Entry Requirements
- Visa rules for short-term tourism depend on your nationality. Entry rules can change, so check the official source before you go.
- Register your immigration and customs information on Visit Japan Web in advance to get through the airport quickly with a QR code.
Data: eSIM vs. SIM Card vs. Pocket Wi-Fi
- eSIM: Activate it with a QR code, no SIM swapping needed. If you have a recent smartphone, it's the easiest option.
- SIM card: If your phone doesn't support eSIM, pick up a SIM at the airport or have one delivered.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: Good when several people share data, but you have to carry the device around.
Transit Cards
- Transit cards like Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA work on most trains, buses, and at convenience stores, no matter which region they're from.
- On iPhone, you can add a mobile Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA in the Wallet app, so there's no need to buy a physical card.
Money and Payments
- Cards are widely accepted in big cities, but many small restaurants, shrines, and rural buses still take cash only.
- From November 1, 2026, Japan's tax-free shopping switched to a refund system: you pay the tax first and get it back when you leave the country. See the tax-free guide below for details.
Last updated: 2026-10-30. Rules and regulations can change, so check the official websites again before you go.