Upon arrival in Japan: completing the entry documents
After landing in Japan, you will need to fill in two forms in English at the airport. If they are not handed out during the flight, you can find them in the arrivals hall, before passport control. The Japanese staff on site will be happy to help you and guide you.
These two documents are:
- Disembarkation Card for Foreigner
This form is for immigration purposes. It will state:
- your name, date of birth, nationality,
- the number of the last flight,
- length of stay in Japan (in number of days)
- the name of the first hotel where you will be staying (the name is sufficient, without the address),
- answers to questions about:
- previous refusal of entry into Japan,
- the commission of a criminal offence,
- gun ownership.
Please mark these three questions “No” if they do not apply to you.
- Customs Declaration
This form relates to customs control. It states:
- flight number and arrival date,
- your name, date of birth, nationality,
- the name of the first hotel in Japan (name only, no address or phone number),
- your occupation (if you are retired, please state “retired”),
- number of children if you are travelling with your family,
- mark “No” in sections 1, 2 and 3 unless you are carrying prohibited items, cash over 1 million yen or other special items. If yes, answer truthfully.
Documents can be completed online
Both forms can be completed in advance online through the official Visit Japan Web system:
👉 https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/guide/#usage-flo
However, online registration is quite complex and requires the creation of an account and careful filling in of the details beforehand.
Recommendation:
If you want to save yourself time and complications, we recommend you to fill in these documents directly at the airport upon arrival – it is easier and faster.
Luggage and clothing – what to take to Japan
Baggage:
The following limit applies to most flights:
- Checked baggage: max. 23 kg
- Hand luggage: 1 piece per person, generally up to 7 kg
Sharp objects such as scissors, a knife or a file don’t belong in hand luggage – pack them in your suitcase.
We recommend travelling with one suitcase and a smaller rucksack, which works well for day trips.
Clothing and equipment:
- For long train or bus journeys, wear comfortable, loose-fitting trousers.
- Footwear: choose good quality shoes suitable for long walks. You will walk up to 15 km daily during the tour. You can pack a second pair of sneakers in reserve.\n
- Recommended attire:
- short and long sleeve t-shirts,
- long and short pants,
- waterproof jacket or raincoat,
- hat or sun hat,
- light sports sandals, sunglasses and sunscreen,
Additional Recommendation:
- A camera or a mobile phone with a good camera – you can definitely use it.
- Rain is always to be expected in Japan – be prepared for changeable weather.
Take a universal socket adapter (you can buy it at Alza, for example). Japanese plugs have a different shape than in Europe – the so-called American type. For the operation of electrical appliances, chargers, etc., you will need a reducer. The mains voltage is 100 volts.
Electronics in hand luggage – important instructions
All electronic devices you take on board the aircraft (e.g. mobile phone, tablet, laptop) must be charged.
If a device is discharged and cannot be switched on, this can cause complications at security – including delays or even removal of the device.
At the same time, all devices with a built-in battery, such as power banks, electronic cigarettes, external batteries, etc., must be stowed in hand luggage, not in the hold.
Dining in Japan – what to expect and what to look forward to
Breakfast is included in the tour price and usually takes the form of a Japanese buffet. Japanese cuisine is heavily based on fish – Japan is one of the countries with the highest per capita consumption of fish in the world. So for seafood lovers, the choice is truly plentiful. In addition to fish, eggs are also on the menu and are available at almost all breakfast buffets.
Typical Japanese dishes you will have the opportunity to taste include:
- Sushi – in Japan it is a completely different quality than what we know from Europe. Even those who don’t normally eat fish are pleasantly surprised. A medium portion costs around €20.
- Tempura – crispy pieces of prawns, vegetables or mushrooms coated in a delicate batter and fried. It is one of the most popular traditional dishes.
- Soba – whole-wheat buckwheat noodles served in broth (hot or cold). Can be with tofu, leeks, mushrooms or fish meat.
- Udon – thicker white noodles made from wheat flour, especially popular in soups.
- Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima) – Japanese “pancake” with cabbage, meat, noodles and sauce, prepared right in front of you in traditional bars.
- Ramen – a hearty soup with noodles. Broths can be pork, chicken, fish or a combination. Common ingredients are seaweed, onion, egg, pork and bamboo.
- Wagyu steak – premium beef with high fat content, tender and juicy. The price for a 150 g portion with A5 quality can be up to 250 €.
- Takoyaki (Osaka) – balls of flour dough stuffed with pieces of octopus, served with sauce and mayonnaise.
- Bento boxes – practical lunch boxes with divided portions of dishes such as tempura, sashimi, sushi, rice, salmon, vegetables and various side dishes.
Health risks and safety in Japan
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime is very low and muggings or street thefts are extremely rare. On the contrary, the Japanese are extremely helpful and helpful. They are often genuinely pleased to learn that you are a tourist from Slovakia – for many, you may be the first visitor from their country they have met.
Mutual courtesy and respect are the foundation of Japanese culture. The Japanese will treat you with respect and expect you to do the same.
The quality of the public areas is a testament to the high standard of the society – the public toilets are among the cleanest in the world. According to a SKYTRAX study of more than 7 million respondents, airport toilets in Osaka and Tokyo topped the list.
Health care and prevention
No vaccinations are required for travel to Japan.
Bring a basic first aid kit, ideally with medicines that you have tested and know are suitable for you. Recommended are:
- painkillers and fever reducers (e.g. Paralen, Acylpyrine),
- antibiotics you are used to taking,
- eye drops,
- medicines for diarrhoea and indigestion.
Healthcare in Japan is of a very high standard. If necessary, your guide will help you contact a doctor and arrange transport to a medical facility.
Health during a sightseeing tour
During an intense programme, which often involves long moves, lots of walking and changes in diet or sleeping patterns, the body can become fatigued. The most common cause of health complications is exhaustion and lack of rest.
Therefore, remember to:
- plenty of fluids,
- quality sleep,
- a balanced diet,
- rest as needed.