Japan

Tensions in the region, including with North Korea, could worsen with little warning.

To stay safe:

• be alert to developments
• review the preparing for emergencies advice from the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat for National Security Affairs and Crisis Management
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Japan has a low crime rate. Bag snatching happens from time to time.

Bars and nightclubs, especially in the Roppongi and Shinjuku (Kabuki-cho) entertainment areas of Tokyo, may target you with:

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

Be wary of street touts that try to get you to go into a venue.

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
• never leave a drink unattended, and be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances
• don't take credit cards or large amounts of cash to parties, bars, clubs or entertainment districts

More information:

• Partying overseas

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

Trekking and mountaineering can be dangerous.

Every year, many people die while trying to climb Mount Fuji.

Japanese Emergency Services warn against climbing from September to June. This is 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
• follow the advice of local authorities

It's dangerous to ski or snowboard off-piste, either inside or outside a ski resort's boundaries.

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. See Travel

If you're skiing in Japan:

• bring and use your 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

Disaster preparation

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

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 and typhoon warnings.

If there's a natural disaster:

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

Typhoons and severe weather

The typhoon season is from May to November.

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:

• follow the advice for natural disasters
• check the latest typhoon information from the World Meteorological Organization Severe Weather Information Centre
• be alert to landslide risk areas

If there is heavy rain, stay indoors. If necessary, evacuate to a place on the second floor or higher. Find an evacuation shelter if there's one in your local area.

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.

Get emergency plan information in your area from local or prefectural government offices, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Disaster Prevention (Japanese).

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 other public facility
• check the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center for earthquake and tsunami information
• move to higher ground straight away if you're in a coastal region

Volcanoes

Japan has 110 active volcanoes.

The Japan Meteorological Agency provides 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

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.

This advice pre-dates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

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 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.

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
• International travel and health
• Mental health

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. These affect both medication imports and medication you carry for personal use.

There are 5 categories (PDF) of medicine. These are:

• general
• narcotic
• psychotropic
• stimulants
• medical devices

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 take the medication.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Japan. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

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

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication
• Bringing medication into Japan
• Pharmaceutical inspector

COVID-19

There is a heightened risk of sustained local transmission of COVID-19 in Japan. Authorities have confirmed a large number of infections and some deaths, including Diamond Princess passengers who died in hospital.

Monitor your health closely. Follow the media for updates affecting your health and obey any instructions issued by local authorities. If you have symptoms of respiratory illness, contact a doctor immediately.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Smartraveller)

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

Many 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

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are of a high standard. You can find medical facilities with English-speaking staff in most major cities.

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 under 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.

Drugs

Authorities can 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 is very different to Australian law. Child custody and access and divorce decisions are based on Japanese family law.

After divorce, only 1 parent can legally have parental rights for the child.

If you're involved in custody or other family disputes, consult a lawyer before you leave Australia for advice on how Japanese family law may affect your family.

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 mislead and encourage foreigners to work in Japan without:

• the correct visa
• financial arrangements in place

This could leave you open to exploitation.

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. This includes offences you may think are minor. Police might hold you for weeks or months while they investigate and undertake legal proceedings.

The initial police interview may 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, 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 staying for up to 90 days, 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

These 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 new aviation laws: http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/koku/uas.html
• 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 22, after which the dual national must decide which nationality to retain.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

The Japanese immigration authorities have announced visa extension arrangements for foreign nationals (including temporary visitors). Check with Japanese Immigration Bureau for further details.

If, despite our advice, you plan to travel to Japan, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Japan to check if you need a visa.

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

To qualify, you need to show you have:

• enough funds
• an onward or return ticket
• confirmed accommodation in Japan

If Japanese immigration believes you intend to look for work, they could refuse you entry for up to 5 years. You can't appeal the decision.

When you arrive, you must declare if you have a criminal record. If you have a criminal record, immigration may refuse you entry. 

Some employment agents may tell you it's OK to work in Japan without the correct visa. However, if you work in Japan on a tourist visa, authorities could prosecute you.

More information: 

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) advisory information (Government of Japan)

Entry and exit conditions

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules, contact an embassy or consulate of Japan.

The Embassy of Japan in Canberra has information for visa applicants.

More information:

• Immigration Bureau of Japan
• Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan

Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 are still in place in Japan. Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Flight options to Australia are limited and flight schedules may change at short notice. If you want to return to Australia do so immediately. Contact your airline or tour operator for the latest updates.

If you're staying in Japan:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19
• ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay
• keep in contact with family and friends so they know you're safe and well

If you think you may have COVID-19, you can access information in English by calling the Japan National Tourism Organization hotline on 050 3816 2787.

• Coronavirus Pandemic Alert (Narita Airport)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) – information for Australian travellers (Smartraveller)
• What to do when you can't get home (Smartraveller)
• COVID-19 and consular services overseas (Smartraveller)
• COVID-19 - advice for Australians living, studying or working overseas (Smartraveller)

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 will stay in Japan longer term, you 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.

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.

Hotels accept major credit cards but many shops and services don't. Credit cards are 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)

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.

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

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
• the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
• the 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

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.

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