Destination Guides
Japan

 
assport/Visa
 
Passport/Visa

Yes No/1 Yes
Yes No/2 Yes
Yes No/3 Yes
Yes No/2 Yes
Yes No/1/2/3 Yes

 
Passport Note

Whether or not they hold a visa, visitors who do not possess visible means of support for their stay, onward or return tickets, or other documents for their next destination, may be refused entry.

 
Passports

Passport valid for the duration of intended stay in Japan required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

 
Visas

Not required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for the purposes of tourism, short-term business meetings or to attend a conference for the following durations:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland and the UK who although initially granted a 90-day stay may apply, while in Japan, to the local immigration department for an extension of up to a further 90 days, making the visa-free stay up to six months;
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and the USA for stays of up to 90 days;
(c) 3. nationals of Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden for stays of up to three months.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

 
 
 
ontact Addresses
 
Embassy of Japan in the UK

101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT, UK
Tel: (020) 7465 6500 or 6565 (visa section).
Website: www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 and 1430-1730; 0930-1330 and 1430-1630 (consular section).

 
Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) in the UK

Heathcoat House, 20 Saville Row, London W1S 3PR, UK
Tel: (020) 7734 9638.
Website: www.seejapan.co.uk

 
Embassy of Japan in the USA

2520 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 238 6700 or 6800 (visa section).
Website: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp 

 
Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) in the USA

1 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1250, New York, NY 10020, USA
Tel: (212) 757 5640.
Website: www.japantravelinfo.com

 
 
 
ealth
 
Health

No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No

 
Health Care

Health insurance is strongly recommended, owing to the high cost of treatment. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers provides English-speaking doctors. There are hospitals in all major cities.

 
 
 
ublic Holidays
 

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.

2007
1 Jan 
New Year’s Day.
2-3 Jan* Bank Holiday.
8 Jan Coming of Age Day.
12 Feb National Foundation Day (forwarded from 11 Feb).
21 Mar Vernal Equinox.
30 Apr Showa Day (forwarded from 29 Apr).
3 May Constitution Memorial Day.
4 May Greenery Day.
5 May Children’s Day.
16 Jul Marine Day.
17 Sep Respect for the Aged Day.
24 Sep Autumnal Equinox.
8 Oct Sports Day.
3 Nov Culture Day.
23 Nov Labour Thanksgiving Day.
23 Dec Birthday of the Emperor.
31 Dec* Bank Holiday.

2008
1 Jan 
New Year’s Day.
2-3 Jan* Bank Holiday.
14 Jan Coming of Age Day.
11 Feb National Foundation Day.
20 Mar Vernal Equinox.
29 Apr Showa Day.
3 May Constitution Memorial Day.
5 May Greenery Day (forwarded from 4 May).
5 May Children’s Day. 
21 Jul Marine Day.
15 Sep Respect for the Aged Day.
23 Sep Autumnal Equinox.
13 Oct Sports Day.
3 Nov Culture Day.
24 Nov Labour Thanksgiving Day (fowarded from 23 Nov).
23 Dec Birthday of the Emperor.
31 Dec* Bank Holiday.

 
Note

* Bank and government employees only.
(a) With the exception of New Year Bank Holidays, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following day is treated as a holiday instead. (b) When there is a single day between two national holidays, it is also taken as a holiday. (c) Between 29 December and 3 January government offices and many shops and offices are closed.