Japan

Safety and security

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 110 for police
• Dial 119 for fire or ambulance
• Dial 8008 for toll-free domestic violence hotline (Japanese language only) or visit Japan’s DV Hotline for free counseling in English via online chat. 

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.  

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Japan. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Japan:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 110.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• 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 or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.
• You can also visit the Japan Legal Support Center (Houtersau) for legal support. It helps foreign nationals who are victims of crime.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

• 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.
• The U.S. Japan has resources online: Victims of Crime - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement 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.

Technology use abroad

• Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:
• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs, but may be in Japanese only.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally. You may need to provide proof of sufficient funds for payment or travel insurance.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.
• English language support may be limited or unavailable.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

For skiing, snowboarding, and backcountry activities:

• Avalanches are common and deadly in Japan.
• In the 2025/26 winter season, more than 70 foreign nationals were caught in avalanches in Japan.
• Search and rescue activities are often limited due to dangerous conditions or limited available resources.
• Always follow instructions at ski resorts and do not travel into closed areas.
• Do not ski in the backcountry unless you are experienced in avalanche safety and are carrying the proper equipment. At minimum, you must carry a beacon, shovel, and probe. Understand the serious dangers of backcountry skiing. Even highly experienced and well-equipped skiers have died in avalanches.
• You may be responsible for any charges related to search and rescue operations if you are in an area marked as off-limits, including many backcountry zones.
• Encounters with bears are on the rise. Ask locals if there have been any recent bear sightings in the area. Follow the advice of signs and warnings posted near hiking trails.
• Never travel into the backcountry alone.

For beach and ocean-related activities:

• Heat and humidity can reach extreme levels and have contributed to deaths and serious medical incidents, particularly in Okinawa.
• Travelers with underlying medical conditions should avoid prolonged or high-intensity outdoor activities.
• Remote islands have extremely limited medical facilities, and some ferries may refuse to board passengers who appear ill.
• For all outdoor activities, bring plenty of water and continue to hydrate throughout your time outdoors.
• Only swim in designated areas. Ocean and near-shore currents can change dramatically; pay attention to all signs indicating the presence of rip currents and take all warnings seriously.
• Venomous snakes and marine life are abundant in Okinawa—pay attention to all signs indicating the presence of dangerous wildlife.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties 

• You must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• If you are arrested in Japan, even for a small offense, officials may keep you in detention for long periods without bail during the investigation.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Japan seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Detention conditions

Japanese prisons maintain order through strict discipline and enforcement of rules that govern all aspects of an inmate’s daily life.

• U.S. citizen prisoners often report harsh living conditions and feelings of isolation.
• Heating and air conditioning 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.  

• Most arrests of U.S. citizens in Japan are for drug-related offenses.
• Japanese authorities target drug smugglers and users, including recreational users. They use 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. 
• 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.
• Some U.S. citizens have been arrested for carrying drugs after being scammed with offers of free trips to Japan. They claim they didn't know what was in the bags they agreed to carry for someone else. Never carry a bag or accept a package from someone you don't know and trust.
• Japanese customs officials carefully screen incoming packages. People who are mailed drugs regularly face arrest and prosecution as drug traffickers.  
• Convictions for drug-related offenses often can result in denial of return to Japan.

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 2 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.
• Carrying lock-picking tools is illegal in Japan.

Documentation

• You must always carry your U.S. passport or Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Kado) with you.
• You may be questioned, fined 100,000 yen for tourists, or detained if you don’t have your passport or residence card to show your identity and status (visitor, student, worker, or permanent resident).

Working in Japan

It is illegal 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. You can file complaints about U.S. agencies and businesses with the Better Business Bureau, various Consumer Protection Agencies, or the state Attorney General’s office.
• For additional information, please refer to the 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 destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers 

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

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers 

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Japan. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs 

The law in Japan prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual and mental disabilities. The law is unevenly enforced.

• Japanese law mandates accessibility in new buildings for people with disabilities, but this is rarely enforced in older constructions.
• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in rural areas and older buildings and infrastructure.
• Accessibility is common in many 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.
• Cultural norms and general public sentiment around disability is like that in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health Resources 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Japan Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 119 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

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

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Japan, and you may be asked to show an ability to pay before treatment. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Japan.
• Many care providers in Japan, especially clinics, only accept cash payments.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

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

• 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.
• National health insurance does not cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available throughout Japan.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare in a foreign country, you need to know that medical systems abroad are different from the United States and may not follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.

• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Japan.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. 
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Japan.  
• Persons traveling to Japan for medical purposes may obtain a “medical” visa. Check the Government of Japan’s website for more information.

Prescription medications

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. Travelers risk arrest and detention by carrying illegal medicines to Japan, even with valid U.S. prescriptions.
• The Japanese government decides which medications may be imported legally into Japan. Learn more about information on importing medicines into Japan.
• 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. Visit Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s website Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan｜厚生労働省 for details.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Japan to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Japan. There are no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Japanese courts.  Surrogacy is rarely practiced in Japan due to the current legal position of the Japan Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare and the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Japan via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
• Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.

Air quality

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

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in 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.

Transportation

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. 

Emergency assistance

For roadside assistance from the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF):

• Dial 03-5730-0111 – Kanto Call Center
• Dial 052-889-5300 – Chubu Call Center
• Dial 06-6455-0123 – Kansai Call Center
• Dial 092-841-5000 – Kyushu Call Center

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.

Taxis and rideshares

Taxis and rideshare apps are available in Japan. Safety is similar to taxis in the United States.

• Most taxis use a meter to determine the total charge. They charge a base rate for the first 1 kilometer.  After that, they charge based on distance and time.
• Many taxis accept payment by credit card or local transport charge card (IC card).

Public and commercial transportation

Japan has a highly developed public transportation system of trains, subways, and buses.

• Public transportation safety is similar to that in the United States.
• Visit the website of Japanese National Tourism Organization and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

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  

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Top 3 common natural disaster events in Japan include:

• Typhoons: Strong storms with heavy rain and high winds. These typically occur from summer to fall.
• Earthquakes: Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquakes are common, and sometimes cause damage, which can be severe.
• Heavy snow: In winter, northern Japan and the mountains get a lot of snow. This can disrupt travel and daily life.

Disaster preparedness

Japan is prone to natural disasters, including:

• Earthquakes
• Typhoons
• Tsunamis
• Landslides
• Flooding

Stay informed:

• Enroll in STEP before you travel for free updates and alerts from the U.S. Embassy.
• Visit the U.S. Embassy’s website for recommendations and steps you can take to prepare for an emergency.

Download:

• Safety Tips app for safety cellphone alerts
• NHK World app for safety cellphone alerts before an earthquake hits.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates