Japan

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.

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

• public transport
• public event venues
• entry ports

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

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

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

To stay safe:

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

Japan has a low crime rate. Even so, some petty theft can happen, like bag snatching at popular tourist attractions.

There's a risk of crime in bars and nightclubs, especially in the Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku (Kabuki-cho) entertainment areas of Tokyo, and the Shinsaibashi, Namba and Dotonbori entertainment areas of Osaka. Both men and women have been targeted. You may encounter:

• overcharging
• fraudulent credit card charges
• forced withdrawal of large amounts of cash at ATMs
• drink spiking
• illegal drugs
• assault

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

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

To stay safe:

• never leave your drink unattended, and be cautious about accepting drinks or invitations to bars or clubs from strangers or recent acquaintances
• don't carry large amounts of cash and exercise sensible precautions about the use and storage of your debit/credit card

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Trekking and mountaineering can be dangerous. Register your plans with local police before you go into the mountains, and take an emergency locator beacon with you.

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

Japanese Emergency Services warn against climbing from September to June when it's most dangerous. Check the official Mount Fuji Climbing website for each trail's climbing season dates.

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

Hikers and other travellers may encounter bears in parts of rural Japan. There have been incidents of fatal bear attacks. Some prefectural governments provide safety advice regarding bears. 

If you plan to hike or camp in rural and mountainous areas of Japan, follow local safety advice and pay attention to warning signs.

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

Take an emergency locator beacon with you if you plan to explore other areas of the mountains.

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

Check your insurance policy covers you for snow sports.

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

If you're skiing in Japan:

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

A series of earthquakes occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture in Central Japan on and after 1 January 2024. Some infrastructure in that part of Japan may remain impacted. Exercise caution and follow local authorities' advice if travelling to affected areas. 

Japan experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• earthquakes
• tsunamis
• typhoons
• volcanic eruptions

In an emergency, consular help may be severely limited.

Be prepared to deal with emergencies by:

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

Disaster preparation

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

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

The following stations broadcast emergency information in English:

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

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

If there's a natural disaster:

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

Earthquakes and tsunamis

In Japan there's a constant risk of earthquakes and tsunamis.

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

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

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

If there's an earthquake:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• check the Japan Meteorological Agency for earthquake and tsunami information
• move to higher ground straight away if you're in a coastal region
• keep in contact with family and friends
• Latest earthquake information (NHK World News)
• Earthquake safety tips (Japan National Tourism Organisation)

Typhoons and severe weather

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

Local authorities broadcast current typhoon information through the local media (NHK World News) and the Japan Meteorological Agency website.

If there's a typhoon approaching:

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

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

Keep away from areas with:

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

Be careful of fallen electrical lines.

Volcanoes

Japan has 110 active volcanoes.

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

If you plan to visit a volcanic area:

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

Winter weather

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

Conditions can change suddenly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• general
• narcotic
• psychotropic
• stimulants

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

Some medication is banned, including:

• the stimulant dexamphetamine, used to treat ADHD
• pseudoephedrine, found in some cold and flu tablets
• marijuana, including medicinal cannabis or CBD oil

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

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

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

More information:

• Bringing medication into Japan

Radiation

Restricted areas exist around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The 2011 earthquake caused the release of lethal radiation. Radiation levels in almost all 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
• Fukushima Revitalization Information Portal Site

Insect-borne diseases

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

To protect yourself from disease:

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

Measles and rubella

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

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

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

There’s no agreement between Australia and Japan for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical facilities are of a high standard. You can find medical facilities with English-speaking staff in many major cities; however, you may have difficulty finding English-speaking medical staff outside of Tokyo. 

Medical care in Japan can also be expensive for non-residents. You may need to pay up-front or give a guarantee that you'll cover costs before you're treated. Ambulance services are widely available but receiving hospitals may decline to accept patients unless they can provide proof of funds. Some medical facilities only accept cash payments.

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

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're arrested in Japan. You can also be detained for up to 23 days without charge.

Drugs

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Family law

Japanese family law, including divorce and child custody, is very different to Australian law. For example, joint custody of a child after divorce is currently not a legal option, and there are limits to access for a non-custodial parent. The Family Courts in Japan generally consider that it is in a child’s best interests for them to remain in their “usual place of residence”. Courts therefore usually give sole custody to the parent who has taken care of the child most recently. Joint custody after divorce will however be possible after mid-2026 following legislative reforms passed in May 2024. 

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

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

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

More information:

• Travelling with children

Employment law

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

• the correct visa
• financial arrangements in place

This could leave you open to exploitation and prosecution.

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

If you want to travel to Japan for work:

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

More information:

• Living or working overseas

Police powers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Under Japanese law, you can:

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

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

English interpreters may be substandard. The Australian Embassy website has a list of English-speaking lawyers around Japan.

Other laws

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

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

It's illegal to:

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

The following activities are also illegal:

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

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

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

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information

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

Border measures

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

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

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

More information:

• Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

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 many places, but cards are becoming more widely used, especially in major cities.

Hotels accept major credit cards. Credit cards are still not widely accepted outside major cities, and tourist areas.

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

Ask your bank if your cards will work in Japan.

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

Fukushima and surrounding areas

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

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

Monitor and follow the advice from local authorities.

More information:

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

Travelling in Japan with a Disability

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

More information:

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

Driving permit

To drive in Japan, you must hold either:

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

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

Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

More information:

• Driving in Japan
• Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department

Road travel

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

Vehicles travel is on the left-hand side as in Australia. In Japan it's illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream.

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

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check your travel insurance policy covers you for riding motorbikes.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

It's safe to use taxis in Japan.

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

Public transport

Japan has modern and reliable rail and bus services.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

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

More information:

• Air travel

Sea travel

Passenger ferries depart from Tokyo (Yokohama) to many destinations across Japan as well as Asia.

Several international cruises stopover in Japan.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Tourism

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

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

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

Depending on what you need, contact your:

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

Fire and rescue services

Call 119.

Medical emergencies

Call 119.

Police

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

For Tokyo English-speaking Police, call (+81 3) 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 (+81 3) 5774 0992.

Call TELL Counselling services in English (+81 3) 4550 1146.

Living in Japan

English information on living in Japan is available from the:

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

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

More information:

• Living or working overseas

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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

Instagram: @australianinjpn

X: @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

Osaka 540-6116

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

Fax: (+81 6) 7635 7033

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