Japan

Japanhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japanJapanhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/ski-safetyBefore strapping on your skis or board, review some essential ski safety tips that are applicable not only in Japan, but wherever you may hit the slopes.2026-02-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/ski-safetyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Ski season is kicking off in northern Japan, home to some of the world’s best and most plentiful powder snow, as well as many world-class resorts. What do you need to know?</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/japan-itinerary" target="_blank">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and more.</a></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#1">Know the terrain and your limits</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Be aware of and prepared for changing weather conditions</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Obey all warning signs and trail markers</a></li> <li><a href="#4">Who has the right of way skiing in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#5">What to do in a skiing accident</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="1">Know the terrain and your limits</h2> <p>One major cause of injuries on ski slopes is people trying to ski terrain beyond their abilities. So, it is essential to be aware of the limits of your own skills, and how to match them to a mountain’s terrain.</p> <p><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan">Japan</a>’s ski fields follow the global code of trail difficulty markers, with a green circle denoting “easiest,” a blue square denoting “more difficult” and a black diamond signifying “most difficult.” Double black diamond-marked slopes are “expert only” extremely challenging terrain that should only be undertaken by highly skilled skiers and snowboarders in good snow conditions.</p> <p>Also, note that different mountains may have different perspectives on exactly what sort of terrain qualifies for the specific difficulty levels. One hill’s blue “more difficult” trail could be considered a black diamond “most difficult” trail at another resort. So before challenging yourself with advanced terrain, explore some easier options to see how a given <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/mountain-biking">mountain</a> is labeling the trails there.</p> <p>Trail markers, like most signs in Japan, are generally written in English as well as Japanese text.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/Japan/japan-article-1.jpg" alt="Ski fields Japan" /><figcaption>Snow skiing activity at Mount Yotei, Niseko Hokkaido Japan. Photo credit: Keattisak A</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="2">Be aware of and prepared for changing weather conditions</h2> <p><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/learn/travelstorytelling/what-to-look-for-in-ski-gear">Dressing to match the weather</a> is not only essential for comfort but can be critical for safety. Check snow conditions and weather forecasts (generally marked in English on signs at Japanese <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/ski-snowboard-travel-insurance">ski </a>resorts, and on ski resort websites) so you can dress appropriately for the expected conditions.</p> <p>Dressing in layers gives you the option to add or subtract warmth if conditions change. Wet gloves in bitterly cold weather conditions can induce frostbite, so take care to dry them out in a lodge should this happen. Exposed skin in cold weather and strong winds can also increase the risk of frostbite, so bring along full-face coverings under these circumstances. On sunny days, particularly at high elevations, the risk of sunburn is high, so apply and reapply sunscreen. High elevations with low humidity conditions are great for creating the light fluffy snow for which Japan is famous, but also dehydrate skiers rapidly. Be sure to hydrate by drinking plenty of water.</p> <p>Changing weather conditions can also change the difficulty factor of ski slopes. What might be a very manageable expert black diamond slope on a day with deep, soft power can become much more risky and dangerous under icy conditions. Even within a single day conditions may change on a given ski run, so approach with caution before launching into a trail.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/Japan/japan-article-2.jpg" alt="Ski fields Japan" /><figcaption>Alpine ski resort in Hakuba, Japan. Photo credit: christiannafzger</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="3">Obey all warning signs and trail markers</h2> <p>Japan is a rule-happy country, as any visitor will quickly discover plentiful warning signs everywhere, most of them written in English as well as Japanese. Ski slopes are no exception, with many caution signs posted on and around the mountains (accompanied by often incessant public address announcements on speakers). Be sure to follow these rules, both for your own physical safety and for potential loss of lift ticket or legal consequences, or at a minimum a strong talking-to from staff.</p> <p>It is critical for the safety of yourself and others to stay within marked ski area boundaries. There is a real risk of avalanches, particularly in heavy snow regions like Japan’s Alps and Hokkaido. Some tourist towns are actually putting enforceable fines (as of 2026) behind this rule to prevent tourists from skiing in dangerous areas, including public roads. Ski resorts take extensive precautions to keep their in-bounds terrain avalanche-safe, but they do not patrol outside of boundaries. If you venture outside of ski area boundaries you may trigger an avalanche that can hurt or kill yourself and others. Don’t do it. You also run the risk of getting lost or injured beyond an area that is patrolled by safety staff. Your cell phone may not have service in remote Japanese mountain areas, so you may not be able to call for help. If venturing in the backcountry in approved areas, be sure to go with a well-qualified local guide with proper safety equipment.</p> <h2 id="4">Who has the right of way skiing in Japan?</h2> <p>A basic safety rule of the road for skiers in Japan and anywhere else is that the downhill skier has the right of way. If you are uphill of another skier, it is your responsibility to avoid them, and give them space for unexpected turns or a crash. If there is a collision, the uphill skier is generally held liable (although Japan is not as litigious a society as the U.S.) and in some circumstances, you may be ejected from the ski hill or have their pass revoked.</p> <p>But even if you are a downhill skier who has the right of way, you should still always look uphill for safety’s sake. Be mindful of your surroundings of incoming uphill skiers, especially if you are crossing the path of another ski run.</p> <h2 id="5">What to do in a skiing accident</h2> <p>The global warning sign of a ski accident on the slopes is a pair of crossed skis (or a vertically balanced snowboard or two) uphill from the injured skier. This is not only a sign for ski patrol to come to help but also serves as a barrier to keep other skiers from crashing into the scene.</p> <p>If you see a pair of crossed skis while skiing, maneuver away from the area, and alert ski patrol if they are not already on the scene. Most staff ski patrol at Japanese resorts will know at least enough English to help, and many native-English-speaking instructors will also be on the slopes and can help facilitate care and transport in case of emergency.</p> <p>And of course, it is a wise idea to purchase <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/asia">travel insurance</a> that specifically covers <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/ski-snowboard-travel-insurance">skiing and snowboarding</a> or other winter activities that you plan to do on your travels.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/Japan/japan-ski-5.jpg" alt="Ski fields Japan" /><figcaption>Snow-covered mountains Nagano, Japan. Photo credit: Natalia Kotenko / EyeEm</figcaption></figure>Saha Entertainment 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/latest-japan-travel-alerts-and-warningsWhat are the issues affecting travelers in Japan? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2020-10-21T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/latest-japan-travel-alerts-and-warningshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>1 May 2023</h2> <p><span>Japan has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements.</span></p> <h2>Previous travel alerts for Japan</h2> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Typhoon Hagibis - October 2019</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Typhoon Hagibis – October 2019</h2> <p>Super typhoon Hagibis is expected to bring torrential rain, heavy winds, large waves and storm surges when it makes landfall. <a href="https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html" target="_blank" title="Japan Meteorological Agency">Hagibis is forecast to make landfall</a> at night on Saturday 12th October or in the morning on Sunday 13th October. </p> <p>If you are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, talk to your accommodation staff or tour operator about their emergency plans and locations of typhoon shelters in the case of an evacuation.</p> <p>Stay up to date with weather reports and local media, and be aware some games have been canceled due to the weather.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Typhoon Faxai - September 9, 2019</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Typhoon Faxai – 9 September 2019</h2> <p>Typhoon Faxai is bearing down on Japan, bringing strong winds and heavy rain, causing flooding and havoc to transport systems in Tokyo. If you are in Japan, stay up to date with local news reports and monitor the situation. If you feel unsafe, check with your accommodation staff about typhoon shelters or <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-a-hurricane" target="_blank" title="How to Survive a Hurricane">what to do in the case of an emergency</a>.</p> <p>If you are yet to arrive in Japan but are <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/where-to-go-during-the-2019-rugby-cup" target="_blank" title="Rugby World Cup: What to do in Japan">flying soon in time for the World Cup</a> which kicks off on 20 September, check with your airline to see if your flight has been affected by the typhoon, and ask them about rescheduling or rebooking if need be.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Typhoon Trami - 26th September 2018</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Typhoon Trami – 26 September 2018</h2> <p>Category 5 Typhoon Trami is currently tracking slowly towards Southern Japan and Taiwan, with a scheduled weakened landfall this weekend.</p> <p>Trami will bring heavy rain which may cause localized flash flooding, landslides and storm surge. Please check with authorities for more information, follow any official warnings and listen to local news reports to monitor the situation.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Typhoon Jebi - 4th September 2018</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Typhoon Jebi – 4 September 2018</h2> <p>Typhoon Jebi made landfall near the city of Kobe in Japan on Tuesday 4th September causing widespread damage, disrupting services, and killing at least six people. It's the most powerful typhoon to hit the country in 25 years; since Typhoon Yancy in 1993 which killed 48 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported Typhoon Jebi's wind speed at 129 mph (209km/h) at landfall and predicts the system will track northward, weakening to an extratropical storm in the Sea of Japan. Over one million people have had to evacuate.<br /><br />Osaka's Kansai International Airport is closed until further notice due to flooding causing damage to the runway and terminal building. Flights into Tokyo Haneda are also not running to schedule and over 700 flights have been canceled in and out of the country. Over 2000 people are stranded in Kansai International Airport.<br /><br />Other transport services such as the Shinkansen (bullet train) and inter-island ferries have been canceled. Part of Kyoto Station has collapsed with heavy rain and wind. Major attractions and buildings have been closed in Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">How to survive a typhoon</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>How to survive a typhoon</h2> <p>The absolutely best way to survive a typhoon is to avoid one. Get away from it, but if you make the decision to leave make that decision early. Do not leave it until the last minute because you may find yourself caught without proper shelter.</p> <p>If you decide to stay and "ride it out" it is advisable to get to an authorized shelter. The locations of these will be broadcast, or locals will know where they are. If there is no shelter, prepare to "shelter in place" in an internal room without windows.</p> <h3>Once a "storm watch" has been issued, make sure you are prepared in the event that the watch becomes a "warning."</h3> <ul> <li>Fill the gas tank of your car</li> <li>Check batteries in flashlights and radios</li> <li>Have extra batteries on hand</li> <li>Secure all doors and windows</li> <li>Close shutters or board up the windows</li> <li>Have extra supplies on hand such as non-perishable food, clean drinking water, a half-gallon of water per person/per day (enough for a couple of days), and prescription drugs.</li> </ul> <h3>During the storm</h3> <ul> <li>Never go out during the storm. The winds can send flying debris into you causing injury and even death.</li> <li>Stay away from windows and doors</li> <li>Keep on the alert for additional storm warnings</li> <li>While the storm is in progress avoid using electrical appliances</li> <li>Stay off the telephone</li> <li>All pets should be secure in carriers. The storm will be a frightening experience for them as well, and they could injure themselves or you if they panic</li> <li>Do not light candles or lanterns; they could get blown over causing a fire</li> <li>The eye of the storm passing over could make you think the storm is over when the worst is still yet to come. Only use this calm in an extreme emergency to make critical repairs</li> <li>Only after an official "all clear" has been issued is it safe to come out.</li> </ul> <h3>After the storm</h3> <ul> <li>Beware of downed power lines and gas leaks</li> <li>Stay away from heavily damaged areas</li> <li>Listen to your radio for instructions.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.</em></p>Getty Images/Koukichi Takahashi / EyeEm 1903134178 Getty Images Tokyo during rainy season

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/queer-travel-in-japanJapan’s LGBTQ+ scene can be complex for travelers to navigate. LGBTQ+ travel expert Ed Salvato shares his safety tips and shows us around Tokyo’s vibrant gayborhood.2024-07-17T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/queer-travel-in-japanhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Is Japan a safe and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers? This guide delves into Japan’s LGBTQ+ scene and offers tips for exploring Tokyo’s gay nightlife.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/japan-itinerary" target="_blank">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and more.</a></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#homosexuality">Homosexuality and LGBTQ+ rights in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#safety">Safety tips for LGBTQ+ travelers in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#tokyo">Exploring Tokyo’s gayborhood: where to go and what to expect </a></li> <li><a href="#bar">LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs in Tokyo</a></li> <li><a href="#saunas">Japanese saunas and bathhouses</a></li> <li><a href="#plan">Trip planning in Japan for LGBTQ+ travelers</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="homosexuality">Homosexuality and LGBTQ+ rights in Japan</h2> <p>Japanese society places more emphasis on group identity and values than personal expression. Sexuality – homo or hetero – is considered a private matter; It’s not flaunted in public displays of affection or discussion. Because of this, much of local gay life is not just hidden – it’s inaccessible. This is even more so for lesbians in Japan, who remain invisible. </p> <p>That said, homosexuality in Japan is legal. There are protections for gays, lesbians and even transgender people enacted mostly on a local level, with an increasing number of cities and prefectures implementing anti-discrimination laws. However, there are no national laws protecting LGBTQ+ people, and same-sex marriage is not legal.</p> <h2 id="safety">Safety tips for LGBTQ+ travelers in Japan</h2> <p>Japan is <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/is-japan-safe">overall a very safe destination</a>, and LGBTQ+ travelers are unlikely to experience violence or hostility. Nonetheless, it's best to avoid public displays of affection, whatever your orientation.</p> <p>As openly gay travelers (who used the word husband, but didn’t hold hands in public), we felt completely comfortable and welcome. Japan is perfectly safe for queer visitors, but the scene is hard to find. Tokyo has hundreds of gay bars, but only a handful welcome foreigners.</p> <h2 id="tokyo">Exploring Tokyo’s gayborhood: where to go and what to expect</h2> <p><a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/tokyo-kyoto-things-to-do">Tokyo</a> is subdivided into 23 wards or districts, which are large areas with their own city governments. Although you’re likely to visit several wards, you’ll probably spend most of your time in the main areas of the city, including the city’s busiest and most diverse ward – Shinjuku. This is where you’ll find the gay neighborhood and the most concentrated dose of queer travel Japan offers. </p> <p>Northeast of Shinjuku station is Tokyo’s red-light district, with numerous bars, restaurants, smoky and noisy pachinko parlors, love motels and nightclubs. Near the seedy red-light district is the Ni-chome district, a cluster of older low-rise buildings with hundreds of establishments oriented towards gay men. </p> <p>Despite the hundreds of gay bars in Tokyo, there are only a few options for non-Japanese-speaking customers. Our best advice would be to start at <span><a href="http://aliving.net/aiirocafe/">Aiiro Cafe</a>.</span> Make friends here with a local or two, and they can help you explore some of the bars that are lesser known. </p> <p>Tokyo is a hard-working city, and the bar scene can be quiet on weeknights. Many locals clear out just before midnight to catch the last subway or train home. On weekends, the scene gets busy around 9 or 10, and can stay busy until 5am, when the trains start running again.</p> <p><em>Planning a trip to Japan? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance">how travel insurance can cover</a> lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness, or other travel mishaps.</em></p> <h2 id="bar">LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs in Tokyo</h2> <p>Japanese travel providers are starting to recognize the gay travel market.</p> <p><a href="http://outasiatravel.com/" target="_blank">OutAsia Travel</a> offers night tours of Shinjuku — basically a gay guide to bring you to two or three of the bars that welcome foreigners, and generally show you around. </p> <p>Even with good directions, it’s not easy to find many places. Be sure to gaze upward for signs, as many bars aren’t on street level. </p> <p>At most bars, you’ll pay a cover charge with your first drink, and the bar master, or Mamasan (owner/manager), will be your genial host. They’ll make introductions, help guys meet and mingle, and generally ensure everyone’s comfortable and having a good time. </p> <h2 id="saunas">Japanese saunas and bathhouses</h2> <p>Saunas can be even less welcoming of foreigners than bars, for all the same reasons, combined with a prejudicial fear of HIV as a foreigners’ disease. If saunas are your thing, you’ll need to know the etiquette. </p> <p>Upon arrival, pop your shoes in a shoe locker, and change into a pair of slippers. Buy an admission ticket from the machine, and then take your shoe locker key and ticket to the front desk, where you’ll get a locker key, towel, bathrobe, and washcloth. If you walk to the front desk in your shoes, your ignorance of the local customs will very likely result in denied admission.</p> <p>For the most extensive and up-to-date bar, club and sauna listings, the best reference is <span><a href="http://www.travelgayasia.com/tokyo-gay-bars/">TravelGayAsia.com</a></span>. A printout of their <span><a href="http://www.travelgayasia.com/gay-map-of-tokyo/">gay map</a></span> is also very useful.</p> <h2 id="plan">Trip planning in Japan for LGBTQ+ travelers</h2> <p>You’ll need some assistance beyond these recommendations to plan your own ideal Japanese adventure, including:</p> <p><strong>Guided group tours:</strong> There are many tours offered by mainstream companies, but we highly recommend the tour offered by our friends at <span><a href="https://www.outadventures.com/gay-tours/japan-kyoto-to-tokyo/">Out Adventures</a></span>. </p> <p><strong>Full-itinerary planning assistance:</strong> In our search for assistance and information, all gay roads in Tokyo led to Shintaro, the owner of <span>OutAsia Travel</span>. His insights and assistance in putting together a customized itinerary are highly recommended. Be sure to mention Ed Salvato when you contact him. </p> <p><strong>Individual planning resources:</strong> The<span><a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/" target="_blank"> Japan National Tourism Organization</a> </span>provides a variety of resources that will be helpful to prospective visitors. The most impressive of these is a directory of <span><a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/travel/guide/guideservice.html" target="_blank">Systematized Goodwill Guide (SGG) Clubs</a></span>. These volunteer guides, mostly retirees and housewives, provide free guide services to tourists in their native languages. Budget travelers will appreciate the <span><a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/travel/affordable/dine.html" target="_blank">JNTO’s Affordable Japan recommendations</a></span>. For hotels and <em>ryokans</em> in smaller cities, we found <span><a href="http://japanican.com/" target="_blank">Japanican.com</a></span> useful.</p>iStock/electravk 0528968254 iStock Two people at Tokyo Pride Parade

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/visa-informationDo you need a visa for Japan? We have all the details to save you from being turned around on arrival.2022-11-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/visa-informationhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>For most nationalities gaining entry to Japan as a tourist is quite straightforward, but the coronavirus pandemic is still causing complications so it’s important to be informed.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#visa-short-visit">Japan's new entry requirements </a></li> <li><a href="#visa-long-visit">Most nationalities don't need a visa to travel to Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#working-visas">What you need for a Japan Tourist visa</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="visa-short-visit">Japan's new entry requirements </h2> <p><span>Japan was closed to tourists for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, and when it reopened there were strict tourist arrival quotas, and entry requirements. But as of October 2022 it has become much simpler for travelers from many countries to enter Japan, especillay</span> if you’re from a country which has a Japan VISA exemption (most Western countries do, read below for further details), or you have a valid Japan Tourist VISA.</p> <p><span>The Japan Government no longer requires you do a pre-departure Covid-19 test to gain entry if you have a valid, Government-issued vaccination certificate, which shows you’ve had three or more doses of a Covid-19 vaccine. But make sure to check your airline’s rules regardless, as some carriers may require you present a recent, negative Covid-19 test to be allowed to board the plane.</span></p> <p><span>Also, before you fly to Japan, you must first register at <a href="https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/">Visit Japan Web</a> (VJW), create an account, then add your personal information, flight schedule, and customs declarations. </span></p> <p><span>The VJW will then issue you with two different QR codes to show to show on arrival in Japan. The first code is labelled “Immigration” and is to be shown to Immigration officials and the other is labelled “Customs” and must be presented to Customs officers.</span></p> <p><span>To make things easier, on the VJW site you can register for a Fast Track entry pass by uploading a copy of your official Government vaccination certificate. This will then earn you a third QR code, labelled “Quarantine”, which airport staff will scan instead of needing to inspect your vaccination certificate.</span></p> <p><span>Note that if you display symptoms typically associated with COVID-19 infection during your flight, or on arrival in Japan, you may be tested at the arrival airport. And if you test positive to COVID-19, you will be required to complete a mandatory quarantine period at a Government facility.</span></p> <h2 id="visa-long-visit">Most nationalities don't need a visa to travel to Japan</h2> <p><span>Citizens of 68 countries qualify for visa exemption, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European nations. The full list of nations can be found on this <a href="https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html.">Japan Government website</a>. </span></p> <p><span>This means visitors from those countries can arrive in Japan, show their passport at Immigration and gain visa-free entry to the country for a certain period of time. Tourists from most of those 68 countries can stay for up to 90 days in Japan thanks to their visa exemption. Visitors from Brunei only get a 14-day entry, travelers from Indonesia and Thailand get a 15-day entry, and visitors from the UAE get 30 days.</span></p> <p><span>You'll need an e-Passport to be granted this visa exemption for Japan. Now standard issue now across most countries, e-Passports contain an electronic chip, which stores the same personal identifying information printed on your passport, as well as some of your biometric data.</span></p> <p><span>Don’t panic – e-Passports have been issued by most Western Governments for more than a decade, so chances are you already have one. If you don’t have an e-Passport, your passport must be very old and in need of renewal anyway. So do that now and your Japan entry will be simple.</span></p> <h2 id="working-visas">What you need for a Japan Tourist visa</h2> <p><span>If you are not a citizen of one of the above 68 nations, and you want to holiday in Japan, you’ll need to secure a Temporary Visitor visa before you land in the country. Fortunately, in most instances you do not need to visit an embassy or visa office to submit this application, which can instead be done online. First, check the <a href="https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html">Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website</a> for details.   </span></p> <p><span>To complete this visa application, either online or in person at an embassy or consulate, you’ll need to submit a range of documents. These include a completed Japan Temporary Visitor visa application form, a passport photo, a copy of your passport photo page, a basic itinerary of your daily travel plans, return flight bookings, hotel bookings, and a three-month bank statement with your full name, home address and current bank balance.</span></p> <p><span>If you intend to stay with friends or family during you holiday in Japan, rather than in a hotel, you must submit an original copy of a letter signed by this person confirming the arrangement. That must be accompanied by a photocopy of their Japan Residence Card, and include their address in Japan and contact phone number. </span></p>iStock/Kavuto 0543065134 iStock Japanese young woman looking at Kyoto Hyakumanben Chionji Temple Garden

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/earthquake-safetyHere’s how to stay safe and avoid getting injured if you're in Japan during an earthquake.2022-04-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/earthquake-safetyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Japan is far more prone to natural disasters than most countries, with a long history of deadly earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and volcanic eruptions. Here’s what you need to know about its earthquakes and tsunamis.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#earthquakes">How common are earthquakes in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#why">Why are earthquakes so common in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#safe">How to stay safe in an earthquake</a></li> <li><a href="#experience">What is it like to experience an earthquake?</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">More resources</a></li> <li><a href="#tsunami">Are tsunamis a serious threat in Japan?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="earthquakes">How common are earthquakes in Japan?</h2> <p>After Indonesia,<a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/what-to-take-to-japan"> Japan</a> has more earthquakes than any country in the world. About 10% of all the planet’s earthquakes occur in or near Japan, according to a 2017 study published by the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society. Japan has more than 1,000 per year, on average, although the majority are minor tremors not noticeable to humans.</p> <p>Japan does, however, experience at least one earthquake per year of magnitude 7.0 or higher in severity, on average. A magnitude 7.0 to 7.9 is defined as a major earthquake that can cause widespread damage and many casualties. In 1995, for example, a magnitude 6.9 quake near <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan">Kobe</a> city caused 6,433 deaths and more than USD $100 Billion of damage.</p> <p>In 2011, Japan suffered one of the worst natural disasters in modern history, the Great Sendai Earthquake. This enormous earthquake was the fourth most powerful in recorded history, at magnitude 9.0, and triggered a series of giant tsunamis that engulfed many towns on Japan’s east coast. The quake and tsunamis combined to kill more than 20,000 people, and cause more than USD$200 Billion of damage.</p> <h2 id="why">Why are earthquakes so common in Japan?</h2> <p>About 90% of all earthquakes occur in what is known as the world’s Ring of Fire, according to the National Geographic Society. This is an arc of fault lines, shaped a bit like a crooked horseshoe, which runs for about 25,000mi through the Pacific Ocean, and across Japan.</p> <p>The Ring of Fire is also home to about 75% of the world’s active volcanoes. All of this dramatic natural activity along the ring is due to it following the boundaries between a series of the earth’s tectonic plates, which collide and then overlap or rub against one another. The extreme energy created by these plate interactions causes volcanic activity or earthquakes.</p> <p>After an earthquake, it’s also worth checking the<a href="http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html" target="_blank"> Japan Meteorological Association earthquake webpage</a>, which gives the most recent information, all in a matter of seconds after an earthquake hits. </p> <h2 id="safe">How to stay safe in an earthquake?</h2> <ul> <li>Tourists to Japan can <strong>download</strong> the popular <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.rcsc.yurekuru.android&amp;amp;hl=ja">Yurekuru Call </a>app which uses live information from the Japan Meteorological Agency to provide warnings and updates about earthquakes and tsunamis</li> <li>If you’re inside a building during an earthquake, <strong>take cover</strong> beneath a doorway, which is less likely to collapse than a ceiling</li> <li><strong>Shelter</strong> underneath something strong – such as a table or chair – or place a pillow or thick blanket on top of your head</li> <li><strong>Stay clear</strong> of windows or large, heavy items like cabinets, fridges or televisions, which could topple and crush you</li> <li>If you’re in a city, <strong>stay indoors</strong>, as there is an even greater risk of being struck by debris in the street</li> <li><strong>Do not use</strong> an elevator, which could malfunction, leaving you stuck inside</li> <li>If you’re outdoors when a quake occurs then <strong>find an open space</strong>, away from buildings or large trees, lie down and cover your hea.</li> <li>If you are on a train or in the subway during a quake, rest assured that these Japanese transit systems are designed to respond to such tremors. They immediately stop in response to significant seismic activity</li> <li>Finally, when in doubt, <strong>do as the locals do</strong>. Most Japanese people have experienced many tremors, including multiple significant earthquakes, and are well drilled in how to respond.</li> </ul> <h2 id="experience">What is it like to experience an earthquake in Japan?</h2> <p>Japanese people are accustomed to tremors and typically respond in a calm fashion, as I learned while visiting Tokyo on 7 December 2012. While I sat in my hotel room watching TV, the building began to shake due to a 7.3 magnitude earthquake off the eastern coast of Japan.</p> <p>Only the previous year, Japan had been devastated by the Great Sendai quake and tsunamis. With this catastrophe fresh in my mind, I panicked and ran to the hotel lobby for help. There I found the hotel manager coolly telling other terrified foreign guests to stay in their rooms and remain composed. </p> <p>The Japanese guests appeared far less perturbed. “It will be over soon,” the manager told us all. He was right. But, soon after, I read media reports of a predicted tsunami headed for the Japanese coast. I couldn’t sleep that night.</p> <h2 id="resources">More resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.JNTO.go.jp/safety-tips/pc/emergency.html" target="_blank">Japan National Tourist Association Earthquake Safety page</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ktr.mlit.go.jp/showa/tokyorinkai/english/" target="_blank">The Tokyo Rinkai Earthquake Prevention Center </a>is a free center that teaches about natural disasters using all sorts of hands-on exhibits, including walking through a post-earthquake Tokyo.</li> </ul> <h2 id="tsunami">Are tsunamis a serious threat in Japan?</h2> <p>Japan is one of the world’s tsunami hotspots, as more than 80% of the world’s tsunamis occur along the Ring of Fire, according to UNESCO’s International Tsunami Information Center.  Separate from tidal waves, which are caused by gravitational forces, tsunamis are the result of massive displacement of ocean water. That displacement can be caused by a volcanic eruption or a landslide but is mostly commonly created by an earthquake.</p> <p>More specifically, tsunamis are typically triggered by a thrust earthquake, which is where two tectonic plates collide and one then moves vertically. That vertical plate movement displaces a huge volume of seawater, which flows away from the earthquake epicenter, before slowing down and increasing in height the closer it gets to land. To create a destructive tsunami, an earthquake typically needs to be at least 7.5 in magnitude, according to <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en">UNESCO</a>.</p> <p>Japan has one of the world’s most advanced tsunami warning systems, connected to its earthquake monitoring offices. After any significant earthquake in or near the country, the Japan Meteorological Agency estimates the possibility of a resulting tsunami.</p> <p>If there is a chance Japan’s coast could be affected by a tsunami, the JMA issues warnings to potentially affected regions within three minutes of the quake occurring. These clear warnings come in the form of loud, public sirens and media announcements.</p>iStock/btrenkel 0155154305 iStock A woman puts on a helmet

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/is-japan-safeTravel tips on Japanese crime, the Yakuza, tattoos and food poisoning. What to know before you go.2025-02-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/is-japan-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<div> <p>Japan deserves its reputation as one of the world’s safest travel spots. But while tourists are less likely to get robbed, assaulted or scammed here than almost anywhere in the world, visitors still need to take precautions to ensure they don’t encounter trouble.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/japan-itinerary" target="_blank">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and more.</a></strong></p> </div> <ul> <li><a href="#just-how-safe">How safe is Japan for travelers?</a></li> <li><a href="#conviction">Japan’s incredibly high conviction rate explained</a></li> <li><a href="#yakuza">Yakuza (Gokudō) gangsters in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#tattoo">Tattoo laws in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#food">Do I need to worry about food poisoning in Japan? </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="just-how-safe">How safe is Japan?</h2> <p>Japan consistently ranks in the top 10 safest countries in the world, on various calculated indexes, despite many of those rankings factoring in natural disasters, which are a major issue in this country and reduce its overall standing.</p> <p>Its capital, <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/tokyo-kyoto-things-to-do">Tokyo</a>, is gargantuan, with a metro area home to 38 million people – more than the combined populations of Australia, <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/singapore/asias-top-food-destination">Singapore</a> and New Zealand. Yet despite this extraordinary size, Tokyo placed first in the world in The <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-city-rankings/safest-cities-in-the-world">Safest Cities in the World 2024</a>, which ranks 60 major cities based on 57 indicators, including infrastructure, and personal, digital and environmental security.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Japan’s second-biggest city, Osaka, has consistently been in the top five of those rankings in recent years. A key reason Japan’s cities are so safe was explained in <em>The Economist’</em>s report by Kimihiro Hino, associate professor in urban engineering at The University of Tokyo.</p> <p>He said Japanese city dwellers tend to stay in the same neighborhood long-term, and this fosters strong communities, which have their own crime-fighting strategies. This means that, in addition to Japan’s endless CCTV cameras, vigilant residents also monitor and report suspicious activities. So, committing petty crimes such as theft or street scams is a high-risk, low-reward business in a nation where cameras, cops and citizens all are watching.</p> <h2 id="conviction">Japan's incredibly high conviction rate explained</h2> <p>Japan’s criminal conviction rate is famously high, at more than 99 percent. That could suggest if you’re accused of a crime while holidaying in Japan you essentially have no hope of defending this charge. But that conviction rate is very misleading.</p> <p>It is only so high because many people accused of a crime never end up before a judge, as explained by Muraoka Keiichi, a Professor of Law at Hakuoh University, in an interview with Nippon.com. “Public prosecutors typically concentrate on suits where conviction is almost guaranteed, leading to the suspension of around 60 percent of criminal cases in Japan without an indictment,” he said.</p> <h2 id="yakuza">Yakuza gangsters in Japan</h2> <p>The Yakuza, sometimes known as the Japanese Mafia, is a sprawling network of affiliated organized crime groups, with a total membership of more than 25,000 men. Enormously powerful and wealthy, the Yakuza control a large proportion of the prostitution, gambling, drug trafficking, extortion and loan sharking in Japan, and also have worldwide criminal influence.</p> <p>But, realistically, there’s next to no chance of a tourist to Japan encountering a Yakuza, let alone getting into an altercation with one. Unless you’re in a red light district, or high-end nightclub or a hostess bar, and are acting in a disrespectful manner or engaging in illegal activities, you will not place yourself in a Yakuza’s orbit. Behave yourself and you need not worry about them.</p> <h2 id="tattoo">Tattoo laws in Japan</h2> <p>What you may need to be concerned by, linked to the Yakuza, are Japan’s tattoo laws. Body ink has become increasingly common in Western countries, but it is a complicated subject in Japan, where tattoos have long carried a significant stigma.</p> <p>From the late 1800s to the 1940s, tattoos were banned in Japan, and after that, they were made legal only if the ink was applied by a tattooist who held a medical license. Only in 2020 did tattooing become widely legal in Japan. Yet body art still isn’t fully accepted in Japan, due to its historical links to criminals, particularly the Yakuza, who are famous for flaunting elaborate tattoos.</p> <p>Although tattoos have become more common among everyday Japanese people, for many generations they were largely the domain of gangsters. This means tattoos remain an intimidating sight in Japan. As a result, many public venues in Japan <a href="/travel-wiser/practical/traveling-with-tattoos">still have rules against displaying tattoos</a>, with many pools, saunas, gyms and hot springs requiring guests cover them up. So if you’re heavily tattooed, and intend to visit such facilities on your holiday to Japan, bring long clothing or compression bandages you can wear over your ink.</p> <h2 id="food">Do I need to worry about food poisoning in Japan?</h2> <p>Food poisoning is far less of a concern for tourists to <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-japan">Japan</a> than it is in many other parts of Asia. That is due to the strictness and robust enforcement of Japan’s Food Sanitation Act, which governs food quality and integrity, and the sanitary conditions required of restaurants and cafes.</p> <p>Japan’s many food sanitation inspectors have the power to enter venues without notice to inspect the cleanliness of their kitchens, and to acquire food for testing. Restaurant or café diners can report instances of food poisoning to these inspectors, who will then investigate the venue. As someone with a sensitive digestive system, my stomach gets sick to some extent every time I visit Southeast Asia, yet never have I become ill across many visits to Japan.</p>iStock 0 iStock Travellers in a Zen garden

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/vaccinationsRead these health tips and talk to your doctor about these routine vaccinations before you go to Japan.2016-10-24T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/vaccinationshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>There are no vaccines required to visit Japan. However, despite the relative safety of the country, it’s always a good idea to take some basic health precautions before traveling. </p> <ul> <li><a href="#routine-vaccines">Routine Vaccines</a></li> <li><a href="#Measles-Outbreaks-in-Japan">Measles Outbreaks in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#Japans-Cold-and-Flu-Season">Japan's Cold and Flu Season</a></li> <li><a href="#General-Coughs-and-Ills">General Coughs and Ills</a></li> <li><a href="#Norovirus-in-Japan">Norovirus in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#Japans-Dengue-fever-scare">Japan's Dengue Fever Scare</a></li> <li><a href="#japan-tap-water">Is the Tap Water Safe in Japan? </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="routine-vaccines">Routine vaccines</h2> <p>The United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC) <a href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan" target="_blank">recommends</a> that travellers should be up to date on routine vaccines before going on your trip: “These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.” </p> <h2 id="Measles-Outbreaks-in-Japan">Measles outbreaks in Japan</h2> <p>Measles outbreaks have been an ongoing problem in Japan, with at least a few school closures per year up until 2014 as a result of those outbreaks.</p> <p>Though the <a href="http://www.nih.go.jp/niid/en/measles-e/2102-idsc/iasr-measles-e/5528-iasr-measles-v-e150331.html" target="_blank">number of cases have declined in recent years</a>, there are still active cases in Japan, such as that of a<a href="https://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-issues-measles-warning-after-infected-fan-attends-bieber-concert" target="_blank"> fan who attended a Justin Bieber concert</a> and was soon after diagnosed with measles.</p> <p>Measles vaccines are highly recommended. Peak measles season is in the spring and summer. </p> <h2 id="Japans-Cold-and-Flu-Season">Japan's cold and flu season </h2> <p>Influenza is also a regular occurrence in Japan, with flu season running through the winter months (December or January through February or March).</p> <p>Over a million people came down with the flu in the 2015-2016 season, and the most prevalent strain of the virus was the type-A H1N1, with type-B following.</p> <p>There have also been some cases of avian influenza in Japan, though no human cases have been reported. </p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/Japan/japan-flu-season.jpg" /><figcaption>Waiting for the train at Tokyo station. Photo credit: iStock/DavidCallan</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="General-Coughs-and-Ills">General coughs and illnessess</h2> <p>Tokyo and other major metropolitan centres in Japan are very dense, and <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan" target="_blank">many people use public transportation on a daily basis.</a> Additionally, in Japanese culture it’s not uncommon to go to work even when sick, increasing the risk of disease transmission. </p> <p>Many people wear face masks during this season, both to keep germs out and in, which may or may not quell the spread of disease. If you do travel to Japan and especially if you ride public transportation, vaccination and basic hygiene preventative measures, like hand washing, are recommended. </p> <p>Other vaccines may be recommended for some travellers depending on their circumstances, such as age, medical condition, specific destination, etc. Check with your doctor. </p> <h2 id="Norovirus-in-Japan">Norovirus in Japan</h2> <p>Norovirus is another commonly transmitted disease in Japan. A gastrointestinal virus that leads to diarrhoea and vomiting, there is no generally available vaccine for this disease, although one is <a href="http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2016/06/takedas-norovirus-vaccine-first-to-reach-human-trials/#.V8ur4RTXnFI" target="_blank">undergoing clinical trials</a>. </p> <p>Again, the virus is most prevalent during winter months, and is transmitted through the air and through casual contact. Basic hygiene preventative measures are advised.  </p> <h2 id="Japans-Dengue-fever-scare">Japan's Dengue Fever scare</h2> <p>In the summer of 2014, Japan saw a dengue fever outbreak after 70 years without any reports of the disease. <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/04/29/national/science-health/anti-dengue-plague-plan-eyed-health-ministry/#.V8vYNhTXnFI" target="_blank">A total of 162 cases were reported nationwide</a>, with the outbreak traced to Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park.</p> <p>Government officials acted swiftly, closing the park for 57 days and spraying for mosquitos. Although no further outbreaks have been reported since then, <a href="/travel-safety/risks-symptoms-and-prevention-of-dengue-fever" target="_blank">mosquitos are widespread</a> during the hot and humid Japanese summer.</p> <p>As dengue fever vaccines have only <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/first-dengue-fever-vaccine-gets-green-light-in-3-countries/" target="_blank">been approved in three countries</a>, the best measures to take for dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses are preventative, avoiding mosquito bites with things like <a href="/travel-safety/sunblock-or-insect-repellent-first" target="_blank">insect repellent and protective clothing</a>.</p> <h2 id="japan-tap-water">Is the tap water safe in Japan?</h2> <p>Tap water is generally safe in Japan, and there have been no significant reports in recent years of waterborne illnesses, though there have been a <a href="http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health/water_supply/4.html" target="_blank">few isolated cases</a>. </p>iStock/junce 0521707884 iStock A Japanese woman wears a mask in Japan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/health-and-safety-in-japanFor the most part, Japan is a very clean and safe country. But there are a few health issues to navigate when you visit.2022-12-07T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/health-and-safety-in-japanhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#toilets">How to use Japan's tricky toilets</a></li> <li><a href="#fish">Beware of eating raw fish in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#bathrooms">How to navigate Japan's communal bathrooms</a></li> </ul> <p>One of the world’s most advanced nations, Japan is a safe, clean and orderly travel destination. But tourists still need to prepare for its unique toilets, communal wash rooms, and the threat of food poisoning. Here are some insider tips to help you.</p> <h2 id="toilets">How to use Japan's tricky toilets</h2> <p><span>Japan’s quirkiness is often exaggerated by tourists and travel writers. But what is undeniable is that this country’s high-tech toilets, widely called washlets, can be confusing. Some are so sophisticated they cost up to USD $8,000 and have heated seats, air fresheners, automatic flushing, built-in bidets, carbon filters to kill bad odours, an air dryer for your intimate parts, and a self-cleaning system featuring titanium oxide glaze and ultraviolet light.</span></p> <p><span>The country’s toilets are separated into three categories – Japanese toilets, Western toilets and washlets. Japanese toilets are basic squat versions, essentially a porcelain hole in the ground, which tourists will only encounter in old buildings, some public parks, and in rural areas. Western toilets, exactly like those common in Europe, US, Canada and Australia, are also somewhat rare.</span></p> <p><span>The reason for that is because, in 1980, Japanese company Toto invented the washlet, an advanced version of the Western toilet which is now common in Japanese homes, hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping centres. These are the toilets tourists will use the majority of the time.</span></p> <p><span>At first glance, the washlet looks like a regular Western toilet. Except that many of them have what looks like a TV remote attached to the side. Printed on this device are a range of settings and actions, represented by symbols.</span></p> <p><span>The first button is normally a black square, which represents “stop”, the pressing of which will cease any of the toilet’s actions you have activated. Those actions include a bidet stream for your behind, which is released by a small wand, and is represented by a button which shows a bum being sprayed by water. </span></p> <p><span>A similar spray shown striking a sitting human is the button you press if you want the bidet to target the front of your private parts. Three wavy lines indicate the dryer button, a tilted wand image is what you press to make the bidet spray change direction, and a wand with a wider spray emerging from it represents the button for altering water pressure. </span></p> <p><span>At beginning and end you can press the wand with two stars above it, which then washes this bidet device. And if you become particularly finicky about your preferred washlet settings, you can save them using the memory function at the bottom.</span></p> <h2 id="fish">Beware of eating raw fish in Japan</h2> <p><span>While many tourists to Southeast Asia prepare themselves for potential cases of food poisoning, such as infamous Bali Belly, Japan is not so commonly associated with such illnesses due to Japan’s strictly-enforced Food Sanitation Act which motivates restaurant and cafe operators to maintain good standards of hygiene. </span></p> <p><span>Customers who become ill after eating at a dining venue can report this incident to Japan’s food sanitation inspectors, who will then audit the premises. Whereas in Southeast Asia it might be lax hygiene standards that can cause sickness, in Japan the risk typically comes from raw fish. </span></p> <p><span>And it’s not just tourists who need to be careful. In 2022, Japanese media reported a spike in illness caused by ingesting Anisakis, a parasite found in sashimi, the popular Japanese raw fish dish. This bug causes severe pain by attacking the walls of the stomach and intestines.</span></p> <p><span>In Japan, there are now more than 7,000 annual cases of Anisakis, which is the country’s most common form of food poisoning. Although, when you consider Japan has a population of 125 million people, and sashimi is hugely popular there, that isn’t a very high number. </span></p> <p><span>Regardless, the only way to protect against this illness is by avoiding eating uncooked fish or squid. Even a restaurant with the highest hygiene standards can still unwittingly serve you a slice of raw seafood infected by Anisakis.</span></p> <h2 id="bathrooms">How to navigate Japan’s communal bathrooms</h2> <p><span>I was thoroughly confused the first time I entered a sentō, or communal wash room, in Japan. My single room at a Tokyo guesthouse didn’t have its own bathroom, and I expected the group facilities to have shower cubicles which afforded privacy.</span></p> <p><span>Instead,ronan I walked into a male-only wash room to see two large baths – each big enough for a group of men – and a line of tiny stools and buckets next to shower heads installed at waist height. Luckily, I guessed correctly that, instead of showering upright, the custom was to sit on the stool and wash myself there by filling the bucket with water from the shower head.</span></p> <p><span>Sentō are common in guesthouses, hostels and budget hotels in Japan, and are separated into male and female facilities. They are different to onsen – communal baths of natural hot spring water – which are designed for relaxation more than washing.</span></p> <p><span>Inside the entrance to a Sentō is a changing area with lockers for your clothes and valuables, and with towels and flip flops available. To be polite, wrap a towel around your waist and put on some flip flops before you walk over and pick a shower. Also avoid talking loudly, using your phone, or encroaching on anyone else’s space. </span></p> <p><span>Use your own toiletries – soap and loofahs often aren’t provided at sentō – to scrub yourself before then hopping into a bath. These are for soaking not washing. One will be surprisingly hot, designed to loosen your muscles and relieve stress. The other bath lets you cool down before you head back to your locker relaxed, clean and ready either for a big day of sightseeing, or a sound night’s sleep.</span></p>Richard I'Anson 1 Richard I'Anson A plate of food in Japan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/how-dangerous-is-the-radiation-in-japanFind out how much risk from radiation travelers face since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Fukushima in Japan.2022-04-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/how-dangerous-is-the-radiation-in-japanhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>In 2011, Japan suffered one of the most multi-faceted natural disasters in modern history, which involved a massive earthquake, multiple deadly tsunamis, and a nuclear meltdown. That nuclear catastrophe is still affecting the country, but are tourists at risk from radiation, which can cause cancer and stunt child development? So, is it safe to <a href="/explore/guides/japan-insiders-guide" target="_blank" title="Download our free guide to Japan">go to Japan</a>? In January 2015, we published a short, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcZzsvwLe-I" target="_blank">animated video</a> that tried to put people's fears in perspective.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#nuclear">How did Japan's nuclear accident happen?</a></li> <li><a href="#fukushima">What is Fukushima like now?</a></li> <li><a href="#safe">Can travelers safely visit Fukushima?</a></li> <li><a href="#risk">How high is the radiation risk in the rest of Japan?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="nuclear">How did Japan's nuclear accident happen?</h2> <p>On March 11, 2011, the fourth-strongest earthquake in the world’s recorded history struck 80mi east of Sendai city, on the east coast of <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan">Japan</a> in Fukushima Prefecture. The giant quake triggered some of the most destructive tsunamis the planet has witnessed.</p> <p>Measuring up to 50 feet tall, monstrous waves inundated coastal areas, causing extraordinary levels of damage to dozens of towns and cities, and killing almost 20,000 people. They were so powerful they not only reached up to 6mi inland, but they destroyed thousands of buildings.</p> <p>Among the structures badly damaged by these walls of water was the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Oddly, in a country that has a wretched history of earthquakes and tsunamis, this huge nuclear plant was built next to the ocean. So, when the tsunamis reached Fukushima, they smashed into this hazardous facility.</p> <p>The largest of these waves went over the nuclear plant’s defensive sea wall and swamped the facility. Although the nuclear reactors were automatically shut down when the earthquake was detected, emergency generators were needed to help cool the plant’s cores - the locations where nuclear reactions occur and extreme heat is created.</p> <p>These crucial emergency generators were shut down by the tsunami so, despite the best efforts of the plant’s employees, its reactors overheated. This resulted in the cores melting. Soon, harmful radioactive material was seeping into the surrounding land, air, and sea, forcing the evacuation of at least 200,000 people from nearby towns and villages.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/japan-itinerary" target="_blank">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and more.</a></strong></p> <h2 id="fukushima">What is Fukushima like now?</h2> <p>After the meltdown, the Japanese Government not only evacuated hundreds of thousands of people but also set up a big exclusion zone around the nuclear plant. People were instructed not to step inside this area, which was 20km in radius.</p> <p>In recent years that exclusion zone has gradually decreased in size, yet few of the former residents of these areas have returned, according to the Royal Geographical Society. In late 2021, the RGS reported that in some villages inside former exclusion zones, only one-third of the inhabitants had returned, and the majority of those were elderly people.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the power plant is still hazardous and will remain so for at least 40 years until the clean-up process is finished, according to Japanese authorities. It houses about 1,000 tanks filled with radioactive sea water, and Japan has already spent more than 3 billion removing nuclear waste from the facility.</p> <h2 id="safe">Can travelers safely visit Fukushima?</h2> <p>There is still a sizeable exclusion zone around the Fukushima plant. Visitors can only legally enter this area as members of day tours conducted by government-approved organizations, such as <a href="https://real-fukushima.com/">Real Fukushima</a>. Tour participants must wear personal protective masks and suits while inside the exclusion zone on these five-hour tours, which visit towns and natural locations that were badly damaged by the tsunami.</p> <p>The levels of radiation directly surrounding the plant remain high enough that, exposure for even just one full day (without wearing personal protective equipment), could harm a human’s health. However, the current exclusion zone covers only a tiny portion of this prefecture, the remainder of which is perfectly safe for tourists to visit.</p> <h2 id="risk">How high is the radiation risk in the rest of Japan?</h2> <p>The average radiation exposure for the entire Japanese population, due to the Fukushima disaster, was as low as 1/10<sup>th</sup> of that experienced by the entire European population due to the 1986 Chernobyl meltdown. That’s the finding of a 2022 report by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). That study stated that, since its last assessment of Fukushima in 2013, there had been “no adverse health effects among Fukushima Prefecture residents…directly attributable to radiation exposure”.</p> <p>Tourists to Japan, then, need not worry about radiation exposure. Even permanent residents of the prefecture where the meltdown occurred do not appear to be harmed by radiation. All of Japan’s major tourist destinations – Tokyo, <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/tokyo-kyoto-things-to-do">Kyoto</a>, Osaka, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Kobe, Hokkaido and Okinawa – are more than 150mi away from the exclusion zone. In reality, the far bigger threats to tourists in Japan are the twin causes of the Fukushima meltdown – a major earthquake and resulting tsunami.</p>iStock/were1962 0484126064 iStock Fukushima plant at sunset

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japan-quake-experience-a-worldnomad-writesWe asked video producer Jesse Chard to share his experience of the 2011 earthquake in Japan. This is what you need to know.2020-01-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japan-quake-experience-a-worldnomad-writeshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Jesse Chard, former video producer for World Nomads, was in Japan when the 9.0 <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/earthquake-safety">earthquake </a>struck off the northeast coast of Honshu Island on 11 March 2011.</p> <p>Fortunately for Jesse, he was outside the immediate danger zone, and was in Osaka at the time when he wrote to us about his experience.</p> <h2>My experience of the earthquake</h2> <p>When the earthquake hit, my friend Dan and I were sitting in a tiny laneway restaurant nestled deep in the heart of Namba, <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/osaka-nightlife">Osaka</a>.</p> <p>The hyperactive frequency of Japan is easy to get lost in, and it's only when you settle down for a second that you are able to gain some perspective on what is going on around you. Tucking into our soup, we glanced up at the TV to see a flashing map of Japan, the entire eastern seaboard covered in red and orange.</p> <h2>Apocalyptic nightmare</h2> <p>For the next 24 hours, we would see this superimposed map, blinking like a beacon wherever we went. It sat upon scenes of unspeakable devastation which echoed in <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/indonesia">Indonesia </a>and Haiti; huge plumes of water pouring down subways, score-tonne freight containers floating on the water like marshmallows, images of office buildings with petrified workers hanging on for dear life as their workplaces shook with tremendous force.</p> <p>The broadcasts themselves were of an apocalyptic eeriness with news presenters, donned in hard hats, delivering information as it came to them, with stacks of papers piling up behind them. Journalists in the background frantically scrambled to piece together the tumult of information in front of them. In the thick of this, an aftershock rattles the studio walls, causing the news presenter to gasp in terror.</p> <p>In the upper right corner of the tv screen, a counter kept ticking over, the Kanji detailing 'Dead' and 'Missing'. This tally would continue to rise unabated throughout the night, and conversations with Japanese nationals would reveal a typical, quiet concern for family and friends all over the country.</p> <h2>Chilling encounter</h2> <p>One girl I spoke to mentioned that her grandparents were in Miyagi prefecture, along with more than 800 others stranded in a gymnasium, which was in danger of catching fire. Her words were chilling as she gently resigned to the fact that she might never see them again.</p> <p>The stories, concerns, and worries flowed, but Namba continued to pump along. It is a section of the city that is restless, and even in the face of abject devastation, and sustains its normal level of madness with relative ease. But while the geographical distance from the quake provided a practical solace, you could tell that the reality of the situation, and the potential danger, wasn't far from everyone's mind.</p> <p>The experiences of a morning observing the breathtaking <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/top-osaka-outdoor-activities">Osaka Castle</a>, a structure with a brilliant, beautiful, yet bloody history; an afternoon spent lodged in the thick of Namba's amazing grid of brilliantly bursting electronic intensity and chaotic confusion, merged into an evening lost in that region's labyrinth of Bladerunner-esque laneways and sidebars.</p> <p>The chance meeting of Dave, a brilliant singer and musician from New Orleans, who invited me and my friends to his kooky Creole apartment bar for a great Delta blues jam session, then the culmination of a twilight hour dubstep freak-out dance bust at an underground micro-bar with a group of crazy fun Japanese people.</p> <p>All these experiences, amazing and beautiful, superimposed by the unrelenting, blinking map, remind me of the horrible, tragic reality that everyone in Japan faced. </p> <h2>What to expect after an earthquake</h2> <ul> <li>Expect aftershocks: each time one is felt, drop, cover, and hold on</li> <li>Check yourself first for injuries and get first aid if necessary before helping other injured or trapped people</li> <li>Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe, get everyone out. Use the stairs, not the elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines</li> <li>Stay out of damaged areas</li> <li>Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes</li> <li>Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions, and any information regarding possible tsunami</li> <li>Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls</li> <li>Help people who require special assistance: infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.</li> </ul> <h2>Who to call and what to do next</h2> <p>It is important to remember that the situation you are in can be extremely stressful.</p> <p>Call home and your country's consulate or embassy to let them know where you are, and whether you are safe or need assistance.</p> <p>Keeping an item of comfort nearby, such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material, can often offer comfort in such situations.</p> <p>If you become unwell within six weeks of returning home, with fever, rash, respiratory illness or any other unusual symptoms, seek medical attention and explain that you were recently in a disaster-affected region.</p>Getty Images/Yoshinori Kuwahara 1148952792 Getty Images Tsunami damage in Ayukawahama following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japanese-work-scams-systems-of-dishonourPlanning on working in Japan? Sexual assault, low pay, contract violations and intimidation tactics are just some of the things you need to know before you sign that contract.2019-11-21T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japanese-work-scams-systems-of-dishonourhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>According to both travelers and government departments, Japanese employers can be as slithery as the habu snake.</p> <p>There are reports of misrepresentation of work opportunities by both Japanese companies and U.S. businesses with branches in Japan. Some travelers to Japan have reported both physical and sexual assault, lack of pay and contract violations in addition to intimidation tactics related to their employment situation.</p> <p>Here's what you need to do to dodge the work scams.</p> <h2>Get the correct visa</h2> <p>You must have your visa sorted out ahead of time and have a signed work contract, which will make Japanese officials more likely to help you if you encounter trouble with an employer, before you start working in Japan.</p> <p>Some travelers make the mistakes of not having the proper documentation themselves, but it's also possible for companies to lure foreigners to Japan by providing incorrect visa and work details. No matter, because once you're in the country working illegally, the Japanese government will find you at fault.</p> <h2>Read the contract</h2> <p>Similar to other Asian countries like China, some work contracts may have fine print that you'll want to read to avoid potentially negative situations. Some contracts include early-termination clauses saying the employee forfeits access to a return plane ticket or pay. Legitimate contracts will include standard requirements under Japanese labor law.</p> <h2>Check your employer</h2> <p>Heavily research your employer, which can include speaking with your country's foreign affairs department to see if it has received praise or protests regarding particular businesses in Japan. You should never have to hand over your passport to any company; bring contracts and documents the employer provided to Japan just in case a problem arises. Also note that jobs such as exotic dancing or serving in a hostess bar are also only allowed under a work visa; you cannot conduct any business while under a tourist visa. The Australian government says some of its citizens have been arrested for working in the entertainment industry in Japan with a tourist visa.</p> <p>Be wary of any company that asks you to pay recruiting or visa processing fees. Avoid any business that has a P.O. Box and not an actual street address. Research how much others get in salary for your position or area of work to avoid getting underpaid. Again, once you're already over there, it will be that much harder to clear up any miscommunication or issues with your contract.</p>Getty Images/Matteo Colombo 11057740498 Getty Images Mount Fuji and Tokyo downtown at sunset

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japan-cars-noise-and-transport-get-ready-for-the-onslaughtIs it safe to drive in Japan? Find out how to get around safely, and what driving license you require in Japan.2023-11-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japan-cars-noise-and-transport-get-ready-for-the-onslaughthttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#license">Can you use your driver's license in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#rules">Japan's road rules</a></li> <li><a href="#signs">Japanese street signs</a></li> <li><a href="#left">What side of the road does Japan drive on?</a></li> </ul> <p>Some countries are renowned for driving holidays, such as the US and Australia, two vast countries with impressive road networks. Whereas Japan is an overlooked destination for self-driving trips. Perhaps that’s because, compared to the US and Australia, Japan is far more compact and also has a greatly superior train system.</p> <p>Behind China, Japan has the world’s second-longest high-speed rail network, at about 2,900km. Called the <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan">Shinkansen</a>, this bullet train system has been world-famous since 1964, and riding it is a fantastic travel experience. Regardless, driving in Japan is easy, safe and rewarding for travelers.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/japan-itinerary" target="_blank">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14-day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and more.</a></strong></p> <h2 id="license">Can you use your driver's license in Japan?</h2> <p>While many countries accept a US, Canadian, Australian or European driver’s license, that is not the case in Japan. It requires all motorists to either possess a valid Japanese driver’s license or, in the case of tourists, to have both a valid license from their home country and an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).</p> <p>I’ve had an IDP for years. Even though I’ve never been asked to produce it, I felt safe knowing I had a secondary form of ID to my Australian license while I was driving in Europe, Thailand, and the US.  Bear in mind, that you cannot get an IDP while you’re in Japan, it must be secured back in your home country.</p> <p>Lastly, if your driver’s license is in any language other than English, Japan requires you to provide an English-language translation of that license, notarized by a government department in your home country. This is tricky. So, in this case, you may be better off sticking to the bullet trains.</p> <h2 id="rules">Japan's road rules</h2> <p>Don’t assume you can drive on Japan’s roads in the same manner as you do back home. To avoid being penalized by Japanese traffic police, or, even worse, causing a crash, you need to study Japan’s road rules first. You should visit the <a href="https://english.jaf.or.jp/" target="_blank">English language website</a> of the Japan Auto Federation to get a deep understanding.</p> <p>But, first, here are a few basic rules. You must be 18 years old to legally drive in Japan. Japan’s most common speed limits are 40 km in heavily built-up areas, 60 km on suburban roads, and up to 100 km on expressways. On the majority of Japan’s roads, pedestrians have the right of way, so drivers must yield for them.</p> <p>Seatbelts are mandatory, and cell phone use is prohibited while driving. When using expressways, meanwhile, motorists should only use the right-hand lanes for overtaking. And, when a traffic light is red, you cannot turn through that intersection, unlike in the US, for example.</p> <p><em>Planning a trip to Japan? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/japan">how travel insurance can cover</a> adventure activities, lost or stolen baggage, medical emergencies and more.</em></p> <h2 id="signs">Japanese street signs</h2> <p>It might seem obvious, but Japan is not an English-speaking nation so don’t expect all road signs to be in English. Importantly, stop signs are written in Japanese characters and are a totally different shape from what you might be used to at home. Whereas in most of the Western world, stop signs are octagonal, in Japan, while they are red, they are an upside-down triangle. Familiarize yourself with the Japanese stop sign before you drive here.  <br /><br />The upside of Japan’s road signs is that they are usually pictorial and so are quite self-explanatory. So, too, are Japanese traffic lights, which are red, gold and green, indicating stop, slow down, or proceed just as you’re likely used to back home.</p> <h2 id="left">What side of the road does Japan drive on?</h2> <p>In Japan, you must drive on the left, which will be a strange experience for tourists from the dozens of right-side driving countries, including the US, Canada and most European nations. Trust me, driving on the opposite side of the road is much more difficult than it may seem.</p> <p>Here are a few tips for making this transition smoother. Firstly, to get around in Japan, use the GPS on your phone and turn up its volume so you can listen to the directions while keeping your eyes glued to these unfamiliar roads. Secondly, consider spending a day or two acclimatizing to Japan as a pedestrian before you begin driving.</p> <p>Thirdly, and most importantly, practice. When you pick up your hire car, don’t head straight for a Japanese expressway or a section of busy city streets. Ask the hire company to recommend a network of nearby streets that are quiet, and head there to practice staying left.</p> <p>Lastly, looking right is as important as staying left. What that means is, when you are turning onto a road, as a regular right-side driver your instinct will be to look left for any approaching traffic. But in Japan, you must look to the right to see if the coast is clear. Makes sense? Good. Now drive carefully and <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/5-ways-to-experience-japanese-culture">enjoy Japan</a>.</p>Getty Images/Taro Hama @ e-kamakura 11155851940 Getty Images The way to terminal of Tokyo Haneda International Airport in Japan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japan-drug-laws-the-zero-tolerance-approachFrom drug laws and drug use, to which medications you can and can't bring into the country, here's how to avoid trouble with Japanese law.2025-01-28T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japan-drug-laws-the-zero-tolerance-approachhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Many Asian countries are famous for having harsh drug laws, and <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan">Japan</a> is no different. This is not a country to get high while traveling.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#harsh">How harsh are Japan's drug laws?</a></li> <li><a href="#illegal">How common is illegal drug use in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#meth">Why is methamphetamine the number one drug in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#arrested">How many people get arrested for drugs in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#perscription">Which prescription drugs are restricted in Japan?</a></li> </ul> <p><strong><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/guides/japan-itinerary">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka, and more.</a></strong></p> <h2 id="harsh">How harsh are Japan's drug laws?</h2> <p>Japan’s drug laws are very strict, although not as strict as fellow Asian nations such as <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/indonesia">Indonesia</a>, Singapore, Malaysia and China, where drug offenders can be executed. Japan is not one of the 35 countries that have the death penalty for drug offenses – instead, the maximum punishment is life imprisonment.</p> <p>What Japan does have, however, is minimal tolerance for low-level drug possession. For example, while a lot of Western countries have now legalized or decriminalized marijuana, it is illegal in Japan. Until recently, possession or sale was criminalized, but cannabis use was not. However, in December 2024 <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12/12/japan/crime-legal/japan-cannabis-laws/" target="_blank">a new law went into effect</a> designating the substance as a narcotic, and raising the maximum jail term for sale, recreational use, or possession to seven years. Using or possessing methamphetamine or heroin carries a potential 10-year prison sentence, while for MDMA, cocaine, or magic mushrooms the punishment is seven years imprisonment.</p> <p>Japan also has a penalty of up to one-year imprisonment and/or a USD $4,000 fine for possession of solvents such as paint thinner. That’s because, rather surprisingly, inhaling solvent fumes is the third most common form of illicit drug use in Japan, after methamphetamine and marijuana.</p> <p>Unlike most Western countries, Japan’s drug laws do not make a distinction between drug possession for personal use or for intent to supply. The most severe drug penalty – life imprisonment - is reserved for the production, exportation or importation of amphetamines or heroin with intent to supply.</p> <h2 id="illegal">How common is illegal drug use in Japan?</h2> <p>Japan’s tough laws have limited, but far from eradicated, recreational drug use in Japan. Of the country’s 125 million people, close to 3% have used illegal drugs in their lives, <a href="https://idpc.net/publications/2020/04/drug-use-regulations-and-policy-in-japan">according to a 2020 study</a> by Keio University and the Japan Advocacy Network for Drug Policy.</p> <p>That, then, amounts to more than three million people, which at first sounds like a big number. It is a miniscule proportion, however, when compared with countries such as the US, Canada, UK and Australia, the latter of which found in a <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/illicit-drug-use">2022-2023 study</a> that more than 47% of its population had used drugs at some point.</p> <p>In Australia, as with many Western countries, cannabis is easily the most commonly consumed “restricted” drug. It was used by almost three times more Australians than the second-most popular restricted drug (cocaine), according to that study. Whereas in Japan, methamphetamine is comfortably the number one illicit substance. The aforementioned Japanese research found more than 70% of drug arrests in Japan involved methamphetamine – but cannabis use is on the rise.</p> <h2 id="meth">Why is methamphetamine the number one drug in Japan?</h2> <p>While cannabis is king in most Western countries, methamphetamine is the most widely used drug in Japan, partly due to a hangover from World War II, according to the above 2020 study. Seeking to make its soldiers alert and fearless, Japan gave its military big supplies of methamphetamine during WWII.</p> <p>When the war ended, meth use persisted, thanks to large pharmaceutical firms which marketed this highly-addictive stimulant to everyday Japanese people. Six years after WWII, the Japanese Government played catch up, banning amphetamines. But it was too late, as many Japanese people were already hooked on meth, and the supply of this drug was taken over by organized crime groups, who’ve kept funneling it into Japanese communities ever since.</p> <h2 id="arrested">How many people get arrested for drugs in Japan?</h2> <p>There were <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1003517/japan-number-cases-drug-crime/" target="_blank">18,100 reported drug crime cases in 2023</a>, according to Statista. And a record 6,462 criminal cases <a href="https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/03/b770d6f930b7-japan-sees-record-cannabis-cases-in-2023-70-among-young-people.html" target="_blank">involved cannabis</a>, surpassing methamphetamine for the first time. Despite Japan’s overall low levels of illicit drug use, its extremely tough drug laws (which heavily favor imprisonment over enforced rehabilitation programs) mean its jails still overflow with drug offenders. About 28% of all new male prisoners are incarcerated for drug offenses, the 2020 study showed, compared to a whopping 37% of new female prisoners.</p> <h2 id="perscription">Which prescription drugs are restricted in Japan?</h2> <p>Tourists to Japan need to be very careful about <a href="/travel-wiser/wellness/medications-and-travel">bringing prescription drugs</a> into the country. The US embassy in Japan <a href="https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/importing-medication/" target="_blank">warns on its website</a> that “Many common medications and over-the-counter drugs in the United States are illegal in Japan. It does not matter if you have a valid U.S. prescription for a medicine/drug which is illegal in Japan: if you bring it with you, you risk arrest and detention by the Japanese authorities.”</p> <p>Travelers who wish to bring medicines into Japan should check the legality of medications on the website of Japan’s <a href="http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html" target="_blank">Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare</a>. Stimulant medications, such as those used to treat ADHD, are illegal to bring into Japan, even with a prescription <span>– so are many common decongestants</span>.</p> <p>To bring into Japan a medication that contains narcotics, like codeine, morphine, or oxycodone, tourists must show proof of a prescription while applying online for an import allowance from Japan’s <a href="https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/en/index.html" target="_blank">Narcotics Control Department.</a> If you intend to bring any medication into Japan, even those not restricted, it is advised to carry your prescription. For basic medications, such as painkillers, antacids, or cold and flu relief, it’s probably easier to just purchase them at a pharmacy after you land in Japan.</p>Jason Ortego on Unsplash 1GbZsvIIi4Xw Unsplash A busy crossing in Tokyo, Japan