Japan Travel Guide:

Tourism  Information

One of the Best (three of four globes)

Japan is a desirable travel destination:  it offers beautiful cities, an interesting cultural environment, and inviting landscapes.  Although small in area, Japan is packed with highly rated tourist attractions.  Travel by train, boat, or car is equally rewarding.

1. Japan is a destination that has much to offer but you will have to work for your rewards.  If you are planning your first trip to Japan, consider taking a tour or working with a travel agent who is familiar with Japan and able to create an itinerary that will ease your way around the country.  (Read our article on How to evaluate tour operators.)



2. Japan is a safe destination for independent travel but the language barrier makes travel somewhat challenging.  In smaller towns in the north of Japan, foreigners (not just Americans) are, sometimes, shunned. 



3. ThereArePlaces recommended destinations in Japan can be found at Japan - Best Places to Visit.



4. Information on travel to Japan can be found at http://www.jnto.go.jp/ .  Another "official" site with useful information for preparing for your visit to Japan is www.seejapan.co.uk/ .



5. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Overall, Japan is a safe travel destination for tourists. 

1. No official health advisories, travel advisories, or specific terrorism warnings have been posted for travel to Japan by the U.S. or any other governments at this time. 

• Before you depart, always check with the Department of State  and CDC to insure that these conditions have not changed.  In addition, you will find that the     Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.

1. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .



2. The government of Japan is vigilant in tracking terrorist threat indicators and remains at a high state of alert.   There have been no major terrorist incidents in Japan since 1995. The U.S. Consular office in Japan disseminate threat information  on the ACS website at http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/tacs-main.html
   
   
3. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.



4. If you have an emergency in Japan, call 110 for police and 119 to report a fire or request an ambulance. These numbers may not work from cell phones .  Pay phones in Japan are fitted with a red button that can be pressed to  contact authorities in an emergency: the call is free and does not require a phone card.  Operators may not speak or understand English. Persons seeking assistance need to be able to describe their address or location in Japanese or ask someone who can do so to assist you.
Advice on how to call for an ambulance in Japan is available at the website of the U.S. Embassy.


5. U.S. citizens must carry their U.S. passports or Japanese alien registration cards with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, the U.S. citizen can establish proof of identity and citizenship.
   • Under Japanese law, the police may stop any person on the street at any time and demand ID. If a foreigner does not have with him/her either a passport or valid Japanese Alien Registration Card, s/he is subject to arrest.
   • Due to recent crackdowns by the police, such random stops for ID are becoming increasingly more common, especially in areas frequented by foreigners.
   • In accordance with the U.S.-Japan Consular Convention, U.S. consular officers are generally notified within 24 hours of the arrest of a U.S. citizen, if the U.S. citizen requests consular notification.
     
     
6. Americans living in or visiting Japan are encouraged to register through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ .
   
   
7. Advice on how to call for an ambulance in Japan is available at http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-call.html .



8. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo is located at 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 Japan; telephone 81-3-3224-5000; fax 81-3-3224-5856. Recorded visa information for non-U.S. citizens is available at the following 24-hour toll phone number: 03-5354-4033. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo's web site is   http://japan.usembassy.gov . 



9. See our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad. Information on consular services in Japan is available at http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/tacs-main.html .   An alphabetical listing of consular services for Japan can be found at http://japan.usembassy.gov.



10. The location of U.S. Consulates in Japan can be found at the bottom of this page.

When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

A valid passport is required for travel in Japan, in addition to a valid onward or return ticket. A visa is not required for tourist/business stays in Japan of  up to 90 days.  Americans cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.

If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents, including visas are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

Passports must be valid for the intended period of stay in Japan.  U.S. citizens entering or transiting Japan should ensure that their passports and visas are up to date before leaving the United States. Many Asian countries deny entry to travelers whose passports are valid for less than six months.

• It is not usually possible to obtain a new U.S. passport and foreign visa during a brief stopover while transiting Japan, as tourist passport processing in Japan can take approximately two weeks.
• Airlines in Japan will deny boarding to Americans who seek to transit Japan without the required travel documents for their final destinations in Asia. Many Asian countries require that travelers hold passports valid for a minimum of six months. It is not usually possible to obtain a new U.S. passport and foreign visa during a brief stopover while transiting Japan, as tourist passport processing in Japan can take approximately two weeks.
• The U.S. Embassy or its Consulates cannot "vouch for" a U.S. citizen without a valid passport, and passport services are not available at the airport. In some instances, travelers have been returned immediately to the U.S., while in other cases, they have been issued 24-hour "shore passes" and were required to return the next day to Japanese Immigration for lengthy processing.

• Americans will be denied boarding in Japan for onward flights to China if they do not have a Chinese visa. Obtaining a Chinese visa in Japan can be a lengthy and complex process.

The Consular Section of the Embassy of Japan is located at 2520 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 238-6800,  In the United States, there are Japanese consulates in  several cities.  Additional information is available via the Internet on the Embassy of Japan home page at http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

Crime against U.S. citizens in Japan are rare and usually only involve personal disputes, theft or vandalism. Crime is at levels well below the U.S. national average.

Violent crime is rare, but does exist. Incidents of pick pocketing of foreigners in crowded shopping areas, on trains and at airports have been a sporadic concern.

Narita Airport lists airport theft statistics on its website at http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/news/tounan.html . In summer 2005, a number of Americans reported their passports lost or stolen at Narita Airport, especially passports being carried in pockets.

Some Americans believe that Japanese police procedures appear to be less sensitive and responsive to a victim's concerns than would be the case in the United States, particularly in cases involving domestic violence and sexual assault.

Concerns Regarding Roppongi: 

• The majority of crimes reported by
  Americans have occurred in Roppongi, an entertainment district in Tokyo that caters to foreign clientele.
• We previously described news of six reports of western foreigners (including Americans) allegedly overdosing on heroin, resulting in three deaths. The heroin was allegedly purchased in Roppongi.
• We note that several Americans reported the theft of their purses and wallets, stolen from them while in bars and clubs in Roppongi.
• A number of Americans have also been arrested over the past year in Roppongi for various offenses.
• Americans are strongly advised to exercise caution should they choose to visit the Roppongi area.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers. 

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Except for emergencies, a replacement passport takes two to three weeks to process. Travelers will then need to contact Japanese Immigration to have their Japanese visas re-issued. "Lost" passports will not disguise an over-stay of one's 90-day entry, as Japanese Immigration records are computerized. Information on replacing a lost passport, included the necessary forms, is available at http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7130e.html .

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

Most short-term visitors choose not to drive in Japan.  Reading the information we provide below may help you understand why it is a good idea to avoid driving in Japan.  Public transportation in Japan is excellent and the train network (although expensive) is a fantastic way to see the country if you are traveling the cities.  If you plan to explore Northern Hokkaido, you may need to rent a car to get around.

While in a Japan, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Japan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of Public Transportation: Excellent
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good (but providers do not speak English)

A U.S. driver’s license alone is not sufficient to drive in Japan. The U.S. driver's license must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (obtainable in the U.S. from American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance).

Driving in Japan is quite complicated and expensive.

• Similar to the UK, vehicular traffic moves on the left.  When you couple this with the next note, you will probably give up on driving in Japan.
• Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs.
• Highway tolls are assessed at about $1 (U.S.) per mile.
• City traffic is often very congested. A 20-mile trip in the Tokyo area may take two hours.
• There is virtually no legal roadside parking. In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains.
• Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States.
• Japanese compulsory insurance (JCI) is mandatory for all automobile owners and drivers in Japan.
• Turns at red lights are forbidden, unless specifically authorized.

Japanese law provides that all persons who drive in Japan are held liable in the event of an accident, and assesses fault in an accident on all parties.

ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.  I See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries  for more information.  In Japan, drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. Persons found guilty of "drunken driving", speeding, or blatantly careless driving that results in death" are subject to up to 15 years in prison.

The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws. Further information in English is available on the NPA's web site at  http://www.npa.go.jp/ .

Speed Limits in Japan:

1. Built-up areas - 40 km/h or as posted
2. Outside Built up areas (including  dual carriageways) - 80km/h or as posted
3. Motorways - 100 km/h or as posted.

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html.

While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to Americans' expectations are expensive and not widespread.

U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so travelers with ongoing prescription medicine needs should arrive with a sufficient supply to see them through their stay in Japan, or enough until they are able to see a local care provider.

• It is illegal to bring into Japan some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications.
  • (medicines that contain Pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers), or Codeine are prohibited. Up to a two-months' supply of allowable over-the-counter medication and up to a four-months' supply of allowable vitamins can be brought into Japan duty-free.
  • Some U.S. prescription medications cannot be imported into Japan, even when accompanied by a customs declaration and a copy of the prescription.
  • Japanese physicians can often prescribe similar, but not identical, substitutes to medicines available in the U.S. A Japanese doctor, consulted by phone in advance, is also a good source of information on medications available and/or permitted in Japan. A list of English-speaking medical facilities throughout Japan is available on our web site at http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7119.html.  Some popular medications legal in the U.S., such as Prozac and Viagra, are sold illegally in Japan on the black market. You are subject to arrest and imprisonment if you purchase such drugs illegally while in Japan.
    
    
• Generally, up to one month's supply of allowable prescription medicine can be brought into Japan.
  
  
  • Travelers must bring a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug.
  • Travelers who must carry more than a one-month supply, or are carrying syringes, may be required to fill out a customs declaration form before entering Japan.
  • To obtain the customs declaration form before you leave, or for more information on taking medication into Japan, contact the Embassy of Japan's Economic Section 202-238-6700 or at http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/consulat.htm
  • More information on importing medicines into Japan is also available at http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-medimport.html .
    
    
• Persons traveling to Japan who intend to carry prescription and non-prescription medications should consult the Japanese Embassy, or a Japanese Consulate, in the United States before leaving the U.S. to confirm whether they will be allowed to bring the particular medication into Japan. A full listing of phone numbers and email addresses is available at http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/consulat.htm .

Japan's National Health Insurance system  is only available to foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation or medical care outside of Japan.  Medical caregivers in Japan require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before treating a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan.

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure                         “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. 

ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.