Disclaimer: The information below was accurate as of 2023 and tailored to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

 

Finally, the 'good news' that we have all been waiting for — Japan's full reopening!

 

There’s bound to be crowds of tourists that will soon be flocking to the top sights of the country. And before that happens, why not take this time to start planning your long-awaited Japan getaway?

 

 

This coming winter, for instance, you can check out the dreamy landscapes of Hokkaido and Gifu. Otherwise, the spring season is perfect for hanami (flower viewing) in places like Kyoto, Nagano, and Tokyo among many others!

 

Now it may seem daunting to prepare all the needed travel requirements but thankfully, restrictions have been significantly eased. In order to make the most of your time, the following are the essential travel requirements that you need to fulfill before your much-awaited Japan trip.

Japan Visa

If you're not a citizen on the list of 68 countries that have been granted visa-free privileges, then you need to apply for a Japan tourist visa before your entry to the country.

 

If you're a Filipino citizen, you can check out this detailed Japan tourist visa guide that will help you make the most of your visa application.

 

 

Booked Roundtrip Flight Ticket

This comes as a given, especially when your Japan visa application has been accepted. Do take note though that most airlines and immigration personnel may ask for your booked roundtrip flight ticket as well.

 

Such a document is deemed imperative because it helps prove in some way that you won't be overstaying; so make sure that you have this additional document ready.

 

Confirmed Place of Stay & Other Personal Documents

No matter if it’s a residence or hotel accommodation in Japan, it is vital that you have its name or address ready. Along with this, you should also prepare proof of your rootedness in your home country in case the immigration staff asks for it as well — examples are your Certificate of Employment, Land Titles, Business Registration, etc.

 

All of these documents, which may seem unnecessary at first, will definitely help facilitate a smooth entry process on your part, guaranteed!

 

 

Visit Japan Web’s QR Codes

You are also required  to have your own individual QR code. This can be acquired through Visit Japan Web's website.

 

This will basically fast track you through various procedures such as quarantine, immigration, and customs declaration.

 

To register, simply visit this link — rest assured, a guide for filling out the registration can be found on Visit Japan Web's homepage.

 

Once you arrive in Japan, you can simply show this assigned QR code at each procedure (quarantine, immigration, and customs) either through the screen of your phone or through a printed version.

Valid Vaccination Certificate

To further ensure a swift entry into Japan, it is a must for you to present your vaccination card or certificate showing that you have completed 3 vaccine doses. If you don’t have this document yet, get a valid vaccination certificate from either VaxCertPH or the Bureau of Quarantine.

 

If this is not applicable to you, what you’ll need to show is a negative test certificate within 72 hours of flying to Japan. To ensure that such a certificate is valid for entry, you should see this checklist that enumerates the complete list of things that need to be seen on your test document.

I hope this list of essential travel requirements will help facilitate a hassle-free welcome for you at the borders of Japan. After all, the last thing that you want is to be turned away at the immigration counter when you are already so close to the wonders that the country holds!

 

About the author

 

Aileen Adalid is the founder of iAmAileen.com, an award-winning luxury travel and lifestyle blog. Born in the Philippines, Aileen left her investment banking career at the young age of 21 to pursue her dreams of traveling the world and developing a new career as a digital nomad. Fast forward to today, in addition to being a successful travel blogger and vlogger who has visited all 7 continents, Aileen has also been featured in various publications such as the National Geographic, Time, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among many others. Because of this and more, Aileen has a dedicated following that follows her adventures and recommendations while she continues to travel around the globe.