When you touch down in Tokyo, the last thing you want is to get tangled up in lines or miss a form at immigration. With these Japanese customs immigration tips, you’ll breeze through arrival and departure, keep your valuables safe, and stay on the right side of the rules. In the next few minutes, you’ll learn exactly what to pack, which forms to fill, and how to act so you can hit the streets of Tokyo without a hitch.
Prepare travel documents
Before you board your flight, make sure you have everything ready to show at immigration.
Check passport validity
Your passport should have at least six months’ validity from your planned exit date, plus two to four blank visa pages. Without that buffer, you could face delays or even denial of entry.
Know visa requirements
Most visitors from countries like the US, Australia, and New Zealand get a 90-day visa-free stay. If you plan to stay longer or work, you’ll need a visa in advance. For more details, check with the Embassy of Japan in the United States of America.
Gather supporting papers
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
- Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds
Having these on hand speeds up the process and shows immigration officers you’re prepared.
Fill out arrival forms
When you step off the plane, grab the two key slips handed out onboard.
Immigration landing form
This pink form asks for your personal details, flight number, and address in Japan. Fill it out neatly—illegible entries mean slower processing.
Customs declaration form
On the white slip, declare items like valuables, duty-free goods over the allowance, or large amounts of cash. You’ll hand this to customs after immigration.
Navigate immigration counters
Once your forms are done, it’s time to meet the immigration officers.
Use automated gates
If you’re eligible (often Japanese nationals and select visitors), e-gates let you scan your passport and fingerprint for a quick on-screen clearance. Look for signs saying “Automated Gate” above the counters.
Go through manual processing
If you don’t qualify for e-gates, queue up at the staffed booths. Have your passport and landing form ready. A friendly greeting in basic Japanese phrases can go a long way—try “Kon’nichiwa” and “Arigato” from our japanese phrases for travelers guide.
Pass through customs inspection
After immigration, follow signs for baggage claim and then customs. You’ll choose between the green channel (“Nothing to declare”) or the red channel (“Items to declare”).
What to declare
Declare any of these on your form or to the officer:
- Valuables (over 200,000 JPY or equivalent)
- Commercial goods or high-value duty-free items
- Currency exceeding 1 million JPY (or 0.1 million JPY if arriving from North Korea) (Japan Customs)
Know duty-free allowances
Here’s a quick look at what you can bring in without extra tax:
| Item | Allowance per adult |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 3 bottles (760 ml each) |
| Tobacco (cigarettes) | 200 sticks |
| Cigars/smokeless tobacco | 50 sticks or 250 g |
| Perfume | 2 oz (60 ml) total |
| Gifts and souvenirs | Up to 200,000 JPY value |
If you stick under these limits, pick the green channel and walk right through.
Common prohibited items
Trying to sneak in any of the following can land you in trouble:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Meat products | Ham, bacon, beef jerky |
| Counterfeit goods | Fake CDs, DVDs, designer bags |
| Obscene materials | Child pornography |
| Illegal drugs | Cocaine, cannabis, MDMA |
| Firearms and explosives | Guns, ammunition, gunpowder |
If you do have exemptions (say, imported beef with a certificate), keep your paperwork handy for inspection.
Handle baggage and special goods
Japan Customs has rules for both your checked luggage and items arriving separately.
Unaccompanied baggage
If you ship a package ahead, declare it on a separate customs form. Your allowance applies, but officers may inspect it on arrival.
Bring tobacco? Follow the rules
You can carry heat-not-burn tobacco products (like IQOS sticks) under the standard tobacco allowance. Remember to stay informed about tokyo smoking rules regulations once you leave the airport.
Use temporary admission carnet
Bringing professional equipment or exhibition goods? An ATA Carnet lets you temporarily import items without paying duties.
ATA Carnet basics
- It covers display items for trade fairs or film gear
- Valid for one year with multiple entries
- Obtain it through your local chamber of commerce
Follow carnet procedures
At customs, present the carnet and your goods will be tagged. On departure, an officer will verify and stamp the carnet—keep that stamp or you risk penalties.
Follow local etiquette
Japan is big on politeness and order, and that extends right to the customs hall.
Queue patiently
Skipping lines is a big no-no in Japan. Whether at immigration or baggage claim, stay in line, and if someone’s unsure, point them gently to the end.
Keep phone calls low
Once you collect your bags, phone use in terminals is allowed but keep your voice down. For tips on using data, see our japan sim card for tourists guide.
Speed up departure procedures
Leaving Japan? You’ll go through customs and immigration one more time.
Fill out the departure declaration
If you bought duty-free items, show your receipts at the customs desk. Otherwise, you can usually head straight to immigration.
Get your tax refund
If you spent over 5,000 JPY at a single tax-free shop, you can claim a refund before departure. Follow the steps in our tokyo tax refund process guide to save a few hundred yen.
Solve common hiccups
Even with prep, hiccups happen. Here’s how to handle them without stress.
Lost documents
Misplaced your landing card? Ask an officer for a replacement form—it’s on them to provide one free of charge.
Customs seizure
If an item is seized, you’ll get a receipt. Contact the customs office directly to arrange return shipping or disposal.
FAQs
-
How long does immigration take at Tokyo airports?
It varies by time and airport, but early mornings and late evenings are quieter. Using automated gates can cut your wait to under 5 minutes. -
Can I bring my drone into Japan?
You need approval from Japanese aviation authorities, plus a customs declaration. Without papers, drones are treated as restricted goods. -
What if I declare more cash than allowed?
Declaring currency over the limit is required. You won’t face fines, but failure to declare can lead to seizure. -
Is tipping required when clearing customs?
No, tipping isn’t part of Japanese culture. Officers expect no extra payments (tokyo tipping culture guide). -
Can I store my luggage after customs?
Yes, both Narita and Haneda offer paid luggage storage. For city-center options, check our tokyo luggage storage options guide.
With these tips under your belt, you’re ready to tackle Japanese customs and immigration like a pro. Safe travels, and enjoy every moment in Tokyo!
