.

Hey Shiqah, I think you just need to wait until the review is done. When it is rejected, you should be able to provide the correct certificate.

• March 1, 2023

Hi. When you move on to pre registration for quarantine procedures and scroll down past NOT YET REGISTERED and then past name and passport and arrival date.

there is a message saying

REGISTERING QR CODE FOR QUARANTINE PROCEDURES UPON ENTRY TO JAPAN IS NO LONGER REQUIRED. QR CODE IS NO LONGER DISPLAYED HERE.

Doeas this mean that the whole thing is a waste of time??

Hi. Is it still worth doing this as it is no longer mandatory?

It’s really easy to do, so I think it’s still worth it. You never know the situation when you’re landing. If they have a lot of people to check, it might take awhile. PS: VJW was never mandatory after border reopened.

Hi Melissa, We are almost finished with the quarantine portion and only need to send our 72 hours certificate in. The only problem, it says we timed out. Any suggestions.

Hey David. Did you input the correct arrival date and time to Japan? It should not have timed out. In this case all you can do is start over a new trip in VJW

But it says it won’t show a QR code

It won’t show QR code, but they will still check whether you have the blue box on top of your page. You could just show a screenshot of this though.

• February 27, 2023

Hi Melisa, thank you for the detailed guide. But just wondering, is this step compulsory prior to entering Japan?

• February 28, 2023

Hey Joanne, no completing VJW is not compulsory. However when you check in for your flight to Japan, you still need to provide your COVID vaccine certificate or a negative COVID test result 72 hours before your flight. Upon landing, you’ll be checked for these too. Otherwise, you would need to quarantine.

• February 24, 2023

I plan to bring my niece which is 15 & 16 years old to Japan. Both of them only 2 doses mean not fully vaccine. Can I add them to family travelling together in VJW if they are not my children? As of above , can my niece exempt from the 72hrs pcr test?

The VJW FAQ doesn’t specify they need to be your kids, so should be fine to add your nieces https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/faq/fasttrack-en.html

thank you for explaining it so perfectly clean. I have got also a question: I followed all of your steps and received my blue screen for the Fast Track. We are flying on the upcoming Sunday, 26th February 2023 at 1.30 pm Germany Time. In my Web its states that the Review is only valid until the same day (26th February 2023, 3.10 pm.) but because of the time difference we will land in Japan on the 27th February at 10.30 am Japan-time. Will the blue screen turn into another color or and will it loose its validity once it surpasses the validation time?

Thanks in Advance

Hey Angi, the countdown on VJW should be tacked on to your arrival in Japan. So your departure time should not matter. So if you had specified on the trip info that you’re going to land in Japan on 27 Feb at 10:30am, then the blue screen will stay throughout. Can you double check what you’ve specified on the trip?

yes, I wrote that we due to the time difference we would land in Japan on the 27th February 2023 at 10.30 AM. The VJW has had this information since we booked in December, nothing has changed then. So it should stay blue past the expiry date, which was mentionned in my Web? And what color would it turn from blue in case it wouldn’t be valid anymore?

Thanks in advance again

Thank you for this descriptive informations. I have done mine like 3weeks ago and I haven’t gotten BLUE on my quarantine part. I wonder how long does it usually take for it to turn to blue?

Hey Vincent, what does the status say on your vaccination certificate? If any of those has been approved, it will turn blue. Approval doesn’t take long, usually only 2-3 hours after you submit the certificate.

• February 22, 2023

Hello Again Melissa,

(1) Many thanks for your extremely prompt and helpful response – the whole process is much clearer now.

(2) You mentioned taking a screenshot of the blue box – is there any good reason why I shouldn’t do the same for the ‘immigration’ and ‘customs’ QR stages as well? This way, I wouldn’t have to worry about internet access at all.

Many thanks,

• February 21, 2023

Thank you so much for all your valuable information and inside knowledge. Your descriptions and explanations are admirably clear. I have a few rather elementary queries for you:

(1) How do I download a ‘Visit Japan Web’ app onto my iPhone? It isn’t listed on the official Apple App Store. (2) Perhaps I don’t need an app at all, in which case how do I transfer the QR codes (on my desktop computer) into my iPhone? (3) When I arrive in Japan, will I need access to the internet in order to show my QR codes? (4) I don’t understand the purpose of the ‘off-line’ facility. (5) In a nutshell, I don’t understand the overall ‘modus operandi’ of the whole system. I cannot find any such explanation anywhere else, so I’d be very grateful for a clear exposition.

Many thanks.

(1) It’s a web app, so just go to the URL I have above on Step 1 (2) You open the website on arrival and show to them the Blue box (3) Yes you will need internet access. That’s why most people just screenshot the blue box they received (4) I am not sure what you mean by off line? (5) The point of Visit Japan Web basically, for now, is a way to get everyone checked on their COVID vaccination status or COVID test so that they can enter Japan without quarantine. That is all!

• February 20, 2023

Hello Melissa

Thank you for this incredibly clear and complete documentation of the VJW and Fast Track. I could not figure out how to get from the registering step to the Fast Track itself. Your post saved the day. I had no clue that the “name” of the trip was a button to click to move on to the next step.

Just to be clear, after receiving the blue screen in fast track, you are done except for the disembarkation card/immigration clearance and the customs declaration?? Thanks for your help!

Yes! once you’ve go the blue screen, take a screenshot of it (because you might not have internet as soon as you land) and just show that screen and you’re good to go! I do recommend doing the disembarkation card and customs declaration though. it is optional in terms of the fast track, but you’ll still have to do it when you land anyway.

I’m really glad the post helped 🙂 I did find the Japanese app UX are often a little weird to those who are not used to how they think and operate!

• February 19, 2023

The immigration QR is in Yellow color, is it correct ? Or it has to be blue?

it needs to be blue

Hey Corin, sorry I just went back to this and realized you’re referring to the Disembarkation Immigration QR code. You are correct, that one is yellow. When I talk about blue screen, I’m only referring to the quarantine process.

Hello, i had been registered my daughter (15 years old) under my account as family member, did she need to register or fill-up the quarantine procedures, immigration clearance and customs declaration by individual to get the QR code?

I’m already registered and get the QR code for my self.

Hey Ivy, if you have added your daughter to your visit Japan Web account and declared that she will be going with you when you created the trip plan, then you can select her name from the dropdown. Upload her vaccine certificate if any. If not, just select that she will not submit certificate. Do the same for the covid test step. Her box will be yellow if you don’t submit certificate or covid test, but she will follow your quarantine status (which should be blue if you provide vaccination certificate or test negative for yourself)

• February 17, 2023

Hi Melissa, Can I check for the vaccination cert to be uploaded, can I just provide the QR code or need to be the full digital certificate? My trip is in 4 weeks time, when the earliest I can register for fast track entry? Thanks

• February 18, 2023

You have to upload the full certificate with your name, passport number and the vaccine name. You can already do fast track starting from now

• February 23, 2023

Have done exactly what you have shared. All is good & gotten the blue quarantine page & 2 QR code as required. Thank you so much 😊

Hi Melissa How can i register if I only land and depart in Japan on same day, so without an actual address (I fly into Narita and make my way to Haneda same day to fly onwards to Thailand)? It is required in the app, do i put in the address and phone number from Haneda Airport? Thank you Ward

Hey Ward, Yes it seems some people do this and succeeded. Let me know how it goes for you!

• February 16, 2023

Hi Melissa, thank you very much for this blog post! I already submitted my vaccination information and the screen turned blue as well but I‘m a bit worried as the countdown saying „time remaining to complete registration“ didn’t stop counting down. Is there anything I missed doing or isn’t it related to the validity of the blue screen?

Hey Marla, you don’t need to worry about the countdown. If the screen has turned blue, you’ll be fine. Double check that you have entered the correct date of arrival, because the countdown is tied to your arrival. If i remember correctly, it counts down to 6 hours before your plane lands.

• February 12, 2023

Hi, I am heading to Japan this coming June 2023. First of all, Your content is very helpful and detailed indeed. Kudos and it helps me with my confusion about their procedure. I am truly grateful.

I have a question about the section under register planned for Entry/Return. I have input the entry portion but it did not state any return info in it. Please advise if is only input only 1 time as entry? If we are heading back to Singapore, do they still need to see the fast track?

VJW is only for entry to Japan. There is no need to worry about the exit.

• February 11, 2023

If I want to enter Japan for a 12 hour layover and don’t have an accommodation could I still use Fast Track? The “Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles” ask for ” Address in Japan (Accommodation) “

Hey Andy, I’m actually not sure about this. It should be treated like any arrival card that you fill in in other countries. I have seen people’s account on reddit of putting the address as the airport’s address since they’re just transiting, so you could try that.

• February 1, 2023

Can confirm that you can add another adult to your application as family member. Did it last week and today 1Feb23 both our quarantine boxes turned blue. Got the other 2 QR codes for each of us immediately last week and took about a week for the quarantine one to be approved. Oh by the way thanks for the useful information on this page.

thank you Richard for this very valuable update!

• April 14, 2023

Hi Richard,

so you only needed 1 account for all your family including yourself? how did you/spouse/child show the QR to the officer since the checking done for each person? thank you

• January 29, 2023

Hi Melissa! Thank you for your information in this article; it helped me, but I want to ask several questions because it is the first time I have been going abroad by plane.

If I want to go to Fukuoka from Jakarta but with one transit in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) before Japan : 1. Is The “flight number” the first number plane before transit (plane number Jakarta-Ho Chi Minh City) or the plane after transit (Ho Chi Minh City-Japan)? 2. In “Preparation for customs declaration,” the country point of embarkation, in my case, is Jakarta or Ho Chi Minh City?

Thank you very much

• January 30, 2023

Hi Alya, I would do: 1. The flight number that enters japan, aka HCM – Japan 2. For this one, it depends whether you crossed immigration in HCM or not. If you just transited and changed plane, then I would put Jakarta. But if you went out of immigration in HCM and then back in to catch the next plane, then i would put HCM.

• January 27, 2023

How do I check for my registration status to know whether it has turned blue?

Hey Ezati, you go back to your VJW account and click on the trip name you made before.

Hi Melissa. I have a pdf document issued by NHS for 4 vaccinations. Do I upload the pdf or scan and upload 3 of the certificates?

Hey Carole, you upload whichever document states the name of your vaccine and when it was taken.

Hi again. They both do. I didn’t know whether the document(s) had to be in pdf format or a scanned pic. I haven’t started to fill in any of the forms, I am trying to collate all the documentation in the required formats before I begin. Thanks for your help.

Hey Carole, then the PDF is fine, no need to scan.

• February 6, 2023

Hi Melissa. Great post, bery helpful.

Just wonderinf if you have the answer to this query that I have. I have registered my parents under my account and get the blue box for all of us. While i understand from your post and previous comments that we can screenshot this blue box to get pass the quarantine check point, what about the QR code for immigration and customs clearance? Should I screenshot the QR code as well?

• February 7, 2023

Hey Wan, if you can get wifi / data in Japan, you don’t need to screenshot. Otherwise, yes, please screenshot those QR codes as well.

• January 23, 2023

I was wondering, how fast is the fast track produce actually? On average maybe if it’s hard to say.

I am used to the whole immigration process (from deboarding the aeroplane until arriving in the freely accessible arrivals terminal where all the shops are) taking at least 1.5 hours.

I’m just not sure how excited I should be for the Fast Track procedures 🙂

• January 24, 2023

the fast track eliminates the need to queue to get your vaccine / PCR test documents checked before the actual immigration process starts. i can’t say how much time it saves, depends on how many flights arrives at the same time as you. In my case it was totally worth it bc the line to check docs was quite long.

• January 18, 2023

HI Melissa, I have filled out the Visit Japan Web with the registration complete, however I did not received a QR code. I have gone over the website & faq questions but there is no clear answer. On one of the question & answer it says there is no longer a QR code displayed. I go into the registration again to complete the registration again and it states QR code may not be updated to register again! Do you have an answer?

When I fill out the quarantine questions I get a QR code right after I complete the questionnaire. Is this the same as the Visit Japan Web? Do you need 2 different QR codes or does this include the Visit Japan Web? Just wondering if you have some answers. Thank you.

Hi Kathy, it seems they have done away with QR code, so you don’t need to worry about it. In my experience from December 2022 as long as you show the blue screen they’ll let you through.

• January 16, 2023

Hi, Can i add my parents as family travel with me?Or I can only add infant who are not able to fill out the form? Thank you

I was under the impression that the function is only for kids and each adult needs separate account but i have heard experiences where people register other adults and they are still let through. just make sure your husband each have the blue box screenshot on their phones when you land, so that you can show it easier as you go through the check points.

• January 13, 2023

Hi. I registered and did everything already but I noticed you said to create one account per adult. I only signed up one account for me and I registered my husband under the details of family member traveling with you. You mentioned only kids are added here. Did I do it wrong and should I make another account for my husband still?

• January 10, 2023

Hi! Do I need my physical vaccination card? I submitted a picture of it and it was approved however, I am not sure if I will be able to locate the misplaced card or get a replacement prior to my arrival in Japan

we were never asked to produce the vaccination proof. In Singapore, we only have digital vaccination proof (govt doesnt issue physical card) and they were ok with it.

• January 7, 2023

Hello thank you so much for the information. I have filled in the forms and got the confirmation I don’t need to test to enter Japan due to having 3 jabs. My parents have also been registered with me under the same account. But I’m wondering do my parents need an account or can we share the same as it’s been approved already for each person.

Hey Dominic. I was under the impression that the function is only for kids and each adult needs separate account but i have heard experiences where people register other adults and they are still let through. just make sure your parents each have the blue box screenshot on their phones when you land, so that you can show it easier as you go through the check points.

• December 29, 2022

My Pre-registration for quarantine procedures is blue has “Review Completed” for Current Status, but no QR code. Do I need a QR code?

Thanks Melissa

This message is from the Quarantine Documentation Center (QDC) in Japan.

If you register on/after Dec 28 (Japan time), no need to register passport and Questionnaire Web online. So their is no QR code required for Quarantine Procedure,please present the top page of Quarantine pre-registration procedure when arrival.

Thanks Luke. You are correct. We now only need to provide vaccine certificate and that’s it! I will update my blog post accordingly.

• December 19, 2022

Hi Dear Melissa, if I have 2 covid vaccines + the 72h test before departure would it be possible to complete the registration?

• December 24, 2022

Yes, as long as the test is negative

Hi Dear Melissa, all helpful and clear. Just one question: if I have 2 covid vaccines + the 72h test before departure would it be possible to complete the registration?

• December 20, 2022

Yes, submit all the docs and see if your screen turns blue

Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for the helpful info but are you sure it’s at least “3”? For those who got Johnson Johnson (Janssen) it was only 1 shot and they didn’t need to get another after 6 months. Then those people were allowed to get a moderna booster a year later. Which would make the total 2 shots – not 3. Are you positive they only let you in if you had 3 total?

I see Janssen as needing 3 shots in the official requirements link: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_vaccine.html

Maybe you can try submitting your vaccine certificate anyways and see if your QR turns blue?

• December 21, 2022

sorry! i just noticed the footnote that says

* For the JCOVDEN intramuscular injection/Janssen and CONVIDECIA/CanSino Biologics only in case of primary series, one dose is considered equivalent to two doses.

Thanks so much Melissa! You’re amazing.

• December 15, 2022

thank you so much dear…all of the information is so helpful..finally managed to complete my son vaccination cert issues..thank u very much

glad I can help 🙂

• December 11, 2022

How about the Insurance part? We should fill in also if we have travel insurance?

• December 13, 2022

Yup, you can fill them in if you have an insurance but it is not required.

• December 10, 2022

I have received four covid vaccines, three in 2021 and one in 2022. Are they still valid to be recognized on Visit Japan Web? I am planning to take the fifth one in January 2023. Thanks.

You’ll be fine as long as you’ve taken 3 shots, no matter how long ago. Also check the type of approved vaccines – i’m not sure which one you took.

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What’s the best tourist SIM card for Japan (2024 guide)

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: January 22, 2024

If you’re headed to Japan and want to stay connected while exploring, we’ve got you covered with the top tourist SIM cards. No need to worry about losing touch with your loved ones or missing out on those Insta-worthy moments.

We’ve spent a lot of time in Japan and traveled all over the country. The first trips we would very often come across a “Handy” phone in our hotel room – a phone we could use throughout our stay. But those days are long gone now.

Nowadays, if you want to stay connected, you better have a local SIM card if you don’t want to rely on public hotspots. And trust me, from experience, we can assure you that a local SIM card is still highly recommended.

There are several spots offering free internet, mainly in the larger cities, and handy apps to connect to WiFi hotspots for free. We share more information on this app in this article. Still, there are still plenty of places that require a data subscription for internet usage.

Whether you prefer the convenience of ordering physical SIMs online and picking them up at the airport or exploring the innovative world of eSIMs, there are numerous ways to ensure you stay connected on your journey.

Keep scrolling for the best options!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

In a hurry? Our picks for the best Japanese SIM cards

Here are our top picks :

• Mobal Data SIMs : These SIMs are great for data-hungry users. Mobal has unlimited data plans with a very reasonable fair usage policy. You don’t have to worry about data speed and can be online the whole day.
• Mobal Voice + Data SIMs : If you need a Japanese Phone number to make voice calls or to use some specific Japanese apps.
• Sakura Data SIMs : Sakura SIMs, ordered through Klook, are the price-conscious option. They are cheaper than Mobal but have a stricter fair usage policy.
• Simcardgeek Esims : If your phone supports eSIMs this is the best and easiest way to go
• Airalo eSIMs : The cost-conscious option in the eSIM department for those who don’t need huge data packages.

Want more information on eSIMs? Skip to the eSIM section in this article . For a more extensive comparison of eSIMs, we would like to refer you to this article .

Japanese SIM cards

Japan Tourist SIM cards

Will you be in Japan for more than 3 months?

Mobal also has a long-term plan that does not require any paper contracts or other red tape.

Discover great apps for traveling to Japan. 

Japan Tourist SIM cards – The top choices

In this article, we discuss no less than 30 different Japan tourist SIM cards.  All of which have slightly different options.  It’s good to have a choice but with all these different options it is hard to see the forest for the trees.

We discuss all the details of the SIM cards further down in this article but here are our top choices:

For the occasional data user

Most SIM cards offer unlimited data but all providers have implemented a fair usage policy. If you consume more than what is covered by the fair usage policy your data speed will be reduced. Sakura Mobile cannot share the exact details of the fair usage policy, therefor we recommend them for occasional use. Their prices are very competitive but they cannot be used for video streaming or as a hot spot for your laptop.

If you just want to make sure that you can fall back on your data plan if you need it but you already know that you will only have to use it occasionally, these are your best options.

Short stays

At JPY ¥4,000 for 8 days the SIM cards provided by Sakura Mobile are reliable and very cheap. 

The SIM card offers unlimited high-speed data at 4G or 3G speeds.  You will find a very detailed document to check if your mobile is compatible with the local network. Sakura Mobile uses the NTT Docomo network in Japan, generally seen as the best network in the country.

Thanks to the detailed information you can buy this SIM with peace of mind, knowing that it will work once you are there. If you’re still unsure you can pay a supplement for compatibility insurance. With this insurance, you will receive a WiFi device in case the SIM does not work in your phone.

Alternatively, if your phone is incompatible (see our FAQ below) with the NTT Docomo network you can opt for a Mobal SIM that works on both the NTT Docomo and the Softbank network.

Click here for more information and to order your Sakura Mobile SIM card from Klook: Sakura Mobile Tourist SIM

Longer stays

If you are 2 of 3 weeks in japan.

For stays of 2 or 3 weeks , you’re in most cases also best off 16 or 21-day cards of Sakura Mobile that can be found on Klook.  At JPY ¥6,000 and JPY ¥6,500 they are the cheapest options that can be found for these durations.

Both SIMs offer unlimited high-speed data at 4G or 3G speeds.  4G is offered in major cities while the 3G is applicable in more rural areas. You will find a very detailed document to check if your mobile is compatible with the local network. Sakura Mobile uses the NTT Docomo network in Japan, generally seen as the best network in the country. It has a coverage of over 99%.

Once you have read through the detailed information you can buy this SIM with peace of mind, knowing that it will work once you are there.

If you’re still unsure you can pay a supplement for compatibility insurance. With this insurance, you will receive a WiFi device in case the SIM does not work in your phone.

Alternatively, if your phone is incompatible with the NTT Docomo network you can opt for a Mobal SIM that works on both the NTT Docomo and the Softbank network.

If you are longer than 24 days in Japan

If you will be in Japan longer than 24 days the 30-day card of Simcard GEEK that costs JPY ¥4,980 is a good buy.  The card comes with 7GB of high-speed data which should be sufficient to cover your needs.  This SIM card also connects to the NTT Docomo network which is generally recognized as Japan’s best network.

Simcard GEEK has a fair usage policy of 3GB/day.

Click here for more information and to order your SIMcard Geek SIM card: SIMcard Geek 30-day Tourist SIM

For the heavy data user

If you want to be online the whole day,  enjoy streaming music, or watch YouTube videos, you’re better off with the below SIM cards.  This may also be the case for those who will be sharing your data plan with friends or family members, maybe by means of a mobile WiFi device.

These SIMs also have a fair usage policy. In this case, however, you know the details of the policy and can therefore pay attention to it so that you are not faced with surprises.

Mobal offers SIM cards for 8 or 16 days with an unlimited data plan .  The cards have a fair usage policy which limits high-speed data to 3GB per day. 3GB is quite a lot, it will allow you to browse the internet for 36 hours, stream 600 songs, or watch 6 hours of standard definition video. 

Consuming this amount of data in one day would probably mean that not much time is left to see the many stunning sights Japan has to offer.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card: Mobal Tourist SIM

Mobal has a SIM with an unlimited data plan for 31 days.   This card has a fair usage policy which limits high-speed data to 3GB per day. 3GB is a lot, in the previous paragraph we gave a small overview of what exactly you can do before you reach this threshold. 

If you go out and discover the city you will probably never consume that much data in one day and if you stay in your hotel you can use the WiFi provided by the hotel.

Japan SIM card for tourists – The details

Mobal is a company with a mission to help international travelers in Japan stay connected.

They’ve got offices in New York and the UK, so if you need any help, you can count on them to provide support in English.

Whether you’re staying for a short while or a long time, they’ve got data and data+voice options to keep you connected.

What we like most about them is that their website has all the info you need and they’re super quick at getting back to you when you reach out. When we once had a question we heard back from them within just two hours!

Size : Multi-size SIM cards.  The SIM can be adapted to fit in any mobile phone.

Network :  NTT Docomo, Softbank (3G & 4G)

Shipping :  Shipping is always free.  Data-only SIMs are shipped worldwide, for data+voice+text SIMs the list of countries is limited .  If shipping is not available to your country you can simply collect your SIM, for free, at one of the many pick-up locations.  There are locations at the airports and in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other major cities across Japan.

Below are the shipping times.

Japan: 1 – 3 business days USA and UK: 2 – 5 business days (expedited, next business day, shipping to these countries is available for a fee) Other countries: 8 – 15 business days

Shipping of voice+text sims requires that a copy of your ID is to be sent to Mobal at the time of your order.  All details about shipping and pick-up locations are extensively explained on the website .

Activation : No activation is required for these SIM cards. They’re ready to use. You just need to insert the SIM and set the APN.

Topping Up : Data only SIM’s have unlimited data at 4G LTE speed.  Data+voice SIM’s have 7GB of data at 4G speed per calendar month.  This can work in your favor.  If you arrive on 23 October, and stay until 7 November (as an example) you will get 14GB of data. 7GB in October and a new bundle of 7GB as soon as November starts.

If you want more data at high speed you can top-up your account in your online account.

Fair usage policy : If you use more than 3GB in one day your data speed may be reduced to 128 kbps for 24 to 48 hours.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card: MOBAL Tourist SIM

Simcard Geek

Simcard Geek is a sister company of Mobal. Despite being powered by Mobal they have a different product range than what you can get from Mobal directly.

Network : NTT Docomo (3G & 4G)

Shipping :  Shipping is always free and is available to your home or your accommodation in Japan.  You can also choose to pick up your SIM at any of the postal offices at the airports in Japan.

SIM cards are sent out a few weeks before your pick-up date.  If you order your SIM long in advance it may not directly be shipped.

Japan: 2 – 5 business days (expedited shipping is available for a fee) USA: 2 – 5 business days   UK: 2 – 5 business days (expedited shipping is available for a fee) Australia: 3 – 7 business days   Other countries: 8 – 15 business days

Pick-up at the airport in the postal office: your SIM will be ready for pick-up after 2 to 5 business days or 2 to 3 business days with expedited shipping.  Make sure to verify that the postal office is open at your arrival time.

Activation :  The Japan SIM card is active upon receipt. To start using your SIM you simply can follow the instructions in the supplied English user guide to enter your APN settings.

Fair usage policy : Unlimited SIM cards have a fair usage policy.  If you use more than 3GB in one day your data speed may be reduced for 24 to 48 hours.

Click here for more information and to order your SIMcard Geek SIM card: Simcard Geek Tourist SIM

Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile is a reputable Japanese company that specializes in providing wireless services for visitors to Japan. They offer a range of affordable solutions to keep you connected throughout your stay.

They offer English support. Our support question was answered quickly, correctly, and in clearly understandable English.

One standout feature of Sakura Mobile is its compatibility insurance option. For an additional fee of 500 JPY, you can add this insurance to your purchase if you’re unsure whether their SIM will work with your device. This provides peace of mind and ensures that you’ll be able to stay connected without any hiccups.

In the unlikely event that you do encounter connectivity issues, Sakura Mobile offers a solution to those who took the insurance option – an upgrade to a Pocket Wi-Fi device at no extra cost. Alternatively, if you prefer, they can also provide a refund.

You have multiple options when it comes to ordering Sakura Mobile SIMs. You can either purchase them through Klook or directly on their corporate website . While the widest range of options is available on their own site, it’s worth noting that Klook offers certain exclusives not found on the corporate website.

On the other hand, when ordering directly, you can choose from more pick-up locations or have the SIM shipped to any address within Japan, including hotels.

Size : Multi-size SIM cards. Normal, Nano or Micro sim.

Network :  NTT Docomo (3G & 4G)

Shipping :  When you order through Klook the SIM can be collected at Terminal 3 (the International terminal) of Haneda International Airport or Terminal 1 and 2 of Narita International Airport. There is also a pick-up location in the arrival lobby of the Kansai airport.

If you order direct you can have the SIM delivered to hotels and Airbnb’s or collect it at the airport (Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose) or at the office in Shinjuku.

Activation : No activation is required for these SIM cards. They’re ready to use. You just need to insert the SIM and set the APN.  You can download a document that explains how to do this.

Available direct :

Available through Klook :

Click here for more information and to order your Sakura Mobile SIM card:

Japan SIM cards with pick-up abroad (via Klook)

Here are a few extra options for those who live in Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam or India.

The below providers offer SIM cards that are either shipped to your home or that can be collected at your airport of departure.

Personally I would prefer to pick-up my SIM in Japan.  This has the advantage that somebody can assist you with setting it up and in the unlikely event that it doesn’t work, you would be able to look for an alternative or arrange a refund on the spot.

A pick-up abroad might, however, be a convenient option if you don’t want to lose time collecting your SIM upon arrival.

Buying a SIM card in Japan

Don’t worry if you’re already in Japan when you’re reading this. 

It’s also possible to buy a tourist SIM card in BIC Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores as well as at Narita and Haneda airports. 

You can even order one online and pick it up in several locations in downtown Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka as well as other cities.

At the airport

If you want to start using your SIM card immediately you can buy one at the airport.

In the arrivals hall are sales counters from various operators and they will certainly be able to assist you in English. 

The drawback is that your choice will be more limited than in the shops in the city and you will be paying more, as is always the case at airports.

BIC camera also operates one small store in Narita and 2 in Haneda airport terminal 3 (see here and here ).  The sales points from the operators will likely be able to better assist you and give you advice while the stores from BIC camera will likely be cheaper.

In the cities

Another option to buy a SIM card in Japan would be to head to one of the BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera stores in the cities. 

They sell various prepaid SIM cards for Japan tourists.  Usually, someone will be able to assist you in English but don’t expect the store personnel to speak the same level of English as they would at the airport. 

If you know what you need they will be able to point you to the correct package or confirm that what you picked is what you think it is. But you better speak some Japanese if you want to go into lengthy discussions about what would be the best option for you.

Finding these stores is easy.  Your hotel should be able to tell you the nearest one or you can use Google Maps.

A visit to a BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera store is something that we absolutely recommend.  It is a fun experience during which you can marvel at all the electronic gadgets that are for sale.

But maybe you prefer to compare the various options from the comfort of your hotel room.  This is possible as well. 

You can order your SIM online with Mobal and pick it up directly at one of the many pick-up locations across Japan.

They have a very informative website and offer English support in case you have any additional questions. 

Japan eSIMs

Good news if you have a modern phone that supports embedded SIMs (eSIMs). You no longer have to worry about fiddling with your phone to replace the SIM card. All you have to do is click a link or scan a QR code.

Your SIM can stay in your device and you can switch between your own cellular plan and the Japanese plan. Super convenient and super easy.

Four providers offer eSIMs :

Simcard GEEK

Airalo esims.

Airalo eSIMs are available for a duration of 7 or 30 days and come with a data package ranging between 1 GB and 10 GB.

These are data-only contracts so voice calls are not supported.

• Size: eSIM card.
• Network: Softbank
• Duration: 7 or 30 days
• Pick-up: You will find all the information in the e-mail or the app.
• Activation: You can activate the eSIM when you want to start using it. You will need a WiFi connection to activate it.
• Topping Up: You can buy a new SIM if you’ve consumed all data of your existing eSIM.

Use our exclusive   WAPITI10OFF promo code to get an additional 10% off your Airalo eSIM.

Check all Airalo eSIM options: Airalo eSIM

The activation link is sent minutes after your purchase so you can still buy this SIM after you’ve arrived in Japan.

Check out this list if you’re not sure if these eSIMs are compatible with your phone.

The eSIMs connect to Japan’s Docomo network and is native to Japan. It connects to the Docomo network directly and is fast & reliable. You don’t need to enable data roaming for it to work.

The SIMs are data only, voice & text is not supported.

These are the various options:

Click here for more information about the Simcard GEEK eSIM options: Simcard GEEK eSIMs

In addition to the regular SIMs that we discussed above , Mobal also offers a selection of eSIMs.

Their eSIMs make use of the Docomo network and are native to Japan. All the options are data only, voice & text is not supported.

The data speed is 4G LTE. If the included data amount is fully used you can continue surfing until the SIM expires but at a slower speed of 200 kbps.

Click here for more information about the Mobal eSIM options: Mobal eSIMs

Frewie offers 2 eSIMS for use in Japan. When ordering a Frewie eSIM through Klook you will get a confirmation mail with a QR code to activate your eSIM. The mail is sent within 24 hours of your purchase.

The Frewie eSIM is a data-roaming SIM that connects to the Docomo network in Japan. It’s not a native Docomo eSIM, you will need to activate data roaming for it to work. Because it uses roaming it can be somewhat slower than the above eSIM options from Simcard GEEK.

One SIM works only in Japan, the other works in Japan & South Korea. Both are data only. The data package varies with the duration of the SIM.

Check prices and more info:

Frewie Japan SIM (5 – 30 days)

Frewie Japan & S-Korea SIM (14 or 30 days)

Japan SIM card for longer stays

For a short stay, you’re best off with a prepaid SIM card but if you’re staying in Japan for several months you could consider an unlimited long-term plan.  

Japanese providers are known to have a lot of red tape.   

A contract with them usually requires a lot of paperwork and a commitment of 2 years. For some, you even need to have a residence visa and/or a Japanese bank account.

Two providers offer long-term SIM plans :

Mobal offers an alternative to the red tape. 

Their long-term plan comes with no minimum duration, no activation, and no termination fee. 

The customer service team speaks English, is super-responsive, and you can easily order the SIM card online.

This is what you will get:

Japanese Phone number : A real Japanese phone number starting with 070, 080 or 090 (Softbank).  A voicemail service is included.

Free calls : All incoming calls and texts are free. Outgoing calls to other Softbank customers (including Mobal customers) are free from 1 AM to 9 PM.

Network : Your Mobal SIM will give you access to both the NTT Docomo network as well as the Softbank network so you’re sure to have the best reception whenever possible. The sim can be used in any unlocked device that supports the 3G or 4G Band 1 (2100MHz) frequency.

Shipping :  Shipping is always free but not available to all countries.  If shipping is not available to your country you can simply collect your sim for free, at one of the many pick-up locations.  There are locations at the airports and in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other major cities across Japan.

Shipping of voice+text sims requires that a copy of your ID is sent to Mobal at the time of your order. 

If you don’t want to share these details online you can pick up your package in Japan. All details about shipping and pick-up locations are extensively explained on the website .

Activation : To activate your SIM follow the activation instructions provided with your sim.  During business hours the activation should be processed within 2 hours.

Upgrade data plan : The data+voice SIM has 7GB of data at 4G speed per calendar month.  If you want more data at high speed you upgrade your plan in your online account.

Fair usage policy : If you use more than 7GB in one month your data speed will be reduced to 128kpbs for the remainder of the calendar month.

Click here for more information and to order your Mobal SIM card: MOBAL Long-term SIM

Sakura Mobile offers a similar long-term plan specifically aimed at overseas tourists who will spend a considerable time in Japan.

The plan has no minimum duration, it can be canceled at any time. There’s a one-time activation fee for the voice service. (only to be paid if you want to use the voice+text features) 

To order the package you will need to provide a copy of your current passport. A utility bill with your address on it is also required as proof of residence if you want the SIM to be shipped to your home.

Japanese Phone number : A Japanese phone from NTT Docomo.

Calls : All incoming calls and texts are free. With the Sakura Dail app or the special prefix number you can call at special discounted rates. ( check the rates )

Network : NTT Docomo.  There’s a dedicated page to see if your device is compatible.

Shipping :  The SIM card can be shipped to your home address if you provide a proof of residence.  This is not required.  You can also collect it at the airport or in the Sakura Mobile office.

Normally it takes 2 to 5 days for the package to arrive. You will receive a tracking code with which you can track the shipment.

Activation : No activation is required for the data plan. A one-time fee of 5,500 JPY is required to activate the voice service.

Data plan : You can choose from 2 plans.  A lite plan with 4GB data/month or a premium plan with 25GB data/month.   Both plans are unlimited which means you can continue browsing at slower speeds if you’ve consumed the included data.  It’s also possible to top-up your data plan online.

Fair usage policy : Unknown

Click here for more information and to order your Sakura Mobile Long-Term SIM card: Sakura Mobile Long-term SIM

FAQ About Tourist SIM Cards for Japan

Will your phone work in japan .

Before you buy a SIM you need to be sure that your phone is compatible with Japan’s telecom network. It needs to be able to operate on one of the bands used by the telecom operators in Japan. 

Check the technical specs of your phone to see what bands are supported and see if there’s a match with the bands that the operators are using. We’ve listed all of them in the following section.

Your phone will also need to be unlocked.

If you don’t want to do this manually you can find pages online ( like this page ) where you can select your phone and the network operator to verify if they’re compatible.

Network providers in Japan

Japan has four mobile phone companies that operate their own network.  The three major players are NTT Docomo, Softbank (formerly Vodafone), and Au by KDDI.

A fourth challenger is Rakuten Mobile. Rakuten Mobile used to be a virtual operator but started building out its own network a few years ago. Today it covers about 94% of the population.

All other operators are virtual and use one of the existing networks. The tourist SIM cards we discussed in this article all work on either the Softbank or NTT Docomo network.

The network of NTT Docomo is recognized to be the best in terms of coverage.  Softbank comes in second although they are not far behind. Both these networks cover 99% of Japan (population-based).

These are the bands used by the Japanese operators:

Rakuten Mobile

Pocket WiFi device vs Tourist SIM card

One big perk of using a pocket WiFi device is that you can stay connected without having to mess with your phone.

No need to worry about changing your settings. Just remember to turn off your data connection to avoid those annoying roaming fees. With your SIM card still in the phone, you can stay connected with friends, family, work buddies, and anyone else who has your number just like you’re back at home.

If you want people to be able to contact you anytime, a pocket WiFi device is a great option.

Another advantage of pocket WiFi devices is that they let you connect multiple users at once (usually up to 10!).

Batteries of pocket WiFi devices usually last no more than a day. This is probably the biggest disadvantage. It is one more device that you need to charge on a daily basis.

Interested in Pocket WiFi devices?

See which ones you can rent in Japan . Or if you are going to use this often, you can buy your own device , just like us.

Which size of SIM card do you need

SIM cards have become increasingly smaller over the years. First, we had the standard SIM, then the Micro SIM and nowadays almost all modern phones use a Nano-SIM

Usually, providers use multi-size (3-in-1) SIM cards that are compatible with all phones.  Others only offer 2-in-1 (Micro and Nano) which means they will still be compatible with most current models. 

The technical specs of your phone will show what SIM you need.

In some cases, you will need to specify the requested SIM size with your order.

Free WiFi in Japan

You can easily find free WiFi at many places in Japan. Coffee shops like Starbucks, metro stations in all major cities, and JR train stations offer this convenient service.

Connecting to public WiFi networks was a pain the first time we were in Japan. Not only did we, have to do it over and over again. We also couldn’t get the connection to work for half of the time.

But now there’s a great app called Japan WiFi Auto-Connect that takes care of all the hassle for you. It automatically connects your phone to selected public WiFi hotspots. Only the trusted ones managed by reliable companies or authorities are used by the app for security reasons.

The app worked perfectly for 90% of the time during our last trips. Whenever we walked into a metro station or train station the phone usually connected to the WiFi in a matter of minutes.

The Japan WiFi Auto-Connect app is available for Android and Apple and makes free WiFi much more reliable for foreigners.

Still, I suggest not depending on free WiFi entirely, just like we don’t. As you move away from the big cities, finding reliable Wi-Fi spots becomes harder.

And even in the major cities, I find it super handy to have internet access all the time so I can look up stuff whenever something pops into my head – not just when I stumble upon a hotspot.

It’s a matter of convenience, but SIM cards are so cheap that I think it’s worth it.

Having a Japanese tourist SIM card turned out to be priceless.  With Google Maps we could easily find our way around the cities, we discovered interesting places to eat and we weren’t restricted to touristic restaurants since we could use our mobile phone to translate the menus.

It really helped us to travel deeper and get a better, less touristy experience of Japan.

There’re many different tourist SIM cards so we wrote this post to help you choose the one that suits your needs.  All information is accurate at the time of writing.

We will regularly update this article but if you notice any changes we would appreciate it if you let us know so we can update our post.

Enjoy Japan!

Can I Travel to Japan With a Green Card?

Yes, you can travel to Japan with a Green Card. A Green Card is an identification card issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows its holder to live and work in the United States as a permanent resident. This card serves as proof of legal immigration status within the U.S., but it also has benefits for international travel. For example, citizens from certain countries—including those with a valid green card—can enter Japan without needing to apply for a visa beforehand. When traveling abroad, having your green card on hand is essential not just for entry but also as proof of identity when navigating through foreign customs authorities or seeking assistance at embassies abroad in case of emergencies or other urgent matters while traveling away from home. It’s important to note that if you are entering Japan on your Green Card, you’ll need documentation proving your legal residence in the U.S., such as an I-94 form or passport stamp showing admission into the country under immigrant classification codes like LPR (lawful permanent residents). These documents will be checked upon arrival at Japanese customs where travelers must present their passports along with any applicable visas they may have obtained ahead of time.

• Step 1: Acquire the necessary documents
• Before you can travel to Japan with a Green Card, you must have a valid US passport, an approved visa for entry into Japan and your Green Card
• Make sure that all of these documents are up-to-date before traveling
• Step 2: Contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the United States for more information about visas
• You will need to apply for a visa prior to traveling and provide any additional documents related to your trip such as proof of financial means, an itinerary, etc
• The embassy or consulate can provide further information on what is required when applying for a visa
• Step 3: Submit your application form and pay the associated fee online or by mail depending on which method is specified by the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in question
• Once your application has been approved, you will receive confirmation via email along with instructions on how to proceed with obtaining your visa sticker which will be placed onto one of the pages of your passport prior to travel
• Step 4: Book flights and make accommodation arrangements if needed once you have received confirmation that your visa has been granted/approved
• You may also need to purchase traveler’s insurance prior to departure so make sure this is taken care of too! Step 5: Have fun! Pack lightly but don’t forget important items like medications and chargers – enjoy exploring Japan’s incredible landscape from ancient temples & shrines, beautiful gardens &

Which Countries Can You Visit with a US Green Card?

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If you are a permanent resident of the United States, then yes, you can use your green card to travel to Japan. It is important to note that while your green card serves as proof of legal residence in the US, it does not guarantee entry into other countries. As such, there are certain steps and requirements that must be met before being allowed to enter Japan with a green card. First off, travelers will need to obtain a valid passport from their native country or nation of origin. The passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity from when you plan on leaving for Japan. You will also need to apply for and receive a visa prior to traveling there; depending on what type of visa is granted (tourist or business), specific documentation may be required upon arrival. Additionally, it is recommended that travelers also carry additional proof documents such as hotel reservations and flight information which can help verify the purpose for visit if asked by immigration authorities upon arrival in Japan. Once all paperwork has been sorted out and organized correctly, those holding green cards should present their passports along with their visas at the port of entry before entering Japanese territory — this includes airports and ports located within the country’s borders but outside designated free-trade zones like Yokohama Harbor where customs inspections do not take place regularly (so check beforehand).

The United States Green Card is a permanent resident card that allows its holders to live and work in the US permanently. It also permits them to travel abroad with few restrictions, which makes it an attractive option for many people from around the world. The answer to this question depends on whether you are a green card holder or not. If you are a green card holder, then you can visit almost every country in the world with your US green card without having to obtain any additional visas or permits. Some countries may require extra paperwork such as passports or proof of financial means before allowing entry but generally speaking, most nations allow entry for those who possess valid residency documents like a US Green Card. This includes popular tourist destinations such as Canada, Mexico and European nations like France, Germany and Italy among others. On the other hand, if you do not have a valid US Green Card yet but would still like to visit certain countries outside of America then there are some options available depending on where you wish to go. For instance, Canada has signed Visa Waiver Agreements (VWP) with several countries including Australia and New Zealand which enables citizens of these nations to enter Canada without needing prior visa approval or permission – though they will be required to present their passport upon arrival at Canadian borders and airports.

Travelling to Mexico with just a Green Card and no passport can be possible, but it is not recommended. While the chances of being allowed entry into Mexico without a valid passport are slim, there may be some exceptions depending on the type of travel you are attempting to undertake. The first thing that needs to be taken into consideration when travelling with only a green card is your citizenship status. If you’re an American citizen, then you must have either your original US Passport or another form of accepted documentation in order to enter Mexico (such as a consular identification document). If you are not an American Citizen, then you will need your country’s appropriate passport for entry into Mexico. If you do decide to attempt travelling without proper documentation such as a passport, keep in mind that Mexican border officials could deny access if they determine that the information provided does not match up appropriately. Additionally, it may also take longer for customs officers at the port-of-entry to process your documents due to lack of verification from other sources like passports and visas. This means travellers will have more difficulty getting through immigration quickly and efficiently; there’s no guarantee that this method will work successfully every time – even if everything appears correct on paper.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, it’s important to understand what nationalities are allowed to enter the country without requiring a visa. While there is no single answer for this question as regulations can change over time and depend on individual circumstances, some general guidelines apply. Below we take a look at who can enter Japan without needing to apply for a visa beforehand. The first thing to note is that all foreign nationals intending to stay in Japan must possess valid passports and most will need visas upon entry. However, certain countries have special agreements with Japan which allow their citizens not only travel but also stay in the country without having obtained visas prior arrival; these are known as “visa-exempt” countries. Currently, 68 countries benefit from such an agreement with Japan including such major destinations like United States of America (USA), Canada, Mexico, Brazil and many European nations like France or Germany. The full list of visa-exempt countries includes: Andorra, Argentina, Austria , Australia , Belgium , Bulgaria , Brunei Darussalam , Canada , Chile*1 , Croatia*2*, Cyprus Czech Republic*, Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Romania San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland*3 United Kingdom US Virgin Islands USA Vatican City State .

Credit: visaguide.world

Are you planning a trip to Japan in 2022? If so, it is important to know the visa requirements for international travelers. A tourist visa allows visitors to stay in Japan for up to 90 days and explore all that the country has to offer. In this blog post, we will explain what documents are required when applying for a tourist visa and provide tips on how best to prepare your application. When applying for a Japanese Tourist Visa, applicants must first submit an online form with personal information including name, date of birth, and nationality. Once the form is completed and submitted, applicants will need to gather additional documentation required by the embassy or consulate where they plan on submitting their application. This includes: – Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining – Two passport photos – Proof of financial support (bank statements showing sufficient funds) – A copy of return air ticket or travel itinerary – Completed Visa Application Form (available from any Japanese Embassy/Consulate) In addition, some embassies may require additional information such as proof of employment or student status if applicable. It is also important that all documents submitted be originals – no copies accepted! Once these items have been gathered together it’s time to start preparing your application package which should include:

Traveling to Japan has become a dream for many people around the world, but due to the current global pandemic, it is not possible to travel there freely. The Japanese government has imposed strict travel restrictions on visitors from abroad in order to protect its citizens and prevent further spread of COVID-19. First off, all travelers entering Japan must have proof that they are either a permanent resident or have received special permission from the government. If you do manage to get into Japan with one of these statuses, you will need to quarantine yourself upon arrival at your own expense in an approved facility designated by the local health authority. During this 14 day period, travelers are not allowed to leave their hotel room or interact with anyone outside of their family unit unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, if someone breaks any of these regulations during their stay in Japan they face fines and deportation back home. The second requirement is that foreign visitors must present negative results from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arriving in the country; otherwise entry will be denied until such time as a valid result can be provided. Furthermore once inside Japan all international arrivals must take another PCR test at their own cost five days after entering the country and isolate themselves again while awaiting for those results which could take up two days or more depending on where it’s done (this does not apply for business trips).

The answer to the question of “Can U.S. Citizens Travel To Japan Now?” is yes, however there are some restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 2021, U.S. citizens can travel from the United States to Japan if they meet certain requirements set by Japanese authorities and complete a series of steps before traveling that includes registering on their website, submitting proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to boarding your flight, and obtaining an approved Certificate Of Testing issued by Ministry Of Health Labour And Welfare (MHLW). Additionally, travelers arriving in Japan must submit health declaration forms at immigration upon arrival and have their temperature checked as part of enhanced screening measures implemented by Japanese authorities for all incoming travelers regardless of nationality or purpose for visiting the country. Travelers returning from any location outside Japan will be subject to quarantine regulations upon entry into the country which may require them to remain isolated either at home or in designated facilities while waiting for results from additional testing conducted following arrival in Japan; these rules also apply if you transit through another country between your departure point and destination city/country in Japan . Individuals who refuse mandatory quarantine procedures may be denied entry into the country so it is important for US citizens considering travel plans understand this requirement ahead time before booking flights or other transportation services.

Yes, you can travel to Japan with a green card! As long as your green card is valid and unexpired at the time of entry into Japan, you should have no problem entering the country. In order to enter Japan, however, you will need to obtain a visa. Depending on where you are from and what type of activities or purpose for which you plan to visit in Japan, there are different types of visas that may be relevant. For example, if you wish to stay in Japan for business purposes such as attending conferences or trade shows then it is recommended that your apply for an “Employment” Visa prior to traveling. Additionally, some nationalities may choose apply for multiple-entry visas which allow them greater flexibility while visiting the country; this includes those who are studying Japanese language courses or internships in the country too! Ultimately it is best to contact your local embassy before traveling so they can provide guidance on which visa would best suit your needs and requirements.

Izumi Kenta

Hi, I’m Izumi Kenta from Japan. By profession, I worked as a tourist guide and interpreter in Japan. Besides this profession, I’m a hobbyist blogger. I love to talk about different things about Japan and share them with a wider audience who wants to know about my country. To share my thoughts, I’ve created this site Visitjapan and brought some Japanese travel enthusiasts and tourists worldwide to share their experiences.

One thought on “ Can I Travel to Japan With a Green Card? ”

Thanks for the information.I want to travel to Japan in April 2024 but my green card application is pending.Can I apply for Japanese visa with my my work authorization and formI-130

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The Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan — Tested and Compared

eSIMs are perfect for traveling. Worrying about SIM trays or losing tiny SIMs between the sofa cushions is finally a thing of the past! What’s more, the Japan eSIM market has exploded, with a wide range of offerings from both domestic and international players. To help you choose the best eSIM for your trip, we tried out all the eSIMs that we could get our hands on.

You can get an eSIM with a real Japanese phone number, even if you're just visiting. The voice + data eSIM from Mobal starts at [price amount=4620] for 30 days. Bonus -- the bulk of profits go to charity. -->

Japan eSIMs tested and compared

First, here’s a summary of what we found when we tested the eSIMs: If you’re curious, here’s how we tested the Japan eSIMs .

What exactly is an eSIM?

It’s a virtual SIM that you can download and install onto your phone directly, so no more fiddly physical SIM cards. Most phones released since 2019 have the option to use an eSIM, with Apple’s US iPhone 14 and 15 being eSIM only. eSIMs are convenient when you want to change your carrier, such as when abroad, as you can connect to a new provider in seconds without removing your existing physical SIM card.

Japan eSIMs for tourists and short-term visitors

Here’s a quick overview of some of the Japan eSIM options for your trip. This is not an exhaustive list; just an introduction to some of the main players in the market.

eSIM Japan: Affordable, reliable and easy

eSIM Japan offers economical data-only plans for visitors to Japan. Their plans come in two varieties: a general Japan plan, and city-specific plans for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and more. They are all the same price, and for all intents and purposes are the same as the general plans. However, all plans work throughout Japan.

When we ordered the 2GB/day Japan Unlimited Pro eSIM, a QR code landed in our inbox immediately, so you can even decide to pick one up while waiting to pick up your luggage at the airport. The time from purchase to use took less than 15 minutes.

The plan begins as soon as you scan the code and install the eSIM. Plans have a set time limit (3, 5, 7, 12, 15, or even 90 days) and a data limit (3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or unlimited), so you can choose a plan that works for the length of your trip. Plan prices vary based on length, from US$ 3.99 for a basic 3-day plan, to US$ 26.99 for an unlimited 12-day plan.

eSIM Japan is provided by China Mobile Hong Kong, but roams to Japan’s KDDI au and SoftBank networks (you’ll need to enable roaming to use it). Despite the roaming, it was fairly fast, with a download speed of 38.27Mbps on average. Webpages loaded in a flash, and both video calling and streaming were smooth, with no lags.

Note: If you are in Hong Kong or Taiwan, you’ll need to use real-name registration. Otherwise, no signup is required.

Mobal eSIMs: Best for emergencies and heavy data users

Popular local provider Mobal recently launched a line of eSIMs for Japan. They sell seven different data-only eSIMs, ranging from a basic 1GB, 8-day eSIM for ¥ 1,920 , all the way up to a hefty 100GB, 31-day eSIM for ¥ 8,000 . They also have a voice and data SIM.

Mobal uses the major Japanese network Docomo, which means that you won’t be roaming. It’s 4G LTE and coverage is countrywide. For activation of the data SIMs, it takes about 15 minutes. We received an email with a link to their service website after 5 minutes. This led us to a page where we waited for our eSIM QR code to be ready for another 10 minutes.

In terms of performance, Mobal is about middle of the pack, at an average of 24.76Mbps. Websites loaded quickly, and video calling was fairly smooth. Overall, it’s a solid, reliable eSIM.

Mobal voice + data eSIM for Japan

There is also a voice + data eSIM , which has an initial fee of ¥ 2,970 . When you activate your eSIM, you’ll need to choose a monthly plan, ranging from 1GB/month for ¥ 1,650 , to 30GB/month for ¥ 4,378 . There is no minimum contract period, and there are no cancellation fees, making it a viable choice for both travellers and residents alike. You get a real Japanese phone number with this eSIM. We tested out the 7GB plan.

Note: Due to regulations in Japan, the voice + data eSIM cannot be emailed to customers; your access code will need to be posted to your residence overseas, or otherwise picked up in person in Japan. You need to apply in advance, upload an ID document and wait for a delivery. Once you get your package in the mail, you need to activate your Mobal eSIM on the Mobal website. You’ll enter a 32-digit EID, then wait for Mobal to activate your eSIM and provision your new Japanese phone number. Technical support is available via email and a web form, though most questions can usually be solved by having a peek at Mobal’s FAQs page.

Airalo: Good performance from a trusted brand

Special offer: Order through our link and get 10% off. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.

If you’re in the market for speed, Airalo isn’t going to play games with you. Airalo eSIMs roam on SoftBank, one of Japan’s major carriers, offering dependable data on the go. Their Moshi Moshi eSIM line of eSIMs has 7, 15, and 30-day packages. The 7-day package is the bare minimum, with only 1GB of data for US$ 4.50 . The 15-day plan offers 2GB, and at the upper end, the 30-day plans come in 3, 5, 10, and 20GB increments. For those of you who burn through your data, that 20GB package will set you back US$ 26.00 .

Getting the Airalo eSIM took no time at all. We signed up for the 2GB/15-day Moshi Moshi eSIM, and after paying, we were immediately taken to a page with our eSIM QR code waiting. We were 100% good to go within 15 minutes. Note that sign-up is required for this eSIM.

When it came to our speed test, this eSIM left all of its competitors in the dust. Our testing had a lightning fast average download speed of 141.61Mbps. Websites loaded almost instantly, and YouTube videos didn’t stop to buffer once. Even our awkward video calls didn’t make this eSIM break a sweat. If you’re the sort of person who really works your data to the bone, Airalo is a good choice.

Ubigi: Solid performance with easy order and setup process

Ubigi is a global eSIM provider currently offering eSIMs for over 200 destinations. A relatively new name in the Japanese eSIM market, they nonetheless have plans to cover most needs. From economical single day 500MB plans for ¥ 390 to beefy month-long plans with 50GB of data for ¥ 9,700 , there’s something for all travelers.

Ordering from Ubigi is a snap. Once we paid, we had a QR code emailed to us in seconds. One quick scan, and we were ready to go. Like most others on this list, Ubigi works with NTT Docomo for reliable coverage across Japan. The company behind Ubigi is Transatel, which is actually owned by NTT.

We tried the 3GB Ubigi eSIM. In our testing, we experienced average speeds of 73.72Mbps, and webpages loaded in a flash. YouTube playback was smooth with no buffering, and our video calls were lag-free. Overall, at this price point, Ubigi offers excellent quality and speed that make them a strong contender.

World eSIM: Good speed from a trusted Japanese provider

World eSIM is brought to you by Vision Inc. — the folks behind travel wifi name Ninja Wifi . They have nine Japan eSIMs, with various combinations of data and validity periods. We ordered the 3GB/5-day plan for US$ 8.50 , but you can also get 5GB/10-day, 10GB/15-day, and 15GB/20-day eSIMs. If you prefer to get a daily amount of data, there are 500MB/day x 3 days ( US$ 4.50 ), 1GB/day and 2GB/day options.

Getting our eSIM was straightforward. After signing up on the World eSIM website, we paid and had a QR code sent to our email instantly. A quick scan, and we were ready to go. Download speeds averaged 99.15Mbps, and our streaming was smooth. We found that this was one of the best eSIMs for video calling, during our test. It’s a solid choice, overall.

Sakura Mobile: Trusted local Japan provider

An established SIM and wifi provider that’s popular with people staying in Japan both short and long term, Sakura Mobile also has a line of eSIMs. Prices scale depending on how long you’ll be staying (up to a maximum of 90 days), and how much data you want. Their cheapest option — a 3-day, 1GB data-only travel eSIM, costs ¥ 2,100 .

We tested the 3-day, 3GB data-only eSIM, which cost ¥ 2,750 . There was no option to install it directly through the Sakura Mobile website; the QR code and instructions were emailed to us. The user interface was a little clunky, but we managed to get the eSIM set up in under 15 minutes. We didn’t need to activate roaming to use it.

In terms of performance, Sakura Mobile’s download speeds averaged 84.46Mbps, although they varied significantly across test platforms. Video playback as well as calling was smooth, though, and we were satisfied with the overall performance.

Jetpac: Good price and performance

Singapore-based eSIM player Jetpac have a range of plans for Japan, starting from 3GB for ¥ 1,500 and going up to 25GB for ¥ 3,765 . When we did our test, there was also a promotional 1GB plan for ¥ 150 . We opted for the 3GB eSIM, however. Once we had paid, the Jetpac eSIM was provisioned instantly.

When it comes to speed, the Jetpac eSIM was one of the top performers during our tests. Download speeds averaged an impressive 122.7Mbps, and streaming as well as video calling was super smooth.

You need to enable roaming to use the SIM, though once up and running it will roam on the local SoftBank and KDDI networks. Jetpac pushes customers towards their app, but it’s not actually necessary to download it. A nice little perk is that the Jetpac eSIM gives you access to 1,100 airport lounges around the world; you can use them in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.

Which is better for your Japan trip: An eSIM, or a physical SIM card?

Even with more providers arriving on the scene, the options with physical SIMs are still superior to what you can get with eSIMs. For example, only one of the eSIMs listed here includes a Japanese phone number with calling ability (that’s Mobal ). So if you’d like something more inconvenient but with better options, check out our guide to prepaid SIM cards for travel to Japan .

Also, keep in mind that you might need a second device to install an eSIM, as the second will display the QR code for your first device to scan. If you don’t have a second device, you’ll need some help to install the code — perhaps by asking someone to take a photo of your QR code and then scanning it from their phone.

How did we test the Japan eSIMs?

First of all, a disclaimer: Testing the performance of eSIMs is inherently difficult, due to transient network conditions. You can test the same connection, on the same phone, in the same place, twice in a five-minute interval and get two completely different results for speed and latency.

For our most recent test, we rented six identical Google Pixel 7a handsets, and took them to a studio in Tokyo to test out the eSIMs mentioned in this article. While our video producer recorded the tests, our CEO installed the eSIMs and went through the following:

• Five speed tests, all using the Ookla app and different test servers, assessing the download and upload speeds (we did four tests for upload speeds), as well as latency
• Watched videos on YouTube to assess streaming capabilities
• Made short video calls to look for lag

Our CEO then retested some of the eSIMs the following day, at a different location in Tokyo, to compare results. Due to both Mobal and Sakura Mobile experiencing severe throttling on the initial test day, we have used the data from the second day for their eSIMs.

Some of the eSIMs had to be run on the same device, meaning that not all tests were simultaneous. We know that our testing method isn’t perfect, but it gave us a good idea of the performance of the different eSIMs. We excluded some eSIMs from the article where we had concerns about the ordering process, performance or pricing.

A word on speed tests: We strongly recommend that you don’t run speed tests with your eSIM, as they BURN through data. A single test could use 300MB or more!

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Prices are approximate. This post was first published in October, 2020 and was last updated by Carey Finn on April 1st, 2024.

閱讀中文版本: 去日本旅行的最佳eSIM卡推介

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All of Our Tips for Visiting Japan from the Obvious to the Curious

T raveling to Japan can be overwhelming for first time visitors, even well-seasoned travelers. We started planning our trip to Japan ten months in advance, scouring internet resources, social media, and friend recommendations. All of these notes came together for a (mostly) successful visit over the winter holidays. These are some of the most essential tips for visiting Japan, some which might surprise you, and others that will be necessary for a successful vacation.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

Top Japan Travel Tips

The Japanese culture is quite unique, effortlessly blending traditional Japanese customs with modern (and even futuristic) takes on life as we know it. It’s a destination similar to others, yet at times, a destination we have never seen before. Japan will overstimulate, surprise, and even confuse visitors, but in the end, we are sure you will walk away with a greater appreciation for the Japanese people and their country.

When to Visit Japan?

Ultimately, the best time to visit Japan depends on the interests of your family. Spring time (March to May) is easily the busiest time of year as it not only coincides with many school breaks, but also the cherry blossom season. If this is when you want to visit, I would recommend booking at least a year in advance for the best accommodation options. 

Summer is typically the rainy season and it can be hot and sticky (especially July and August). If this is the only time to visit, head for the mountains for cooler temperatures. Fall is also very popular, as you’ll see a lot of colorful leaves, especially in places like Kyoto .

If you travel in winter (like we did), the temperatures in the cities are manageable, but you will likely have snow in the mountains. This is a popular time to travel for families who love to ski. The New Year celebrations in Japan last from January 1 to 3 (and a little bit on both sides of this), so be mindful that attractions (especially temples and shrines) will be extremely busy.

Flying into Japan

​ Japan’s major airports are Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) in Tokyo, Kansai (KIX) in Osaka, and Chubu (NGO) in Nagoya.

In Tokyo, Narita is fairly far from the center part of the city (it took us 1.5 hours due to traffic), Haneda is closer to the city (about 30 minutes without traffic). Pay attention to airport locations because you might want to stay close to an airport the night before your departure.

Airport Arrival

To save time upon arriving at the airport, go to  Visit Japan Web   to save time upon arrival. You will be asked to submit your travel details and can add the names and passports of the people traveling with you.

NOTE: You will have to go through the process for each passenger so everyone has their own QR code. This was not evident to me, so I only had a QR code for myself, causing some confusion upon arrival. Just an FYI so you don’t make the same mistake.

About Passports

Japan requires everyone to carry a valid identification card when they are out in public. I was responsible for carrying everyone’s passports when we went out, but was never asked to provide identification.

Bringing medications into Japan

If you have any medicine you take on a regular basis, you need to check the Ministry of Health Website ( HERE) , before your trip. Some medications are prohibited, and if you need to bring them, you will need to fill out a Yunyu Kakunin-sho form.

We traveled with Benadryl and an Epipen (and brought a copy of the prescription), as well as thyroid and high blood pressure medication. The latter two are allowed in the country without a prescription, but you cannot have more than a 30-day supply. Please check for yourself before bringing anything into the country.

Airport Transfers: Taxis/Private Cars/Limousine Bus

I will say, I would highly recommend booking a private driver for airport transfers. Again, we were quoted some ridiculous pricing ($300+), but I found a company called  Tokyo Airporter .

They had good communication, connected with me ahead of time on WhatsApp, and cost about $150 for a LONG trip from Narita Airport to Hilton Tokyo. We tried to book them for a return airport transfer, but they were booked, so be sure to make arrangements ahead of time.

In all of my research, there was never clear information about using taxis/drivers in Japan. Some people claimed they were over-the-top ripoffs, while others thought they were reasonable. We had a couple of experiences and would have to agree it was a mixed bag.

The first issue was our taxi we took to change hotels in Tokyo. Granted, Tokyo is massive, so it wasn’t a short ride, about 40 minutes. Our hotel concierge quoted us $60, but the final bill was closer to $100 (due to a service fee). Lesson learned.

On our return to the airport (from Tokyo Bay to Haneda), our actual fare was $40 less than what we were originally quoted by the hotel concierge. Make of it what you will, but I’m not sure there is any consistency when it comes to using taxis in Japan.

Note: We did not use it, but there is a limousine bus service that runs between the airports and central Tokyo. It seems fairly easy to use, and if you’re not in a hurry, this could be a great option. You will need to reserve spots ahead of time, and you can find the routes on their website –  HERE .

Japanese Public Transportation

Japan rail pass.

This might have been the trickiest thing for us to navigate, both before and during our trip. If you are spending time exploring outside of Tokyo , I would see if it is worth getting a Japan Rail Pass (also known as a JR Pass).

This is similar to Eurorail tickets in Europe where you stamp your ticket at the beginning of your journey and it is set for a period of time. We had a 7-day pass, but there are also 14 and 21-day options for unlimited travel throughout Japan. It is only available for foreign tourists.

Activating Your Japan Rail Pass

I ordered the tickets online (there are numerous vendors from Japan Rail Pass to Klook (just know the Klook return policy isn’t the best)). These were shipped in the form of vouchers to our house a couple of months before our trip. Tickets are tied to your passport number, so be sure to have these handy when you order them online and when you pick them up. 

Most people will exchange the vouchers at the JR offices at Narita or Haneda Airports upon arrival. We were too tired to think about that, so we waited until after our first night and exchanged them at the JR East Office at Shinjuku Station (note: all members of your party will need to be present with passports when you exchange them).

We used our Japan Rail Pass for the Shinkansen bullet trains between Tokyo and Kyoto (and the return). When we exchanged our vouchers, we went ahead and booked seat reservations on both long-distance trains.

Note: If you have large luggage and you don’t plan to use a forwarding service (more on this later), be sure to reserve a space on the train for your bags. Only carry-on luggage will fit in the overhead bin on the train carriage.

We were also able to use the rail pass for the JR trains in Kyoto when we visited Fushimi Inari shrine on the JR Nara line and during our day trip to Arashiyama.

TIP: If you want to see Mt Fuji from your train window, you will need to book seats D and E. This applies to the Tokyo to Kyoto train and return trip as well.

Public Transportation Cards

Instead of purchasing individual point-to-point train passes, I would recommend investing in a prepaid IC card like Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca.

We picked up Suica cards when we swapped out our vouchers at the JR Office. (Note: there is a way to load these to your Apple Wallet, but for some reason we weren’t able to do so).

This is a debit card for the transportation system and you simply swipe it upon entering and exiting the train stations. Your card balance will be displayed each time you swipe it at the gate.

A Suica card (and the others) can also be used as credit cards and they are accepted at many convenience stores (just look for the logo), some vending machines, and even at the airports for purchases. (We used the remainder on our cards at Haneda Airport to purchase food and souvenirs). 

There are ticket machines at every train and metro station for recharging the cards. Simply walk up to it, select your language on the screen, place your card on the reader, and insert the amount of money you want to add. 

Not only can these cards be used for train tickets, they can also be used at subway stations and city buses. For us, it was easiest to keep all of the cards in one place and just hand them out when we were traveling.

Navigating Public Transportation  

Trust me when I say Google Maps is going to be your best friend in Japan. Be sure everyone in your group has it downloaded before traveling. To use public transportation, simply enter your starting point and destination in the app. (Note: it even allows you to select your departure time). 

Google Maps will tell you which entrance to use, which train line, the name of the train, how many stops, and how much time it will take from point A to point B (including time walking between trains).

It will also list the name of the exit so you can look for that when exiting the train. I would recommend having one person be the navigator, but know this is extremely draining on a cell phone battery.

Using the Shinkansen Bullet Train

We used the high speed train from Tokyo to Kyoto and the return. The departure point for the Shinkansen line in Tokyo is Tokyo Station, the largest and busiest train station in the country. Upon arriving, you will have to navigate to the Shinkansen departure area. We found it wasn’t very well signed, so give yourselves plenty of time to locate it.

There is no food service on the bullet train, so if you are traveling during meal times, be sure to grab something to go at one of the stores or cafes. You will be surprised by all of the delicious food options they have available.

When boarding the train you will want to have your ticket handy as it will show where your seat is located. Look for the carriage number (you can see these listed overhead along the track so you know where to board), and your seat assignments. Line up in the area that matched the train car listed on your ticket. 

Once you board, you will be able to store your luggage over your seat or under your feet. If you have oversized luggage you will need to leave it in the space at the end of the car, as long as you have made a reservation for the bag.

The only time we were approached by a train conductor was when they were looking for people who improperly left their bags in this area.

Bathrooms (and trash) are typically found at one end of the car. There is a map at each seat that shows you what is available in your train car and both adjoining carriages.

Luggage Forwarding Service

I am going to recommend this for every single person visiting Japan – ship your luggage ahead! We were traveling with 5 small carry on roller bags and 5 backpacks. After our first trip on the Tokyo metro, I told my husband there was no way we could navigate the stations (and trains) with luggage in tow. Thankfully, he agreed.

We stayed at Mimaru Tokyo Kinshicho (great place to stay, didn’t love the location except for its access to trains) and the staff there was so helpful in arranging to ship our bags.

A day and a half before we traveled to Kyoto, we took five of our suitcases to the lobby where they completed the luggage transfer paperwork. Their first quote was about $15USD/bag, but upon handing the bags over we learned there was a quantity discount.

We only paid $12/bag to ship from Tokyo to Kyoto. The company they used is  Yamato Transfer Service , and a tracking number was provided. Let me tell you, it was worth every penny!

We used the same service to ship our bags from our property in Kyoto to our final destination in Tokyo. We only had to turn over the bags 24 hours in advance, but again, it was worth it!

Essential Tips for Your Japan Trip

No need for pocket wifi.

You will see a lot of people advocating for pocket wi-fi, but we found it was unnecessary. There are companies that offer airport pick-up and drop-off for portable wi-fi, however, these can drain your phone’s battery and we saw it as just another thing to keep track of.

My husband and I paid the daily international service rates through Verizon ($10/day/device), and our kids left their phones in airplane mode the entire trip. They found wi-fi in many public spaces, including restaurants, attractions, and in the hotel room at the end of the day. 

If you want your kids to have service, I would recommend looking for an eSIM card (we recommend  Airalo ) or a local SIM card that allows them to have phone service for a reasonable rate.

Learn and Use Basic Japanese Phrases

This might be my most important Japan travel tip – download Google Translate and learn how to use it. We used it in restaurants, grocery stores, train stations, communicating with taxi drivers and shop owners, I mean it was amazing. I even used it to translate the settings on the washer/dryer machine at our hotel. It’s a game changer.

However, it doesn’t hurt to learn a few Japanese phrases before your trip (hello, goodbye, thank you, please, excuse me). Some Japanese will know small amounts of English, but these Japanese words will garnish a lot of smiles and head nods.

Pack thoughtfully

After a debacle this past summer checking our bags to Iceland, I was determined to travel with carry on bags for this trip.

Everyone took a backpack and a  small roller bag . We were in Japan for 11 days, and the key was staying at a place with laundry during the middle of our trip. Many accommodations will offer laundry, but we loved our room at Mimaru Suites that had a washer/dryer in the apartment.

Accommodations in Japan

​ Speaking of accommodations, you will find a ton of family friendly options in Japan. There’s everything from private lodging to ryokan (traditional inns) and western hotels.

We opted for two different hotel chains, but 4 different properties. I knew upon arrival (and with jet lag), I wanted a hotel that might have the option of checking in early, so I chose Hilton Tokyo.

Hilton Tokyo

Located in Shinjuku, I figured it would be nice to have a central location for exploring. The property is also on the limousine bus route, so if I couldn’t find transportation, that was always an option.

The Hilton Tokyo was a great option. We had booked rooms with executive lounge access which was extremely helpful the first night we arrived and were too tired to go out. The property also has a fabulous breakfast buffet, and their staff was lovely.

Mimaru Tokyo Kinshicho

I had a difficult time deciding on the best Mimaru hotel in Tokyo. We chose the Mimaru Tokyo Kinshicho , and in hindsight, I would have chosen a different location. It’s very close to Kameido Train Station, which allowed for easy transportation throughout the city, however, the area is a little dicey at night.

I will say, one of our favorite places we discovered near the apart-hotel was the pastry shop next to the station (シェ・リュイ アトレ亀戸店). Every morning we would walk over and load up on a variety of treats to enjoy for breakfast. Yum!

Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo

In Kyoto, we stayed at Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo . Mimaru Suites tend to be a bit larger than the traditional Mimaru. We had a 3-bedroom Japanese suite, which was essential an apartment with 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a Japanese room with tatami mats, futons, and sliding paper doors.

This was the perfect setup for our family of 5 and it was easy walking distance to the nearest metro station. They also offered a happy hour every evening, Christmas surprises (like a visit from Santa), and fabulous service.

Hilton Tokyo Bay

Our final two nights we stayed at Hilton Tokyo Bay so we could have easy access to Tokyo Disney and Narita Airport. This property has a handful of restaurants and two convenience stores on the main floor of the hotel and it is easy to access by train.

The hotel overlooks the Disney fireworks or Tokyo Bay, so you can’t go wrong with the rooms. It’s also next door to the Toy Story Hotel which offers a massive playground that is open to all.

Book popular attractions in advance

​There are many attractions you should book in advance to avoid disappointment. I tried to wing it on Shibuya Sky (because I didn’t know what the weather would be like), so I missed a chance to visit. Here are Japan attractions to book in advance (most of these are things to do in Tokyo unless noted):

• teamLab Planets (can book up to 30 days in advance)
• teamLab Borderless (new in February 2024, will be very popular)
• Tokyo Disney and DisneySea – tickets available through the Disney website (I could not get it to accept my credit card information so I used GetYourGuide )
• Ghibli Museum and Park
• Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) – GET TICKETS HERE
• Warner Brothers Harry Potter Wizarding World
• Shibuya Sky (alternates are Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (which is free))
• Food tour – highly recommend Arigato Travel – we did the Retro Shinjuku Tour
• Cooking class – we did this ramen and gyoza making class with Chagohan Tokyo
• Sumo experience – for a chance to wrestle with them and enjoy lunch!
• Sumo tournament experience – tournaments take place six times/year. Dates vary, but they are typically in January, March, May, July, September, and November
• Baseball games (run March to October)
• Sanrio Puroland (aka Hello Kitty Land)
• Tea ceremony in Kyoto
• Pokemon Cafe
• Go Kart tour – they are everywhere, and people love them!
• Animal cafes – if you choose to do this, I would recommend going to a place where the animals enjoy the attention. We did hedgehogs, and by the end of the day, you could tell they were overstimulated. Maybe try the cats or dogs.

Tips for Visiting Japan: Cash versus Credit Cards

Almost everywhere we went (granted, we were in large cities) accepted credit cards. There were some smaller vendors and kiosks where we used Japanese currency.

**Tip: Bring a coin purse to keep track of all your change. These coins are great if you want to purchase something from a vending machine, make an offering at a temple, or need to load your transportation card.

Order currency in advance

I always like to have a couple of hundred dollars upon arriving in a destination. We ordered some Japanese yen in advance (about a month before departure). ATMs are fairly easy to find, especially in 7-Elevens and post offices. *Note: there will likely be a withdrawal fee, and possible service fees, so check with your bank in advance.

Shopping and Eating

​ Japanese department stores are next level. They have everything from food to fashion and everything in between. Check out the Shibuya Parco for its manga and gaming floor, and fabulous underground food court.

Tokyo Skytree has Tokyo Solamachi with over 300 shops and restaurants. Shibuya Scramble Square has shopping, a Starbucks, and restaurants (we tried dim sum at Ding Taifu Feng, and we would recommend). In Kyoto, you will find great options at Daimaru Kyoto and Takashimaya.

Try all the food

​ I can honestly say we never had a bad meal in Japan. This includes Japanese food, Mexican food, Italian food, and even hamburgers. We sampled drinks from vending machines (a blue label means cold and a red one means hot), purchased street food, and enjoyed five star dining. Even if your kids are picky eaters, there will be something they will eat.

Note: Do not be afraid to eat food from convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart), because they have some amazing options. I’m a huge fan of the 7-Eleven Egg Sandwich, and the kids loved the opportunity to find new favorites.

If you want to try one of the popular restaurants in Tokyo like Avatar Robot Cafe or Kirby Cafe , you will need to make reservations in advance. We only made reservations for a Christmas Eve dinner, and the rest of the time we just winged it.

Public toilets

The rumors are true about Japanese toilets, they are AMAZING!!! I told my husband we need a toilet with a seat warmer the next time we remodel a bathroom. If you are out and about and need a toilet, head to a department store or cafe.

Trash cans and plastic bags

Trash cans are few and far between in Japan, so it’s a good idea to bring a plastic bag or two from home and just keep it in your day pack. Good places to find a trash can are inside shopping mall food courts and coffee shops.

In an effort to cut down on waste, Japanese stores will charge for plastic bags. The amount is negligible, but it helps cut down on single-use plastics. If you have reusable shopping bags, it would be smart to bring them along.

Tipping in Japan

​Tipping is not expected (and often not accepted) in Japan. The only people we tipped throughout our stay were the tour guides we used.

Japanese Souvenirs to Bring Home

​ Popular Japanese souvenirs include:

• kitchen knives
• omamori (charms found at temples and shrines that bring good luck or protection)
• skincare items
• sweets (my kids insisted on bringing back Pocky and KitKats (favorite flavors: apple, lemon, orange, and strawberry). We found the largest variety at the MEGA Don Quijote Shinjuku Tonanguchi

Note: You can find almost all of these items at the airports if you don’t want to travel around the country carrying souvenirs in your bags.

Japanese etiquette

Whether it’s your first visit to Japan, or your tenth, there are bound to be some cultural differences. Here are some of the ones we noticed:

• Eating in public doesn’t really happen. It’s not the worst thing you can do (and they’re very forgiving of children eating while walking or on the trains), but try to eat at a restaurant or in private. 
• Be on time. Just about everything in Japan runs on punctuality, especially transportation. Don’t make others wait if you can help it.
• Don’t jaywalk. Only cross the street when the walk sign is presented.
• When going up and down escalators, stand on the left and walk on the right. They also drive on the left.
• Wait until everyone exits the train, before entering. Also, try to talk in hushed tones on the train, they tend to be fairly quiet.
• Don’t blow your nose in public, and definitely don’t blow your nose at the table. It’s considered rude.

​Hopefully these tips will help you navigate your next trip to Japan. I’ll continue to add more as I think of them, but these you help you get started.

The post All of Our Tips for Visiting Japan from the Obvious to the Curious appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

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The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Japan captured my heart from the moment I firs visited. The delicious food, the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history, and the very friendly and polite people – it all blew my mind.

But Japan often feels impenetrable, especially to first-time visitors. While I think Japan deserves a minimum of 10 days, I get that some people might only have a week, so I wanted to write this, my ideal seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time visitor.

With only a week, there’s not much you can see unless you really rush it. And I don’t think you should do that.

So this itinerary only focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto (the most popular destinations) as well as some day trips from each. If you wanted to rush things a little, you could add in Osaka (more on that at the end).

(Note: If you purchased a Japan Rail Pass , activate it on arrival. That way, you can take advantage of the free JR trains throughout the city.)

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo

Japan itinerary day 2: tokyo, japan itinerary day 3: tokyo, japan itinerary day 4: kyoto, japan itinerary day 5: kyoto, japan itinerary day 6: nara, japan itinerary day 7: tokyo, an alternative itinerary.

Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets Cure your jet lag with some food! In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu. It is now twice the size of Tsukiji (the old one), making it the largest such market in the world. Here you can eat fresh sushi for breakfast, just a few feet from where it was hauled in from the sea, while marveling at the chaotic atmosphere.

You can still head to the old market in Tsukiji to eat, shop, and wander as well. I like it a lot, because there are more food options! Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 15,000 JPY.

Toyosu Fish Market is open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, though most shops don’t open until 7am. Admission is free, but you have to pick up a visitor’s pass when you enter. Tsukiji Fish Market’s hours vary by shop (usually 5am-2pm). Admission is free.

teamLab Planets This digital art installation is a multi-sensory and immersive experience in which you become part of the artwork, walking barefoot through the four exhibition spaces and gardens as you interact with the installations’ elements in unique ways. It’s really fun! TeamLab is generally sells out in advance, so I recommend getting your tickets online ahead of time .

Take a walking tour Walking tours are a great way to get the lay of the land while connecting with a local guide. I always go on one or two when I arrive somewhere. Tokyo Localized offers many free tours, including a classic overview and ones of both the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace tour would be the most convenient one after teamLab.

The Imperial Palace Formerly Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace was built in the 15th century, and some of the walls and moats from that time are still in use to this day. When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new palace and renamed it. While you can’t go inside, it is surrounded by beautiful grounds, a moat, and a park worth wandering through. You can also see the changing-of-the-guard ceremony (though it’s relatively low-key and unassuming). Admission to the grounds is free.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden This park is over 144 acres and home to some 20,000 trees. Most of the original park was destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. During spring, it is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. My favorite area is the landscape garden, which has several ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceful oasis away from the urban hustle and bustle.

Depending on how you feel relative to your jetlag, you could fit a few more activities before you end your day. Check out this post for suggestions .

• Senso-ji – This is Tokyo’s most popular and famous temple. Beautifully painted, it sits in a scenic spot near a pagoda and the lovely Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s very busy during the day, so maybe check out the grounds in the evening.
• Asakusa Shrine – This nearby Shinto shrine is much more peaceful, with fewer visitors, but with people praying, meditating, or performing traditional rituals. It was built during the Edo period (1603–1868) and survived the air raids of World War II.

Afterward, head to Ueno Park . Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park was established in 1873 on land formerly owned by a 17th-century Buddhist temple. It gets super busy in cherry blossom season, as there are over a thousand trees here. Throughout, you’ll find various stalls and vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are usually cultural events or festivals showcasing traditional arts, music, and dance. Four of Tokyo’s main museums are here:

• Tokyo National Museum – Established in 1872 on the north end, this massive building is the oldest and largest art museum in Japan. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts from Asia, particularly Japan.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – This museum showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
• National Museum of Nature and Science – This museum features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering natural science and history.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This beautiful 17th-century Shinto shrine has carved gold doors and other ornate carvings. It’s worth seeing up close!

Afterward, walk down to Akihabara to explore the video game parlors, arcades, and anime shops. This very buzzy area is ground zero for all things electronic, and it’s fun to play many of the games. This is where you’ll find the famous maid cafés, where servers dress up as maids and serve you food and drinks. These range from big touristy ones to holes-in-the-wall (the girls on the street are promoting the latter, which are a lot more culturally fun). They aren’t cheap, though, as you have to buy drink packages and pay a fee, but they’re kitschy and fun.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku and then drink in Golden Gai . In Shinjuku, you’ll find a plethora of cool bars, bright lights, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries. Be sure to wander down Memory Lane (aka Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya joints and bars. Afterward, head over to Golden Gai, a warren of narrow alleyways with a bit of a red-light-district feel, flanked by diminutive backstreet bars. It’s quite touristy but also a lot of fun. I’ve had some wild nights here!

With Arigato Tours , you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. The 23,900 JPY cost includes a drink and dishes at four stops.  

Kamakura Here you can see a 13-meter (43-foot) bronze statue of Buddha that was built in 1252. It was initially constructed within Kotoku-in Temple, but that has since been washed away by several storms, so it now sits in the open air. Admission to enter the temple grounds is 300 JPY, while it’s 20 JPY to go inside the statue. The journey there — around an hour — is free with a Japan Rail Pass .

Tokyo Disneyland I’m a sucker for Disney. You’ll find many of the same classic rides from Disney World here, like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everyone’s favorite teacup ride, The Mad Tea Party. But there are several unique attractions as well, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, but full-day admission begins at 7,900 JPY for adults and 4,400-6,200 JPY for children. It’s best to book in advance .

Mount Fuji Mount Fuji is located an hour outside of Tokyo. An active stratovolcano (which last erupted in 1708) and covered in snow for almost half of the year, it stands an impressive 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) and provides one of the most iconic views in the country. One of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan, Mount Fuji is both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a UNESCO Cultural Site. In the summer, the mountain is open to hikers, who take 5-12 hours to reach the summit (traditionally, they depart at night to arrive at the top for the sunrise).

If you don’t want to hike, you can simply visit on a day trip. There are buses that can take you partway up, where you’ll be offered sweeping vistas of the surrounding area. Guided day tours from the city cost around 12,000 JPY.  

Wander the Bamboo Forest For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Visit the Golden Pavilion Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun (military governor), this iconic structure was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The present-day edifice dates only to the 1950s, however, when a monk attempting to kill himself burned the historic original to the ground. The rebuilt temple is covered in brilliant gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Each of the three stories exhibits a different architectural style. Completing the scene are the serene reflecting pool and traditional Japanese gardens that contain lush foliage, manicured trees, and scenic walking paths.

1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, +81 075-461-0013, shokoku-ji.jp. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is 500 JPY.

Admire Ryoan-ji Temple This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

There are other temples in the area to check out as well:

• Daitoku-ji Temple – This massive complex dating back to 1315 covers almost 60 acres. It contains several dozen temples and is a good place to see a variety of Zen gardens and architectural styles. It’s also deeply linked to the Japanese tea ceremony, as several of the country’s most noteworthy masters studied here.
• Toji Temple – This is home to Japan’s tallest pagoda (five stories high). Founded in 796, just after Kyoto became the capital, it was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in the city.

Go on a sake brewery tour Kyoto has a sake (rice wine) brewing tradition going back 400 years and is known for some of the best in the world, due to using the area’s pure natural spring water in the brewing process. Arigato Tours offers an excellent three-hour tour of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, including stops at several breweries, a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.  

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine This mountainside Shinto shrine, dating back to 711, is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s known for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that form a network of trails leading up Mount Inari. You can hike the trails on your own while enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto below or join a guided hiking tour , on which you’ll get off the paved paths and into hidden bamboo groves. Get here as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, +81756417331, inari.jp. Open 24/7. Admission is free.

Walk around Higashiyama Spend an afternoon walking along the narrow streets of one of the oldest and best preserved districts on your own or on a walking tour . The traditional machiya buildings (traditional wooden townhouses) are filled with small shops selling local specialties and handicrafts, as well as restaurants and teahouses. It’s a popular area in which to participate in a tea ceremony . Another nice place to stroll in this neighborhood is the Philosopher’s Path, which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal that’s beautiful and meditative even when the blossoms aren’t in season.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera One of a number of UNESCO sites in ancient Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (meaning “pure water temple”) is located in the foothills of Mount Otowa in the eastern part of the city. It’s one of the most famous temples in all of Japan. It was established in 778, but most of the existing buildings date to the 17th century. There’s not a single nail used in the construction, which becomes all the more impressive once you see how large the temple is, which is best known for its wooden terrace that juts out over the hillside. The temple’s name comes from the nearby waterfall whose waters (from which you can still drink today) are said to have wish-granting and healing powers.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, +81 75-551-1234, kiyomizudera.or.jp. Open daily 6am-6pm. Admission is 400 JPY.

Explore Shorin-ji Temple This small temple dates back to the 16th century. What makes it worth visiting is its meditation classes. You’ll get to tour the temple and then be instructed in zazen , the Japanese style of meditation. It’s a very unique experience and something that I think will add a lot of depth and nuance to your visit (especially if you’ve seen a lot of temples). Just make sure to dress comfortably.

15 Chome-795 Honmachi, +81 75-561-4311, shourin-ji.org. Open daily 10am-4pm. Admission is 800 JPY.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

Explore Gion Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

At night, go to the Pontocho Row , a narrow street lined with restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars, and jazz clubs. It’s one of the more lively areas in Kyoto.  

Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to the prevalence of fires and earthquakes, as well as World War II). Some things to do:

• Frolic with deer – The real draw in Nara are the deer. Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree.
• See the Buddha – Don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji, the world’s largest wooden building, home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a walking tour – This guided half-day walking tour for 11,500 JPY includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch.

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo wrestling arena, hosts tournaments three times each year, in January, May, and September. Tickets sell out quickly, so book online in advance. Prices vary but start around 3,200 JPY for arena seats. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

To learn more about the sport in in the off-season, book a tour of a sumo stable .  

So, if you want to add another city to this itinerary you can follow this breakdown:

• Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
• Days 3 & 4: Kyoto
• Day 5: Nara
• Days 6 & 7: Osaka

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara are all covered above. As for Osaka, some of my favorite things to see and do:

Take a food tour Known as “the Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka boasts a diverse culinary scene. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. Plus, there are local specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (kebab skewers). You can take a food tour for around 13,000 JPY, a ramen and gyoza cooking class for 9,500 JPY, or just wander and eat.

Osaka Castle One of the most famous landmarks in the country, the castle was originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the Sengoku period (1467-1615). Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to wars, fires, and natural disasters. The current version dates to 1931. The castle is situated amid sprawling grounds and surrounded by a moat. It’s also home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque urban views.

Dotonbori This is arguably Osaka’s most iconic district, known for its vibrant nightlife (bars, clubs, theaters, and music venues), colorful signage, and delicious food. It’s best seen at night due to the plethora of huge neon lights and signs lining both the canal and streets, which have become symbols of Osaka’s nightlife. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Shitennoji Temple This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, founded in 593. The architecture is a blend of traditional Japanese and East Asian styles, featuring impressive pagodas, gates, and shrines set amid serene gardens. Stroll through the tranquil grounds, admire the beautiful architecture, and learn about the temple’s historical and cultural significance at the museum. The temple is 300 JPY to enter, the garden is 300 JPY, and the museum is 500 JPY.  

Japan is one of my favorite countries. While it’s relatively small, it offers an amazing array of things to see and do (as well as some of the best food in the world). With seven days, you can easily see a good number of the main highlights and get a taste for the incredible history and culture. It will be a busy week, but this itinerary ensures you’ll still have some time to slow down, relax, and take in the local pace of life.

Just make sure you get a Japan Rail Pass before you go. While it’s not as cheap as it used to be, it will likely save you time and money!

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money, information on costs, tips on what to see and do, suggested itineraries and reading and packing lists, and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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