japan tourist allowed

Japan Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Japan

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Recommended in public spaces.

Japan entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Japan from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Japan.

Can I travel to Japan if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Japan without restrictions.

Can I travel to Japan without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Japan without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Japan?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Japan.

Can I travel to Japan without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Japan?

Mask usage in Japan is recommended in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Japan?

Restaurants in Japan are open. Bars in Japan are .

This is how you can visit Japan as travel rules ease for fall

Sep 12, 2022 • 4 min read

Japan has relaxed its entry rules again © Getty Images

Travel to  Japan  has been heavily restricted since borders snapped shut two-and-a-half years ago. Up until now, it hasn't been easy for tourists to get there, with only organized group tours allowed into the country for much of 2022. But last week, the government announced that things are changing, and self-guided trips are back.

By self-guided trips, we mean that travelers no longer need to be accompanied by a guide during their trip. But unrestricted tourism is still off the cards. In order to visit Japan, travelers must book their flights and accommodation through a licensed travel agency. 

There are reports, however, that Japan could remove the daily cap of 50,000 arrivals by the end of the month and return to visa-free and independent travel. Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, said the government is considering ways to ease the current pandemic restrictions while "maintaining a balance between preventing the spread of infection and promoting social and economic activities".

In the meantime, if you've long dreamed of visiting the neon-bright neighborhoods of Tokyo or the once-in-a-lifetime attractions of Kyoto , and you're keen to do it as soon as possible, here's what you need to know about entry and visa rules for visiting Japan as a tourist.

The 10 most spectacular road trips in Japan

Japan's new entry rules

In June, tourists were allowed to return to Japan but as part of an organized group tour whereby they have to be accompanied by a local guide for the duration of their trip. But that rule was scrapped on September 7 in favor of a more relaxed policy that allows self-guided trips.

That said, you can't rock up after booking a flight online. You must book your flight and accommodation through a registered travel agency, so the government has a point of contact for you. That means the only route in is via package vacations, for now, guided or self-guided - whatever your preference.

You must wear masks and adhere to other COVID-19 measures. You'll also need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their departure date if you haven't been triple vaccinated and you must install the  MySOS app , where you can register your test results.

Before the pandemic, Japan offered visa-free entry to visitors from some 68 countries,s including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Malaysia, but for now, "everyone needs a visa," according to the Foreign Ministry, regardless of where they are coming from.

Discover Japan's 10 most spectacular natural wonders

How tourists can apply for a visa to visit Japan

The visa exemption scheme for Japan remains on hold for now, which means that anyone who wishes to visit must apply for and obtain a tourist visa first. You can apply for a certificate for registration to ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System)  through the travel agency you've booked their trip with. Once that's processed, you'll receive a document you can take to your local Japanese embassy or consulate to obtain a visa or apply for the visa directly with the tourism agency. The turnaround time is generally five working days after the documents are received and accepted.

US and Canadian citizens can apply for an eVisa

A new eVisa scheme was introduced last month for US and Canadian citizens. The eVisa is available for tourist and business travelers and those visiting relatives. Applicants must hold a valid US or Canadian passport.

Before applying for the eVisa, applicants must obtain a certificate for registration to the  ERFS  through the travel agency they've booked their trip with. According to the Japanese embassy, those visiting relatives don't need to apply for an ERFS, but they must instead download marriage certificates or proof of kinship.

If you're looking to apply, you must have these forms in order, and then complete  the eVisa form online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You'll need passport information, travel documents, and supporting documents like ERFS to hand. A processing fee will also apply. Once the application is completed and approved, the eVisa will be issued by email.

Japan's best food and drink experiences

Japan's COVID-19 vaccination requirements

Japan categorizes countries into blue, yellow, or red based on their COVID risk. Travelers from blue countries have the option to show proof of vaccination or take a test before traveling. Blue countries include the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Argentina, Mexico, and more. The complete list of countries can be viewed here .

Travelers from yellow and red countries are subject to additional entry requirements, such as testing upon arrival and quarantine.

This article was first published October 2020 and updated September 2022

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Japan to reopen to independent travelers and lift daily arrival cap, Kishida says

Japan will allow visa-free, independent tourism and abolish its daily arrival cap as of Oct. 11, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday, marking a major policy shift after nearly 2½ years of strict COVID-19 restrictions.

Kishida made the long-awaited announcement during his visit to New York for the U.N. General Assembly .

“I hope many people will utilize them,” Kishida said at a news conference. "I want to support the travel, entertainment and other industries that have been struggling during the coronavirus pandemic."

The decision was hailed by the nation's top two airlines.

"We are extremely happy to see the long-awaited easing of restrictions," Shinichi Inoue, president of All Nippon Airways, the core unit of ANA Holdings, told reporters Friday. "We will increase flights from the end of October to welcome customers from abroad."

"The economic impact of inbound travelers before the COVID-19 pandemic is said to be roughly ¥5 trillion, and we are pinning great hopes that there will be economic effects of similar size," Inoue said, adding that the yen's sharp decline against the dollar "will definitely serve as an incentive" for foreign people to come to Japan.

He said it will lead to stimulating regional economies as well, as there are many people who want to travel to different areas of Japan.

Japan Airlines also welcomed the move, saying in a statement that the company will fully prepare to welcome visitors and contribute to revitalizing the Japanese economy.

Japan has been allowing tourists since June, starting with people on guided tours. On Sept. 7, the government allowed those on nonguided tours who had booked their flights and hotels through registered travel agencies.

But those measures have been unpopular with many foreign tourists who want greater freedom during their trips.

Tourists will need to be vaccinated three times or submit a negative COVID-19 test result ahead of their trip, Kyodo News reported, citing government sources.

A nationwide domestic travel program offering discounts for travel, entry to theme parks, and for sporting events and concerts is also set to start on Oct. 11. People who have been vaccinated three times or submit a negative test result will be eligible for the discounts, according to the report.

The program offers financial assistance of up to ¥11,000 ($77) per person for a one-night stay.

The moves will be welcomed by the nation’s tourism sector , which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

Travel agencies have been urging the government to waive the visa requirement for tourists, which has been a major hurdle for those wishing to come to Japan. In some cases, prospective tourists had to submit their visa application in person to the nearest embassy or consulate, while others did not get their visas in time for their travel plans.

In 2019, a record 31.88 million foreign travelers visited Japan , but the figure plummeted to about 250,000 in 2021 due to the closed borders .

The daily arrival cap has been raised gradually over the past six months, first to 5,000 on March 1 and eventually to the current 50,000.

Timeline of Japan’s COVID-19 border restrictions

Jan. 31, 2020: Japan bans the entry of foreign nationals arriving from China’s Hubei province, the first entry ban imposed due to the coronavirus. The ban was gradually expanded to 24 countries through the end of March.

April 1: Less than a month after the spread of COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Japan halts entries into the country by foreign nationals, including foreign residents of Japan, from 49 countries, including the U.S., the U.K. and South Korea, bringing the total number up to 73 nations.

May 14: Japan expands its entry ban to cover a total of 100 countries and regions.

Aug. 28: The entry ban is expanded further to cover 159 countries and regions.

Sept. 1: Japan lifts ban on re-entry of foreign residents.

Oct. 1: Japan lifts its ban on entry by foreign nationals planning to relocate to the country.

Dec. 28: Japan again implements a ban on the entry of nonresident foreign nationals.

Jan. 14, 2021: Japan suspends a business-track travel program with some countries and mandates that all people arriving in the country quarantine at home for 14 days.

Nov. 8: Japan opens its borders to foreign students, interns and other business travelers.

Nov. 30: Japan bans the entry of nonresident foreign nationals after the discovery of the highly contagious omicron variant.

March 1, 2022: Japan allows foreign nationals arriving for purposes other than tourism to enter the country.

June 1: Japan raises daily arrival cap to 20,000.

June 10: Japan allows entry of foreign tourists on guided tours.

Sept. 7: Pre-arrival PCR tests are dropped for travelers who have received three shots of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Japan also raises the daily arrival cap to 50,000 and allows entry of foreign tourists on nonguided tours.

Oct. 11: Japan to allow entry of visa-free independent tourists and abolish the daily arrival cap.

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Japan opens borders to tourists as last pandemic travel restrictions eased

Japan removes strict Covid-19 travel curbs, fuelling hopes a tourist boom will reinvigorate the economy

Japan has fully opened its doors to visitors after more than two years of pandemic isolation.

On Tuesday, the country reinstated visa-free travel to dozens of countries, ending some of world’s strictest Covid-19 border controls. Japan has also lifted the 50,000-person entry cap and ended the requirement for tourists to travel as part of tour groups, Kyodo news agency reported.

Prime minister Fumio Kishida is counting on tourism to help invigorate the economy and reap some benefits from the yen’s slide to a 24-year low – but hopes for a tourism boom face tough headwinds: a shortage of hospitality workers, lingering pandemic concerns, and predictions from economists that tourist returns would be gradual.

Kishida said last week the government is aiming to attract 5tn yen ($34.5bn) in annual tourist spending. That goal may be too ambitious for a sector that has withered during the pandemic.

Spending from overseas visitors will reach only 2.1tn yen by 2023 and won’t exceed pre-Covid levels until 2025, economist Takahide Kiuchi wrote in a Nomura Research Institute report.

Since June, Japan has allowed tourists to visit in groups accompanied by guides, a requirement that was further relaxed to include self-guided package tours.

Just over half a million visitors have come to Japan so far in 2022, compared with a record 31.8 million in 2019.

Arata Sawa is among those eager for the return of foreign visitors, who previously comprised up to 90% of the guests at his traditional inn.

“I’m hoping and anticipating that a lot of foreigners will come to Japan, just like before Covid,” said Sawa, the third-generation owner of the Sawanoya ryokan in Tokyo.

Flag carrier Japan Airlines Co has seen inbound bookings triple since the border easing announcement, president Yuji Akasaka told Nikkei newspaper last week – but international travel demand won’t fully recover until around 2025.

“I don’t think there’s going to be a sudden return to the pre-pandemic situation,” said Sawato Shindo, president of Amina Collection Co, a 120-shop gift and souvenir chain.

Hopes for tourism’s roaring return are also tempered by a shortage of workers. Almost 73% of hotels nationwide said they were short of regular workers in August, up from about 27% a year earlier, according to market research firm Teikoku Databank.

Akihisa Inaba, general manager at the hot-spring resort Yokikan in Shizuoka, central Japan, who said short staffing during the summer meant workers had to forego time off.

“Naturally, the labour shortage will become more pronounced when inbound travel returns,” said Inaba. “So, I’m not so sure we can be overjoyed.”

Whether overseas visitors will wear face masks and abide by other common infection controls in Japan is another concern. The strict border controls were broadly popular during most of the pandemic, and fears remain about the appearance of new viral variants.

On Friday the government approved changing hotel regulations so that operators can refuse guests who do not obey infection controls during an outbreak.

“From the start of the pandemic until now, we’ve had just a few foreign guests,” said Tokyo innkeeper Sawa. “Pretty much all of them wore masks, but I’m really not sure whether the people who visit from here on will do the same.”

One force that may buoy the return of visitors is the drop of the yen: the yen has weakened sharply against the dollar, giving some visitors much heftier buying power and making Japan attractive to bargain hunters targeting Japan’s electronics, luxury goods and retail districts.

In Tokyo’s Akihabara electronics district, Hideyuki Abe’s shelves filled with watches and souvenirs like samurai swords and toy cats with bobbing heads. Abe employs about 50 people and had resorted to layoffs after the pandemic struck in 2020. Some Akihabara shops have closed down since then, but he bided his time.

“Hanging on is where power lies,” Abe said. “Now, I am a bit worried about a shortage of workers.”

With pandemic restrictions waning and the dollar at a three-decade high of about 145 yen, he believes the tourists will be back.

“This time,” he says, “it’s a perfect opportunity.”

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report

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Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Can I Travel To Japan Now? April 2024

Japan is finally open! Travelers from most countries can now enter Japan without applying for a visa in advance. Best of all, there are NO Covid protocols to enter Japan: You do NOT need proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter Japan.

Situation Summary

Last Update: December 4, 2023 (this page will be updated as needed)

• Japan is open! Visa-free, independent travel is now possible for most nationalities.
• There are NO Covid protocols for Japan. You do NOT need to be vaccinated against Covid to enter Japan. You do NOT need a negative Covid test to enter Japan.
• You can use the Visit Japan Web app to upload your immigration and customs details in advance. See our Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures for all the details. Note that the app is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry to Japan. In fact, it’s probably quicker to not use the Visit Japan app on arrival.
• On March 13 2023, the indoor masking recommendation was dropped in Japan. You do not have to wear a mask in stores, restaurants, attractions, and on public transport. Some shops and restaurants may still ask that you mask, however. See our Japan mask page for details.
• Now is the time to start planning a trip to Japan. Contact Chris Rowthorn to start planning .

Commentary by Chris

Visa-free, independent travel restarted on October 11 2023. Citizens of 68 countries now get visa-free travel to Japan. Here’s the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free travel list . If you are a citizen of one of those countries, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance; you will be given a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in Japan (note that there are few exceptions which are listed on the MOFA site).

Given that Japan is now open, it’s time to start planning a trip. If you want help planning a trip to Japan, visit my consulting page to book a Zoom consultation.

What You Need to Do Now

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there are some things you should do now. There is a lot of pent up demand for travel to Japan, so plane tickets and accommodations should be a priority.

• Buy plane tickets: compare flight prices and times for the best deals.
• Book hotels and ryokans: check Booking.com and Agoda.com .
• View our Packing List for Japan to make sure you don’t forget to bring anything.

Consider Doing

• Book some walking tours .
• Travel insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
• Buy a Japan Rail Pass : Order one here .
• Buy a Icoca card : Get one here .
• Buy a SIM or pocket wifi : Order one here .

Check Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Do You Need to Be Vaccinated to Enter Japan?

You do NOT need to be vaccinated with a Covid vaccine to enter Japan.

Do You Need a Covid Test to Enter Japan?

You do NOT need a negative Covid test to enter Japan.

Flights to Japan Currently Operating

Flights to Japan have mostly returned to pre-pandemic schedules and availability: compare flight prices and times  for the best deals.

More Useful Information

• Best Hotels in Kyoto
• Best Hotels in Tokyo
• Japan Rail Pass Guide

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.

How to Travel in Japan as a Tourist Since June 2022

Updated with september 7’s measures.

Tourists have been allowed again in Japan since June 10, but under very specific conditions.

Given Japan’s poor communication and the last months’ ever-changing requirements, it seems that the gradual tourism resumption framework is somehow unclear or blurred by older measures. We thus summarized what travelers need to know to take a trip in Japan this summer 2022 and after, under the current requirements.

Students, businesspeople and residents’ relatives whose situations fall under other requirements since March are out of the scope of this article that will only focus on tourists.

📝 General requirements

During his visit in London in early May , Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promised the reopening of the borders in line with the other G7 countries for June.

Technically, tourists are indeed allowed entry to Japan, but there are specific requirements as explained below:

🛃 Daily entry cap

Since September 7, the daily entry cap in Japan has been raised to 50,000 (it gradually raised since early 2022 in a trend that is expected to continue).

However, it is not really something to worry about .

The limit is indeed on the number of slots allotted to the airlines landing every day in the archipelago. If you bought a flight  ✈️ to Japan, you may land anyway .

That is to say, provided you can find an affordable flight this summer, given the lengthening of flight duration consequence of the war in Ukraine, the flaring up of the kerosene prices due to the worldwide inflation, the staff shortage…and strikes that may occasionally disturb the beginning of the vacations’ period.

📄 Getting a tourist visa

Since March 2020, touristic trips reciprocity in the visa waiver program agreements with several countries in the world has been suspended by Japan, something that the European Union has been recently holding against the country. Even so, Japan resumed visa issuance for tourism purpose from 2022, June 10.

However, a travel agency based in Japan must act as a sponsor for any touristic trip . The agency must declare each of their travelers beforehand through the Japanese immigration’s ERFS system, in order to get a PDF authorization called " UketsukeZumisho ".

Then, prospective travelers must go - generally in person – to their nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate with the following documents to apply for a visa:

• This filled-in form ;
• An ID photo ;
• Their passport;
• The " UketsukeZumisho " authorization received from the travel agency;
• Cash to pay the visa fee; and,
• A lot of patience (the wait can last several hours even with an appointment).

They must make sure to book their appointment at the embassy leaving enough leeway to complete the whole process.

Naturally, the documents list is non-exhaustive and details for application are to be checked with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your area. Make sure to book your appointment as soon as possible as the earliest date available may be scheduled several weeks later.

Afterwards, the passport stamped with a tourist visa is usually returned in about 5 working days (timelines may vary depending on the area).

🏥 Health insurance

Travelers must subscribe to their own health insurance that must cover medical costs in case of hospitalization due to a severe form of Coronavirus  🦠 .

Many clients who pay at least a part of their reservation with a bank card  💳 (especially the "Gold" or "Premier" holders) may already have such a coverage, but each traveler is advised to check the conditions of their insurance contract.

If not covered, subscribing to a third-party insurance is mandatory and fortunately not that expensive. Kanpai suggests several reliable companies here:

👃 PCR test before departure

In the same way as to travel in many other countries in the world, it is still mandatory for travelers aged 6 years and older to get a negative Covid test before departure , regardless of their vaccination status. The test must be made at the earliest 72 hours before the departure of the flight for Japan .

Important notice : you must fill in this specific certificate and submit it to the Japanese immigration (a physician’s signature or a laboratory stamp are not necessary anymore to validate it).

The PCR test is not required anymore since September 7th to flight to Japan, but only for travelers who received their three vaccine doses (being infected with Covid is not considered being vaccinated). The authorized vaccines are:

• Comirnaty (Pfizer)
• Spikevax (Moderna)
• Vaxzeveria (AstraZeneca)
• Jcovden (Janssen)
• Nuvaxovid (Novavax)
• Covaxin (Bharat Biotech)

💉 No mandatory vaccine or quarantine

Japan includes the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom (98 countries in total) in its blue countries list. Therefore, travelers who stayed in these countries during the 14 days-period prior to their arrival on the archipelago do not need to be vaccinated to enter the country (see the PCR test information above). Moreover, they don’t need to be quarantined .

If your country happened to be downgraded to the yellow countries list (which is not impossible considering the recent BA4/BA5 variants wave, even if Portugal went through it without being demoted from the blue countries), only triple-vaccinated travelers would be exempted of quarantine . For the others, 3 to 7 5 days of isolation in a hotel  🏨 could be required depending on the results of a PCR test after 3 days.

📲 App to download

Each traveler arriving in Japan must have their own smartphone  📱 and download the Japanese government’s app " MySOS " .

The " Fast Track " system has the additional advantage to fill personal information beforehand in MySOS such as:

• Passport number;
• Vaccination certificate, and more importantly;
• A negative test certificate.

It helps save time with the arrival procedures at the airport: Tokyo -Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Nagoya - Chubu , Osaka - Kansai , Fukuoka , and recently Naha ( Okinawa ), Sapporo New Chitose ( Hokkaido ), Sendai, Hiroshima and Takamatsu.

The renting of a Pocket Wi-Fi to be permanently connected to the internet  📶 in Japan is all the more necessary.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Group Individual travel

That is the most confusing point. From May 24 to June 4, the Japanese government conducted test package-group tours from various countries, but this test period is now over.

There is no limit (minimum or maximum) anymore regarding the number of travelers : you can travel alone, in couple, with family or friends, regardless of the number of travelers.

Entering a package group tour is not mandatory ! Some travel agencies may offer this kind of service to compensate for the shortage of guides or to make the cost of the guide more affordable (see below) but it is not a condition required by the Japanese government.

🚶 Planned itinerary

Your trip must, to a certain extent, be planned and organized by a travel agency . While travelers could book their flights and hotels themselves between June 10 and September 7, it is now required to go through a travel agency (staying at relatives’ homes is therefore not possible).

Moreover, the whole country is accessible to sightseeing and there is no longer any prefecture restriction, and you can naturally benefit from the famous JR Pass to travel in Japan at an affordable price.

The itinerary is not planned with compulsory visits or schedules to follow! If a travel agency tries to impose such travel and if it does not suit you, feel free to check other travel agents.

😷 Face mask and sanitary guidelines

While wearing a face mask  😷 outdoor is not recommended anymore in Japan since May 14, most of the Japanese population is still wearing it.

As for tourists, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization and Health Minister's guidelines , the mask must always be worn indoor (unless you can keep your distances and do not need to speak!) and outdoor only if you need to speak to someone standing within a 2 meters radius.

Of course, travelers must respect all the other sanitary recommendations (such as washing hands frequently and keeping social distance). It is also recommended to avoid places that are too crowded and the rush hours in transports and restaurants.

🙇🏻 Mandatory guide (only from June 10 to September 7)

In addition to providing the authorization for requesting a tourist visa (see above), the Japanese travel agency is the guarantor of your abiding to these guidelines.

Consequently, at the resuming of international travel, each "group" (from 1 traveler) had to be permanently escorted by a tour-guide , including during meals. Its means there was no leeway for an autonomous trip , except in the hotel room, toilets  🚽 (naturally), and at the onsen   ♨️ .

The guide had to keep records of the visits, transports and restaurants used every day may the Japanese immigration request a reporting in the event of a Covid case.

Naturally, this responsibility and the large working hours of the guide (without any day-off) generated very expensive rates , usually amounting to several hundred dollars per day.

Considering their very limited number, few guides are still available, especially for the traditional touristic peak season.

🗾 When will these restrictions end?

That is THE question in everybody’s mind… to which nobody can answer yet . It is very difficult to find any logic in the decision-making process when taking into account the choices made over the past 2 years.

July 10th’s parliamentary elections are likely key to the evolution of the situation, but it is unrealistic to expect any easing for the next weeks to come.

Want to know when Japan will reopen its borders to free individual travelers? Subscribe to Kanpai’s Newsletter and get information on real time:

It is highly probable that the system implemented on June 10th, and modified on September 7th, will stay in place for quite some time . Travel restrictions are gradually eased but no one knows when they will be totally lifted, or which ones will remain, especially the visa and planning with a travel agency requirements.

Depending on the evolution of the sanitary, economic and diplomatic conditions as well as domestic and international pressures, an easing can reasonably be envisioned by the end of 2022.

In the week following the implementation of these measures, only 1,300 authorization requests were made to the Japanese immigration. Many agencies have been taken aback and have been gradually organizing the trips for summer and autumn   🍁 .

Later, the number of 252 entries in Japan for sightseeing purpose between June 10 and 30 was disclosed, 7,903 in July, and 10.826 in August . About 20,000 tourism visa applications have been made for September, and nearly 36,000 for October and later. The top 5 of tourist visa applicants includes South Korea, the United States, Thailand, France, and Australia.

Anyone is free to enjoy this possibility to go (again) to Japan after 30 months of complete closure to tourism, or to wait without knowing until when these restrictions will last.

What is certain however, is that those who have the motivation and the budget to travel in the next months will both benefit from a historically low Yen  💴 (and consequently a high purchase power in Japan, that partially compensates the additional cost for the guide) and a travel exclusivity that will not happen again anytime soon!

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Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

• Japan Rail Pass
• English speaking Guides
• Pocket Wi-fi
• Japan Nightlife
• Working in Japan
• Religion and Spirituality
• Arts and History
• Movies / Animated Movies
• Japanese Music
• Studio Ghibli
• Photos / Videos
• Weird Japan
• Translations
• Kana & Kanji
• Japanese Swear Words
• Honorific Suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
• Introducing yourself
• Thank you / Apologize
• Count / Say Your Age
• Say the Date / Tell the Time
• Happy birthday
• Enjoy Your Meal
• Writing your name

Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpai’s community space, our Q&A section Kotaete.

Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan.

Create your Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation history (questions, answers).

Japan travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Japan travel in 2024 with official Japan travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Since travel restrictions can vary by citizenship, we will be focusing our post on rules that affect U.S. citizens.

Last update: April 6, 2024. Originally published: July 2022.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

*  Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist  *

April 2024: “Tourism is really popular in Japan these days, and crowds can be difficult to avoid. T here are no more travel restrictions for Japan, so it’s a much simpler arrival process than last year. However, we still highly recommend filling out the Immigration and Customs form online for quicker arrival (see instructions below).  We showed our passports and QR code at immigration and customs, did fingerprints, and had no questions asked. Wifi in both Tokyo airports can be frustratingly slow, so it’s important to screenshot/download the QR code before departure so you can access it offline. Just as it was pre-Covid, there is a percentage of Japanese people who wear masks out and about in public.” – Michelle & Jedd, Intentional Travelers

At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Japan so you can get a sense of what it’s really like.

Table of Contents

Is Japan open for travel? Can I travel to Japan right now?

As of October 2022 , Japan is open for tourism for independent travelers. Visa-free travel for selected countries, including the US, has been resumed.

Tourists with U.S. passports can stay in Japan visa-free for up to three months. Find details and rules for entering Japan from other countries here . 

Japan travel restrictions have been eased but travelers are asked to follow guidelines with regard to masks, social distancing, dining etiquette, and more.

As of April 2023 , a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test are no longer required for all travelers arriving in Japan.

To facilitate the arrival process, it’s highly recommended to submit your information online through Visit Japan Web before travel.

Steps for Traveling to Japan: What to Know (2024)

For a smoother arrival, travelers to Japan can pre-register for airport Immigration and Customs   to receive the QR codes used for “Fast Track” at major airports across Japan.

We completed the Japan entry process in late March 2023 and again in early April 2024. It was admittedly a bit confusing, so I thought I’d share our experience and tips, as the process is still the same (apart from step 2).

1. Register at Visit Japan Web  

While the Fast Track/Quarantine procedures are no longer mandatory to complete in advance, I was glad I followed advice to pre-register through the Visit Japan Web site. 

The latest they say you can register is at least 6 hours ahead of your flight to Japan .

2. Submit your Covid documents in advance – NO LONGER REQUIRED

3. Register for immigration QR code

Returning to the main registration dashboard on the website, select the next module “Disembarkation Card for Foreginer,” which says it’s required for landing in Japan.

Some details pre-populated from from my profile. I selected Tourism for purpose of visit. Then there are three ways to report length of stay: year, month, day; as well as a few questions about any criminal background in Japan.

Once completed, a button “Display QR code” appears below the appropriate section.

Take a screenshot of the Immigration QR code and save it to your phone . It will have a yellow line above it.

If you don’t have the QR code , there are immigration cards available to fill out at standing desks located before entering the lines. Some people got all the way up to the immigration agent and were asked to step aside to fill out a card, which are also available next to each immigration stall.

The immigration line at Narita moved steadily but took about 25 minutes since several flights had arrived at once.

When I showed the QR code, the immigration officer simply took a headshot picture and fingerprint scans, then stuck a “landing permission” stamp in my passport for 90 days. No questions asked.

4. Register for Customs QR code

Returning again to the main dashboard, finally select “Preparation for customs declaration.” This registration allows travelers to go through an electronic declaration gate, which wasn’t super clear once we were at the airport.

I entered my flight origination (Hanoi) and number of family members with me (1). Then there’s the usual customs questions – type of goods, prohibited items, monetary funds, alcohol, cigarettes, souvenirs over 200,000y.

Again, take a screenshot of the Customs QR code and save it to your phone . It will have a blue line above it.

At Narita, the customs line for QR codes are labeled “electronic declaration” in blue. There are also kiosks that allow QR code, card, and duty free, as well as those that are for physical customs card only. The lines weren’t too long so it didn’t matter much which line we chose.

The customs officer had us scan our QR code and we could see our entered data displayed on an over-sized tablet-like device at the desk. No questions asked, we proceeded to exit the airport.

5. Sign up for travel insurance

It’s recommended to obtain insurance to cover medical costs related to COVID-19 in Japan. For travel insurance that covers Covid, we use Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing.

Quarantine rules in Japan: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Japan, provided that they are not suspected of having Covid-19. See details here . 

Residents report that quarantine rules for testing positive may no longer be enforced anymore.

Previously, foreign tourists who tested positive for Covid while in Japan had to contact a local consultation center . A 7-10 days quarantine at a government-designated accommodation facility was required with all costs covered by the visitor.

The quarantine period could end within 7-10 days depending on the symptoms and/or negative COVID-19 test result. See details here .

Can I travel to Japan in April? Can I travel to Japan this Spring?

Travel to Japan in April is open . See details above and check back for updates.

Is it safe to fly to NRT Narita or HND Haneda International Airport ? Health screenings and body temperature checks are no longer in place at the airport. Wearing of masks is no longer required on flights or in the airports, though masking is still widely practiced.

Stringent cleaning and seating limits are implemented.

What is it like to fly to Japan right now? All Nippon Airways reports that masks are now optional. Additional procedures are in place at Immigration – please see details above.

Do Americans have to quarantine when traveling to Japan? No . See quarantine details above.

Does Japan check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Health screening procedures such as temperature checks and simple symptom questionnaires are typically not in place at ports of entry anymore.

Does Japan require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? A negative test is no longer required to enter Japan as of April 2023.

Does Japan require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? A proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required to enter Japan as of April 2023.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. A negative Covid test, quarantine, or proof of vaccination are no longer required to enter Japan.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Japan? No. A booster shot is no longer required to enter Japan.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers? PCR and/or antigen tests are available for travelers in Japan. Travelers should contact the local consultation center  to determine the location of testing facilities within Japan. A non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities can be found here .

Test results are available within 24 to 72 hours but many labs can return results in a matter of hours. PCR test costs vary from ¥2,500 to ¥16,500.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Japan who get the virus? Japan hospitals and clinics are open. Foreign visitors are required to secure a medical insurance which that will cover medical costs in case they contract COVID-19 in Japan.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Japan ?  Businesses and restaurants in Japan are open. Some businesses may require their own mask rules or capacity limits.

What public gatherings are allowed in Japan? Public gatherings are allowed in Japan subject to safety guidelines.

Are face masks required in Japan? As of March 2023, wearing of face masks in Japan is recommended but no longer required. 

Face masks are almost universally worn in public, especially in urban areas, indoors and on public transportation. The Consulate website states that failure to adhere to mask-wearing norms reflects poorly on foreign visitors.

Are buses running in Japan? Trains, buses and taxis are running as usual in Japan.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Japan?

Japan managed impressively well compared to most countries in the early days of the pandemic. Although Japan has been previously in a State of Emergency, the lockdowns were less disruptive on Japanese daily life.

However, Japan’s inbound tourism business lay dormant for years. Japan finally began easing restrictions in 2022 and reopened to travelers in June with strict entry requirements. 

Japan finally eased entry requirements for travelers in October 2022 making it easier for travelers to visit the country. Visa-free travel has also been resumed for select countries.

Vaccination in Japan started later than some other countries. Around 80% of the population has been vaccinated and 64% had received a booster shot.

Tourism is now back with record numbers of visitors, however, staffing shortages have not fully recovered.

For the current situation in Japan, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Japan; and COVID-19 testing in Japan, please see the Japan Ministry of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Japan?

😷 Face Masks -Face coverings are recommended and widely used in public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Japan locals and recent travelers say about visiting Japan now?

What is it like to visit Japan right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

January 2024 – Brandon of Zimminaroundtheworld , expat living in Japan: “Japan is seeing an increase in tourism now that the country is open to visitors. Many visitors are traveling to Tokyo and Kyoto but some towns and cities like Nikko, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Naha are also seeing rises in tourism. 

Currently there are no travel restrictions within Japan unless it is due to environmental catastrophes like the earthquake that occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture recently. Access to healthcare in Japan is easily available and affordable. Although foreigners can sometimes pay up to 200% more for healthcare it is still cheap.

Many attractions and famous sites around Japan especially in Kyoto and Tokyo are crowded with lines that are longer then expected. In general, restaurants in Japan are smaller and can only able to accommodate up to ten people or fewer and the space can feel cramped. Like anywhere else, keep an open mind and be flexible and there will be no problems while traveling around Japan.”

September 2023 – Jackie Szeto of Life of Doing , American traveler: “My husband and I traveled to Tokyo and Nikko, Japan for vacation in September 2023. Expect large crowds at major attractions, restaurants, and trains in major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Visiting other destinations such as Nikko is a nice change of pace with fewer crowds, especially on the weekdays. 

It’s recommended to complete the Immigration and Customs declaration on the Visit Japan Web to expedite arrival, but it’s not required. When landing at international airports, the QR codes for Immigration and Customs are still accepted. Otherwise, all COVID protocols have been dropped in the cities. Antibacterial hand sanitizer is still provided at entrances of hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. Some people still wear masks in crowded areas and on trains, but most go mask-free.”

May 2023 – Sophie Pham of Delightful Travel Notes , traveler: “My husband and I were traveling in Japan for 11 days from May 11-21, 2023 for our vacation. I found that Japan had already welcomed visitors with open arms, free of earlier restrictions. The return of both domestic travelers and international tourists created a lively atmosphere, and crowds could be seen in a lot of places.

In May, it took us 45 minutes to clear immigration at Kansai International Airport after landing at around 7:45am.

All attractions and food venues were fully open, with no social distancing measures or mandatory mask rules, although some restaurant servers, locals, and taxi drivers still chose to wear masks. Some famous restaurants had long lines again, and popular attractions like Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Senso-ji-ji could get crowded during the day. If there’s a particular popular restaurant you want to try, it may be best to make your dinner reservation in advance, especially for weekend. Overall, everything is lively again and we had a great time.”

March 2023 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers, American visitor: “We enjoyed a two day layover in Japan. The online procedures and QR codes were a bit confusing but I highly recommended doing them in advance of travel to make your arrival smoother.”

February 2023 – Joel, US traveler: “For the most part the Japanese are wearing masks. I’d say mask wearing is at about 99%. Despite the crowds in the city and packed trains and subways, it honestly feels way safer than generally any place in America where mask wearing is far from the majority. ANA enforces a mask wearing requirement whereas United is pretty much a free for all.

One key thing that is good to know is at the ticketing counter they need to know your return flight info when initially checking in. We had all the other Japan travel docs as far as the gov mandated requirements but this one kinda caught us off guard. The immigration line may seem staggering but it moves. ” 

January 2023 – Lizzie of Wanderlust & Life , UK traveler: “I flew to Tokyo in January 2023 for 3 days as part of a stopover between Australia and the UK. For us it felt like the country is so happy to welcome tourists again. We were slightly worried about visiting or entry restrictions changing last minute but the airline kept us up to date and apart from filling out a lot of forms on arrival it felt quite normal being there. 

As Japan only opened recently there weren’t as many tourists as we were expecting which was a plus really. We were made to feel so welcome in the country.

Masks are mandatory indoors and everyone seemed to be following this. The vast majority of people were also wearing masks outdoors too. Sanitiser is readily available in restaurants and tourist attractions. We didn’t encounter any contact tracing or even requests to show covid passes. The only frustration we had was that we flew JAL and we had to wear masks our whole flight which was about 14 hours in one go and this was enforced by cabin crew.”

November 2022 – Darryl H., New Zealand traveler:  “My visit to Japan involved a return to the sort of measures that, in my home country of New Zealand, had been abandoned some time ago. The first action on arriving at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, with my mask firmly in place, was to allow officials to check and confirm I had complied with mandatory online registration of evidence of my vaccination status. Once this had been done, the arrivals process was pretty much standard.

During my 10-day stay, I experienced no restrictions on my movements or activities. The differences were in the roles of masks, sanitiser and – in some instances – distancing. The wearing of masks indoors and on public transport is close to one hundred percent, whether or not they are demanded. Outdoors, in most situations, they appear to be worn by at least 98 percent of people, although in some areas later in the evening there is an obvious relaxation in standards – especially among younger people. While most tourists appear happy to comply with the standards followed by locals, the proportion of non-mask use by non-Japanese is clearly larger than by Japanese. At no stage did I see any visitor reproached for this.

There is sanitiser on hand (pun intended) everywhere. It is probably accessed by about a third of people. There are many locals who are fastidious about sanitising.

While I observed no enforced distancing on public transport or in the street, it is definitely in place in cafes and other eateries. Most places I visited had plastic partitioning between patrons, and crosses to discourage the use of every second seat. Groups or couples are, of course, welcome to sit together.

The buffet breakfast in my hotel illustrates all three of the above differences. When I arrived at breakfast each morning, masked of course, the attendant ensured that I first sanitised my hands and then put on plastic gloves. Only then could I approach the serving implements and food. I would then sit on one of two seats (the second having a cross on it), both of which were partitioned off from the next pair of seats. Seats with another seat opposite were separated by another plastic partition. If I wanted to return to the buffet for more food, I first had to remask and re-glove. Once I forgot the gloves, and was politely turned back before I could touch the serving implements.

It is not uncommon for Japanese hospitality venues to give high priority to cleanliness, but there seems to be super-high priority now. Where in New Zealand I might expect a quick wipe over of a table between customers, in Tokyo it now appears to be a thorough and sometimes deep clean.

The precautions in no way reduced my pleasure in revisiting Tokyo. And they increased at least my perception of being protected.”

September 2022 – Jackson, American visitor: “Traveling to Japan reminded me of the COVID situation in Hawaii a year ago. People go about their day with a medical mask. Every store front has hand sanitizers and thermo cameras. COIVD testing and vaccination clinics are common place. Despite these COVID precautions, Japanese residents and businesses continue to welcome visitors with refreshing grace and hospitality. Japan’s  omotenashi , beautiful scenery, and extraordinary delicacies are worth exploring and appreciating, but can tempt visitors into overlooking the uncertainty that underlines Japan. I hope visitors will take the time to learn about the challenges of the Japanese people and reciprocate Japan’s hospitality with a gracious thank you.”

Aug 21 2022 – Y., American Japanese dual citizen: “ I returned from visiting family in Japan two days ago. Travel is still tough. The plane was empty – only 20 passengers on a big airplane. My pre-travel Covid test was 10 minutes earlier than the required 72 hours so I was turned away at the airport. I scrambled to find a last minute PCR test with rapid results and rush back to the airport.”

August 2022 – Christine, American visitor: “Japan isn’t currently open to tourists. I was there for a school conference, and had to get a conference visa. One has to get a visa for Japan in advance and you can only get one with an EFRS form filled out from someone in Japan.

I had to have a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of departure time. There’s eased quarantine procedures, which depend on the countries you’ve been to in the previous 2 weeks. And you have to have the MySOS app on your phone because they might check up on you. It also expedites your entry because you can upload all the necessary forms/COVID test/questionnaire ahead of time.

Everyone wears a mask everywhere, and they’re available for cheap at convenience stores. Because I was on a university’s campus most of the time, I had to report my temperature and if I was having any symptoms to the University every day.”

July 2022 – Brandon of https://zimminaroundtheworld.com , Expat in Japan: “Currently Japan is only doing guided tours for international tourism. Travel entry for normal tourism is not an option at the moment. I recently took a trip around central Japan and visited a variety of cities and saw hardly any tourists. It’s nice to get great photos of popular attractions without crowds of people in the photos. But at the same time, it is taking a toll on the economy. I’ve seen shops and restaurants struggle to survive here and locals begging for tourism to come back.

Masks have been worn in Japan even before Covid. To this day, the majority of the population wears masks and obeys the rules, this includes both foreigners and locals. I wear a mask when leaving my apartment and only take it off when social distancing can be achieved or while eating at a restaurant. The positive aspect about Covid is that there are no long lines to enter attractions or eating establishments. I feel public transportation is safe here as the Japanese are very good and sanitizing everything.”

Planning a trip to Japan?

Check out our other Japan travel resources: – Great Things To Do Around Iwakuni, Japan

If you have questions or updates about travel to Japan during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

~ Pin this post for later or share with friends ~

Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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Hi Great article ! I noticed you have been vaccinated once with JJ (same here) . You mentioned the requirements for boosters but it sounds like you haven’t had a booster? I tried to sort through the link page but couldn’t find any further info. So my question is I’m planning to travel after May 8th with 1 JJ vaccination, I’m Canadian, but will be coming from Indonesia. Thanks for any insight you might have

Hi and thanks for visiting our blog. While we had the single JJ vaccination, we also had boosters. I mentioned it because the Japan entry form allows you to essentially count JJ as two shots out of the three that are required. In other words, at least one booster is currently required for entry to Japan. That said, vaccine documentation will no longer be required after May 8 so you shouldn’t have to worry about it.

I am travelling to the US from Australia via Japan in September. I fly with JAL, from Melbourne (MEL) arriving at Haneda International Airport (HND), but need to fly out of Narita International Airport (NRT) to New York (JFK).

I would like to know if I will be allowed to travel, via Japan, in September.

Australia is in Blue Category and I have had 3rd dose of Covid vaccination.

I look forward to your reply soon.

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say what will be possible in September, as we do expect the rules to change over time. Currently, foreign travelers are limited to package tours and may not use public transit. To find out if any exceptions can be made for transit between airports, you can try the Japan visitor hotline .

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clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Everything you need to know about traveling to Japan

How to navigate travel restrictions and coronavirus protocols.

After welcoming a record number of foreign visitors in 2019, Japan instituted one of the strictest border closures in the world during the pandemic. More than two years later, the country is slowly starting to allow tourists back.

The first step in the gradual reopening came as a trial run in May. Fifty visitors from four countries — including the United States — came for guided group tours. In June, Japan expanded that opportunity to 98 countries with low coronavirus infection rates while keeping entry requirements complex and strict. On Sept. 7, Japan began allowing up to 50,000 visitors to enter the country per day, including tourists without a guide but made their travel arrangements through a tour company.

The most lenient change came Oct. 11, when Japan began allowing individual visitors to enter visa-free.

The move took away a key barrier to travel, says Jeffrey M. Krevitt, vice president of marketing for Inside Travel Group, which owns InsideJapan Tours . His company has seen demand increase dramatically in the last months, even before the rules relaxed.

A local's guide to Tokyo

Yukari Sakamoto, By The Way Tokyo City Guide writer and the author of “ Food Sake Tokyo ,” said the lack of tourists has been palpable. Japan’s Immigration Services Agency reported that just 252 tourists entered the country in June (compared with nearly 32 million in June 2019). That number increased to about 7,900 in July.

If you’re considering planning a trip to Japan, here’s what you need to know before you go.

The best restaurants in America’s busiest airports

What travel restrictions are in place

As of Oct. 11, international travelers are allowed to enter Japan with a valid vaccination certificate or a negative result of a covid test taken within 72 hours of departure.

They don’t need to be chaperoned by a guide or part of a tour group, which was previously a requirement. Short-term visitors that were exempt from visa requirements before the pandemic, which includes travelers from the United States, will no longer need to apply for tourist visas.

On Sept. 7, Japan lifted the testing requirement for boosted travelers who have had three vaccine shots. There are no quarantine requirements for U.S. travelers, but those who’ve traveled in other countries in the 14 days before their trip to Japan may be required to test on arrival or quarantine.

The U.S. Embassy recommends travelers consult the latest regulations through Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website .

Japan offers tourists extraordinary 'temple stays'

What to know about coronavirus protocols

There are signs of normalcy returning to Japan. As people start to go back to offices, “morning rush hour trains are starting to feel packed, like in pre-pandemic times,” Sakamoto said. However, there are new rules and etiquette visitors must follow.

If you hate to mask, a trip to Japan is not for you. According to government guidelines, foreign tourists are required to mask in community settings unless they’re outdoors and able to distance from others, are exercising outdoors in a park or are distanced indoors and not speaking with anyone. Failure to comply with masking guidelines may result in being asked to leave Japan, Bloomberg News reported . Additionally, the U.S. Embassy says “failure to adhere to mask-wearing norms reflects poorly on foreign residents.”

Chris Carlier, who is based in Tokyo and runs the popular Twitter account Mondo Mascots , says although there aren’t many official masking restrictions for locals, “pretty much everyone” still wears masks in public whether inside or outside.

In situations where it’s not possible to mask — like when you’re eating or using public baths — the etiquette is to avoid talking to avoid spreading droplets.

Other changes Sakamoto says visitors may notice are signs in front of shops and restaurants asking customers to mask and hand sanitizer dispensers and temperature-taking kiosks at businesses. Some restaurants take diners’ temperature before they sit down.

Festivals, sporting events and cultural performances are welcoming attendees back (with masks), sometimes at reduced capacity and/or with socially distanced seating. At some events, like wrestling matches and baseball and soccer games , fans have been asked not to cheer — although such rules are beginning to soften . Clapping is permitted.

Sakamoto says it may confuse foreigners to see strict precautions, but notes that unlike in the U.S. it’s still rare for people in Japan to have gotten covid. “For most of us it’s still something that people are afraid of catching,” she said.

Solo travel: 7 lesson from a trip to Tokyo

How to dine and explore

Van Milton, a Kyoto-based guide for InsideJapan Tours, says the spirit of “ omotenashi ” hospitality — taking thoughtful care of guests — is even stronger after so many years of closed borders.

“From the family running a small ryokan in Hakone to the local ramen noodle shop owner in Osaka, people are happy to have visitors returning,” he said in an email.

On the company’s upcoming tours , travelers will experience many of the activities they could have in 2019, like eating street food in Osaka, visiting samurai castles, staying in traditional ryokan inns, taking taiko drumming lessons and soaking in hot spring baths.

Another perk: “All of those restaurants that were impossible to get into, now they’re easier to get into,” said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands .

Relax, This Isn’t the Future of Japanese Tourism

Carlier says those interested in focusing their visit on seeing temples, shrines and museums may find now an opportune time to travel to Japan. But if you want to meet new people, go to local festivals or explore the nightlife, he recommends waiting another year or two before visiting.

Hannah Sampson contributed to this report.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

• About Japan

Visiting Japan

• Information Related to COVID-19 - JapanGov
• Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)　- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
• TeCOT (COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers) - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
• Vaccination Certificate for Overseas Travel - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) advisory information - Japan National Tourism Organization

We welcome you to visit Japan

Empowering the Disabled

This movie introduces the new essential steps ahead of an unforgettable travel in Japan.

General Information

Japan: the Official Guide

Japan National Tourism Organization

General tourism information of Japan in multi languages. Climate, Healthcare, Money, Visa, Emergency info, etc. WEB: http://www.jnto.go.jp/

Open for Professionals

Japan External Trade Organization

The Government of Japan strongly welcomes highly-skilled foreign professionals. WEB: https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/hrportal/

Disaster Prevention Portal

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Portal Site for Disaster Prevention in a Tokyo Inland Earthquake Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. WEB: http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/

Safety Tips

Safety tips is an app to push notify the disaster information of Japan. Download the app from the website as follow; WEB: http://www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/

Japan Weather Forecast for Travelers

Weather forecast in English for travelers. WEB: http://www.jnto.go.jp/weather/eng/index.php

Japan Meteorological Agency

WEB: http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html

Embassies, Visas, Customs and other Tourism Related Information

• Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions Overseas [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
• Visas – Guide to Japanese Visas – [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
• Customs – Procedures of Passenger Clearance – [Japan Customs]
• The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
• Animal Quarantine [Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries]
• Plant Protection Station [Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries]

Studying and Teaching

• Study in Japan Comprehensive Guide [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
• Gateway to study in Japan [Japan Student Services Organization]
• Erin's Challenge! I can speak Japanese [The Japan Foundation]
• Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture [The Japan Foundation]
• Portal Site on Policies for Foreign Residents [Cabinet Office]
• The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET)

Update April 12, 2024

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Japan Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 8, 2024, japan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Japan – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

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• Travel Destinations

How Long Can You Stay In Japan On A Tourist Visa?

Published: November 7, 2023

Modified: January 3, 2024

by Crin Backus

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Japan, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, has long been a popular destination for travelers from around the world. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, relaxing in a hot spring in Hokkaido, or marveling at the ancient temples in Kyoto, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to be had in this fascinating country.

Before you embark on your journey to Japan, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations for entering and staying in the country. If you’re planning to visit Japan as a tourist, you’ll typically need to apply for a tourist visa. In this article, we’ll explore how long you can stay in Japan on a tourist visa, the options for extending your stay, and what happens if you overstay your visa.

It’s worth noting that the information provided in this article is intended as a general guide and may be subject to change. It’s always best to check with your local Japanese embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information regarding visa requirements and regulations.

Now, let’s dive into the details of tourist visas and the duration of stay in Japan !

Overview of Tourist Visas

Before you can enter Japan as a tourist, you will generally need to obtain a tourist visa. The tourist visa is designed for individuals who are visiting Japan for the purpose of sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or engaging in other non-business activities.

There are two main types of tourist visas available for travelers: single-entry visas and multiple-entry visas. The single-entry visa allows you to enter Japan once and stay for a specific duration of time, while the multiple-entry visa allows for multiple entries and longer stays over a period of time.

It’s important to note that citizens of certain countries are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a tourist visa if their stay in Japan is less than 90 days. These countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, most European countries, and many others. However, it’s still necessary to present a valid passport upon arrival and go through the immigration process.

When applying for a tourist visa, you will need to provide various documents, including a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Japan. It’s also common for applicants to be asked to provide a detailed itinerary of their intended activities in Japan.

It’s important to apply for your tourist visa well in advance of your planned trip, as processing times can vary. Once your visa is approved, you will receive a visa sticker or stamp in your passport, granting you the right to enter and remain in Japan for the specified duration of stay.

Now that we have a basic understanding of tourist visas, let’s explore how long you can stay in Japan on a tourist visa.

Duration of Stay on a Tourist Visa

The duration of stay on a tourist visa in Japan depends on several factors, including your nationality, the type of visa issued, and any special circumstances. In general, most tourists are granted a stay of up to 90 days.

If you hold a single-entry tourist visa, you will typically be allowed to stay in Japan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of your arrival. This means that you must leave Japan before the 90-day period expires. It’s important to note that the 90-day period is counted from the day after your arrival, not the day of your arrival.

On the other hand, if you hold a multiple-entry tourist visa, you may be granted longer stay periods, typically up to 15, 30, or 90 days per entry. The total duration of your stay on a multiple-entry visa will depend on the validity period of the visa itself, which can range from 3 months to 5 years.

It’s crucial to adhere to the specified duration of stay on your visa. Overstaying your visa in Japan is a violation of immigration laws and can result in serious consequences, including fines, deportation, and potential bans from re-entering the country.

If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial duration granted by your tourist visa, you will generally need to apply for an extension. Extension applications must be submitted to the nearest immigration office in Japan before your current visa expires. The decision to grant an extension is at the discretion of the immigration authorities and is typically based on valid reasons, such as medical emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances.

It’s important to note that while you may be granted an extension, there are limitations to how long you can stay in Japan on a tourist visa. Generally, the total duration of stay, including the initial visa and any extensions, cannot exceed 180 days in a given year.

Now that we have explored the duration of stay on a tourist visa, let’s delve into the options for extending your stay and what happens if you overstay your visa in Japan.

Extensions and Renewals

If you wish to extend your stay in Japan beyond the initial duration granted by your tourist visa, you have the option to apply for an extension. The process for extending your stay varies depending on your specific circumstances and the type of visa you hold.

To apply for an extension, you will need to submit the necessary documents to the nearest immigration office in Japan. These documents typically include an application form, a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds to cover your extended stay, and a detailed explanation of the reasons for your extension request.

It’s important to note that extension applications must be submitted before your current visa expires. If your extension request is approved, you will be granted an extended period of stay, which can vary depending on the discretion of the immigration authorities and your individual circumstances.

In some cases, instead of extending your existing visa, you may be required to leave Japan and reapply for a new tourist visa from your home country or another country. This process is known as a visa renewal and involves leaving Japan and applying for a new visa before returning.

It’s worth mentioning that the immigration authorities may deny extension or renewal requests for various reasons, including insufficient funds, lack of valid reasons for extending your stay, or previous violations of visa regulations. It’s crucial to carefully follow the instructions and requirements provided by the immigration office to ensure a higher chance of a successful extension or renewal application.

It’s important to note that extension or renewal of your tourist visa is not guaranteed, and it’s always best to plan your stay within the initial duration granted by your visa to avoid any complications.

Now let’s discuss the consequences of overstaying your visa in Japan and any exceptions or special circumstances that may apply.

Overstaying and Penalties

Overstaying your visa in Japan is considered a violation of immigration laws and can result in serious consequences. It’s crucial to adhere to the specified duration of stay on your visa to avoid any penalties or negative impact on future visits to Japan.

If you overstay your visa in Japan, you may be subject to fines and legal consequences. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the duration of your overstay, ranging from 3,000 yen to 6,000 yen per day. In addition to the financial penalties, overstaying your visa can result in being detained by immigration authorities, deportation, and a potential ban from re-entering Japan for a specific period of time.

When you leave Japan after overstaying your visa, immigration officers will be able to identify your overstay and may impose additional penalties or restrictions. This can have serious implications for future visits to Japan, as it may affect your eligibility for future visas or your ability to enter the country.

It’s important to note that unintentional overstays due to circumstances beyond your control, such as emergencies or natural disasters, may be considered exceptional cases. In such situations, it’s advisable to contact the nearest immigration office to explain your circumstances and seek guidance on how to resolve the issue.

If you have overstayed your visa and wish to correct your status, it’s crucial to consult with an immigration lawyer or seek advice from the immigration authorities. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on your specific situation and guide you on the steps to take.

Now that we understand the importance of adhering to the duration of stay on our tourist visa and the potential consequences of overstaying, let’s discuss any exceptions or special circumstances that may exist.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

While the general rule for tourist visas in Japan is a maximum stay of 90 days, there are some exceptions and special circumstances that may allow for longer stays or different visa requirements.

One exception is the Working Holiday Visa program, which is available to citizens of certain countries, such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This visa allows individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35, in some cases) to stay in Japan for up to one year and engage in limited work activities to supplement their travel funds.

Another exception is the Temporary Visitor Visa for medical purposes. If you require medical treatment in Japan, you can apply for this visa, which allows for an extended stay based on the duration of your treatment. However, it’s important to provide necessary documentation from a medical institution in Japan supporting your need for medical treatment and the estimated treatment period.

Furthermore, there are cases where special permission may be granted for longer stays, such as for family or humanitarian reasons. For example, if you have close family members living in Japan and need to provide care or support, you may be eligible to apply for a longer stay based on compassionate grounds. Each case is assessed individually, and the decision to grant special permission is subject to the discretion of the immigration authorities.

If you are participating in a study program or cultural exchange program, you may need to apply for a specific visa, such as a Student Visa or a Cultural Activities Visa, depending on the nature of your activities and the duration of your stay. These visas have different requirements and allow for longer stays and specialized activities based on the purpose of your visit.

It’s important to remember that visa regulations and requirements can change, so it’s advisable to consult with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate or visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and any exceptions or special circumstances that may apply to your situation.

Now that we have explored the exceptions and special circumstances, let’s conclude our discussion on staying in Japan on a tourist visa.

Visiting Japan as a tourist offers a world of incredible experiences and cultural exploration. Understanding the rules and regulations regarding tourist visas is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay in the country.

In this article, we have explored the overview of tourist visas in Japan, the duration of stay on a tourist visa, options for extensions and renewals, the consequences of overstaying, and exceptions or special circumstances that may apply.

Remember that the duration of stay on a tourist visa is typically up to 90 days, although multiple-entry visas may provide longer stay periods. It’s important to plan your visit accordingly and apply for extensions or renewals if necessary.

Overstaying your visa in Japan can lead to fines, detention, deportation, and potential bans from re-entry. It’s crucial to adhere to the duration of stay specified on your visa to avoid any negative consequences.

However, there are exceptions and special circumstances, such as the Working Holiday Visa program and medical treatment visas, which allow for longer stays or different visa requirements. Additionally, special permission may be granted based on compassionate grounds or for study or cultural exchange programs.

As visa regulations and requirements can change, it’s always advisable to consult with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate or refer to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the most up-to-date information.

With proper planning, adherence to visa regulations, and an open mind to explore everything Japan has to offer, you can enjoy a memorable and fulfilling experience as a tourist in this remarkable country.

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• Destinations

The Destination In Japan Where Tourists With Tattoos Typically Aren't Allowed To Enter

Visiting an onsen can be the highlight of your trip to Japan. Not only is bathing in the warm water of a natural hot spring relaxing, but it is also a tradition that dates back thousands of years. If you hope to experience traditional Japanese culture in a way that is fun and potentially good for your body, an onsen is the perfect choice—but if you have tattoos, you might be banned from going inside.

While the perception of people with tattoos has gradually changed in Japan as more people get them, in general, they are still seen as taboo. This complicated relationship with ink has a long history in the country. Starting before 720 AD and not ending until the 1600s, many of those convicted of crimes were forcibly tattooed so that they could always be identified as a criminal. Later, these designs became associated with powerful Japanese criminal organizations. For many years, tattoos were illegal. While that's not the case today, the taboo remains.

In places like onsens, where you show a lot of bare skin, you might be allowed in even if you have tattoos, but you also might be turned away. If you want to relax in a steamy onsen in the mountains of Yudanaka or unwind in a bathhouse in the middle of bustling Tokyo, you might need to hide your ink.

Cover your tattoos to enter an onsen

Onsens are just one of the many fantastic destinations in Japan that won't break the bank , but if you have tattoos, you'll have to put in a little more effort to visit them. Fortunately, one cheap and easy option is to cover them up. That can be tricky since many onsens are for nude bathing, but there are products specifically made for this. You may be familiar with SecondSkin bandages from when you got your tattoo. While those are transparent, there are similar thin adhesive waterproof bandages called tattoo seals that you can buy, which will discreetly conceal your ink. You can buy these in advance, but big discount stores like Don Quijote sell them at reasonable prices if you're already in Japan.

Don't worry if it's not 100% hidden or the tattoo seal stands out against your skin tone. You don't have to fool anyone into thinking you've never had a tattoo; just try your best to cover them up. How seriously onsens take their tattoo bans varies, but some even sell tattoo seals themselves, so it's not like they don't know that people with tattoos are using them to get in.

Find onsens that permit tattoos or ask for permission to visit

If tattoo seals irritate your skin, or you don't feel like covering up your ink, you can try a few other methods to experience a Japanese onsen on your trip. One option is to rent a private onsen, where nobody will see your tattoos, but that can be expensive. You can also seek out an onsen that advertises itself as tattoo-friendly. With so many tourists coming to Japan and many younger people pushing the boundaries of Japan's tattoo taboos, onsens in large cities will cater to those with tattoos. That doesn't mean you won't have a traditional onsen experience. In fact, Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest bathhouses in Japan, allows visitors with tattoos.

If you visit one of Japan's gorgeous cities and can't find a convenient tattoo-friendly onsen, you can always ask for permission. Contact any onsen you are interested in visiting before you arrive, tell them about the tattoos you have, and respectfully ask if you can enter. If you're already at the onsen, the Japan National Tourism Organization recommends using the phrase, "Tatu no haitta gaikokujin desu ga, daijobu deshou ka?" which translates to "I'm just visiting Japan but I have a tattoo, am I OK to go inside?"

Recommended

Everyone is visiting Japan. An extended currency slump means the tourists will just keep coming.

• Japan's weak currency is boosting tourism, with a record-breaking 3.1 million visitors in March.
• The devalued yen is encouraging tourists to spend more on luxury goods.
• The currency is negatively impacting outbound travel, with more Japanese tourists staying in the country.

Japan is a beloved tourist spot . A weak currency is ensuring that it will remain that way for foreigners.

The country just broke its pre-pandemic tourist record, with 3.1 million foreign visitors in March. The government said it's on track to surpass 2025's target of 32 million annual foreign visitors this year, after 8.6 million tourists visited in the first quarter of 2024.

Japan opened to tourists in October 2022, after over two years of strict, pandemic-induced border restrictions. Pent-up demand, combined with a cheaper currency, has fueled the record number of visitors.

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Tourists are staying longer and spending more due to the weak yen, which makes it cheaper for foreigners to purchase accommodation, activities, food, and gifts. The yen has fallen nearly 10% year-to-date , compared to the dollar.

Japan's currency has been depreciating largely due to high interest rates in the US, which makes the dollar more attractive to investors. A historic rate hike in Japan last month — the first since 2007 — did little to reverse the downward trend.

Japan is a tourist hot spot because of its status as a culture and entertainment icon, its natural wonders, and its unique cuisine. Tourists from South Korea, China, Taiwan, and the US made up the biggest portion of foreign visitors in March, according to Japan's National Tourism Organization.

Japanese carriers like Japan Airlines and ANA plan to cash in on the tourism boom by running more routes from Asia.

The sharp decline of the yen has also expanded demand for luxury goods. Foreign tourists are taking advantage of the currency discount by snapping up cheaper products in Japan from premium brands such as Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, Chanel, and Prada, Bloomberg reported earlier this month.

While the weak yen creates a sweet spot for foreigners, it is severely hurting Japanese travelers.

The number of outbound travelers was less than half the number of inbound travelers in March, per the National Tourism Organization. Outbound Japanese travel was down 37% last month compared to the same period in 2019, though it ticked up from February, the agency's data shows.

High airfare costs and low buying power is compelling more locals to skip international travel in favor of domestic locations.

Watch: Japanese denim is costly, but it's considered one of the best denims in the world. Here's why.

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All you need to know about entering, leaving and staying in Japan

Any foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, and all visitors must comply with the conditions of their visas.

See below for information about the current visa requirements for Japan.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Enjoy the Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Japan

Japan introduced a new visa program specifically for "digital nomads" -international remote workers who are attracting worldwide attention.

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