Information on Entering Japan

Ο Passport/Visa

It is necessary to have a passport when entering Japan.  Since Japan has a visa waiver agreement with many countries, for a large portion of foreigners entering Japan a visa is not necessary, if you are coming as just a tourist.  However for those who wish to reside in or work in Japan a visa is necessary. (Every country’s relationship with Japan is different; therefore, some people from certain countries may need a visa just to come in as a tourist whereas others do not).

For more details please have a look at the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website.
Japan Tourist Information Site.


Ο Currency

The Japanese currency is Yen. Paper bills and coins are widely used.  When you arrive at the airport you can exchange money or withdraw money from the ATM.
(Picture of currency)

Ο Travelers Checks and Credit Cards

You can use VISA, American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club at many places in larger Japanese cities, however, when you travel to the countryside there are many places that do not accept credit cards. Therefore you should always have cash on you.  Most places do not exchange traveler’s checks, but most hotels will exchange them.  For those who are not staying at hotels it is better to use ATMs.  Most Post Office ATMs and Citibank ATMs accept foreign cash cards. You can obtain a cash advance on your credit card at Post Office ATMs. Note that this service is usually fairly expensive.  Check with you credit card company before leaving your country about the charges applied.

For Details:
http://www.yu-cho.japanpost.jp/e_a0000000/aa210000.htm
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/customs.html


Ο Customs

When entering Japan you might be asked to fill out a customs declaration form about the goods you are bringing into the country.  You can bring a certain amount of alcohol, tobacco, and perfume into the country tax free.

For more details please check Japan’s Customs Site or JNTO Customs page.


Ο Phone

You can make International phone calls from the house, hotels, or ryokans where you are staying.  For information on how to make an International call please ask the front desk.  If you wish to make a phone call within Japan you can use a pay phone.  If you are in a city the limit is about 3min. per 10¥.  Since the spread of cell phones the quantity of pay phones has decreased, but you can still find them in hotels, department stores, and shopping malls.


Ο Cell Phone

Soft Bank and NTT Docomo are cell phone companies in Japan, which offer a service where you can insert a SIM card from your own phone to the Japanese phone model and use the same data from your phone at home here.  Some phones do not have SIM cards, so you should check whether or not you have a SIM card before coming to Japan.