Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Japan. We do however advise against  advise  all travel to the exclusion zones around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear facility identified by the Japanese authorities due to radiation risk.

 

Crime

 

Crime levels are low. It is generally safe to walk about at night and to travel on public transport, but you should maintain the same level of vigilance as you would at home and take sensible precautions.

 

Reports of inappropriate touching or ‘chikan’ of female passengers on commuter trains are fairly common. The police advise that you shout at the perpetrator to attract attention and ask a fellow passenger to call the train staff.

 

If your passport is lost or stolen, you should report this at a police station and get a police report.

 

Tokyo’s entertainment districts, like Roppongi and Kabuki-cho (near Shinjuku station), are considered higher risk areas for crime, in particular at night. There are reports of foreign nationals being targeted for drink-spiking, credit card fraud, extortion, robbery and assault in clubs and bars.

 

Foreign nationals have been arrested following disputes with bar staff and doormen. Some have been violently beaten leading to severe injuries after refusing to pay exorbitant bar bills. There have also been reports of drink spiking or deliberately giving customers drinks with much higher levels of alcohol than would be expected. Victims have described waking up, often in an unknown location, with no memory of the preceding hours and finding out that large amounts have been billed to their credit card.

 

Getting a police report, which may be required by credit card companies in order for any claim to be processed, can be very difficult in these circumstances. Make sure anything you drink can’t be tampered with. Be wary of accepting drinks from strangers and always have a trusted friend to keep an eye on any unfinished drink if you need to leave it for a period of time.

 

Prostitution and street touts are illegal but commonplace. Don’t accompany touts to bars and clubs under any circumstances. To encourage people into establishments, touts commonly misrepresent the services on offer, and/or wrongly suggest clients are free to walk away on arrival if they don’t wish to proceed.

 

Emergency services

 

In cases of emergency, dial 110 for the police and 119 for the fire or ambulance services.  Calls are free of charge from any phone, including pay phones.

 

Violent crime is rare.

 

Road travel

 

To drive in Japan, you must hold an International Driving Permit (IDP), a current EU licence and insurance. An IDP is only valid for use in Japan for one year regardless of its date of expiry. Check the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department website for further details. You must carry your driving license with you at all times. Penalties for driving in Japan without the correct documents are severe.

 

If you intend to stay in Japan for longer than one year, you should apply for a Japanese driving licence. For more information and details of offices where you can apply for a Japanese licence, visit the Japanese Automobile Federation website

 

There are two types of driving insurance available in Japan: compulsory insurance (jibaisekihoken) and voluntary insurance (nin’i no jidoshahoken). The compulsory insurance on its own may be insufficient in cases of personal liability.

 

Roads are well maintained. Driving is on the left. Road rules are mostly the same as in the EU, but drivers should pay particular attention to: pedestrians crossing roads at green lights, especially at junctions; cyclists travelling on the pavements or on the wrong side of the road and without lights at night; and taxi drivers stopping suddenly.

 

There are severe penalties to deter drink driving, including allowing someone else to drink and drive (for example if you are a passenger in a vehicle being driven by a drunk driver). Offences can attract a heavy fine or imprisonment. 

 

In 2013 there were 5,152 road deaths in Japan. This equates to 4 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013 (source: Department for Transport).

 

Political situation

 

Japan is a stable democracy. Civil disturbances and violent demonstrations are rare. Occasionally, demonstrations of a pro-nationalist kind can involve hostility to foreign countries. Keep yourself informed of developments and if you become aware of any protests, leave the area immediately.

 

Mobile phone networks

 

Only 3G and 4G capable UK handsets will work in Japan. GSM-only UK phones don’t work, as there’s no GSM network. If you plan to make lots of calls or use mobile data in Japan, SIM cards are available to hire online or in-store. WiFi zones are also increasingly available in coffee shops, hotels and other public spaces.

 

Local laws and customs

Penalties for most offences tend to be more severe than in the EU. Detention, including for minor offences, is generally longer than in the EU and prison regimes in Japan are very strict.

 

Most Japanese people are very friendly and welcoming but can be reserved. Loud, boisterous behaviour is not as acceptable as it is in other countries.

 

In regard to sexual conduct in private, Japan is a tolerant society. However, public displays of affection are less common.

 

Drinks and meals are paid for at the end of your visit to a Japanese bar. Tipping is not necessary. In some places, prices can be high. Disputes over bills can lead to arrest.

 

Carrying identification

 

You must carry your passport or residence card at all times. A new residence card system was introduced in July 2012. A  summary of changes and Q & A about the new scheme is available on the Japanese immigration website.

 

Family law

 

Japanese family law is very different from EU law. Take particular care if child abduction becomes an issue. Japan is a signatory of the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (the Hague Convention), which entered into force in Japan on 1 April 2014.

 

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines

 

Some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are banned and ignorance may not be considered a defence. If you need prescription medication for long term use, you may need to provide extra paperwork, such as an import licence. Check with the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate for advice.

 

Drugs

 

Japan has a zero tolerance towards drug crime and there are severe penalties for all drug offences. Detection facilities at airports and post offices are effective. EU nationals have been arrested and detained for receiving small quantities of cannabis through the mail, and for returning positive results in tests carried out by Japanese Police on customers in bars.

 

Money

 

Japan is mainly a cash society. The Japanese currency is the Yen. You may have difficulty using credit and debit cards issued outside Japan. Cirrus, Maestro, Link and Delta cash cards are not widely accepted. Japanese post offices, 7-Eleven stores, Citi Bank and HSBC have cash machines, which will accept some foreign cards during business hours. Cash machines at banks and post offices generally close at 9pm or earlier and may not operate at the weekends, however, ATMs in convenience stores and some shopping centres are available 24 hours a day. Check with your bank before travelling and take sufficient alternative sources of money for the duration of your stay.

 

Health

Medical facilities are good, but the cost of treatment is high. Hospitals and clinics are well equipped and staff highly trained. There are very few foreign doctors practising in Japan, but some Japanese doctors may speak English. You will be expected to pay the whole cost of any treatment you receive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 119 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Earthquakes and tsunamis

 

As Japan is in a major earthquake zone you should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake or tsunami, and take note of instructions in hotel rooms. Tsunami warnings are published by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

 

Volcanoes

 

On 29 May 2015, the volcano on Kuchinoerabujima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture erupted. The Japanese Meteorological Agency has issued a level 5 warning (evacuate) for the whole of the island. If you are in the immediate area, you should follow the instructions of the local authorities. Flights may be affected; check with your airline for more information.

 

On 6 May 2015, the Japanese Meteorological Agency issued a level 2 warning (do not approach the crater) for Mount Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. Mt Ontake, on the borders of Gifu and Nagano prefectures, and Mt Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, are currently at alert level 3 (do not approach the volcano).

 

Check latest volcano warnings on the website of the Japanese Meteorological Agency.

 

Typhoons

 

The typhoon season runs from June to December with most activity between July and September. Southern parts of the country are particularly at risk. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

 

Typhoons that hit Japan are often accompanied by damaging high tides. People living in coastal areas are particularly at risk. Landslides can occur anywhere. The dangers increase when an earthquake occurs shortly after a typhoon has saturated an area.

 

See our tropical cyclones page for information and advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.

 

Visas

 

If you are an EU citizen you can enter Japan as a visitor for up to 90 days without a visa. You may need to provide evidence of a return or onward ticket.

 

If you wish to enter Japan for other purposes (long-term stay, study, settlement, employment) check entry requirements with a Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Visas aren’t issued after arrival in Japan.

 

It’s illegal to work in Japan without the correct visa, however informal or temporary the work. Don’t overstay your permission to remain in the country, otherwise you risk arrest, detention and a heavy fine.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

The Japanese authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Medication

 

The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are banned under Japan’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. This includes Vicks inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems and even some mild painkillers like those containing codeine. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance. If in any doubt, check with the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate before you travel.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Japan.