Travel advice for Japan

Germany advises a high degree of caution for Japan, and avoiding all travel for parts of it.

Exercise increased caution in Japan because earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis and typhoons pose risks. In Osaka, property crime has increased, especially in Umeda at night near clubs and bars, where tourists face theft, extortion, robbery, assault and sexual harassment, so guard valuables and passports. Avoid climbing Mount Fuji outside the climbing season, as inadequate preparation can be fatal. Avoid closed areas near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and obey restrictions.

Take normal precautions generally, but avoid travel to Fukushima Prefecture in northeastern Honshu, where the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant has prohibited exclusion zones. Always consider the risk of earthquakes and tsunamis, and note that typhoons occur from June to December, most often from July to September. Driving is on the left, and drivers need a valid Estonian licence with an international permit.

Travel to Japan is generally possible, but do not travel to the nuclear disaster zone in southeast Fukushima Prefecture, where radiation is harmful and the embassy cannot assist. Be alert to crime and drink spiking, and observe drug laws and tattoo restrictions. Earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis and typhoons can occur, so follow local warnings, keep drinks in sight and obtain suitable insurance.

Hong Kong advises a high degree of caution for Japan, and avoiding non-essential travel for parts of it.

Australia advises normal precautions for Japan.

Maintain normal precautions, but be alert to year-round earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, floods and landslides; follow emergency instructions. Guard against nighttime fraud, robbery and sexual assault linked to sedatives in tourist districts including Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, Roppongi and Ikebukuro. Do not enter the exclusion zone around Fukushima Daiichi. Risks include mosquito-borne meningitis, centipedes, leeches and jellyfish; hikers should follow advice on wild animals, particularly bears, and buy comprehensive travel insurance urgently.

Travel to Japan is generally safe if usual precautions are taken. Remain alert to natural hazards, follow weather forecasts and local evacuation orders, and note that drug laws are severely enforced, with even small amounts potentially leading to prison. Imports of meat, plants and fruit are strictly regulated, and Belgian driving licences require an official Japanese translation.

Exercise normal precautions in Japan because Korean Peninsula tensions could escalate around nuclear or missile tests, bears have caused casualties in northern Japan, and crimes against foreigners are increasing. Petty crime occurs nationwide, especially in Tokyo nightlife districts. Follow restrictions around Fukushima Daiichi, avoid walking alone where bears are sighted, and beware of drink spiking, drug courier scams, card and ATM fraud. Keep food and drinks attended and secure belongings.

Exercise normal precautions in Japan and stay alert to terrorism, demonstrations and crime. In larger cities, especially Roppongi and Kabuki-cho in Tokyo, be careful of drink tampering, theft, assault and express kidnapping. Do not take mountain tours alone, and check conditions before travel near Fukushima Dai-ichi because of possible radiation. Natural hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons, tsunamis and extreme heat.

Take normal precautions in Japan, but remain alert to frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, flooding and landslides, especially during typhoon season. Do not enter exclusion zones near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Crime is low, but Western tourists should be vigilant late at night in Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, where spiked drinks may lead to robbery or pressure to pay. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula could escalate with little warning.

Remain vigilant in Japan: petty crime is generally low, but foreigners are sometimes targeted for credit-card fraud and extortion in Tokyo’s entertainment and nightlife districts. Avoid touts, keep passports and cash secure, and note that police may provide only a report number. Singaporeans must have the original International Driving Permit to drive and should check whether prescribed medicines require an import certificate, since prohibited drugs carry heavy penalties.

Take usual precautions, as no increased risk or safety reason to avoid travel is identified. Japan is stable with low crime, although criminal proceedings differ and prostitution and street solicitation are illegal. Follow local guidance and prepare for earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and mountain accidents, including checking snow and avalanche conditions. Observe local restrictions, including rules on tattoos, and obey exclusion zone instructions around Fukushima Daiichi.

No special warning applies to travel to Japan. A passport must be valid for the whole stay, and visas on arrival for tourism or business allow up to 90 days. Work requires the correct visa, overstaying risks arrest and fines, and prohibited or taxable goods must be declared. Meat products need quarantine permission, and foreign cards may not be widely accepted because Japan is largely cash based.

United States advises normal precautions for Japan.