Visit Japan Web – Arrive in Japan Smoothly
So your trip to Japan is booked, your ramen & sushi cravings are turned up to Eleven (not 7-Eleven), and your suitcase is open on the floor — half-packed, half chaos.
But before you get too deep into planning every stop on your Japan itinerary, there’s one very important step to take care of: making sure you’re good to go for immigration and customs upon arrival in Japan.
While airport procedures are no one’s favorite part of travel, in Japan the system is generally pretty efficient. If you know what to do in advance, you can up your chances of breezing through like a pro.
Here’s a starter pack about what you need to know when it comes to entering Japan, including how to save time at the airport by using a free tool called Visit Japan Web — and why we recommend it.
Disclaimer About Japan Entry Requirements: Always Check with the Government
While we work hard to keep all our information current, immigration policies and procedures can change.
What’s true today might not be true six months from now (or even next week).
Japan’s entry process is usually smooth, but it’s always best to double-check the official sources before you fly.
Here’s where to look:
Your local Japanese embassy or consulate
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mofa.go.jp
Or just search “Japan entry requirements for [your country]” to find the latest updates
The info below is accurate as of now and applies to most travelers arriving in Japan for tourism, including those from visa-waiver countries like the U.S., Canada, Australia, the UK, and many EU nations.
Before making bookings for your Japan trip – and certainly before your departure – check with the Japanese authorities to ensure you meet their entry requirements.
What Is Visit Japan Web? Why Should You Use It?
Now let’s jump in.
If you want your arrival in Japan to go as smoothly as possible, you’ll want to use Visit Japan Web.
This is an official government-run platform where you can fill out immigration and customs forms in advance and get a QR code to use when you land in Japan. It’s free, easy to use, and designed to save you time at the airport.
Think of it as your digital fast pass to get into Japan.
Using Visit Japan Web is (as of this article’s publication date) not mandatory, but skipping it means standing in longer lines and filling out paper forms at the airport. Not ideal when you’ve just stepped off a long-haul flight and all you want is a shower and some sushi.
How Visit Japan Web Helps Your Tokyo or Osaka Flight Arrival
Here’s what you do:
Go to the official site: www.vjw.digital.go.jp
Create an account and register your trip.
Fill out the online forms for:
Immigration (Disembarkation Card for Foreigner)
Customs Declaration
Submit your info and generate QR codes.
Take a screenshot or print the codes (you’ll need them on arrival).
The process usually takes 10–15 minutes, and you can do it on your phone or laptop. Super simple.
What You’ll Need to Register for Visit Japan Web
To use Visit Japan Web, you’ll need:
Your passport
Your flight information
Your address in Japan (hotel or other accommodation - the one for your first night should be fine)
An email address
Basic trip info like arrival/departure dates
It works for individual travelers and families, though each traveler needs their own account and QR code — including kids.
What Happens at the Airport (Tokyo Haneda / Narita or Osaka KIX)
Once you land in Japan (most likely at one of Tokyo Haneda, Narita or Osaka Kansai airports), here’s how the process goes:
1. Immigration
At major airports like Narita, Haneda, Kansai (Osaka), and Chubu (Nagoya), look for signs that say “Visit Japan Web” or “Fast Track.”
You’ll show your QR code to a staff member or at a kiosk, then go through the usual passport control steps — fingerprint scan, photo, etc. If you’ve pre-registered, the process is usually much faster and more direct.
2. Customs
After picking up your luggage, you’ll show your second QR code (the one for customs). Some airports have kiosks where you scan your code and walk through; others may have a customs officer check it manually.
If you didn’t register online, you’ll be directed to fill out a paper form. Again: not a huge deal, but definitely slower.
Then once cleared, head out the door and over to the ATM for some cash — your Japan trip is underway!
Common Questions About Visit Japan Web
Do I need to do this if I’m just visiting for a week?
Yes — even short-term visitors benefit from pre-registering. It’s all about making the arrival process faster and easier. Of course, the longer you can stay in Japan, the more you can slow things down and enjoy it!
Is it required?
No (for now), but highly recommended. Most travelers we work with report that using Visit Japan Web shaved off 15–30 minutes at the airport.
What if my plans change after I submit?
You can log in and edit your details anytime before your flight.
Can I use it on my phone?
Absolutely. The mobile experience is solid, and you can use screenshots of your QR codes if needed. Just make sure your phone is charged when you land.
Why Visit Japan Web Makes a Difference
Japan is known for its efficiency, but the truth is — international arrivals can still get backed up, especially during peak travel seasons (spring cherry blossoms, summer holidays, fall foliage, etc.).
We’ve had clients tell us they were through immigration and customs in under 20 minutes using Visit Japan Web. Others who didn’t use it? Not so lucky.
Especially if you’re connecting to another flight (say, from Tokyo to Okinawa or Sapporo), or you’ve got a tight schedule on Day 1, saving that extra time can make a big difference.
Visit Japan Web: Health Info? Not Now
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Visit Japan Web also included a health declaration and vaccine info section. That part has been phased out, so it’s no longer required.
But again, things can change — so always check ahead before you travel.
Print Your QR Codes for Visit Japan Web (Just in Case)
Screenshots on your phone are totally fine, but if your battery dies or you can’t get online for some reason, it’s a good idea to print out your QR codes as a backup. Trust us — you don’t want to be the person frantically trying to load a website in the immigration line.
We always say: a little prep goes a long way. Using Visit Japan Web is one of those small steps that can make your entire arrival experience feel smooth and seamless instead of stressful and slow.
You want to start your Japan adventure relaxed and ready, not stuck filling out forms in an airport corridor.
Got more questions about how to make your Japan trip smooth, special and the spur for more return trips in the future?
Schedule your free consultation with Japan Travel Pros using the calendar below.