JAPAN HAS CHANGED | 10 New Rules Travelers Must Know (2025 Update)

JAPAN HAS CHANGED | 10 New Rules Travelers Must Know (2025 Update)

Hi, I’m Meg from Tokyo. In this video, I will 
share the top 10 most important updates that foreign travelers should know before traveling to 
Japan. I’ve shared many new rules in my previous videos. So, if you’ve been watching my channel 
for a while, some of these may sound familiar, but I’ve also included the latest updates, so 
you will get some new information, too. We also offer private tours in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and 
Sukiji Barbecue Tour. So, feel free to contact us through the link below. All right, then let’s go. 
Number one, new entry rules before you fly. Japan is planning to introduce a new system called 
J Esta in 2028. It’s basically modeled after the American ESTA. Travelers from the 73 countries 
and regions that don’t need a short-time visa will have to apply online before departure. You will 
need to register information like your occupation, travel purpose, and where you will be staying 
and get preapproved. Without this approval, you won’t be able to board your flight or ship 
to Japan. Just like the US ESTA, there will be also be a fee, though the exact amount hasn’t been 
decided yet. The goal is to boost security while keeping entries smooth for ordinary travelers. On 
the other hand, right now we already have visit Japan web. Any travelers can use this system 
and it let you register immigration, customs, and quarantine forms online in advance. It’s not 
mandatory. You can still enter Japan without it, but using it makes the process much smoother at 
the airport since you can just show the QR code. To sum it up, until the end of physical year 2027, 
only visit Japan web is recommended and travelers can still enter Japan visa free. One more thing, 
recently some fake websites pretending to be Visit Japan Web or Jesta have been found. Jesta doesn’t 
have an official website yet, but Visit Japan Web does. You can find the link to the official 
Visit Japan website in the description below. So, please make sure to check it there. Number 
two, new Japan airport rules after you land. In part one, I talked about the procedures you 
should complete before arriving in Japan. Now, let’s look at two new rules you need to know after 
you land in Japan. One, showing your visit Japan web QR code. This is where the visit Japan web 
which I introduced in part one actually comes into play at the airport. After arrival, you just show 
your pre-registered QR code and the procedure goes smoothly. Since you might not have internet access 
right after landing, it’s a good idea to save your QR code offline in advance. If you haven’t 
registered, you can still fill out the yellow paper form, but in that case, you may have to wait 
in a long line. two passtor entry program limited to certain travelers. The automated immigration 
gates at Japanese airports are mainly for Japanese citizens. But here’s the good news. Some foreign 
visitors can also use them. If you are part of the trusted traveler program, also known as 
TTP, you may be eligible to pass through the automated gates. This program applies to trusted 
travelers such as business people, tourists or family visitors who come to Japan for a short 
stay and meet certain requirements. Once approved, you can enter Japan much more smoothly without 
waiting in long lines. The program is limited to specific nationalities and travelers such as 
global entry program holders from the US. So, it’s important to first check if you qualify before 
applying. And remember, just like Visit Japan Web, TTP also requires advanced registration. The link 
to the official website is in the description. And if you can use the program, here’s an important 
note. When you go through the official recognition gates, your passport will not be stamped. If you 
plan to use Japan’s tax-free shopping system, make sure to ask an officer after passing through 
the gate to stamp your passport. Number three, new airline rules. One important thing to be aware of 
when entering Japan is the rule for carrying power banks on airplanes. You must carry them in your 
hand luggage. Also, each unit must be 160 W hour or less. For most smartphoneized power banks, this 
won’t be a problem, but you need to be careful with larger capacity ones. In addition, a new rule 
has recently been introduced by all major Japanese airlines such as Gel and ANA. Until now, you could 
store power banks either under the seat or in the overhead bin, but now placing them in the overhead 
bin is prohibited. Background is a serious incident in Korea where a power bank actually 
caught fire on board causing an inflight fire. Some passengers were injured and in response, 
Japan also strengthened its safety rules. So, the rule is that power banks must be stored 
under the seats in front of you or kept with you at all times. This way, in case of overheating 
or fire, the cabin crew can respond immediately. When traveling to Japan, remember these three 
rules. No checked luggage, capacity limit, and keep it under the seat. Number four, Shinkasen 
luggage rule update. Be sure you know the rules and possible extra piece on trains like the Nomi 
and the Hikari. If your luggage is larger than 160 cm in total when you add up the length, width, and 
height, it’s best to book a seat called seats with an oversized baggage area in advance. The luggage 
space is right behind the last row of seats, and only people with a reservation can use it. 
If you bring a big suitcase without booking, you will have to pay an extra 1,000 yen on the spot. 
Up until now, some people without reservations use this space without permission, which caused 
problems. Since July 2025, a new oversized baggage compartment has been introduced on a trial basis. 
It’s free to use and works on a first come, first serve basis, so there’s no guarantee you will get 
the spot. That’s why making a reservation online ahead of time is still the safest option. For 
more details, check out my Shinkansen travel guide video where I walk you through this step by step. 
Number five, no reservation, no entry. Recently in Japan, more and more attractions now require 
advanced reservations. We often hear stories like, “I came all the way to Japan, but when I got 
there, it was fully booked.” So, you really need to plan ahead. For example, Tokyo Disneyland 
stopped selling tickets at the gate in 2024, and the Universal Studios Japan followed in May 2025. 
The Osaka Expo is also fully reservation-based. Other popular spots like Team Lab, Shibuya Sky, 
the Jubilee Museum, and the Pokemon Cafe basically all need online booking, too. Even climbing 
Mount Fuji now has restrictions. From 2024, the number of climbers is capped at 4,000 
per day, and the fee system was introduced to manage overcrowding. Even if you want to go 
casually, sometimes you just can’t get in. So, if there’s somewhere you really want to visit, 
make sure to book online in advance. The same goes for the Shinkansen. During Golden Week in late 
April to early May, Oong in mid August and the New Year holidays, trains are extremely crowded. The 
Nomi, the fastest train between Tokyo and Osaka, is almost always full without a reservation. 
So, be sure to book a reserved seat ahead of time. The booking process is also explained in my 
Shinkansen guide video. Number six, new tax-free system in Japan. A 10% consumption tax is applied 
to almost all products except food items. However, foreign tourists can shop taxfree by using the 
tax-free shopping system. Right now, this system is at the major turning point and new rules will 
be introduced starting in November 2026. Here are the main changes. One, introduction of the refund 
system. The current method of buying items at the tax-free price in stores will be abolished. From 
now on, you will first pay the tax included price and then get the refund at customs when you leave 
Japan. To receive the refunds, you will need to prove that you are actually taking the goods out 
of the country. Two, removal of purchase limit for consumables. The previous daily limit of 500,000 
yen for consumables has been eliminated. There’s no longer an upper spending limit. Three, 
abolition of special packaging. Previously, duty-free items had to be sealed in a transparent 
back, so they couldn’t be opened in Japan. This rule has been removed, so items will now be given 
to you in regular shopping bags. Be careful not to open them before leaving Japan. Four, shortened 
deadline for taking items out of Japan. Until now, items had to be taken abroad within 6 months of 
purchase. This period has been shortened to 90 days. If you don’t take them out within 3 months, 
the tax exemption becomes invalid. These reforms are aimed at preventing abuse of the system 
and ensuring stable tax revenue. I will keep you updated as soon as new information becomes 
available. Number seven, new shipping rule. If you’re thinking about sending items overseas 
from Japan, there are a few important rules you need to know. The first one is the end of the 
separate tax-free shopping system. Until recently, if you bought tax-free items in Japan, you could 
send them abroad yourself through the post office. But since April 2025, this system has already 
been abolished. From now on, only shipments sent directly from the tax-free shop to overseas 
addresses are eligible for tax-free treatment. On top of that, there are restrictions on what 
you can send, and some items are completely prohibited. For travelers who want to ship items 
without using the tax-free system, here are three key things to watch out for. First, alcohol. 
Many alcoholic drinks are restricted from being shipped from Japan. And even if you manage to send 
them, countries like the US and Canada generally do not allow them to be imported. Second, power 
banks. These cannot be shipped from Japan at all. Batteries built into devices such as cameras may 
sometimes be allowed under certain conditions, but it depends on the destination country’s rules. 
Third, food. Fresh products such as meat, diary, and fruit cannot be shipped. Snacks and instant 
foods can usually be sent from Japan, but again, they may be restricted depending on the import 
regulations of the destination country. When it comes to shipping services, the main options are 
Japan’s Post EMS, which is affordable and good for small packages, DHL, which is more expensive but 
offers speed, reliability, and detailed tracking, and Yamato Transport International Korea 
service. No matter which service you use, the rules will vary depending on the items and 
the destination. So, always check the official websites for the latest information before 
sending. Number eight, new bond items. Bringing certain items into Japan without knowing the rules 
can result in heavy fines or in the worst case, you could even be denied entry. Here are six 
things you really need to watch out for. First, food. Meat products, fruits, and vegetables 
are not allowed. Canned food is an exception, but most other items will likely be confiscated. 
Next, fake brand goods. Counterfeit bags, watches, and clothing will be seized. Products made from 
endangered species are also banned. You cannot bring in things like crocodile or tiger bar. 
Third, drugs. Even if they are for medical use, you cannot bring them in without prior approval. 
For cash and gold, if you are carrying more than 1 million yen in value, you must declare it at 
customs. Lastly, weapons and self-defense items. Knives, stun guns, and sprays are not allowed in 
your carry-on. If you are bringing kitchen knives, they must be packed in your checked luggage. In 
addition, rules on bringing ecigarettes and plants have recently become stricter. For more details, 
check out another video on this channel. Number nine, new drinking rule. In Japan, it’s common 
to enjoy drinking outdoors during cherry blossom viewing festivals or after events, often in parks 
or on the streets. However, in recent years, especially in Shibuya, large groups drinking on 
the streets have become a problem with some people even blocking convenience stores entrances. This 
has raised serious concerns about public order and safety. It said that not only tourists, but 
also many locals have been involved. In response to this situation, starting in 2024, Shibuya 
introduced a year-round ordinance that bans street drinking from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. There is no 
fine, but if you’re caught drinking on the street, you will be asked to stop. For travelers, it’s 
very important to check the specific rules of each place you plan to visit. For example, alcohol is 
completely prohibited in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, while in Miyashita Park in Shibuya, 
drinking is not allowed after 6 p.m. Since the rules vary depending on the location, checking 
the official website before you go will give you peace of mind. Number 10, new no tourist area. In 
Japan, there are increasing cases where tourist photography is affecting the daily lives of 
local residents. In Kyoto, for example, more and more people were chasing and photographing 
Maiko without permission. A mo is an apprentice traditional Japanese performer known for her 
colorful kimono and white makeup. This caused narrow alleys to become overcrowded and disrupted 
the lives of residents. As a result, some alleys are now off limits and violators can be find 
10,000 yen. In Yamanashi Prefecture, a spot where you could capture Mount Fuji together with 
a convenience store became very popular. However, problems arose as people blocked roads and left 
trash behind. Complaints from residents piled up and a safety measure, new barriers were installed. 
You can still see the view of Mount Fuji, but crossing the road at the spot is now restricted. 
Because of situations like these, rules and restrictions regarding photography manners have 
been strengthened in many tourist areas. That’s all for today. Don’t forget to subscribe and 
hit the like button. See you at the next video.

Planning a trip to Japan in 2025? Before you visit, discover the top 10 new travel rules for tourists in Japan! Japan entry rules are changing for travelers, and if you are planning a trip to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Shibuya, it’s important to know the latest travel updates.
This video explains the new Japan entry requirements, airport rules, and travel tips that every tourist should know before visiting.
From arrival procedures to transportation and city regulations, these updates will help make your trip smoother and stress-free.
Whether you are traveling for sightseeing, shopping, or cultural experiences, understanding the Japan entry process and local rules in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Shibuya, and Mt. Fuji will save you time and trouble.

Watch Next:
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Japan Entry Rules 2025 Explained

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Don’t waste money in Japan! (Top 20 Tourist Traps)

Time Stamp
0:00 Opening
0:30 1. New Entry Rules (Before You Fly)
1:57 2. New Japan Airport Rules (After You Land)
3:50 3. New Airline Rules
5:02 4. Shinkansen Luggage Rule Update
6:03 5. No Reservation, No Entry
7:25 6. New Tax Free System
9:06 7. New Shipping Rule
10:55 8. New Banned Items
12:05 9. New Drinking Rule
13:11 10. New No-Tourist Area

Visit Japan Web
https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/

Trusted Traveler Program
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/immigration/procedures/ttp2_index.html

Trusted Traveler Program (English Brochure)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001402157.pdf

Shibuya Center Gai
https://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/kusei/shisaku/jorei-toshin/sbykankyo.html

Shinjuku Gyoen Park
https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html

Miyashita Park
https://www.miyashita-park.tokyo

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