Japan Has Changed | Japan Entry Rules Explained! What’s New in 2025?

Japan Has Changed | Japan Entry Rules Explained! What’s New in 2025?

Hi, I’m Toshi from Japan and tourist guide for foreigners. In this video, I will show you 9 New Entry Rules for Traveling to Japan in 2025. A few months ago, I covered a similar topic, but a lot has changed since then. So today, I’ll share the latest entry rules for Japan, plus 9 key tips you need to know after arrival. Whether it’s your first time or you’re coming back, watch this to avoid any hassles at the airport. Plus, I also offer guided tours in Japan, travel itineraries based on trip duration and area, and recommendations for unique cultural experiences. You can find more information in the description below. So, let’s get started. No1.Visit Japan Web Let’s talk about Visit Japan Web, a service designed to simplify immigration and customs procedures when entering Japan. By registering in advance, you can save a lot of time at the airport, and the Japanese government strongly recommends using it. There are two common questions travelers often ask. First: “Do I still need Visit Japan Web now that the pandemic is over?” The answer is yes. This service is different from the old COVID-19 apps. It’s made to make entry easier for all travelers. Second, people are concerned about fake apps and websites. Scammers have created fraudulent services that may ask for credit card info or try to steal money. The key point is: Visit Japan Web is a website, not an app. If you downloaded an app claiming to be Visit Japan Web, delete it immediately. Always use the official website URL, which the government recently updated to combat fake sites. Using Visit Japan Web isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. Without it, you’ll have to fill out paper customs forms and wait in long lines. If you do use it, simply show the QR code generated for customs. We also suggest taking a screenshot, just in case airport Wi-Fi is slow. By using this service, you can make your trip to Japan as smooth and hassle-free as possible. No2.Japan Entry Rule Updates Let’s talk about Japan Entry Rule Updates and what you need to know. Japan is making it easier for travelers to visit by expanding visa exemptions. Currently, visitors from 71 countries and regions don’t need a visa. However, with easier entry comes new risks. The government wants to prevent illegal entry and ensure national security. To do this, they are planning a new pre-screening system called Japan ESTA, similar to the U.S. ESTA. Initially, it was set for 2028, but Prime Minister Ishiba has asked to implement it as soon as possible, and the government is moving forward. Under this system, travelers will need to submit personal information, accommodation details, and travel plans before arriving in Japan. This will help stop potentially problematic travelers before they even board a plane. The good news is that once approved, this system is expected to make immigration faster and simpler. It could significantly reduce long queues, especially during peak hours or late-night arrivals. One important warning: fake “Japan ESTA” websites are already online. These claim the system is active and even offer forms, but the real Japan ESTA has not yet launched. Never enter your personal info on these sites. This update will affect all travelers to Japan. I’ll keep you updated with any new information, so please subscribe to my channel. No3.Mobile Battery Restrictions If you’re traveling to Japan in 2025, there’s an important airline rule you need to know about portable chargers. Starting July 2025, Japanese airlines have banned storing mobile batteries in the overhead bin. Instead, you must keep them in visible places, like your pocket or under the seat in front of you. If you’re charging your device during the flight, never leave it unattended. Also, check the battery capacity before packing. Batteries under 100Wh are fine. Between 100 and 160Wh, you can bring up to two batteries. Anything over 160Wh is strictly prohibited. This rule applies to all 23 Japanese airlines, including All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines. Why the change? There have been multiple incidents worldwide where batteries overheated or caught fire, including flights from Korean and Hawaiian airlines. I personally had a bad experience on a flight with Jeju Air. My battery was confiscated at check-in because it exceeded the limit. It was a huge hassle. So, double-check your portable chargers before flying. Following this rule can save you a lot of stress and make your trip much smoother. No4.List of Prohibited Items When entering Japan, it’s extremely important to know what items are prohibited, because carrying them can lead to confiscation—or in some cases, denial of entry. Here are six common items travelers often get wrong. First, meat products. Most meat items cannot be brought into Japan, whether raw or cooked. This includes popular items like sausages, bacon, or jerky. One of my friends from the U.S. tried bringing a leftover burger from the airport and had it confiscated at arrival. Second, fruits and vegetables. Even common fruits like apples, oranges, or bananas are not allowed, because Japan wants to prevent pests and diseases from entering the country. Don’t worry though, fresh fruits are widely available in Japanese supermarkets. Third, medications. Over-the-counter or prescription drugs from your home country may be restricted in Japan. I’ve personally bought painkillers in the U.S. but found out they weren’t approved for import. Recreational drugs, narcotics, or stimulants are strictly prohibited and carry severe penalties. Always check the official Japanese government website before traveling. Fourth, counterfeit luxury items. Fake designer goods are considered intellectual property violations in Japan. Bringing them in—or selling them—can lead to legal trouble. Fifth, alcohol and tobacco. You can bring them, but only up to a certain limit. Exceeding the allowance can result in high taxes or confiscation. Remember, Japan has plenty of local and international options, so you can buy legally once you arrive. Sixth, certain animal products. Japan follows the CITES treaty, so products made from endangered species like tiger, leopard, crocodile, or exotic reptiles are prohibited. Even possession can be a serious crime, so never bring them. For other items to avoid, check my previous video for a full list. Following these rules will make your arrival smooth and stress-free. No5.Japan’s New Tax-Free Rules If you’re planning to shop in Japan, you need to know about major changes to the tax-free system—it could change your shopping experience completely. The Japanese government updated the system to prevent tourists from buying products tax-free and reselling them illegally. There are four big changes you should know. First, the tax-free system is moving to a refund model. You’ll pay the consumption tax at the store, then get a refund at the airport when leaving Japan. This is similar to systems in Germany or France, designed to prevent abuse. Second, special packaging for consumables is no longer required. This makes the process faster and cuts down waiting time at the store. Third, the previous purchase limit of 500,000 yen for tax-free goods is removed. Now, you can buy high-priced items tax-free. But if your purchase exceeds 1 million yen, the store must register serial numbers or ID numbers for the items. Fourth, these changes take effect from November 1st, 2026. While these updates improve your shopping experience, they also mean you’ll need to plan ahead more carefully. The government has also discussed possibly ending the tax-free system entirely in the future, arguing that tourists benefit from public services like transportation and emergency care, so everyone should contribute through taxes. If that happens, it would be a big change for international travelers. Stay tuned to my channel for the latest updates on this important topic. No6.SIM vs Wi-Fi Reliable internet access is essential when traveling in Japan. You have two main options: a SIM card or a Wi-Fi device. Both are easy to get at airports—no reservation needed. Some airports even have vending machines for them. So, which one should you choose? It really depends on your travel style. If you want cost efficiency and portability, a SIM card might be the best option. It fits right into your phone and gives you data wherever you go. eSIMs are also becoming very popular, and Japan Wireless offers a great service with easy setup. You can even get 10% off with my coupon code—check the link in the description. If you’re traveling with a group, a Wi-Fi device is often more economical. Multiple users can share the same device, splitting the cost while staying connected. Pocket Wi-Fi from Japan Wireless or Ninja WiFi works really well, with strong coverage and simple setup. And yes, my coupon code gives 10% off as well. Ultimately, whether you choose a SIM card or a Wi-Fi device depends on your needs and preferences. Consider the number of users, your budget, and convenience, and pick the solution that makes your trip the smoothest. If you’d like a personal guide in Japan or need recommendations for travel plans and cultural experiences, please contact me from the link in the description section. No7.IC Cards for Travelers If you’re traveling in Japan, getting a Suica or other IC card is an absolute must. These cards are incredibly convenient—they work not only for trains and buses but also for shopping at convenience stores, supermarkets, and even vending machines. Depending on where you arrive, you can grab a Suica at Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo, or an ICOCA at Kansai International Airport in Osaka. The good news is, both work across most major cities in Japan. You can get them easily at airport train ticket machines. There’s a 500 yen deposit, which you can get back when you return the card to a station clerk. If you don’t want to pay a deposit, the Welcome Suica, valid for 28 days, is a perfect alternative. My personal recommendation is Mobile Suica. It’s easy to recharge anywhere, making it more convenient than a physical card. Just keep in mind, it’s only available for iPhone users. Android users will need a physical Suica or ICOCA. If you want to know more about the different cards and which one suits your travel style best, check out my previous video. It’s full of tips that can save you time and make your Japan trip smoother. No8.Where to Exchange Money In Japan, cash is still king, so getting some Japanese yen as soon as you arrive is essential. But where should you exchange money? The best exchange rates are usually found in the city, while airport and hotel counters often offer poor rates. So at the airport, it’s smart to exchange just enough for immediate needs—around 5,000 yen per person is usually enough. If you need more, wait until you get into town. City exchange offices are easy to find, and they often give much better rates. Another great option is using an ATM. You can withdraw yen using a credit or debit card almost anywhere in Japan. The good news is that many ATMs support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean, so you can withdraw cash with confidence. With these tips, you’ll have yen in hand without losing money on poor exchange rates. No9.From Airport to Downtown When you arrive in Japan, there are several ways to get from the airport to the city center. You can choose from taxis, buses, or trains, including special express services. The options depend on the airport. For example, at Narita Airport, the Narita Express is a convenient choice, while at Haneda Airport, the Tokyo Monorail is a fast and comfortable option. These special trains are great if you want to avoid crowded commuter trains. If you prefer a taxi, consider booking through an inbound platform in advance to skip waiting in line. You can even use my coupon code for a 500 yen discount—check the link in the description. For a more budget-friendly option, airport buses are easy to use. With apps like Google Maps, just enter your hotel name and it will guide you directly to the right bus. Choose the option that fits your budget and schedule, and don’t hesitate to ask friendly airport staff for help. With the right plan, your journey from the airport will be smooth, safe, and stress-free. How was today’s video? Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel and like button. See you in my next video, bye!

A few months ago, I covered a similar topic, but a lot has changed since then.
So today, I’ll share the latest entry rules for Japan, plus 9 key tips you need to know after arrival.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re coming back, watch this to avoid any hassles at the airport.

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https://www.toshi-guide-trip.com/
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⭐️CHAPTERS⭐️
0:00 Opening
0:48 1.Visit Japan Web
2:15 2.Japan Entry Rule Updates
3:48 3.Mobile Battery Restrictions
5:09 4.List of Prohibited Items
7:16 5.Japan’s New Tax-Free Rules
8:53 6.SIM vs Wi-Fi
10:27 7.IC Cards for Travelers
11:46 8.Where to Exchange Money
12:44 9.From Airport to Downtown

⭐️Related Videos⭐️
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Japan Has Changed | New 25 Transport Rules for Traveling to Japan in 2025: Everything You Must Know!

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