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Navigating Japan on a Budget: The Cheapest Rail Pass Options

Japan is a country known for its efficient and extensive railway network, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. However, exploring Japan can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to transportation. That’s why finding the cheapest rail pass options is essential for budget-conscious travelers. In this article, we will explore some of the most affordable Japan rail pass options available to help you make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

The Japan Rail Pass, also known as JR Pass, is perhaps the most well-known and popular rail pass among tourists visiting Japan. It offers unlimited access to most of Japan’s railway lines operated by JR Group companies, including Shinkansen bullet trains, limited express trains, and local trains. With a JR Pass in hand, you can travel across various regions in Japan without worrying about purchasing individual tickets for each journey.

The cost of a JR Pass depends on its validity period: 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day passes are available. While the initial price may seem high compared to other options, it provides excellent value for those planning to cover long distances during their stay in Japan.

Regional Rail Passes

If your itinerary focuses on specific regions within Japan rather than covering the entire country, opting for regional rail passes can be a cost-effective choice. These passes offer unlimited travel within designated areas and are often cheaper than nationwide passes like the JR Pass.

For example, if you plan to explore only Kansai region cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara during your trip to Japan, consider getting the Kansai Area Pass or Kansai Thru Pass instead of a nationwide pass. These regional passes provide access to local trains and buses within their coverage area at a fraction of the cost.

Seishun 18 Kippu

The Seishun 18 Kippu, or Youth 18 Ticket, is an excellent option for travelers on a tight budget who have plenty of time to spare. This pass offers unlimited travel on local and rapid JR trains for any five days within a specified period, usually during school holidays.

While the Seishun 18 Kippu doesn’t cover Shinkansen or limited express trains, it allows you to explore Japan at a leisurely pace and experience the charm of smaller towns and countryside areas. It’s worth noting that this pass is only available for purchase during specific periods throughout the year.

Non-JR Rail Passes

Although JR Passes are widely recognized, there are several non-JR rail passes that can provide significant savings for certain travel routes. For instance, if you plan to visit Hiroshima from Osaka or Kyoto, consider getting the Sanyo-San’in Area Pass. This pass covers both JR and non-JR trains within the Sanyo area and allows convenient access to popular destinations like Miyajima Island.

Similarly, if you’re exploring northern Japan, the Hokkaido Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido trains across Hokkaido Island. These non-JR rail passes can be more economical options depending on your travel plans.

In conclusion, navigating Japan on a budget is possible with careful consideration of rail pass options. Whether you opt for a nationwide JR Pass or choose regional or non-JR passes based on your itinerary, there are several affordable alternatives available to suit different travel needs. With these cost-effective rail pass options in hand, you can make the most of your time in Japan without worrying about transportation expenses.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan

Welcome to Japan

The U.S. Embassy and consulates in Japan are pleased to welcome U.S. citizen visitors back to Japan!

We encourage you to follow us on Twitter ( @ACSTokyo ) and Facebook ( @ACSTokyo ). Travelers should also consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

U.S. military members and family with SOFA status should contact their chain of command directly for guidance and adhere to the processes described in the Foreign Clearance Guide.

Visa Free Travel for U.S. Citizen Tourists  

Currently, tourists with U.S. passports do not need visas for short-term visits (up to three months).  

Because travel regulations and restrictions are complex and are subject to change with little notice , the U.S. Embassy strongly urges any U.S. citizens considering travel to Japan to carefully review the information available from the Government of Japan. Travelers who are unsure of their eligibility to travel to Japan should contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for additional information.  

Effective as of midnight April 29, 2023 (Japan time), all travelers arriving in Japan will no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test certificate. For more info: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html.

Military travelers arriving in Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement should consult with their chain of command to ensure they understand any applicable requirements prior to beginning travel.  

The U.S. Embassy’s ability to intervene on behalf of travelers denied boarding at their point of embarkation or denied entry upon arrival to Japan is extremely limited, and those travelers denied entry at Japanese ports of entry will likely be immediately reboarded on flights back to the United States.  

Please note travel and entry requirements are subject to frequent change. For more information and the most recent guidance, please reach out to Japanese embassy or consulate closest to your location: https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/index.html  

Travelers entering Japan may use the Electronic Customs Declaration Gates (e-Gates) for customs clearance, which reduces human-to-human contact. Travelers may wish to learn more about the program before arriving in Japan. Please see the  Japan Customs website    for details.  

COVID-19 in Japan

Currently, there are no COVID-19 testing , proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements to travel to Japan.  However,  we strongly recommend all U.S. citizens carefully review the information on Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website , which provides official guidance. While COVID-19 testing is not required for entry into Japan, a non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities can be found on the Embassy website , should travelers require testing for travel to other countries.

Know Before You Go:  Prohibited Substances

Many common medications and over-the-counter drugs in the United States are illegal in Japan, regardless of whether you have a valid U.S. prescription. If you bring it with you, you risk arrest and detention by Japanese authorities. It is your responsibility to ensure you understand what substances are prohibited. The U.S. Embassy and consulates in Japan do not maintain a comprehensive list of prohibited medications or substances. Comprehensive information is available only from the Japanese government and is subject to change without notice. Please check Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare  (MHLW) website , including the FAQ , or email  [email protected] before traveling to Japan.

Travelers who need to bring more than the MLHW’s approved quantity of medication or medical devices should obtain a “Yunyu Kakunin-sho” (importation certificate) prior to traveling and present it with the prescription to a customs officer upon arrival in Japan.  Certificate approval by the Japanese government may take several weeks to process and should be received before bringing the medication or medical devices to Japan.

All travelers entering Japan with a prescription medication, including medication that is not restricted in Japan, should consider bringing a copy of their doctor’s prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug.

For more information about bringing medicines into Japan and how to obtain a “Yunyu Kakunin-sho” certificate, please visit  the website of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare  and email  [email protected] .

When you make your email inquiry to  [email protected] , please include the following information:

• The drug’s active ingredients
• The name of the medicine
• The dosage and quantity
• Your e-mail address

Passport/Carrying Identification

Make sure you carry your passport at all times during your trip to Japan. It is a legal requirement and local police may ask to check your identification. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. If you plan to travel to other countries during your trip, be sure to check the passport validity and visa requirements of each country.

Lost or Stolen Passports

The Embassy is ready to help U.S. citizens replace passports that are lost or stolen. We will work with you to replace your passport as expeditiously as possible. Our ability to issue passports outside of our business hours is extremely limited. More information can be found here .

Emergencies in Japan

Ensuring the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas is the Department of State’s top priority. U.S. citizens needing urgent assistance should contact us by using our inquiry form or phone (03-3224-5000). If you need after-hours assistance in an emergency, please call 03-3224-5000 and ask to speak with the Embassy’s duty officer.

• Emergency Contact Information for U.S. citizens
• Emergency Preparedness for U.S. citizens in Japan
• Sources of Help, including counseling services

Medical Assistance in Japan

• Medical Assistance
• Japan National Tourism Organization’s Official Guide for when you are feeling ill.

Additional Useful Information:

The Embassy has compiled lists of resources that may have the answer you’re looking for.

• Driving in Japan
• Importing or Bringing Medication into Japan for Personal Use
• Legal Assistance
• A-Z Index of Topics

Natural Disasters

Japan is a seismically active country with frequent earthquakes, typhoons , and other natural disasters. In some cases, earthquakes can lead to tsunamis . In the event of a disaster during your travel, authorities will provide guidance on what to do in the immediate aftermath. In some cases, an alarm may sound just before an earthquake or other disaster strikes the area. The Japanese government pushes safety alerts to users via several apps, including at least one that provides English language information: the Japan National Tourism Organization’s Safety Tips app.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has a Disaster Prevention Information website with information on how to respond to a natural disaster in the area.

More information can be found on our website .

Visas to Japan and Immigration Information

Visas for U.S. citizens hoping to travel, study or work in Japan are controlled by the Japanese government. While the Japanese Government is the ultimate authority on visa matters, we include some general information on visas for U.S. citizens to aid in your planning. U.S. citizens without a work visa cannot work in Japan. Please check here for detailed information.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has established Information Centers and One-Stop Consultation Centers to handle telephone, in-person and e-mail inquiries in Japanese and foreign languages. Contact information for Centers in different prefectures is listed here .

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The information above is general information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and is subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The U.S. Embassy assumes no liability for inaccuracies in the information above. U.S. citizens wishing to obtain any further or more tailored information must contact the relevant local authority.

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Japan Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, japan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Japan.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Japan.

If you decide to travel to Japan:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow Embassy Tokyo’s American Citizen Services section on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Japan.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Embassy of Japan in the United States of America

Visa and Travel Information

• If you need a visa, check how and when you can apply for a visa: General Rules & Processing Time
• If you do NOT need a visa, skip to STEP #6 .

Visa Information

Who needs a visa.

• The Visa Waiver Program applies based on your nationality, NOT on your U.S. residence status (including green card).

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General Rules for Visa Application

Application procedure & processing time.

• In general, it takes 5 business days to issue a visa. (ex., If you apply on Monday, you can pick up a visa next Monday. Our holidays are not counted as business days.)
• It may take more than one month depending on the visa. We recommend that you apply for a visa approximately 1.5 months before your departure date. We do NOT have expedited services.

Types of Visas & Application Documents

• Please click on the applicable box below to see application documents on each visa. 
• If you intend to stay in Japan more than 90 days, please click on the "COE Holders" box.
• The online application for a short-term tourism visa ( single entry only, and only for the purpose of tourism ) is available. For further information, please click on the “Short-term Tourism/Business/Study” box below.  

Application drop-off/pick-up & payment Hours

• No appointment required.
• No parking available.
• Please check our holidays before visiting.
• In case of adverse weather conditions, Embassy of Japan follows the guideline of U.S. Federal Government. When the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announces federal agencies in the Washington, D.C. area are "closed" or "delayed", Embassy of Japan along with VISA section will be closed/delayed accordingly.
• The Embassy will NOT accept any applications by mail.

• US citizens are exempt from visa fees. (Some countries and regions are also exempt from visa fees. Please check the Visa Fee Exempt list to find out if your visa fee is waived. )
• Applicants who have applied for a visa online are required to bring a printed copy of “Registration Information Form” to the Embassy for your payment (payment is only acceptable in the afternoon). *Applicants who has applied for evisa (online visa) on or after 10th July are eligible for online payment ( Details / Video ).
• We accept CASH only. We DO NOT accept personal checks and credit cards.

Information on Border Measures

Covid-19 travel guidelines.

• On-arrival surveillance for travelers and returnees with COVID-19 symptoms has been conducted since 12:00 am (JST) on May 8, 2023.
• Insurance Before Entrance
• Guidebook for when you are feeling ill  

Visiting Japan

• After April 29, 2023, pre-registration for quarantine procedures on Visit Japan Web are no longer required, however, you can still use Visit Japan Web to pre-register for "Immigration", "Customs" and "Tax-free Shopping Service" (Optional).   
• For information about traveling with minor(s), please read our FAQ . 

Staying in Japan

• Be aware of traffic rules in Japan
• Nice to Meet You! Let's Be Friends!
• Study in Japan
• Japanese pension law
• Information on Local Call Centers
• It is a CRIME to sell or give a bank account without just cause.
• Roadmap for the Realization of a Society of Harmonious Coexistence with Foreign Nationals
• Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals
• A daily life support portal for foreign nationals
• Guidebook on Living and Working
• New to Japan? Useful pages for foreign nationals

Recommended Information

• Consular Section: Embassy of Japan, 2520 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Office Hours: Application Drop-off/ M-F 9:15am-12:00pm Visa Pick-up/ M-F 1:30pm-4:00pm
• Contact Us: 202-238-6800/ M-F 9:00am-5:00pm
• Japan Visa Information Hotline (English available) 1-202-499-1468 Domestic call fee applies, 24hours, 7days/week

Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Can I Travel To Japan Now? November 2023

Japan is finally open! Travelers from most countries can now enter Japan without applying for a visa in advance. Best of all, there are NO Covid protocols to enter Japan: You do NOT need proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter Japan.

Situation Summary

Last Update: April 29, 2023 (this page will be updated as needed)

• Japan is open! Visa-free, independent travel is now possible for most nationalities.
• There are NO Covid protocols for Japan. You do NOT need to be vaccinated against Covid to enter Japan. You do NOT need a negative Covid test to enter Japan.
• You can use the Visit Japan Web app to upload your immigration and customs details in advance. See our Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures for all the details. Note that the app is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry to Japan.
• On March 13, the indoor masking recommendation was dropped in Japan. You do not have to wear a mask in stores, restaurants, attractions, and on public transport. Some shops and restaurants may still ask that you mask, however. See our Japan mask page for details.
• Now is the time to start planning a trip to Japan. Contact Chris Rowthorn to start planning .

Commentary by Chris

Visa-free, independent travel restarted on October 11. Citizens of 68 countries now get visa-free travel to Japan. Here’s the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free travel list . If you are a citizen of one of those countries, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance; you will be given a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in Japan (note that there are few exceptions which are listed on the MOFA site).

Given that Japan is now open, it’s time to start planning a trip. If you want help planning a trip to Japan, visit my consulting page to book a Zoom consultation.

What You Need to Do Now

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there are some things you should do now. There is a lot of pent up demand for travel to Japan, so plane tickets and accommodations should be a priority.

• Buy plane tickets: compare flight prices and times for the best deals.
• Book hotels and ryokans: check Booking.com and Agoda.com .
• View our Packing List for Japan to make sure you don’t forget to bring anything.

Consider Doing

• Book some walking tours .
• Travel insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
• Buy a Japan Rail Pass : Order one here .
• Buy a Icoca card : Get one here .
• Buy a SIM or pocket wifi : Order one here .

Check Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Do You Need to Be Vaccinated to Enter Japan?

You do NOT need to be vaccinated with a Covid vaccine to enter Japan.

Do You Need a Covid Test to Enter Japan?

You do NOT need a negative Covid test to enter Japan.

Flights to Japan Currently Operating

Flights to Japan have mostly returned to pre-pandemic schedules and availability: compare flight prices and times  for the best deals.

More Useful Information

• Best Hotels in Kyoto
• Best Hotels in Tokyo
• Japan Rail Pass Guide

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Measures by the government.

Last updated: Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Table of Contents

Measures by the government of japan.

1. Areas subjected to entry ban

2. Denial of the re-entry from designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures

3. Quarantine measures

4. Suspension of visa validity

5. Suspension of visa exemption measures

6. Restrictions on airports/ports for arrival

7. Visit Japan Web

All coronavirus-related information on this website is gathered from the government ministries and authorities responsible for handling COVID-19 restrictions and measures. Due to the regularly changing situation and the constant updating of information, it is essential that you always check for updates and follow the latest guidance from the relevant ministries and official bodies.

Information about entry into Japan

1. Denial of permission to entry

The denial of landing that had been placed on all countries/regions was lifted on September 4, 2022.

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section1

2. Denial of re-entry from certain countries/regions among designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures

Currently, there are no subject countries/regions.

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section2  

3. Quarantine measures (New)

From April 29, 2023, regarding all travelers and returnees (NEW)

(1) Travelers and returnees will no longer be required to submit either a certificate of negative result of COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure, or a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate of three doses or equivalent. (2) Currently implemented measures including provisional random sampling tests for all travelers and returnees arriving from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) by direct flights, will be replaced with testing on arrival required only by those who show symptoms of COVID-19 (a measure applied to all travelers and returnees).

For more detail, please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Border Measures page (open in a new window).

For more detail, please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

4. Lifting of the suspension of visa validity

Single entry visas and multiple entry visas issued by Embassies, Consulate-Generals and Consulates of Japan in all countries/regions and whose validity had been temporarily suspended were resumed again on October 11, 2022.

Validity of visas already issued under “Business Track” or “Residence Track” and visas issued based on “New border measures (4)” (referred in Note 2 of Article 1), for the time being, has been suspended from January 21, 2021, based on the announcement of the Government of Japan dated January 13, 2021.

Border Measures page .

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section8 

5. Lifting of the suspension of visa exemption measures

The visa exemption arrangements which had been temporarily suspended under the border measures were resumed on October 11, 2022.

For countries/regions applicable to the visa exemption arrangements, please visit the link below:  

The effect of Pre-Clearances (i.e. visa exemptions) granted by the Japanese Government to APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) issued by the following countries was also resumed on October 11, 2022. For more information on the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), please refer to the link below:

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)(Japanese)

  https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/apec/btc/index.html

https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/apec/btc/index.html

6.Restrictions on airport/ports for arrival

Airports/ports that suspended international flights/cruises have started to lift the suspension as their preparations are completed.

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section10

Visit Japan Web  is a convenient way to register information for immigration, customs and Tax-free shopping service before you enter Japan. After the registration, QR codes are generated.

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What documents do I need to travel to Japan from the US?

October 4, 2023 | Travel Pedia

Do I need any Covid documents to travel to Japan?

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For Every Journey

What is your reason for visiting japan, over-view of travel requirements.

5/2/2023 The Biden administration has announced that as of May 12th, the Covid-19 vaccine requirements for international travelers will end. For more details, visit the website of the White House .

4/28/2023 UPDATE: As of April 29th, Japan's border control measures no longer requires vaccination certificates and PCR tests taken within 72 hours of departure. However, Visit Japan Web registration is still recommended as it can make immigration clearance, the customs and duty-free process more convenient. ※Those entering Japan with symptoms of suspected COVID-19 infection will be tested upon arrival. Furthermore, those who test positive will be required to quarantine at a designated facility. For more details, visit the website of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan

Purpose for Visit Leisure Travel

Foreign nationals who plan to visit Japan for leisure

Things to do before your Trip

• Please click and read carefully the following requirements when you plan the travel, and contact H.I.S. for ERFS applications. *Updated September 26, 2022: Starting October 11 (Japan time), the ERFS application will no longer be required.

1. Your travel itinerary must be made completely in advance 2. Your travel itinerary must be fully escorted by tour conductors , who attend during your entire stay in Japan（Until September 6, 2022) 3. You will NOT be allowed any unexpected activities and behaviors other than the ones on the itinerary made in advance（Until September 6, 2022) 4. Your activities, actions, and behaviors during the trip(such as where you sit in vehicles and restaurants)will be documented by your tour coordinator （Until September 6, 2022) 5. You must purchase travel insurance with Covid-19 related coverages 6. You must follow the Japanese Infection Control Methods during the entire trip

1. Your travel itinerary must still be made completely in advance with a travel agency , even if it only includes flights and hotels. 2. You must follow the travel guideline provided by the travel agency during your stay. 3. You must purchase travel insurance with Covid-19 related coverages 4. You must follow the Japanese Infection Control Methods during the entire trip.

• After you read and understand the above requirements, contact H.I.S. to arrange your itinerary with us.
• After you plan the entire itinerary with H.I.S., please wait while we apply for ERFS for you. *Updated September 26, 2022: Starting October 11 (Japan time), the ERFS application will no longer be required
• Ask the closest Consulate General of Japan and apply Visas
• View the examples of documentations here
• After April 29, 2023, it is no longer required to present proof of vaccination/negative certificate.
• It is strongly recommended that you pre-register on Visit Japan Web to make your entry into Japan much smoother.
• Public Transportation: Available for use without restrictions.
• *Please be advised that the above information is subject to change at short notice depending on the status in Japan and abroad.

Main Content

Purpose for visit family visit.

Foreign nationals who have family members of Japanese citizens

• ERFS Application is NOT needed

Purpose for Visit Short Term Stay for Business

Foreign nationals who plan to stay in Japan for less than 3 months for business and employment purposes

• Contact the organization(s) in Japan you plan to work with during this visit, and ask them to apply ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-Up System) *Updated September 26, 2022: Starting October 11 (Japan time), the ERFS application will no longer be required.

Purpose for Visit Long Term Stay

Foreign nationals who plan to stay in Japan for more than 3 months for business/educational purposes.

Before Your Departure

Below documentations and applications are required before your flight to Japan. Please make sure to download and install applications prior to your flight.

Valid Passport and Visa

Please be sure to have your required documents, such as your passport and any visa and/or entry/residency documentation

Complete 3 Documentations

③ Questionnaire Complete the questionnaire provided by Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare before your flight.

Apps to install in your personal device

These smartphone/tablet Apps are helpful for your trip to Japan Google Maps Android users can download here Apple users can download here

Create a free account with "Visit Japan Web"

Visit Japan Web is a paperless system for Japan entry, which digitalizes and stores all your required documentations for immigration and customs process in Japan. It is strongly recommended to use this service, as it helps to speed up your entry procedures in Japan. For more information, click here , or view our instruction video here (updated May 2023).

Fast Track is an optional yet strongly recommended app to download for your trip to Japan. With Fast Track app, you can complete some quarantine prodecdures before you enter Japan. It is available to you after your Pre-Departure Covid Test (Inspection Certificate must be uploaded)

Fast Track is acceptable only at the following airports： ・Narita Int’l Airport (NRT) ・Tokyo Haneda Int’l Airport (HND) ・Chubu Centrair Int’l Airport (NGO) ・Kansai Int’l Airport (KIX) ・Fukuoka Airport (FUK)

What you need for your Re-Entry to the U.S.

Below are documentations that are currently required for the re-entry to the U.S.

Attestation

The applicable portion of the attestation must be completed for each passenger age two or older, and the attestation must be provided to the airline or aircraft operator prior to boarding a flight to the United States.

Vaccination Record (*for Non-U.S.citizens, Non-U.S. Immigrants)

All non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants traveling to the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. For more information, please refer to CDC website .

Contact Information

All air passengers to the United States will be required to provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States.