Japan Holidays

You can get a visa on arrival for tourism for up to 90 days without applying before you travel.

Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay, with no additional validity period required.

Ensure you have a blank page in your passport for the entry stamp.

You can apply at an immigration office in Japan to extend your stay by another 90 days.

It is illegal to bring meat products like sausages or ham into Japan without prior permission.

Japan is still a predominantly cash-based society, and foreign credit or debit cards may be difficult to use.

When returning to the UK, you must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.

Female travellers on trains should be aware of incidents like inappropriate touching; if targeted, shout at the perpetrator and ask another passenger to alert train or station staff.

In Tokyo entertainment districts like Kabukicho, there is a higher risk of extortion, assault, and disputes over excessive bar bills, so always check a menu with prices before ordering.

Do not enter bars or clubs on the promise of a free drink or to 'just look around' from street touts, as you may incur a charge and not be free to leave.

Smoking is illegal on the streets in Tokyo and some other cities, so you should only smoke in designated areas.

Japan has zero tolerance for drugs, and you can be charged if any illegal substance is found in your bloodstream, even if you were unaware of taking it.

There is an increased risk of drink spiking and associated credit card fraud in entertainment districts, so do not accept drinks from strangers or follow street touts.

You must carry your passport or Japanese residence card at all times as police can arrest you if you cannot show proof of your visa or status.