Japan

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.    

• Dial +110 for police 
• Dial +119 for fire or ambulance services 
• Dial 03-3224-5000 or 011-81-3-3224-5000 from abroad for the U.S. Embassy in Japan after contacting local authorities.   
• U.S. Embassy in Japan Calling for Help  

When calling Japanese authorities for help, you need to be able to describe your address or location in Japanese or find someone who can do so.  Few police officers speak English. 

Crime 

Crime against U.S. citizens in Japan is low. It typically involves personal disputes, petty theft, or vandalism.  

• Robberies can happen when someone is drugged by a spiked drink, especially in nightlife districts in major cities. 
• Sexual assaults are not often reported, but they do occur. Victims may be randomly targeted. It’s hard for foreigners to access victim assistance or shelters. 
• Hate-related violent crimes rarely occur. But some U.S. citizens have reported being the target of discrimination because of their nationality or their race. 
• Pick pocketing can occur in crowded shopping areas, on trains, and at airports. 
• Police reports must be filed before leaving Japan. Japanese police will not accept reports filed from overseas.  
• If your credit card is stolen or used fraudulently, Japanese police usually give a report number instead of a full report. You can give this number to your credit card company to confirm the issue. 

Entertainment and nightlife districts in Tokyo 

• Exercise caution in all entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan, especially in:  
  • Roppongi 
  • Kabuki-cho  
  • Shibuya  
  • Ikebukuro  
• Reports of incidents involving U.S. citizens at bars or clubs in these areas include physical and sexual assaults, drug overdoses, spiked drinks, and thefts (such as stolen purses, wallets, cash, and credit cards). 
• Victims of spiked drinks sometimes regain consciousness in the bar or club; other victims may awaken on the street or other unfamiliar locations. 
• U.S. citizens have reported being threatened with guns or knives in such venues.  They are asked to pay excessive bar bills or withdraw money.  U.S. citizens have also reported being beaten when they have refused to pay or hand over money. 
• There have been reports of U.S. citizens being forced to take money out of ATMs or being robbed because they couldn’t pay large bar tabs. 
• Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, and other entertainment and nightlife districts have also been the scenes of violence between criminal gangs.  

Victims of crime 

Police reports must be filed at the nearest police station prior to departure from Japan. 

• The Japanese police cannot accept reports filed from abroad. 
• Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. 

Review our information about scams on Laws Abroad and the FBI scams page .

Learn more about help for U.S. victims of crime abroad.  

We can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.  
• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information about the victim’s role during local investigation and following its conclusion. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States, and, or limited medical support in cases of destitution. 
• Help you find accomodation and arrange flights home. 

Domestic violence 

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the embassy for assistance.  

Victim assistance and women’s shelters are available in major cities, but they’re hard for foreigners to access. 

• Resources for victims are often not available in rural areas.  
• Investigations of sexual assault crimes may be done without female police officers present.  
• Police may ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships. 

Tourism

• The tourism industry is generally regulated.
• Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced.   
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.
• Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If someone gets hurt, they can usually get medical help anywhere in the country. In smaller cities, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and assist.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review more information on insurance providers for coverage abroad.

Criminal penalties 

U.S. citizens must follow local laws.  

• If you break laws, even by mistake, you could be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed in other countries regardless of the local law.  
• Learn more about examples of crimes against minors abroad and information provided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  
• If you want to start a business in Japan, talk to local authorities about the permits you need. 
• If you are arrested in Japan, even for a small offense, you may be kept in detention for extended periods without bail during the investigation. 

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask police or detention officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulates immediately. 

Conditions at prisons and detention facilities  

Japanese prisons maintain order through strict discipline. 

• U.S. citizen prisoners often report harsh living conditions and feelings of isolation. 
• Heating in winter can be inadequate in some facilities. 
• Food portions can be smaller than a typical U.S. meal.  
• Access to mental health care at detention facilities and prisons is sometimes limited.  

Additional information on arrests in Japan is available on the embassy website. 

Drug arrests 

Most arrests of U.S. citizens in Japan are for drug-related offenses.  

• Japanese authorities target drug smugglers and users, including recreational users, using advanced equipment, dogs, blood tests, and stop-and-frisk tactics. 
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking a drug that is illegal in Japan are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines. 
• Drugs like marijuana and synthetic drugs are illegal in Japan. This also applies to certain prescription drugs that doctors in the United States may prescribe.   
• Some drugs may be legal in certain jurisdictions outside of Japan. 
• Japanese law treats medical and recreational marijuana the same. A prescription won’t protect you from being arrested or prosecuted. 
• Possession of even a small amount of marijuana for personal, medical, or recreational use can result in a long jail sentence and fine, even if it was prescribed.  You may face up to 7 years in prison for using marijuana. 

Japanese customs officials carefully screen incoming packages. People who are mailed drugs can be arrested and prosecuted as drug traffickers.    

Drunk driving 

• Driving under the influence of alcohol could land you immediately in jail.  
• The blood-alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03%.  
• Punishments can be up to $10,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison. 

Weapons 

• Possession of a gun or ammunition is a crime in Japan. Illegally bringing a firearm into Japan can result in up to 15 years in prison.   
• Carrying a knife with a locking blade, or a folding blade that is longer than 5.5 cm (a little more than two inches), is illegal in Japan.  
• U.S. citizens and U.S. military personnel have been arrested and detained for more than 10 days for carrying pocketknives that are legal in the United States but illegal in Japan. 
• The possession of lock-picking tools is illegal in Japan. 

Pharmaceuticals 

Some medications that are common in the United States are strictly illegal in Japan.    

• Medications routinely prescribed in the United States, including Adderall, are illegal in Japan. CBD may also be illegal depending on the amount of THC. 
• The Japanese government decides which medications may be imported legally into Japan.  
• The Embassy and Consulates of Japan in the United States have limited information available. We do not have a comprehensive list of specific medications or ingredients.  

Learn more about information on importing medicines into Japan.

Working in Japan  

It is ilegal to work in Japan with a tourist visa.  

• Overstaying your visa or working illegally may lead to penalties and severe fines. This includes re-entry bans for as long as 10 years, or indefinitely for drug offenders.  
• Teaching English is illegal without the proper visa.  
• Serving as host or hostess is considered "work" in Japan. This is illegal without the proper visa. 
• Some U.S.-based agencies and Japanese employers may misrepresent job terms. 
• To be protected by Japanese labor law, you need a signed work contract. Without a signed contract, Japanese authorities can’t help foreign workers. 
• Before coming to Japan, carefully review your contract and employer’s reputation. 
• Complaints about U.S. agencies and businesses can be filed with the Better Business Bureau, various Consumer Protection Agencies, or the state Attorney General’s office. 

For additional information, please refer to Japanese Immigration Services Agency website and contact the Japanese Embassy or nearest Japanese Consulate in the United States for more information. 

Starting a business 

Anyone starting a business or profession that requires special permits should check with local Japanese authorities first. 

A list of English-speaking lawyers located throughout Japan is available on the U.S. Embassy’s website. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many countries, but they may be illegal according to local laws.  

You may also pay fines or be required to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. Visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s website for more information. 

Faith-based travelers 

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your trip using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel Information 
• International Religious Freedom Report – Review country reports 
• Human Rights Report – Review country reports 
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Gay and lesbian travelers 

There are no restrictions in Japanese law on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of gay and lesbian events in Japan. 

• Gay and Lesbian Travelers  
• Human Rights report (section 6) 

Travelers with accessibility needs 

Japanese government - Accessible Japan  

Japanese law bans discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual and mental disabilities, but enforcement is uneven: 

• Japanese law mandates accessibility in new buildings for people with disabilities, but this is rarely enforced in older constructions. 
• Nearly all train stations in major cities and domestic flights are wheelchair accessible.  Train stations outside major cities and short charter flights are less likely to be accessible but are improving. 

Students

• Tips for Studying Abroad  
• FBI travel tips 

Women travelers

• Tips for Women Travelers

Customs regulations  

• Japanese Customs 
• Japanese Embassy 

Japanese customs authorities encourage the use of an Admission Temporaire -Temporary Admission (ATA) Carnet to temporarily import for exhibitions and trade fairs:  

• Professional equipment 
• Commercial samples 
• Goods 

For additional information, please call +212-354-4480, or email the U.S. CIB for details. 

Pets 

The Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) sets procedures for importing pets.  

• At a minimum, the multi-step process will take 7-8 months. But it can take up to a year before a pet may enter Japan.  
• Planning is critical.  

Visit the Japanese Embassy for more information.

Health Resources 

• CDC's Japan Traveler Information
• CDC's Health Traveler Information 
• CDC's Medical Tourism information 
• NASA's International Air Quality Index 
• Travel Insurance  

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.  

Emergency phone numbers  

• Dial 110 for police service.  
• Dial 119 for ambulance services.  

Ambulance services  

Ambulance services are widely available, but hospitals may refuse patients without proof of funds to pay. 

Medical payments and insurance

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills.  

• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not work overseas. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Most care providers abroad only accept cash payments. 
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad for reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance available. 
• If you don’t pay your medical bill, you may be prevented from leaving Japan by Immigration.  

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Prescription medications

If traveling with a prescription, check with the government of Japan’s Ministry of Health to ensure it is legal.  

• Possession, use, or import of prescription drugs banned in Japan may result in arrest and criminal prosecution.  
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.  
• U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan. Bring enough of your prescription medicine for your entire stay in Japan, or, until you can see a local doctor. 

Vaccinations 

Stay up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

More information: 

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

National health insurance  

Japan’s national health insurance is only for foreigners with long-term visas. 

• National health insurance does not cover medical evacuation. 
• Medical providers may ask for payment up front. They may also ask for proof of funds before treating uninsured foreigners. 
• U.S.-style psychological and psychiatric care is hard to find outside major cities. 
• Extended psychiatric care is difficult to access in Japan.

Air quality 

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.  

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses AI, historical data, and global pollution models to create a 3-day air quality forecast for Japan.  
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.  
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page. 

Road conditions and safety 

Driving in Japan can be complicated and expensive.  

• Traffic moves on the left side of the road.  
• If you don’t know Japanese, you will have trouble understanding road signs.  
• Highway tolls can be very high, and city traffic is often very congested.  
• There is virtually no legal roadside or curbside parking. However, traffic is commonly blocked or partially blocked by people illegally parked on the curbside.  
• In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter. Cars should be equipped with tire chains.  
• Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States. 

Traffic laws 

Japanese law holds all drivers liable for accidents. It assesses faults in accidents on all parties. 

• Japanese compulsory insurance (JCI) is mandatory for all car owners and drivers in Japan.  
• Most short-term visitors choose not to drive in Japan.  
• Turning right or left on red lights is not permitted in Japan.  
• All passengers are required to wear seat belts. 
• Japan has a national 0.03% blood-alcohol-level standard for driving.  Drivers stopped for DUI will have their licenses confiscated. 
• If you are guilty of DUI, speeding, or reckless driving that injures another person, you could face up to 15 years in prison.  
• Traffic laws also apply to cyclists.  You can be arrested for using a cellphone while cycling or riding under the influence of alcohol. 

More information: 

• Driving and Transportation Safety page   
• NPA English website for traffic laws in Japan (source: The National Police Agency in Japan)  
• Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) web site for information about roadside assistance, rules of the road, and obtaining a Japanese driver's license. (source: Japanese government).  
• Japan National Tourism Organization for car rental and driving in Japan. 

International driving permits (IDPs) 

Short-term visitors driving in Japan must have an international driving permit (IDP) from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

• You must obtain an IDP prior to arriving in Japan.  
• The U.S. embassy and U.S. consulates do not issue IDPs.  
• IDPs issued via the Internet or by other organizations are not valid in Japan.  
• Foreign residents in Japan who use an unacceptable IDP (such as one issued while in Japan) may be fined or arrested.  
• In practice, the term “resident” involves more than simply visa status or length of stay in Japan. It is determined by the police.  
• A foreign driver’s license alone is not valid in Japan for residents. 

Visit the U.S. Embassy’s website for more information on driving in Japan.

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Japan’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.     

Maritime travel 

Mariners planning travel to Japan should check the following:   

• U.S. Coast Guard Homeport Directory 
• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories 
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts  
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings