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Japan: 2025 Arrival Guide for Digital Nomads

Updated Oct 16, 2025

Are you a digital nomad, remote worker, or entrepreneur coming to Japan for the first time?

This arrival guide covers the critical information you need to live, work, and connect in Japan with as little friction as possible. Learn how to clear immigration quickly, choose mobile and Wi-Fi options, pay locally, understand what's realistic on a tourist visa, and more.

Visa & Arrival Preparation for Japan

  • Many nationalities can enter Japan visa-free for short stays. Always verify current requirements for your passport with a reliable source like Passport Index.
  • Japan offers visa-free entry to citizens of 74 countries, typically for 90 days or less depending on nationality. For digital nomads meeting specific requirements (proof of sufficient annual income and comprehensive health insurance coverage), a 6-month Digital Nomad Visa is available.
  • Arrival card options:
    • Visit Japan Web: Complete online procedures for immigration and customs in advance. Afterwards you can generate a QR code for airport clearance. Can be completed up to 2 weeks before arrival.
    • Paper arrival card: Available on flights or at the airport if you don't use Visit Japan Web. Flight attendants typically distribute these forms, complete it during the flight to save time.
  • Document checklist: passport (valid for duration of stay; 6+ months recommended), onward/return ticket, accommodation address for first night.
  • Consider purchasing a data-only eSIM before departure or plan to pick up a SIM card at the airport (see Connectivity section).

Arrival & Immigration into Japan

  • Physical arrival cards are required only if you haven't received a QR code through Visit Japan Web.
  • Ask a flight attendant for this and complete it during your flight, to reduce time spent in the immigration area
  • ABTC: At many airports, ABTC holders can use priority/crew lanes, which can speed processing. Availability varies by terminal and time of day.
  • If you completed the Visit Japan Web process, you will have to show this QR code both in the immigration and customs areas.

Mobile & Wi-Fi Connectivity in Japan

  • Data-only eSIM:
    • Pros: Instant activation; no airport kiosk queues; minimal personal information required.
    • Cons: No local phone number; often less data per yen than local SIMs.
  • SIM card pickup:
    • Pros: Local phone number; better value with generous data/voice plans.
    • Cons: Requires airport kiosk visit and passport for real-name registration.
  • Bridge strategy: Purchase a 1–3 day data-only eSIM for immediate connectivity, then shop for the best local SIM deal in the city.
  • Network coverage: Japan has excellent mobile connectivity throughout the country, including in subway stations and underground areas. Major carriers include NTT Docomo, KDDI (au), and SoftBank.
  • Free Wi-Fi: Widely available across Japan, though some require passwords or captive portal login. A phone number or social login may be needed.

How to Pay in Japan

IC Cards

  • Obtain an IC card for seamless public transport and convenience store purchases:
    • Suica, Pasmo, Icoca: All interchangeable nationwide.
    • Purchase locations: Vending machines at airports and train stations; deposit typically required for physical cards.
    • Loading: Cash only at machines or convenience stores for tourists without residence cards.
    • Mobile IC cards: iPhone users can add Suica/Pasmo to Apple Wallet for tap-to-pay convenience and loading funds with a foreign credit card.
    • Special tourist options: Welcome Suica, Pasmo Passport—no deposit, valid for 28 days, non-refundable balances.
  • Usage: Tap in and out for trains/subways/buses; also accepted at convenience stores, vending machines, and some shops.

Credit Cards

  • Visa, Mastercard and AmEx widely accepted at major retailers, hotels, restaurants, and convenience stores.
  • Contactless payments: Samsung Pay and Google Pay have broader acceptance than Apple Pay in Japan. Apple Pay works at many locations but acceptance is uneven—always check for Visa/Mastercard contactless logos at terminals.
  • Bill splitting may be difficult for some businesses, regardless of group size. You can ask before ordering if bill separation is possible.

Cash & ATMs

  • Japan remains relatively cash-dependent, especially at smaller establishments and in rural areas.
  • ATM fees and access:
    • 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs: Most reliable for foreign cards.
    • Japan Post Bank ATMs: Fees per transaction.
    • Other banks: Fees vary; major banks (MUFG, Mizuho, Sumitomo Mitsui) tend to have lower fees.
    • Tip: Not all ATMs accept foreign cards. Seven Bank ATMs are the most reliable for international withdrawals.
  • Have cash ready for IC card top-ups (only method without residence card) and as backup if credit cards don't work.

Sending Money

  • For splitting meals or bills, Wise can deposit funds into Japanese bank accounts quickly for a small fee (typically minutes).
  • Domestic wallets like PayPay and LINE Pay generally require Japanese ID and bank accounts.

Navigating in Japan

  • Google Maps works well for navigation throughout Japan. It provides:
    • Train/subway/bus routes with real-time information
    • Platform numbers and optimal train car positions for transfers
    • Walking directions
    • English interface

Transportation in Japan

  • Airport access:
    • Narita (NRT) to Tokyo: Narita Express (N'EX) train to central Tokyo (60–75 minutes), Keisei Skyliner (45 minutes), or Airport Limousine Bus.
    • Haneda (HND) to Tokyo: Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line to central Tokyo (~20–30 minutes)
    • Narita ↔ Haneda transfers: Direct Airport Kaitoku/Access Express trains (~90–120 minutes), or train combinations via Tokyo/Shinagawa stations.
  • Trains/Subway:
    • Extensive, punctual, and efficient nationwide network. Tap IC card in and out.
    • Shinkansen (bullet trains): Connect major cities rapidly. JR Pass covers most routes but not all.
    • Last trains: Typically around midnight to 1 AM, varying by line and day.
    • Peak crowding aligns with commute hours (roughly 7:30–9:30 AM, 5–7 PM).
  • Buses: Board front door (tap IC card), exit back door (tap again to complete trip and receive transfer discounts).
  • Taxis/Ride-hailing:
    • Uber, GO (formerly JapanTaxi): Available in major cities. Uber coverage is good but not as comprehensive as in other countries.
    • While more expensive than public transport, taxis are still reasonably affordable for productivity during travel.
  • Escalators: stand on the right, move on the left. Except in Osaka/Kyoto region, where you stand on the left, move on the right.

Power in South Korea

  • Plug types: A and B. Type B is type A with a grounding pin, though type A is more popular.
  • Voltage: 100 V. Most modern chargers handle 100–240 V automatically. You just need the right plug adapter when necessary.

Coworking & Cafes in Japan

Online Shopping in Japan

  • Many Japanese shopping/delivery apps increasingly require local credentials and/or Japanese payment methods.
  • Services are headquartered in the US, such as Amazon and Uber/Uber Eats, can be used in Japan just as easily with minor language inconsistencies

Other Tips for Japan

  • Trash/recycling: Public bins are scarce. Use bins inside convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson, 7-Eleven) and sort correctly.
  • ID: Carry your passport when buying SIMs, collecting tickets, or if authorities request. Photo copies may not suffice in certain situations.
  • Smoking: Prohibited in many public areas; use designated smoking zones to avoid fines.
  • Emergencies:
    • Police: 110
    • Fire/Ambulance: 119
    • Coast Guard: 118
    • Non-urgent medical consultation: #7119
  • Holidays: Expect closures and crowds during major holidays (Golden Week in late April/early May, Obon in mid-August, New Year). Book intercity transport early as tickets sell out.
  • Tipping: Not customary and may be considered confusing or awkward. Excellent service is standard without additional payment. Some high-end establishments include a service charge in the bill.

Events in Japan

enXross

Jan 5, 2026 - Jun 30, 2026 in Tokyo