Preparing for Your Trip to Japan

Written By Dayna Hoskin

What to Know Before You Go

From preparing for an overseas trip, to navigating your departure airport, and ensuring a smooth arrival in Japan — this guide covers the key things you should know before you travel.

Visas

Japan has visa-exemption agreements with many countries, allowing citizens to visit Japan visa-free for short-term tourism (up to 90 days). This typically covers:

  • Tourism and sightseeing

  • Visiting friends or relatives

  • Business meetings or conferences (non-paid activities)

If you are:

  • From a non-visa-exempt country, or

  • Planning a longer stay, or

  • Intending to study, work, or participate in paid or cultural exchange activities,

you must apply for an appropriate visa in advance through a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Timing recommendation:
Apply between 3 months and 2 weeks before departure, depending on visa type.

Visa rules can change, so always confirm the latest requirements via:

  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, or

  • Your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate


Passports

Japan requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay — there is no official six-month validity requirement imposed by Japan itself.

However:

  • Some airlines may still require six months’ validity

  • Transit countries may also have their own rules

For this reason, we strongly recommend travelling with at least six months’ validity remaining on your passport beyond your return date.

Additional tips:

  • Apply for a new or renewed passport at least 6 weeks before travel

  • Carry a photocopy or digital copy of your passport

    • This significantly speeds up replacement if it’s lost or stolen


Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential and should be purchased as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

⚠️ Important:
If you have any specific requirements for your travel insurance, I strongly recommend consulting with an insurance broker or financial advisor to ensure you find the right cover for your circumstances.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

To drive in Japan, you must carry:

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention

  • Your full Australian driver’s licence (provisional and learner licences are not accepted)

IDPs can be obtained through organisations such as:

  • NRMA, RACV, RACQ, and other state motoring clubs

Important notes:

  • IDPs must be obtained before arriving in Japan

  • They cannot be issued or renewed overseas

  • Only 1949 Geneva Convention IDPs are valid in Japan
    (1968 Vienna Convention permits are not accepted)


Notify your Bank

Before travelling:

  • Notify your bank and credit card providers of your travel dates and destinations

This helps prevent:

  • Cards being blocked for suspected fraud

  • Payment issues overseas

Japan is increasingly card-friendly, but cash is still essential, especially in regional areas.

Medications

Japan has strict medication regulations.

Some common overseas medications are restricted or completely prohibited in Japan.

Before travelling:

If your medicine is classified as “Narcotics” and/or “Stimulants’ Raw Materials”, you need to get permission before you enter/leave Japan. This permission is given in the form of a Yunyu Kakunin-sho or import certificate.

  • Apply at least 2 weeks before departure

  • Approval must be received before you leave home

  • Declare the certificate at customs on arrival

You can find application forms as well as sample applications on the Narcotics Control Department website.

To submit your application:

  • Locate your arrive airport within this document

  • Email or fax your completed documents through to the Narcotics Control Department at that airport

⚠️ Important:
If traveling with multiple controlled medications, you must submit a request for an import certificate for each medication individually.

For personal medications that don’t require a certificate:


Disability Services

Some disability services and priority access in Japan require proof of disability.

As tourists:

  • An original doctor’s letter stating proof of disability is generally accepted

  • Copies are often not sufficient

  • A Japanese translation can significantly speed up the process

This is especially important for:

  • Theme parks (Tokyo Disney Resort is very strict)

  • Attractions requiring special access arrangements

If needed, Japan Junket can assist with Japanese translation services.


Itinerary Copies

We strongly recommend:

  • Carrying a printed copy of your itinerary

  • Leaving a copy with your emergency contact at home

This is invaluable if:

  • You lose phone access

  • Your battery dies

  • Internet access is unavailable


Packing and Luggage

Always check:

  • Your airline’s carry-on and checked baggage rules

  • Weight limits (excess fees can be significant)

Carry-on Luggage

Your carry-on should include:

  • Passport & travel documents

  • Travel insurance details

  • Valuables and irreplaceable items

  • Medications & prescriptions

  • A change of clothes

Must be carried on (not checked):

  • Power banks / portable chargers

  • Spare batteries (terminals taped or protected)

  • Devices with lithium batteries (phones, laptops, cameras, drones)

Liquids, aerosols & gels:

  • Max 100ml per item

  • Must fit into one clear 1-litre zip-lock bag

Breast milk, formula, and baby food are usually exempt — confirm with your airline.

Checked Luggage

Checked luggage should include:

  • Liquids over 100ml

  • Sharp objects (scissors, nail kits)

  • Replica weapons or restricted items

Japan-specific restrictions:

  • UHF-CB radios not meeting Japanese specs are prohibited

  • Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), Garmin InReach, Spot devices are not permitted
    ➡️ Leave these at home


Electronics & Power

Japan uses:

  • 100V electricity

  • Type A or B plugs (same as USA)

Most modern chargers are dual voltage (100–240V):

  • If so, you only need a plug adaptor

  • Single-voltage devices (hair dryers, shavers) may require a voltage converter

Power banks:

  • Usually limited to 100Wh

  • Must be carried on

  • Terminals should be taped or protected

USB charging ports are common in:

  • Hotels

  • Airports

  • Cafés
    …but still bring an adaptor for flexibility.


SIM cards, eSIMSs, Roaming or Pocket Wi-Fi?

Reliable internet is essential in Japan for:

  • Navigation

  • Translation

  • Transport apps

Your main options are:

  • International roaming

  • Physical SIM card

  • eSIM

  • Pocket Wi-Fi

Each has pros and cons depending on:

  • Length of stay

  • Number of devices

  • Travel style

👉 See our dedicated guide for choosing the best connectivity option for your trip.

Dayna Hoskin https://www.japanjunket.com.au
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