Japan

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Japan has heightened security measures in place at key facilities, such as:

• public transport
• public event venues
• entry ports

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Regional tensions and the security situation, including with North Korea, could worsen with little warning. Tensions, which may affect Japan, could arise because of missile tests by North Korea. 

The Japanese Government has confirmed an increase in missile launch activity from North Korea towards Japan. At times, 'take shelter' alerts have been issued for some parts of Japan.

To stay safe:

• be alert to developments
• review the Civil Protection Portal Site advice from the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat for National Security Affairs and Crisis Management
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• check NHK World for the latest information

Japan has a low crime rate. Petty theft can happen, like bag snatching at popular tourist attractions from time to time.

There's a risk of crime in bars and nightclubs, especially in the Roppongi and Shinjuku (Kabuki-cho) entertainment areas of Tokyo. You may be targeted with:

• overcharging
• fraudulent credit card charges
• drink spiking
• illegal drugs
• assault

You may be served drinks with higher alcohol content than normal. Some victims have woken in unknown places and discovered high credit card charges. Other victims have been taken to ATMs and made to withdraw a large sum of cash while under the effects of drink spiking.

In these situations, you may find it hard to get a police report for your bank and travel insurer.

To stay safe:

• avoid street touts who try to get you into venues
• never leave a drink unattended, and be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances
• don't take large amounts of cash to parties, bars, clubs or entertainment districts and be careful with your credit card

More information:

• Partying overseas

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Trekking and mountaineering can be dangerous.

Every year, a number of people die while trying to climb Mount Fuji.

Japanese Emergency Services warn against climbing from September to June, when it's most dangerous.

Check your travel insurance covers you for extreme activities, such as mountain climbing.

Bears have been seen in some areas of northern Japan.

If you plan to trek in the Japanese Alps:

• read and follow local safety advice
• obey warning notices on hiking trails

Back-country skiing (off-piste) and snowboarding in most parts of Japan is dangerous. You should stay within the boundaries of the ski resort. 

Many travellers have suffered serious head injuries they could've prevented by wearing the right equipment.

Check your insurance policy covers you for snow sports.

Local ski resorts govern rules in each ski region. You can be arrested and detained for unruly behaviour.

If you're skiing in Japan:

• use a helmet and protective gear
• learn local rules and get weather updates from your hotel, a local tourism centre or the local ski resort
• obey local ski region rules
• only visit areas that local authorities mark as safe
• know what your travel insurance policy covers you for

Japan experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• volcanic eruptions
• earthquakes
• tsunamis
• typhoons

In an emergency, consular help may be severely limited.

Be prepared to deal with emergencies by:

• maintaining a basic emergency supply kit
• securing your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• follow the advice of local authorities, emergency services and local media updates. Make sure you react to any evacuation orders.

Disaster preparation

The Japan National Tourism Organization provides disaster preparation Safety Tips for visitors to Japan and other useful emergency information.

In any emergency or crisis, it's important to keep in contact with family and friends if possible.

The following stations broadcast emergency information in English:

• US Armed Forces station (810 AM)
• Inter FM (76.1 FM) in Tokyo

Japanese public broadcaster NHK provides a free smartphone app, which can be set to receive emergency notifications in English. This includes earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, typhoon, and missile warnings.

If there's a natural disaster:

• follow local authorities' advice
• react to any evacuation orders
• monitor the media, other local information sources, and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• keep in contact with family and friends

Typhoons and severe weather

The typhoon season is from May to November, with most activity between July and September.

Local authorities broadcast current typhoon information through the local media and the Japan Meteorological Agency website.

A typhoon's precise path and strength is hard to predict and can change quickly.

If there's a typhoon:

• check the latest typhoon information from the Japan Meteorological Agency’s website
• be alert to landslide risk areas
• react to any evacuation orders
• keep in contact with family and friends

If there is heavy rain, stay indoors. If necessary, evacuate to a place on the second floor or higher. 
 
Find out the location of your nearest evacuation shelter and move there when safe to do so.

Keep away from areas with:

• rivers
• steep hills at risk of landslides
• flooded streets

Be careful of fallen electrical lines.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

There's a constant risk of earthquakes and tsunamis.

The Japan Meteorological Agency provides information in English about earthquakes and tsunamis.

Know the dangers of a major earthquake and the emergency plan information in your area. Know where your local shelter is. This information is available from local or prefectural government offices, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Disaster Prevention.

Local authorities are responsible during a crisis for helping people living or travelling within their jurisdictions.

If there's an earthquake:

• know the emergency evacuation plans in your region
• identify your local shelter, which is often a local school or another public facility
• react to any evacuation orders
• check the Japan Meteorological Agency for earthquake and tsunami information
• move to higher ground straight away if you're in a coastal region
• keep in contact with family and friends

Volcanoes

Japan has 110 active volcanoes.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has a list of the latest volcano warnings.

If you plan to visit a volcanic area:

• be aware of alert levels, which can change at short notice
• follow the advice of local authorities
• react to any evacuation orders

Winter weather

Parts of Japan experience heavy snowfalls and extremely low temperatures in winter.

Conditions can change suddenly.

Each year, people are injured or killed in snow-related incidents, including:

• motor vehicle accidents
• avalanches
• ice falling from roofs
• prolonged exposure to extreme cold
• ski accidents

Walking alone or under the effects of alcohol, or straying from marked trails, can be fatal.

Avalanches are common and heavy snowstorms can create deep powder snow drifts.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you are travelling while pregnant, confirm that your policy covers both your pregnancy and your baby in the event of a premature birth. Medical services for premature babies can cost over $A 150,000. See the advice for pregnant travellers page for more information.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

Different environments, unfamiliar customs and language barriers may worsen existing mental health conditions. They may also trigger new issues.

Mental health treatment and services can differ to those in Australia.

If you need counselling services in English while in Japan:

• call TELL Lifeline (+81 3) 5774 0992
• call TELL Counselling (+81 3) 4550 1146

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (HealthDirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Japan has strict rules about bringing medication into the country. This affects both medication imports and medication you carry for personal use.

There are 4 categories (PDF 250 KB) of medicine. These are:

• general
• narcotic
• psychotropic
• stimulants

You may need a permit or certificate to take medication into Japan. This will depend on the medication's classification, name and quantity.

Some medication is banned, including:

• the stimulant dexamphetamine, used to treat ADHD
• pseudoephedrine, found in some cold and flu tablets

Authorities could detain you if you're found with them.

For narcotic medications, including codeine, morphine and oxycodone, apply for a Narcotic Certificate. If you don't have this certificate when you enter Japan, authorities may confiscate the medication.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Japan. Take enough legal medication for your trip. See the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for more information.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication
• Bringing medication into Japan
• Pharmaceutical inspector

Radiation

Restricted areas exist around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The 2011 earthquake caused the release of lethal radiation. Radiation levels in most parts of Japan, including Tokyo, are within the normal range.

Monitor advice by the Japanese Government. There are ID checks points into the Restricted Areas. Do not enter without permission.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) provides details on radiation in Japan. ARPANSA has assessed the radiation levels in most parts of Japan, including Tokyo, to be within the normal range.

More information:

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
• Nuclear Regulation Authority

Insect-borne diseases

Japanese encephalitis occurs in Japan's rural areas. Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Measles and rubella

Measles and rubella cases have been reported in Japan in recent years.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Measles immunisation service
• Rubella immunisation service
• COVID-19

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are of a high standard. You can find medical facilities with English-speaking staff in most major cities, however, you may have difficulties finding English-speaking medical staff in some parts of Japan.

Medical care in Japan can be expensive. You may need to pay up-front or give a guarantee that you'll cover costs before you're treated.

The Japan National Tourism Organization lists hospitals with English and other foreign language-speaking staff.

There are many hospitals with decompression chambers in areas where diving is popular.

More information:

• Medical information for Japan

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you within the scope of our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

See the Australian Embassy Tokyo website for more information about arrests in Japan.

Be aware that you won't be allowed to make a phone call if you are arrested in Japan. You can also be detained for up to 23 days without any formal charge.

Drugs

Authorities can arrest and charge you if they find trace amounts of illegal drugs in your blood or urine.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Family law

Japanese family law, including divorce and child custody, is very different to Australian law. For example, joint custody of a child after divorce is not a legal option, and there are limits to access for a non-custodial parent. The Family Courts in Japan generally consider that it is in a child’s best interests for them to remain in their “usual place of residence”. Courts therefore usually give sole custody to the parent that has taken care of the child most recently.

If you're involved in custody or other family disputes, consult a lawyer before you leave Australia or if you are already in Japan. We have produced some general information about issues around custody, child abduction and parental rights. 

Australia and Japan are both parties to The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

If you're concerned that your child has been wrongfully removed or detained in Japan, contact the Attorney-General's Department in Australia.

More information:

• Travelling with children

Employment law

Some employment agents may mislead and encourage foreigners to work in Japan without:

• the correct visa
• financial arrangements in place

This could leave you open to exploitation and prosecution.

Authorities have arrested Australians for working in the entertainment industry while in Japan on tourist visas.

If you want to travel to Japan for work:

• check the true nature of the work offered
• get the correct visa before arriving in Japan
• get legal advice before signing any contract

More information:

• Living or working overseas

Police powers

Police can stop you on the street, demand identification and search you and your belongings.

If you're in a public place, police can seize:

• knives longer than 5.5cm, including blades and penknives
• firearms
• any other weapons or things you could use as weapons
• drugs
• any item they reasonably suspect you stole or have unlawfully

If they find any of these items on you, it’s likely that police will detain you.

If you're arrested, police can detain you for up to 23 days without charge, including for offences you might think are minor. Police might hold you for weeks or months while they investigate and undertake legal proceedings.

The initial police interview could last several hours. Police might record it in writing rather than electronically.

Under Japanese law, you can:

• remain silent
• access legal representation
• have an interpreter provided

However, in Japan police can question you without your lawyer present.

English interpreters may be substandard. Get a list of English-speaking lawyers around Japan from the Australian Embassy website.

Other laws

If you're visiting Japan short-term as a tourist or for business, you must always carry your passport.

If you live in Japan, you must always carry your residence card.

It's illegal to:

• buy or drink alcohol if you're under 20 years old
• drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream
• allow someone under the influence of alcohol to drive a vehicle in which you're a passenger

The following activities are also illegal:

• importing or possessing firearms or other weapons without a permit.
• smoking on the streets in some parts of Tokyo and other cities.
• using UHF-CB radios (walkie-talkies) that don't meet Japanese standards, such as those purchased outside Japan.
• resisting arrest or other actions that obstruct an official's duties.
• flying a drone without a permit in many areas of Japan. Strict regulations apply under aviation laws.
• having illegal drugs in your body (detected by urine testing).
• drinking on the streets on specific days, such as around Shibuya on Halloween and New Year's Eve.

Penalties

Penalties for serious crimes, such as murder, include the death penalty.

Other sentences can include:

• heavy fines
• lengthy jail terms with hard labour
• deportation

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law

Japan recognises dual nationality until the age of 20, after which the dual national must decide which nationality to retain.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

Australians are eligible for Japan's visa exemption scheme for short-stay tourism and business travel.

You don't need a visa if you're visiting for less than 90 days:

• as a tourist
• for a business trip or conference
• to visit friends and family

After entering under the visa exemption scheme, entry status cannot be changed to another visa status without departing and then re-entering Japan with the appropriate visa, such as a spouse, work, or study visa.

See the Embassy of Japan in Australia website for more information (including eligibility and required documents). 

See the Ministry for Health, Labour and Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites for full details on entry requirements. 

More information

• Immigration Bureau of Japan (Government of Japan)
• Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan (Government of Japan)

Border measures

You'll be photographed and fingerprinted electronically when you arrive, even if you're a permanent resident in Japan. If you refuse, immigration officers could deny you entry.

Travellers aged under 16 years, or who hold a diplomatic or official visa, are exempt.

If you'll be staying in Japan long term, you will need to register your details with the Immigration Bureau of Japan before arriving. Once you present the correct landing permission, you'll get a residence card. You must always carry it with you.

More information:

• Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• in Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• if you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

If you lose your passport while travelling in Japan, try retracing your steps. Lost items are often handed into hotels, shop owners, train stations and police boxes.

It's important to look after your passport carefully. Passports that have gone through a washing machine or exposed to heavy rain will likely need to be replaced. 

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

The Japanese currency is the Yen (JPY).

No restrictions apply to bringing foreign currency in or out of the country. Declare all amounts more than JPY 1 million or equivalent, when you arrive or leave. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Cash is preferred in most places, but cards are becoming more widely used, especially in major cities.

Hotels accept major credit cards. Credit cards are still not widely accepted outside major cities.

Some ATMs at banks and convenience stores don't accept foreign cards.

Ask your bank if your cards will work in Japan.

Check the Japan National Tourism Organization for emergency updates in English. The site also has advice on safe and hassle-free travel in Japan.

Fukushima and surrounding areas

There are some restricted areas around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. This is due to the 2011 earthquake that resulted in the release of lethal radiation. The Japanese Government specifies these areas.

If you must stay overnight in restricted areas, ask local authorities for advice on how to minimise health risks.

Monitor and follow the advice from local authorities.

More information:

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
• Nuclear Regulation Authority
• Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)

Travelling in Japan with a Disability

Japan has a number of resources available online with tips and advice on travelling around Japan as a tourist with a disability.

More information:

• Japan Travel – Traveling with a disability
• Japan Accessible Tourism Center
• Accessible Travel Japan
• Advice for travellers with a disability

Driving permit

To drive in Japan, you must hold either:

• a valid Japanese driver's licence, or
• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and a current Australian driver's licence

After 365 days, you need to get a Japanese licence.

Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

More information:

• Driving in Japan
• Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department

Road travel

Roads and vehicles are mostly well-maintained and traffic is orderly.

Vehicles travel on the left-hand side like in Australia.

Heavy snowfalls and ice in the winter can make driving dangerous, especially if you are unaccustomed to driving in these conditions. Ensure your vehicle has the necessary equipment, including snow tyres, chains, and a dig-out kit.
 

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check your travel insurance policy covers you for riding motorbikes.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

It's safe to use taxis in Japan.

Taxi drivers usually open and shut the rear passenger doors remotely.

Public transport

Japan has modern and reliable rail and bus services.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Japan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Tourism

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s Tourist Information Center accepts telephone enquiries 24 hours a day. Call (+81 3) 3201 3331.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

You can also contact the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan’s Consumer Hotline for Tourists. Call (+81 3) 5449 0906 from Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, excluding national holidays.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 119.

Medical emergencies

Call 119.

Police

Call 110 or contact the local police at the nearest police station.

For Tokyo English-speaking Police, call 3501 0110 (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:15pm).

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

If a report is hard to get, seek advice from a lawyer or the English-speaking Police.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Mental health services

Call TELL Lifeline services in English 5774 0992.

Call TELL Counselling services in English 4550 1146.

Living in Japan

English information on living in Japan is available from the:

• Japanese Cabinet Office
• Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
• Tokyo International Communications Committee

In Tokyo, for advice from the Foreign Residents' Advisory Centre, call (+81 3) 5320 7744.

More information:

• Living or working overseas

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Tokyo or Australian Consulate-General in Osaka.

Australian Embassy, Tokyo

2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku

Tokyo 108 8361

Phone: (+81 3) 5232 4111

Fax: (+81 3) 5232 4057

Website: japan.embassy.gov.au

Email: consular.tokyo@dfat.gov.au

Facebook: Australian Embassy Japan

Twitter: @AustraliaInJPN

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate-General, Osaka

16th floor, Twin 21MID Tower

2-1-61 Shiromi, Chuo-ku

Phone: (+81 6) 6941 9271 or (+81 6) 6941 9448

Fax: (+81 6) 6920 4543

Website: japan.embassy.gov.au/tkyo/location_osaka.html

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia