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Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

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

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

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

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

Visit Japan Web

Time required to fill out and instruction manuals

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

Three parts to Visit Japan Web

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

Important tip

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

Important Visit Japan Web Links

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

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

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

Kyoto District Map

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• Northern Higashiyama
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• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

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Visit Japan Web: The Online Registration Before Arriving in Japan

Japanese customs: mysos replaced from november, 14,  2022.

During the Covid pandemic, entry procedures in Japan have changed a lot, which created some confusion. It is still somewhat the case after the reopening to tourism since October 11, even if a focus has been placed on easing the procedures especially through digitalization , to minimize human interactions and subsequent contamination risks.

Until recently, the Japanese government asked visitors to install specific app on their smartphones:

• MySOS, for advance registration of information regarding vaccine status / PCR test, for faster airport procedures in Japan (the "fast track" system)
• COCOA, an app to track contact-cases and infected persons, but it was discontinued in September 2022.

MySOS was not mandatory but highly recommended . Travelers who could not use the app were directed upon their arrival in Japan to a specific line in order to complete the necessary steps (showing a valid vaccination certificate / PCR test, etc.) which lengthened their time at the airport.

New website available since November 1st, 2022

In mid-October 2022, a new change in the procedure has been announced for all entry in Japan from November 14 included : every traveler (tourist, foreign resident and Japanese citizen alike) can register in advance on the Visit Japan Web site.

Visit Japan Web is a free, single portal to group formalities related to:

• Covid-19   🦠 ( quarantine , vaccination certificate, PCR test); The Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures section collects the information that were previously filled in the MySOS app ("Fast Track" function);
• Immigration : the Disembarkation Card for Foreigner that was formerly handed in the plane  ✈️ just before landing (does not concern Japanese citizens and foreign permanent residents);
• Customs  🛂 , with the Declaration of Personal effects and Unaccompanied Articles , to fill upon arrival, formerly either on a paper form or on the Japanese government’s Zeikan shinkoku app (税関申告アプリ).

In the facts, registering on the website has been possible since November 1, 2022 , for any arrival in Japan from November 14 in one of its largest airports:

• Tokyo -Narita,
• Tokyo-Haneda,
• Osaka - Kansai (KIX),
• Chubu ( Nagoya ),
• Fukuoka ( Kyushu ),
• New Chitose ( Hokkaido ) and
• Naha ( Okinawa ).

Travelers arriving in Japan before November 14, 2022, can still use the MySoS app to fill their Covid related data and are not the target of the Visit Japan Web.

1 blue screen and 2 QR Codes to show on a smartphone

Like with MySOS previously, each step of the registration process is ended by a change in the page display that includes:

• A blue screen , for a successful quarantine procedure registration,
• and the creation of 2 QR Codes for customs and immigration procedures.

Once all the steps are completed, a visitor’s smartphone  📱 will display first a blue screen, then 2 QR Codes to show at each checkpoint.

Starting April 29, 2023 , according to March 10 and April 26 latest announcements of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, some of the borders restrictions will be lifted and the Covid-19 quarantine procedure (blue screen) will not be required anymore .

It is highly recommended to register before departing for Japan : at the latest 6h prior to the flight’s departure, and ideally within the 10 preceding days , in order to allow time for the review of the submitted documents. Reviews are sorted by date of arrival in Japan . Visit Japan Web is available in English.

Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, consider using Visit Japan Web to make sure to board your flight to Japan, as airlines reserve the right to refuse passengers who may potentially be banned at the Quarantine Procedures step.

The necessary documents are:

• A valid email address (will be used as a user ID to each access to Visit Japan Web);
• Until April 29, 2023 , Covid vaccination certificate or negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before departure and translated in English (use the Japanese-English form provided by the Japanese Ministry of Health here );
• An address in Japan (for example, of the first accommodation you will be staying at).

If traveling with underage children , it is possible to register them on the same Visit Japan Web account (up to 10 travelers). Dependent or handicapped adults who cannot go through the procedures alone can also be registered in the Family members traveling with you section. However, each of them has to have their own passport or equivalent immigration document.

Each member of the family registered on the same account will also have their blue screen and 2 QR Codes, to show at checkpoints at the arrival airport in Japan.

Like with MySOS, registering with Visit Japan Web is not mandatory , however it helps going through the entry procedures in Japan faster, and reduces the hurdles of tedious formalities after 12 hours of more spent in a plane.

On April 5, 2023, Kono Taro, the Japanese Minister of Digital Affairs, announced that travelers are no longer required to show any document at arrival airport’s quarantine in Japan . However, filling information forms for immigration and customs is still a requirement.

Additional tips and advice

An Internet  📶 connection is required to use the Visit Japan Web site, especially to create the account, fill in the user’s information, and their family’s when applicable (name, passport number, etc.), the forms regarding vaccination or PCR test and create the first QR Code. The digital Disembarkation Card for Foreigners and custom procedures can be completed offline and the QR codes created upon arrival at the airport.

Creating a Visit Japan Web account is possible on a computer (Chrome browser is recommended) or on a smartphone (Chrome browser recommended on Android). In any case, before departure, make sure to be logged in only on the device you will use to travel (a smartphone ideally), and check that all information is up-to-date.

Questions asked at immigration and customs procedures are the same than on the paper forms. In any event, official Japanese sources (the Embassy of Japan or the Border Control page of the Japanese Ministry of Health for example) are the ultimate references regarding entry procedures in Japan and should be checked frequently.

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

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

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

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

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

What is Visit Japan Web?

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

• Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What is Fast Track?

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

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

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

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

Visit Japan Web procedure step-by-step

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is how:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Optional) Travel insurance and emergency contact

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

(Optional) Tax-Free QR

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

And that’s all!

Frequently Asked Questions about Visit Japan Web

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

257 Comments

• April 3, 2024

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

Hey CK, what information are you referring to?

Hi Melissa,

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

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

• January 16, 2024

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

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

• December 2, 2023

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

• December 4, 2023

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

• December 5, 2023

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

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

• December 6, 2023

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

• November 27, 2023

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

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

• November 13, 2023

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

• November 6, 2023

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

• November 7, 2023

yes i would fill in the first one

• November 2, 2023

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

Hey Vin, use the Hong Kong to Japan one

• September 24, 2023

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

yeah i would put the first one

• September 12, 2023

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

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

Thanks so much!

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

• September 2, 2023

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

• September 3, 2023

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

• September 4, 2023

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

• August 12, 2023

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

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

Thank you for your kind help.

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

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

Cheers! Lav

• June 29, 2023

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

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

• July 3, 2023

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

• June 21, 2023

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

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

• June 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope that explains.

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

• June 18, 2023

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

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

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

Usually from your smart phone

• December 27, 2023

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

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

• June 15, 2023

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

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

• June 14, 2023

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

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

• June 10, 2023

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

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

• June 8, 2023

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

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

• June 6, 2023

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

Thanks Helen for sharing this useful information!

• May 31, 2023

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

yup you will still get a stamp

• May 28, 2023

Thank you for all the usefull infos!

• May 24, 2023

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

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

• May 23, 2023

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

• May 15, 2023

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

• May 5, 2023

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

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

• April 30, 2023

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

• April 29, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Melissa, thanks for the reply.

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

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

• April 25, 2023

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

• April 26, 2023

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

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

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

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

• April 13, 2023

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

• April 18, 2023

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

• April 11, 2023

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

Usually it does, yes.

• April 10, 2023

Thank you for the very helpful write up.

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

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

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

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

Anything I can do?

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

• April 28, 2023

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

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

Thanks in advance for the clarification.

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

• May 6, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

• April 8, 2023

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

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

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

• April 7, 2023

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

• April 6, 2023

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

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

• April 4, 2023

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

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

• May 22, 2023

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

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

• April 2, 2023

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

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

Hope I did the right thing 🙂

Thank you for your guide, it is amazing!

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

Thank you in advance, regards.

• April 3, 2023

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

• April 27, 2023

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

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

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

• March 27, 2023

Hello Melissa,

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

• March 28, 2023

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

• March 26, 2023

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

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

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

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

Can you clarify VJW?

VJW = Visit Japan Web

• March 22, 2023

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

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

• March 23, 2023

Hello Melissa:)

Thank you for getting back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• March 21, 2023

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

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

• March 20, 2023

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

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

• March 19, 2023

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

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

• March 18, 2023

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

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

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

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

• March 16, 2023

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

• March 17, 2023

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

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

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

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

Awesome! Hope you get the blue box soon.

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

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

• March 14, 2023

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

• March 15, 2023

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

• March 13, 2023

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

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

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

Hey Jean. Is this for the customs declaration?

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

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

• March 11, 2023

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

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

• March 12, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

• March 10, 2023

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

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

• March 9, 2023

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

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

• March 7, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

• March 6, 2023

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

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

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

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

Thanks for confirming!

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

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

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

• March 4, 2023

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

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

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

You can register everything with the fast track!

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

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

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

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

• March 3, 2023

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

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

• March 2, 2023

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

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

• March 1, 2023

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

there is a message saying

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

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

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

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

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

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

But it says it won’t show a QR code

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

• February 27, 2023

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

• February 28, 2023

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

• February 24, 2023

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

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

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

Thanks in Advance

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

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

Thanks in advance again

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

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

• February 22, 2023

Hello Again Melissa,

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

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

Many thanks,

• February 21, 2023

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

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

Many thanks.

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

• February 20, 2023

Hello Melissa

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

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

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

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

• February 19, 2023

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

it needs to be blue

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

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

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

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

• February 17, 2023

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

• February 18, 2023

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

• February 23, 2023

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

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

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

• February 16, 2023

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

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

• February 12, 2023

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

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

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

• February 11, 2023

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

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

• February 1, 2023

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

thank you Richard for this very valuable update!

• April 14, 2023

Hi Richard,

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

• January 29, 2023

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

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

Thank you very much

• January 30, 2023

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

• January 27, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

• February 6, 2023

Hi Melissa. Great post, bery helpful.

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

• February 7, 2023

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

• January 23, 2023

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

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

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

• January 24, 2023

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

• January 18, 2023

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

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

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

• January 16, 2023

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

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

• January 13, 2023

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

• January 10, 2023

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

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

• January 7, 2023

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

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

• December 29, 2022

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

Thanks Melissa

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

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

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

• December 19, 2022

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

• December 24, 2022

Yes, as long as the test is negative

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

• December 20, 2022

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

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

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

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

• December 21, 2022

sorry! i just noticed the footnote that says

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

Thanks so much Melissa! You’re amazing.

• December 15, 2022

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

glad I can help 🙂

• December 11, 2022

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

• December 13, 2022

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

• December 10, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

All picture from VJW Official Website・デジタル庁

Table of Contents

Visit Japan Web User Registration Procedure

Registration of your details.

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

Differentiate between entry/return procedures

Answer the question of  entry and return procedures.

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

Passport details in Visit Japan Web

Intended address in japan (optional).

Visit Japan Web Registration complete

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

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

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

New registration for planned entry and return

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

You can register a maximum of 5 entries.

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

Registering Planned Entry/Return

Enter your planned entry/return.

The follows are required fields:

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

Intended Address in Japan

Enter your intended address in Japan.

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

Select family members traveling with you

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

Confirm the entered details

Registration of planned entry/return complete

Visit Japan Web: Entry/return procedures

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

Updated April 28, 2023

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

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

Disembarkation Card For Foreigner registration

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

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

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

Basic information

• Date of Birth

Immigration information to Japan

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

Intended address in Japan

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

Finally, there are some questions to fill out

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

Customs Declaration

Preparation for customs declaration.

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

Fill in the following basic information

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

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

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

Preparation for entry into Japan

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

※Update January 25

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

You may also like

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May 6, 2022

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Visit Japan Web: How to register

Travelling to Japan? Visit Japan Web registration will save you precious time on arrival. Here's a step-by-step guide of what to do.

If you’re planning to visit Japan, it’s highly recommended that you take time to complete the so-called “Fast-track registration” before travel. This expedites the arrivals process after you land, granting access to a special lane at the airport. 

Fast-track registration was previously done through the MySOS app, but from 1 November 2022, Japan has switched over to Visit Japan Web (VJW) instead. Here’s how the transition process works:

• If you have not registered yet, you should do so via VJW
• If you have already completed MySOS registration, you can use the MySOS blue screen for entry into Japan up till 13 January 2023

Those who have previously registered via MySOS are welcome to register again via VJW if they so wish. 

In this post, I’ll walk you through the VJW registration process. It’s not significantly different from MySOS, although it has the added convenience of bringing immigration and customs clearance under the same portal. 

Visit Japan Web

Visit Japan Web registration should be done at least six hours prior to your scheduled arrival time. There are three sections to complete:

• Quarantine (Fast-track)
• Immigration

Completion of each section will generate a QR code, which travellers will show at the arrival airport to expedite procedures. 

Step 1: User registration

After creating your VJW account, the first step is to register your personal details. 

You’ll first be asked two questions:

• Do you have a passport issued by the Japanese government?
• Will you enter Japan with a (special) re-entry permission?

For the vast majority of Singaporeans, the answer to both will be “no”.

You’ll then need to provide your passport details. 

If you’re travelling with children, you may register them under your VJW account. The portal is vague about what the cut-off age is for an individual to require their own VJW account; with MySOS it was 13 years and above. 

If you cannot complete the procedures of the airport by yourself, such as infants, you can register as a family members traveling with you without creating an account, and the representative can also enter the family members traveling with you portion to create a QR code. For those who can do the procedure by themselves, we ask that you prepare to be able to display it on your own smartphone, etc. as much as possible. -Visit Japan Web

I believe the idea is that as far as possible, each traveller should have their own device to display their own QR code, for efficiency reasons. If that’s not realistically possible, then they can be registered on someone else’s VJW account. 

Step 2: Trip registration

The next step is to register your trip details. 

• Optional field, for your own reference
• Planned arrival date in Japan
• If you’re flying a codeshare, enter the name of the operating airline
• If you’re flying a codeshare, enter the main flight number (i.e. not the 4-digit one)

You’ll also be asked for your intended address in Japan. You can enter the postal code (without hyphens) of your hotel here and see if the fields auto-populate. If they don’t (as was the case for the Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, postal code 1028585), then you’ll need to enter the information manually. 

Step 3: Quarantine procedures (fast-track)

When you first click on the quarantine procedures (fast-track) tab, you’ll see a red screen and a “not yet registered” status. This should look familiar to anyone who’s completed MySOS registration previously.

Our goal is to turn this screen to blue. This involves completing three sections (not four; you’ll either submit a vaccination certificate or a pre-departure test). 

Unless you have all your documents already scanned on your computer, I’d recommend doing this section from your phone so you can snap photos and upload them immediately. 

The first step is to upload a copy of your passport’s information page.

Once that’s done, the tag next to Passport will change to “Scanning”. Sit tight. You won’t be able to continue with fast-track registration until the system has scanned your passport.

This should take 10 minutes at most, and you’ll receive an email confirmation once it’s done (add [email protected] to your safe list).

Refresh the page and the tag next to Passport should have changed to “Please verify”. Click on it and confirm your scanned details.

Now return to the “Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures” screen and scroll down. You’ll see the tag next to Questionnaire WEB has changed to “Please register”. Tap on it, and you’ll be sent to another webpage. Toggle the language on top as necessary. 

To complete this section, you’ll need to provide:

• Date of arrival in Japan
• Arrival flight details
• This section can be left blank if you don’t know
• Whether or not you’re a crew member
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Address of accommodation
• The calendar is not translated into English. All you need to know is 月 is month, and 日 is day. The rest should be intuitive enough
• Departure flight detail
• Remember to include your usual country of residence in your travel history
• Health declaration
• Email address
• Contact number
• Alternative contact number

Most of the information here should already be pre-populated, though for whatever reason, the accommodation information isn’t ported over. You’ll need to complete this again, keeping in mind the following:

• Don’t include hyphens for postal codes. Once the postal code is entered, the rest of the field should auto-populate
• If the system refuses to recognise your postal code, leave the postal code field blank and enter the values manually
• Remember to select the last option “lodging or destination facility”

Double check your responses, and click “complete response” when done. 

Return to the “Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures” screen and scroll down. You’ll see the tag next to Vaccination certificate has changed to “Please register”.

Tap on it and select “Will submit”. If your vaccination certificate details are in Japanese or English, tap “yes” for the first prompt, provide the details of your three doses and upload a copy of your vaccination certificate. 

As a reminder, three doses of any of the following vaccinations, in any combination, will satisfy the fully vaccinated criteria (Janssen and CanSino only requires two doses).

Unvaccinated children  under the age of 18 who travel with fully vaccinated parents/guardians will be treated as fully vaccinated. Children aged below six will be treated as fully vaccinated, regardless of their parents’/guardians’ vaccination status. 

That’s it! You’ll be brought back to the “Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures” screen, which will now show your vaccination certificate as “being reviewed”. There’s nothing more to do at this point; you can ignore the last section on pre-departure testing since you’re fully vaccinated.

Your information will be reviewed, and you’ll receive an email once your status changes. In my case it took about 1 hour.

Return to the VJW portal, and you’ll see the status screen has turned to blue. You’re all set!

Step 4: Immigration

The disembarkation card requires some additional details, namely:

• Your country and city of residence
• Purpose of visit
• Intended length of stay in Japan
• Declaration 

The rest of the information should already be pre-populated from Step 3. 

Step 5: Customs

The customs declaration requires some additional details, namely:

• City of departure to Japan
• Number of family members travelling with you
• Declaration

Other sections

There are two additional sections in the VJW advising on travel insurance and emergency contact information. These are just FYI; no action is required from you. 

Visit Japan Web registration has now gone live, which brings the fast-track, immigration and customs forms under one portal. 

Registration should be relatively quick, and my approval was received in one hour, but the key thing is to do it early. There’s bound to be a deluge of applications over the next few days, so if you’re travelling soon you’ll want to give yourself plenty of buffer time. 

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do you know what happen if you need to change your date of entry into Japan after receiving the confirmation?

I noticed there is a change of plan/date function but not sure if the entire application needs to be re-submitted too. Thx!

When are you going to JP? Keep us updated whether we should use the ABCT queue! Thanks.

i was planning to go in late october but had a bout of illness. i’ll be heading in the next couple of weeks

Personally I think filling in the embarkation card and custom declaration card offline or online is a matter of self preference. I went through the process with paper fill out, the clearance actually is also brazing fast (less than 5 minutes for each of the immigration counter and custom counter)

i suppose it also depends on what time you land. maybe you got lucky during a lull period.

Maybe I am lucky. During my arrival yesterday, I think only my flight was going through clearance.

I also did a rough count, from morning until around 2pm, at most there are 4 flights arrived per hour. Some hours only got 1 flight arriving.

I felt that the tourusts arrival still not a lot yet, maybe because school holidays have not started. My flight mainly filled with Indonesian who transit.

I have been trying to get into Step 3: Quarantine procedures (fast-track) since yesterday but the page keep “loading” and nothing shows up. Is anyone else facing the same problem or did I miss something (I have no problem going through the other steps). Thanks

In case anyone face the same problem, I changed my browser from Chrome to Edge and it works.

thanks for providing the solution!

You’re a GENIUS! I was trying for the last 3 days. Arigato gozaimasu

If I am travelling via 2 airlines with a layover in Japan, do I input the flight info of the international flight or the latter domestic flight to my destination city?

From the FAQ:

Q. If I am entering the country as a family, do I have to create an account with a different email address for each family member?

A. In order to use the Service, one account is required for each person, so in principle, please create an account with a different email address for each person. However, infants and other children who cannot complete the procedures by themselves can use the Service without creating an account by registering as an “family member traveling with you”.

We keep scanning the passport information page to register but it keeps coming back failed to verify. We have tried from the phone and the computer. I have a brand new Australian passport. Do you know what could be the problem

passport image submissions must be jpg, png or pdf, and show the entire passport face page including the symbols at the bottom.

Yes the picture is immaculate. We have tried many different methods , from taking pictures with the phone and using a scanner . All our pictures in jpeg. Can’t understand why? Wondering if changing format (PDF) will help??

Hi Sue. Definitely worth trying PDF. I scanned and saved it as PDF, and did not have an issue uploading (using laptop, not phone). Image was accepted (confirmation within a couple minutes) and reviewed/registered no problem.

When using the mySOS app previously, my wife had to upload her passport scan/photo over 30 times before the system will scan it correctly. I was lucky and only needed to upload 5-6 times. With the new visit japan web, my passport upload was recognized the first time round, not sure if it’s luck or the system had improved.

I have the same issue too, Sue, with a new Australian passport.

I have the same issue too, with a new Singapore passport. Anyone found a solution?

I am facing exactly the same issue

Hi, any solution to this? or just keep trying?

Hi, thanks for your detailed instructions on the Visit Japan App. I am traveling to Japan tomorrow and have completed all the registrations using the VJA. Do I still need the MySOS app? Pls advise. Thanks!

My apologies for the typo – I meant I have completed the registration using the Visit Japan Web (VJW) and my question is whether do I still need to register using the MySOS app? I am traveling to Japan tomorrow. Pls advise. Thanks!

thanks for this. Have a Skip notification next to Passport. It is in blue and my current status says Review Completed. So it hasn’t asked to verify the passport.

Should I just start over again?

Thankyou Aaron for such a concise and informative article! Much easier to navigate than the official VJW guide!!

How do you enter on the form if u have an English name and chinese name together on pasport nd your surname is in the middle?

For example, Ray Kris Lee Née Soon, where the surname here is Lee

If in the form, I entered Lee as the surname, the name will come out as Ray Kris Née Soon Lee, but pasport name is Ray Kris Lee Née Soon

thats fine i think

look at the machine readable part of your passport bio page. the top row begins with your last name until the >>, then it is your first name. enter it as it appears here, replacing the single >s with spaces. this will align with how most systems would read your passport.

unless you’re malaysian. then just put what you think it should be i guess…

My child is <6 and I assume considered vaccinated. I selected “will not submit” under her application “Vaccination Certificate” (cos she doesn’t have one). Her application turned yellow with a large ‘B’…

Any idea what that is?

no big deal. she will just accompany you through the blue line.

Thanks Aaron for the amazing guide. I have the same issue, status is yellow with a ‘B’. Travis, was it all smooth during immigration?

Seems like all good, just saw the below FAQ… If you completed the registration with “Will not submit” for the child’s vaccination certificate and “No” for COVID test certificate, the bar will be yellow. If the child is eligible for an exemption, the bar will stay yellow, but there is no problem entering Japan. If a child under the age of 18 does not have a valid vaccination certificate but is accompanied by a parent/custodian with whom the child lives and who does have a valid vaccination certificate and is responsible for the child’s actions, the child will be given …  Read more »

This is great. For my 13 year old travelling with me (I’m fully vaxed) what do I say about her vax certificate? She has had two doses – so when I register her do I say she’s vaxed or not? I note the form asks for details on the 3 doses

I have the same issue. I tried to register my kid as fully vaccinated but registration couldn’t be completed as must enter the 3rd dose and date. Then I went to register “will not submit” vax cert and the status now is Yellow and need to submit test result cert before 72 hours. Once submit “will not submit”, you cannot revert and change “will submit” vax cert. Not sure what is the next step… or should just leave it.

Oh dear, I added my husband as the accompanying family member before realizing it’s really actually meant for children… is there a way to remove him (have not registered his docs etc)? Or if he does a registration using a new email himself, it is okay to have his name still listed as my accompanion? Thanks in advance!

I have a question, will it be too early for me to fill out this visit japan web form one and a half months before I am going to Japan, will it has a expire date?

Hi, I try to register on 7 Dec 2022 morning, I was directed to a page to key in my credit card details. I key in my 1st card n was declined. I try to key in 2nd card n was approved. Both cards were being billed a amount of USD 39.99. please help. What can I do to cancel ?

Was wondering for the passport section, do i upload for myself or will need to upload for family members traveling with me (children) too? Where do i upload for the children as i dont see that option?

I was just processing the registration but it doesn’t have a section for uploading a scanned copy of the passport…

Aaron – is this Visit Japan website still required ? I went in to register for my upcoming trip on 24th March however the website just stop at Registration and entry of details. Fullstop ,,,,there is no further steps to click to proceed on as per your narration. There is a notice that qr codes no longer needed – sorry, ignore. I managed to fill in all required details.

Do we need to do the same for domestic flights? Example from Osaka to Sapporo, do I need to create a new entry for this route?

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Tips to efficiently pass the JLPT - Advice from the native Japanese teacher - 1) Know the structure 2)Time managing 3) Daily training

Tips to Facilitate the Japan Entry Procedure: Visit Japan Web!

What is Visit Japan Web?

Procedure① (creation of account), procedure② (registration of individual information), procedure③ (registration of travel information), choose the applicant, disembarkation, customs declaration, procedure⑤ (display qr code at the airports).

Finally, Japan is open to tourists. Japan has many things to see, eat and learn. The Japanese people don’t speak English very much and it may complicate your trip, but don’t worry. At least, they try to understand you even in poor English. But if you are a little interested in learning Japanese, please come to visit us . This service is run by the native Japanese people!!

However, the problem is that the entry procedure is changing every moment, and this makes it hard for tourists to understand what they should / are recommended to do before entering Japan. Now, Japan started an online service called “ Visit Japan Web “, which is a web service for smooth arrival procedures at airports. This service is for both international travelers and Japanese citizens and this can be used for Quarantine, Immigration, and Customs declaration procedures. *Visit Japan Web can be used only at the following airports. →Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose, Naha.

From the name, you can hardly imagine the service is for smooth arrival procedures…but this system may be used for some period when you want to visit Japan, so let’s memorize the name and how to work, ok?

In my opinion, the procedure should be easier and more simple so that tourists can visit Japan without stress. That is why I decided to summarise the procedure even though it is not completely perfect.

I hope this article helps you!

First of all, you have to create an account. Let’s see how to make it and what information will be needed in this procedure.

I added the memo to the screenshots. All you have to do is take a look at them!

If you reach this page, the creation of the account is done! Good job! However, you can get relaxed…because the most important part is from now!

Visit Japan Web is not so complicated, but after making an account, it is a little bit confusing since there is no instruction regarding what you should do. What is even worse, despite the lack of explanation, arriving in Japan with the Visit Japan Web incompleted will cause problems at airports…

To avoid these problems, I would like to share tips and more details with you. See this article until the end, and you can enter Japan with ease!

The next step is to register the individual information. As you can see, you don’t have to create an account for each of your family members. After getting to know how to register the representative information, please proceed to the registration of the other members.

If you follow the following tips, it is a peach of cake!!

At the end of the registration of the individual information, please confirm carefully the information you entered. the mistakes can lead to denial or complications at the arrival airports.

Now, you register the travel detail such as the date of arrival/departure, airline information, and the location where you intend to stay. The information can be changed before the registration, so it is recommended to input the detail as soon as you decide on the trip to Japan.

Procedure④ (Registration of Quarantine, Disembarkation, Customs Declaration)

We can say this part is essential to make it easy to enter Japan. When you finish this part, only you have to do is wait for the approval and show the QR code at arrival airports.

Don’t get bored until the end. Here are the tips for the last step!

You can’t skip the process, in other words, you have to register your passport first. Then, continue to do it in order from the top.

All information will be analyzed by the Japanese government, and it can take a while to be done. So, registration in advance is highly recommended.

Only foreigners have to fill in this part. Depending on the answers on the registration of Individual information, this part can be blacked out.

Now, you have completed all registrations! After uploading the passport information, vaccine certificate, etc…you have to wait for confirmation from the Japanese government, but the principal task is done.

When all registrations are confirmed, you are ready to land in Japan!! Get your smartphone fully charged and prepare QR code.

We offer the Best Online Japanese Learning ( All Free ), and our goal is to facilitate the adoption into life in Japan. Our service “ IPPO ” is made by native Japanese teachers and professionals. The tips we share with you can help you to learn Japanese efficiently and pass JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).

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How to use the Visit Japan Web for Entering/Returning to Japan

Easy Step-by-Step guide about Visit Japan Web

© https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/

Are you planning a trip to Japan soon? Or are you a resident of Japan who is going to travel abroad and then re-enter? Then you may be interested to read this article to the end!

After more than two years closed due to the global pandemic situation, Japan has finally opened its doors to tourism recently. This was a long awaited opening by many, as the country of the rising sun is one of the most popular travel destinations in recent years and has been one of the places that has taken the longest to reopen to tourism. Surely many people are excited about this news, buying their plane tickets and preparing their suitcases. However, be careful! There is one very important detail to keep in mind or you could be left with the door slammed in your face and be turned back upon landing in Japan.

To enter Japan it is MANDATORY to present a vaccination passport with 3 vaccines of some of those approved by the Japanese Government or a negative PCR in COVID-19 72 hours before the departure time.

And what does the My SOS app have to do with the entrance to Japan? Well, let’s see now.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

What is Visit Japan Web?

Visit Japan Web is a web portal launched by the Japanese Government to Fast Track your entry into Japan. On the Visit Japan Web website you can upload your vaccination passport or your negative PCR certificate before boarding the plane and get a QR. Technically, you can also present it on paper at the arrival airport, but some airlines may deny you boarding if you do not show them the QR code. Also, if you do the process in advance through the website and receive the approved QR, you are 100% sure that there will be no problem with your entry (it is unlikely, but it could be the case that once at the arrival airport the certificate you present is not considered valid).

In addition, with the Visit Japan web portal you can also do the questionnaire for the customs procedure in advance, receiving a separate QR.

In my own experience, I used Visit Japan Web on my recent re-entry to Japan and the process was much faster and streamlined compared to people who did not have it. There is a separation for people who carry the QR code with the 3 vaccinations/PCR tests and you get to Immigration much faster as they don’t have to check it manually (they only check that you have the QR). And once you pick up your luggage, you use the second QR code for the customs process.

In both cases, the time spent waiting in line is reduced considerably and you leave the airport much earlier. Below, I’m going to explain how to do the processes from my own first hand experience!

How to use the Visit Japan Web before entering Japan

The first thing you have to do is to go to this website and create an account. The procedure is the usual for this kind of cases: after registering an email address and accepting the terms of use, they send you a confirmation code and after entering the code you can access your page.

Once you are in your account, go to the “Your details” section and fill in the information requested (full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, etc).

After registering your details, you will be able to click on the “New registration” button in the “Register Planned Entry/Return” section. Here you have to put the arrival  information (date, airline company and flight number). Then you will then arrive at a screen with two options. One for the Fast Track and the other for the customs declaration. I recommend you to start with the Fast Track.

It’s time to start with the pre-registration procedures for quarantine. According with your departure country this part may vary slightly, but as long as I know most part of the countries have the same process. The top part is in red, and if you scroll down you can see a red band that says “Not yet registered” with your passport information. Below you can see the four documents that you must complete: passport, Questionnaire WEB, Vaccination certificate and PCR result less than 72 hours before departure.

The documents are easy. The passport is just take a picture of the page with your information and updated it. Once they check and see that it’s ok and the information can be read well, you can go to the Questionnaire WEB. You just need to answer a few questions and then you are ready to go to the next step, the vaccination certificate. In my case I took a screenshot of my digital vaccine certificate and they accepted it.

As you can see, since I have the vaccination certificate I do not need the PCR test (in case you do not have a valid vaccination certificate, then you can go for the COVID-19 PCR test). All the necessary documents changed from “Not yet registered” to “Completed” and the color changed from red to blue. Once you get this, you are ready to travel knowing that all your documents have been accepted.

After finishing this part, you can go back and fill in the section of “Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles”. For those of you who are used to traveling, this is the typical small piece of paper that you are usually given during the flight to customs declaration in case you are carrying certain substances. With Visit Japan Web you can make this declaration in advance from the website and receive another QR code to pass through customs saving time.

How to use the Visit Japan Web after arriving Japan

Once in Japan it is very simple. When you get out of the plane there is a point where they separate people into those who have the QR code and those who do not. You just have to show the code to the staff and they will let you through.

After you have finished the process at Immigration and once you have your luggage, you will see that at Customs declaration there is a queue for those who have the physical paper and another queue for those who have the QR code. There are some machines where you have to swipe the QR code, and you are out, free to explore Japan!

And that is all. In case you can’t find it, here you have the official website of Visit Japan Web.

Visit Japan Web: https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/

And that is all. I understand first hand that with the current situation entering/returning to Japan can be confusing or make you have many doubts/worries so I hope this article helped you.

Airport Taxi

Looking for a private shuttle from Japan’s major airports to your accommodation or vice versa? Airport Taxi is one of the best services in Japan, with large and comfortable cars and affordable prices! The customer service is available every day from 8:00 to 23:00 and the have English-speakers staff.

▶Check the official website:  https://www.airport-taxi.tokyo/en

Clinic Nearme

If you are a resident of Tokyo who is going abroad for a while, and you have been vaccinated here, our affiliated clinic Clinic Nearme can provide you with the vaccination certificate necessary for returning to Japan. For 3,000 JPY  you can have your vaccine certificate on the same day. Clinic Nearme a clinics authorized for the Japanese government and one of the few clinics in Tokyo with English support.

Planning to coming to Japan?? This articles may interest you too!

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From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee  & Adventure lover 🌏☕️  

I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you 🙋🏼‍♀️   Let’s discover Japan together!

Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.

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

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

1. Visa Application Procedures

2. about visa.

• 3. Visa Application Documents

4. Frequently Asked Questions

5. announcements.

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

Short-Term Stay

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

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

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

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

Work or Long-Term Stay

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

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

Visa for Medical Stay

Visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.

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

3. Visa Application Documents (download)

• (Note1) Refer to [1. Visa Application Procedures] for details of documents required.
• (Note3) Company/personal seal on Letter of Guarantee and Letter of Invitation is no longer required.
• Visa application form
• Tell me why you rejected my visa application.
• I want to go to Japan. Do I need a visa?
• I want to invite a foreign national to Japan. What procedures are necessary?
• What should I do to get a Certificate of Eligibility?
• The Certificate of Eligibility will not arrive by the time I apply for a visa. Can I still apply for a visa with its copy?
• As a “guarantor”, to what extent do I need to be responsible?

Newly introduced visas

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

Review on restrictions on new entry of foreign nationals into Japan

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

Statistics for the Number of Visas

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

Relaxation of Visa Requirements

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

6. Inquiries about Visas Application

Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information

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

Related Links

• Websites of Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions

All of Our Tips for Visiting Japan from the Obvious to the Curious

T raveling to Japan can be overwhelming for first time visitors, even well-seasoned travelers. We started planning our trip to Japan ten months in advance, scouring internet resources, social media, and friend recommendations. All of these notes came together for a (mostly) successful visit over the winter holidays. These are some of the most essential tips for visiting Japan, some which might surprise you, and others that will be necessary for a successful vacation.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

Top Japan Travel Tips

The Japanese culture is quite unique, effortlessly blending traditional Japanese customs with modern (and even futuristic) takes on life as we know it. It’s a destination similar to others, yet at times, a destination we have never seen before. Japan will overstimulate, surprise, and even confuse visitors, but in the end, we are sure you will walk away with a greater appreciation for the Japanese people and their country.

When to Visit Japan?

Ultimately, the best time to visit Japan depends on the interests of your family. Spring time (March to May) is easily the busiest time of year as it not only coincides with many school breaks, but also the cherry blossom season. If this is when you want to visit, I would recommend booking at least a year in advance for the best accommodation options. 

Summer is typically the rainy season and it can be hot and sticky (especially July and August). If this is the only time to visit, head for the mountains for cooler temperatures. Fall is also very popular, as you’ll see a lot of colorful leaves, especially in places like Kyoto .

If you travel in winter (like we did), the temperatures in the cities are manageable, but you will likely have snow in the mountains. This is a popular time to travel for families who love to ski. The New Year celebrations in Japan last from January 1 to 3 (and a little bit on both sides of this), so be mindful that attractions (especially temples and shrines) will be extremely busy.

Flying into Japan

​ Japan’s major airports are Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) in Tokyo, Kansai (KIX) in Osaka, and Chubu (NGO) in Nagoya.

In Tokyo, Narita is fairly far from the center part of the city (it took us 1.5 hours due to traffic), Haneda is closer to the city (about 30 minutes without traffic). Pay attention to airport locations because you might want to stay close to an airport the night before your departure.

Airport Arrival

To save time upon arriving at the airport, go to  Visit Japan Web   to save time upon arrival. You will be asked to submit your travel details and can add the names and passports of the people traveling with you.

NOTE: You will have to go through the process for each passenger so everyone has their own QR code. This was not evident to me, so I only had a QR code for myself, causing some confusion upon arrival. Just an FYI so you don’t make the same mistake.

About Passports

Japan requires everyone to carry a valid identification card when they are out in public. I was responsible for carrying everyone’s passports when we went out, but was never asked to provide identification.

Bringing medications into Japan

If you have any medicine you take on a regular basis, you need to check the Ministry of Health Website ( HERE) , before your trip. Some medications are prohibited, and if you need to bring them, you will need to fill out a Yunyu Kakunin-sho form.

We traveled with Benadryl and an Epipen (and brought a copy of the prescription), as well as thyroid and high blood pressure medication. The latter two are allowed in the country without a prescription, but you cannot have more than a 30-day supply. Please check for yourself before bringing anything into the country.

Airport Transfers: Taxis/Private Cars/Limousine Bus

I will say, I would highly recommend booking a private driver for airport transfers. Again, we were quoted some ridiculous pricing ($300+), but I found a company called  Tokyo Airporter .

They had good communication, connected with me ahead of time on WhatsApp, and cost about $150 for a LONG trip from Narita Airport to Hilton Tokyo. We tried to book them for a return airport transfer, but they were booked, so be sure to make arrangements ahead of time.

In all of my research, there was never clear information about using taxis/drivers in Japan. Some people claimed they were over-the-top ripoffs, while others thought they were reasonable. We had a couple of experiences and would have to agree it was a mixed bag.

The first issue was our taxi we took to change hotels in Tokyo. Granted, Tokyo is massive, so it wasn’t a short ride, about 40 minutes. Our hotel concierge quoted us $60, but the final bill was closer to $100 (due to a service fee). Lesson learned.

On our return to the airport (from Tokyo Bay to Haneda), our actual fare was $40 less than what we were originally quoted by the hotel concierge. Make of it what you will, but I’m not sure there is any consistency when it comes to using taxis in Japan.

Note: We did not use it, but there is a limousine bus service that runs between the airports and central Tokyo. It seems fairly easy to use, and if you’re not in a hurry, this could be a great option. You will need to reserve spots ahead of time, and you can find the routes on their website –  HERE .

Japanese Public Transportation

Japan rail pass.

This might have been the trickiest thing for us to navigate, both before and during our trip. If you are spending time exploring outside of Tokyo , I would see if it is worth getting a Japan Rail Pass (also known as a JR Pass).

This is similar to Eurorail tickets in Europe where you stamp your ticket at the beginning of your journey and it is set for a period of time. We had a 7-day pass, but there are also 14 and 21-day options for unlimited travel throughout Japan. It is only available for foreign tourists.

Activating Your Japan Rail Pass

I ordered the tickets online (there are numerous vendors from Japan Rail Pass to Klook (just know the Klook return policy isn’t the best)). These were shipped in the form of vouchers to our house a couple of months before our trip. Tickets are tied to your passport number, so be sure to have these handy when you order them online and when you pick them up. 

Most people will exchange the vouchers at the JR offices at Narita or Haneda Airports upon arrival. We were too tired to think about that, so we waited until after our first night and exchanged them at the JR East Office at Shinjuku Station (note: all members of your party will need to be present with passports when you exchange them).

We used our Japan Rail Pass for the Shinkansen bullet trains between Tokyo and Kyoto (and the return). When we exchanged our vouchers, we went ahead and booked seat reservations on both long-distance trains.

Note: If you have large luggage and you don’t plan to use a forwarding service (more on this later), be sure to reserve a space on the train for your bags. Only carry-on luggage will fit in the overhead bin on the train carriage.

We were also able to use the rail pass for the JR trains in Kyoto when we visited Fushimi Inari shrine on the JR Nara line and during our day trip to Arashiyama.

TIP: If you want to see Mt Fuji from your train window, you will need to book seats D and E. This applies to the Tokyo to Kyoto train and return trip as well.

Public Transportation Cards

Instead of purchasing individual point-to-point train passes, I would recommend investing in a prepaid IC card like Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca.

We picked up Suica cards when we swapped out our vouchers at the JR Office. (Note: there is a way to load these to your Apple Wallet, but for some reason we weren’t able to do so).

This is a debit card for the transportation system and you simply swipe it upon entering and exiting the train stations. Your card balance will be displayed each time you swipe it at the gate.

A Suica card (and the others) can also be used as credit cards and they are accepted at many convenience stores (just look for the logo), some vending machines, and even at the airports for purchases. (We used the remainder on our cards at Haneda Airport to purchase food and souvenirs). 

There are ticket machines at every train and metro station for recharging the cards. Simply walk up to it, select your language on the screen, place your card on the reader, and insert the amount of money you want to add. 

Not only can these cards be used for train tickets, they can also be used at subway stations and city buses. For us, it was easiest to keep all of the cards in one place and just hand them out when we were traveling.

Navigating Public Transportation  

Trust me when I say Google Maps is going to be your best friend in Japan. Be sure everyone in your group has it downloaded before traveling. To use public transportation, simply enter your starting point and destination in the app. (Note: it even allows you to select your departure time). 

Google Maps will tell you which entrance to use, which train line, the name of the train, how many stops, and how much time it will take from point A to point B (including time walking between trains).

It will also list the name of the exit so you can look for that when exiting the train. I would recommend having one person be the navigator, but know this is extremely draining on a cell phone battery.

Using the Shinkansen Bullet Train

We used the high speed train from Tokyo to Kyoto and the return. The departure point for the Shinkansen line in Tokyo is Tokyo Station, the largest and busiest train station in the country. Upon arriving, you will have to navigate to the Shinkansen departure area. We found it wasn’t very well signed, so give yourselves plenty of time to locate it.

There is no food service on the bullet train, so if you are traveling during meal times, be sure to grab something to go at one of the stores or cafes. You will be surprised by all of the delicious food options they have available.

When boarding the train you will want to have your ticket handy as it will show where your seat is located. Look for the carriage number (you can see these listed overhead along the track so you know where to board), and your seat assignments. Line up in the area that matched the train car listed on your ticket. 

Once you board, you will be able to store your luggage over your seat or under your feet. If you have oversized luggage you will need to leave it in the space at the end of the car, as long as you have made a reservation for the bag.

The only time we were approached by a train conductor was when they were looking for people who improperly left their bags in this area.

Bathrooms (and trash) are typically found at one end of the car. There is a map at each seat that shows you what is available in your train car and both adjoining carriages.

Luggage Forwarding Service

I am going to recommend this for every single person visiting Japan – ship your luggage ahead! We were traveling with 5 small carry on roller bags and 5 backpacks. After our first trip on the Tokyo metro, I told my husband there was no way we could navigate the stations (and trains) with luggage in tow. Thankfully, he agreed.

We stayed at Mimaru Tokyo Kinshicho (great place to stay, didn’t love the location except for its access to trains) and the staff there was so helpful in arranging to ship our bags.

A day and a half before we traveled to Kyoto, we took five of our suitcases to the lobby where they completed the luggage transfer paperwork. Their first quote was about $15USD/bag, but upon handing the bags over we learned there was a quantity discount.

We only paid $12/bag to ship from Tokyo to Kyoto. The company they used is  Yamato Transfer Service , and a tracking number was provided. Let me tell you, it was worth every penny!

We used the same service to ship our bags from our property in Kyoto to our final destination in Tokyo. We only had to turn over the bags 24 hours in advance, but again, it was worth it!

Essential Tips for Your Japan Trip

No need for pocket wifi.

You will see a lot of people advocating for pocket wi-fi, but we found it was unnecessary. There are companies that offer airport pick-up and drop-off for portable wi-fi, however, these can drain your phone’s battery and we saw it as just another thing to keep track of.

My husband and I paid the daily international service rates through Verizon ($10/day/device), and our kids left their phones in airplane mode the entire trip. They found wi-fi in many public spaces, including restaurants, attractions, and in the hotel room at the end of the day. 

If you want your kids to have service, I would recommend looking for an eSIM card (we recommend  Airalo ) or a local SIM card that allows them to have phone service for a reasonable rate.

Learn and Use Basic Japanese Phrases

This might be my most important Japan travel tip – download Google Translate and learn how to use it. We used it in restaurants, grocery stores, train stations, communicating with taxi drivers and shop owners, I mean it was amazing. I even used it to translate the settings on the washer/dryer machine at our hotel. It’s a game changer.

However, it doesn’t hurt to learn a few Japanese phrases before your trip (hello, goodbye, thank you, please, excuse me). Some Japanese will know small amounts of English, but these Japanese words will garnish a lot of smiles and head nods.

Pack thoughtfully

After a debacle this past summer checking our bags to Iceland, I was determined to travel with carry on bags for this trip.

Everyone took a backpack and a  small roller bag . We were in Japan for 11 days, and the key was staying at a place with laundry during the middle of our trip. Many accommodations will offer laundry, but we loved our room at Mimaru Suites that had a washer/dryer in the apartment.

Accommodations in Japan

​ Speaking of accommodations, you will find a ton of family friendly options in Japan. There’s everything from private lodging to ryokan (traditional inns) and western hotels.

We opted for two different hotel chains, but 4 different properties. I knew upon arrival (and with jet lag), I wanted a hotel that might have the option of checking in early, so I chose Hilton Tokyo.

Hilton Tokyo

Located in Shinjuku, I figured it would be nice to have a central location for exploring. The property is also on the limousine bus route, so if I couldn’t find transportation, that was always an option.

The Hilton Tokyo was a great option. We had booked rooms with executive lounge access which was extremely helpful the first night we arrived and were too tired to go out. The property also has a fabulous breakfast buffet, and their staff was lovely.

Mimaru Tokyo Kinshicho

I had a difficult time deciding on the best Mimaru hotel in Tokyo. We chose the Mimaru Tokyo Kinshicho , and in hindsight, I would have chosen a different location. It’s very close to Kameido Train Station, which allowed for easy transportation throughout the city, however, the area is a little dicey at night.

I will say, one of our favorite places we discovered near the apart-hotel was the pastry shop next to the station (シェ・リュイ アトレ亀戸店). Every morning we would walk over and load up on a variety of treats to enjoy for breakfast. Yum!

Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo

In Kyoto, we stayed at Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo . Mimaru Suites tend to be a bit larger than the traditional Mimaru. We had a 3-bedroom Japanese suite, which was essential an apartment with 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a Japanese room with tatami mats, futons, and sliding paper doors.

This was the perfect setup for our family of 5 and it was easy walking distance to the nearest metro station. They also offered a happy hour every evening, Christmas surprises (like a visit from Santa), and fabulous service.

Hilton Tokyo Bay

Our final two nights we stayed at Hilton Tokyo Bay so we could have easy access to Tokyo Disney and Narita Airport. This property has a handful of restaurants and two convenience stores on the main floor of the hotel and it is easy to access by train.

The hotel overlooks the Disney fireworks or Tokyo Bay, so you can’t go wrong with the rooms. It’s also next door to the Toy Story Hotel which offers a massive playground that is open to all.

Book popular attractions in advance

​There are many attractions you should book in advance to avoid disappointment. I tried to wing it on Shibuya Sky (because I didn’t know what the weather would be like), so I missed a chance to visit. Here are Japan attractions to book in advance (most of these are things to do in Tokyo unless noted):

• teamLab Planets (can book up to 30 days in advance)
• teamLab Borderless (new in February 2024, will be very popular)
• Tokyo Disney and DisneySea – tickets available through the Disney website (I could not get it to accept my credit card information so I used GetYourGuide )
• Ghibli Museum and Park
• Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) – GET TICKETS HERE
• Warner Brothers Harry Potter Wizarding World
• Shibuya Sky (alternates are Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (which is free))
• Food tour – highly recommend Arigato Travel – we did the Retro Shinjuku Tour
• Cooking class – we did this ramen and gyoza making class with Chagohan Tokyo
• Sumo experience – for a chance to wrestle with them and enjoy lunch!
• Sumo tournament experience – tournaments take place six times/year. Dates vary, but they are typically in January, March, May, July, September, and November
• Baseball games (run March to October)
• Sanrio Puroland (aka Hello Kitty Land)
• Tea ceremony in Kyoto
• Pokemon Cafe
• Go Kart tour – they are everywhere, and people love them!
• Animal cafes – if you choose to do this, I would recommend going to a place where the animals enjoy the attention. We did hedgehogs, and by the end of the day, you could tell they were overstimulated. Maybe try the cats or dogs.

Tips for Visiting Japan: Cash versus Credit Cards

Almost everywhere we went (granted, we were in large cities) accepted credit cards. There were some smaller vendors and kiosks where we used Japanese currency.

**Tip: Bring a coin purse to keep track of all your change. These coins are great if you want to purchase something from a vending machine, make an offering at a temple, or need to load your transportation card.

Order currency in advance

I always like to have a couple of hundred dollars upon arriving in a destination. We ordered some Japanese yen in advance (about a month before departure). ATMs are fairly easy to find, especially in 7-Elevens and post offices. *Note: there will likely be a withdrawal fee, and possible service fees, so check with your bank in advance.

Shopping and Eating

​ Japanese department stores are next level. They have everything from food to fashion and everything in between. Check out the Shibuya Parco for its manga and gaming floor, and fabulous underground food court.

Tokyo Skytree has Tokyo Solamachi with over 300 shops and restaurants. Shibuya Scramble Square has shopping, a Starbucks, and restaurants (we tried dim sum at Ding Taifu Feng, and we would recommend). In Kyoto, you will find great options at Daimaru Kyoto and Takashimaya.

Try all the food

​ I can honestly say we never had a bad meal in Japan. This includes Japanese food, Mexican food, Italian food, and even hamburgers. We sampled drinks from vending machines (a blue label means cold and a red one means hot), purchased street food, and enjoyed five star dining. Even if your kids are picky eaters, there will be something they will eat.

Note: Do not be afraid to eat food from convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart), because they have some amazing options. I’m a huge fan of the 7-Eleven Egg Sandwich, and the kids loved the opportunity to find new favorites.

If you want to try one of the popular restaurants in Tokyo like Avatar Robot Cafe or Kirby Cafe , you will need to make reservations in advance. We only made reservations for a Christmas Eve dinner, and the rest of the time we just winged it.

Public toilets

The rumors are true about Japanese toilets, they are AMAZING!!! I told my husband we need a toilet with a seat warmer the next time we remodel a bathroom. If you are out and about and need a toilet, head to a department store or cafe.

Trash cans and plastic bags

Trash cans are few and far between in Japan, so it’s a good idea to bring a plastic bag or two from home and just keep it in your day pack. Good places to find a trash can are inside shopping mall food courts and coffee shops.

In an effort to cut down on waste, Japanese stores will charge for plastic bags. The amount is negligible, but it helps cut down on single-use plastics. If you have reusable shopping bags, it would be smart to bring them along.

Tipping in Japan

​Tipping is not expected (and often not accepted) in Japan. The only people we tipped throughout our stay were the tour guides we used.

Japanese Souvenirs to Bring Home

​ Popular Japanese souvenirs include:

• kitchen knives
• omamori (charms found at temples and shrines that bring good luck or protection)
• skincare items
• sweets (my kids insisted on bringing back Pocky and KitKats (favorite flavors: apple, lemon, orange, and strawberry). We found the largest variety at the MEGA Don Quijote Shinjuku Tonanguchi

Note: You can find almost all of these items at the airports if you don’t want to travel around the country carrying souvenirs in your bags.

Japanese etiquette

Whether it’s your first visit to Japan, or your tenth, there are bound to be some cultural differences. Here are some of the ones we noticed:

• Eating in public doesn’t really happen. It’s not the worst thing you can do (and they’re very forgiving of children eating while walking or on the trains), but try to eat at a restaurant or in private. 
• Be on time. Just about everything in Japan runs on punctuality, especially transportation. Don’t make others wait if you can help it.
• Don’t jaywalk. Only cross the street when the walk sign is presented.
• When going up and down escalators, stand on the left and walk on the right. They also drive on the left.
• Wait until everyone exits the train, before entering. Also, try to talk in hushed tones on the train, they tend to be fairly quiet.
• Don’t blow your nose in public, and definitely don’t blow your nose at the table. It’s considered rude.

​Hopefully these tips will help you navigate your next trip to Japan. I’ll continue to add more as I think of them, but these you help you get started.

The post All of Our Tips for Visiting Japan from the Obvious to the Curious appeared first on .

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks

I’ve yet to meet a traveler who didn’t love their time in Japan . It’s just one of those countries that everyone loves. How can you not? The food is carefully crafted and delicious; the history and culture are both rich and long; the landscape breathtaking; and the people super friendly and polite.

Japan remains one of my favorite countries. No matter how long I visit, it’s never enough. I always leave wanting more.

But the country always seems forbidding to many travelers. It definitely still has that “exotic” stereotype that makes people think it’s hard to travel around.

Where should you go? What should you include in your Japan itinerary? Should you buy a JR Pass to help you get around?

To help you out, here are a few suggested itineraries based on my years of visiting that will ensure you see the best sites on your Japan trip — as well as get off the beaten path and get a real sense of Japanese culture!

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary: Know Before You Go

Japan itinerary: one week, japan itinerary: two weeks, japan itinerary: three weeks.

Just be sure to get one BEFORE you go as you cannot purchase them on arrival. For more information on the pass, including how much they cost and how you can get one, read this blog post . It has everything you need to know!

Mobile Data in Japan In Japan, English isn’t widely spoken (especially outside of the major cities) so having access to the internet is vital for checking addresses, using translation apps, and looking up things to see and do. The easiest way to get data is through an international eSIM for Japan .

An eSIM allows you to access mobile data via a QR code so you can have internet wherever you are, without worrying about physical SIM cards or roaming charges. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when using apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, Instagram, and YouTube. It will also come in handy for checking menus at restaurants (since they are rarely in english).  

Day 1 & 2: Tokyo Chances are you’ll be starting your trip in Tokyo , since it’s home to the country’s biggest international airport. If your trip is seven days long, activate your JR Pass right away, so that you can take advantage of the free JR trains that run through the city.

While you could easily spend your entire week in Tokyo and not get bored, here are some of the highlights:

Visit the fish market – In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu, which is twice the size of the old one, Tsukiji, making it the largest in the world. While a lot of good restaurants moved too (Sushi Dai being the most famous), I find the place itself very stale, since you can no longer wander the floor (you look down via a walkway above; you also need a visitor’s pass to enter).

The old outer market in Tsukiji is still great though, and you can still find food and stores there too. You can wander alone and just eat and shop until you can’t anymore! Most businesses open at 6am, so it’s a perfect place to go in the morning when you wake up early because of jet lag. Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 13,500 JPY.

See Sensoji Temple – Sensoji is beautifully painted and sits in a scenic spot near a five-story pagoda and the famous Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s always busy but is worth seeing with your own eyes. The temple is free to visit.

Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a lively place to drink at night and has a bit of a red-light-district feel to it. It is not to be missed. Even if you don’t drink, be sure to wander about. Arigato Tours offers tours of the area where you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. Tours are 23,900 JPY and include a drink and dishes at four food stops.

Visit the Imperial Palace – When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new residence and renamed it Tokyo. Though you can’t go inside (or get very close), the building is amazing. It is surrounded by lovely grounds and a park, and there’s a moat around the stone walls. You can also see the changing of the guard, though it’s a relatively low-key and unassuming ceremony.

Watch a sumo match – Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo arena, hosts tournaments three times each year. The wrestling that we see today dates to the 17th century, though its origins go back even further, and it’s still one of the most popular traditions in the country. If you’re in town at the right time, this is a must-do! Tickets sell out quickly, so act fast. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Kamakura to see the giant Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It is over 13 meters (42 feet) tall and dates back to the 13th century. The journey is around 90 minutes each way — and free with the JR Pass !

For delicious food, some of my favorite bars and restaurants include: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Standing Sushi Bar), Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi, Motodane, Tokyo Whisky Library, Ichiran Shibuya, and Uohama.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO : Hostel Chapter Two – A small, family-run hostel not far from Skytree Station in Asakusa. I really like the shared kitchen and common room, as there’s a real social feel to them.

With its beauty come lots of crowds though, so try to visit outside of the busy summer months. Even with lots of tourists, though, the city is still magnificent and has a lot to offer. Some things to see and do that you shouldn’t miss are the following:

Visit the Golden Pavilion – This famous (and picturesque) temple dates to the 1950s, when a monk burned down the previous temple (from the 14th century) while trying to commit suicide. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited destinations in the country!

Explore Gion – Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

Wander in the Bamboo Forest – For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Admire Ryoan-ji temple – This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

For a half-day trip, you can also visit Nara. It’s a small city just one hour from Kyoto. Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to fires, as well as World War II). But the real draw in Nara are the deer.

Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree. A guided half-day walking tour that includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch is 11,500 JPY.

While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji. It’s the world’s largest wooden building and is home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is 600 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO : Backpacker Hostel K’s House – A fun, social backpacker hostel in a great central location. The rooftop terrace is a cool spot to hangout and meet other travelers after a day of exploring.

Don’t miss Osaka Castle though. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.

And be sure to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night), the main street, which is lined with restaurants, stores, and tons of neon lights and signs. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Today, Hiroshima is thriving . Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the history of the city before and after that fateful day. It has photos, artifacts, videos, and information about the effect of radiation on the population. It’s a sobering experience but one that should not be missed.

If you feel like getting out of town afterward, head to Miyajima , an island that offers a place to hike and enjoy nature. You can also take a cable car to the peak of the mountain to take in the view. A one-way ferry ride to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Pass holders.

WHERE TO STAY IN HIROSHIMA : Roku Hostel – A cozy, small hostel with a rustic atmosphere and design. It feels like you’re staying with a friend here, and the beds are super comfy too.

If you like history, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village, home to a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses that you can enter to further immerse yourself in the country’s past.

This city (and region, really) is famous for its Hida beef, a high-fat variety that’s even better than any A5 Wagyu you might have. It just melts in your mouth. Be sure to have some while you are here!

The Japanese Alps are not far from here as well, so if you love hiking and want to extend your time in the region, head to Kamikochi for a day hike or overnight trip. It’s just an hour away and has both easy and moderate trails, which are open from April to November. Hiking trails can also be found in Hakusan National Park (also just one hour away by car).

One of the more unique temples in Japan is here too: Ninja (Myoryuji) Temple. While the temple wasn’t home to actual ninjas, Myoryuji was built as a defensive structure (strict laws forbade local lords from building defenses, so they were hidden in the temple to circumvent the rules). These include hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.

If you need a break from exploring cities, Hakusan National Park, home to Mount Haku, one of the three holy mountains, is just an hour south of town.

If you’re here in April, there are incredible cherry blossom displays that are famous in the region. And, just like Takayama, Matsumoto is close to the Japanese Alps, so you’re just a stone’s throw from some of the best hiking in the country.

There are tons of hotels (both modern and traditional) that have their own hot springs (often both indoors and outdoors). It’s the perfect place to wrap up a trip, relax, and take in the views.

In addition to getting a copious amount of R&R, be sure to ride the cable car up the mountain for even more amazing views. The area is surrounded by craters from an inactive volcano that erupted 80,000 years ago (not to be confused with nearby Mount Fuji, which is an active volcano), and you’ll find lots of vendors at the top selling eggs cooked in the sulfurous waters. It’s said the eggs prolong one’s life by seven years, so feel free to give them a try!

If you prefer to hike up instead, the trail is open between July and September, with the trek taking anywhere from 5 to 12 hours, depending on your level of fitness. Typically, hikers leave at night in order to arrive at the summit by dawn. There are little shops along the way that sell food and even beds you can rent in advance if you want to split your journey up. Just make sure you do your research and prepare in advance as it’s a tough hike!

If you really want to play tourist, you can also ride a mock pirate ship around the lake for more views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji in particular.

Full-day tours around Hakone that include all the main sights cost 14,800 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAKONE : Hotel Green Plaza – With gorgeous views of Mount Fuji, a huge buffet dinner (with both Western and Japanese options), and a private onsen where you can relax and enjoy the view, this is one of the best places to stay in Hakone if you want value but don’t want to break the bank.  

Using the suggestions above, here’s how I would organize your itinerary:

• Days 1-3 : Tokyo
• Day 4 : Mount Fuji or Hakone
• Day 5 : Takayama
• Days 6 & 7 : Kanazawa
• Days 8 & 9 : Matsumoto
• Days 10-12 : Kyoto
• Days 13 & 14 : Osaka
• Days 15 & 16 : Hiroshima

If you do want to spend a few hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, where you can find lots of fresh seafood. You can also visit Fort Goryokaku, the first “Western”-style fort in the country.

Be sure to stop in at the local Beer Museum too, owned by Sapporo Breweries (the oldest beer company in the country). It showcases the history of beer in Japan and how the business got its start. If you’re a whiskey fan, stop by The Bow Bar, home to some rare (and expensive) whiskeys and considered one of the best such bars in the world.

What I love about the city is its location. This region has some of the best hiking in the country. There are plenty of hills and mountains, offering options for both day hikes as well as overnight trips. Some highlights include Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For the best views of the city, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s just a 30-60-minute hike to the top, though there is a cable car you can take as well.

And if you’re visiting in the winter, hit the slopes! There are over a hundred ski resorts in Hokkaido. You can rent skis (or a snowboard) for around 10,000-18,000 JPY. Lift prices are usually 4,000-6,000 JPY per day. In the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s held every February and draws over two million visitors. There are ice sculptures, igloos, live music, and delicious local foods on offer.

Additionally, be sure to take a day trip to Otaru, where you’ll find some of the freshest uni in the whole country (this is the main area where the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and visit the markets, stalls, and shops around there.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO : Waya Hostel – This is a laid-back, colorful hostel with a social atmosphere that makes meeting people a breeze. It has a homey, DIY feel and is perfect for budget travelers looking for a no-frills place to crash.

There is a ton to see and do in Japan , and you could easily spend another month here and still just scratch the surface (we didn’t even get to Okinawa and the islands!). And while these itineraries are a bit fast-paced, Japan isn’t cheap, so budget travelers need to move around the country quickly to avoid breaking the bank.

But no matter how long you visit, you won’t be disappointed. Japan is an amazing, beautiful, and unique destination that I never get tired of visiting. While it’s not as affordable as its neighbors, there are still plenty of ways to save money , and it’s definitely worth spending the time (and money) visiting. You won’t be disappointed!

Just make sure to get your Japan Rail Pass before you go!  

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money; information on costs; tips on what to see and do; suggested itineraries, reading, and packing lists; and much, much more!

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