AIRPORT DUTY FREE GUIDEYour first trip to Japan, clearly explained from takeoff to the journey home
Entry procedures, internet access, transport, payments and local etiquette—organized in the order you will need them. Plan shopping across both the trip and your departure airport to keep more options open.
Split shopping between the journey and your departure airport
Pick up regional specialties and anything you need during your stay in town. Compare cosmetics, fragrance, liquor, tobacco and boxed sweets at the airport too. Leave a little room in both your budget and suitcase for departure day.
Choose local-only products, discoveries unique to the neighborhood and things you will use during the stay. Consider how long you must carry them.
Shop for cosmetics, fragrance, liquor, tobacco and classic Japanese gifts before boarding. Eligible Narita purchases can receive an extra 5% off duty-free prices.
Check the things that are difficult to fix at the last minute
Passport and entry requirements vary by nationality and itinerary. Use official government information rather than relying on a social media post.
- Check passport validity and match the name to your ticket
- Confirm visa and entry rules for your nationality
- Keep flights, accommodation and return details accessible
- Arrange travel insurance and save emergency contacts
- Check ingredients, quantities and rules for medication
- Check the last transfer from the airport to your hotel
Prepare immigration and customs information before landing
Visit Japan Web can be used to register information for immigration and customs procedures in advance. At the airport, follow current signs and staff instructions.
Visit Japan Web
Use only the official website. Check how you will log in and which screens you may need to show before leaving home.
Immigration
Be ready with your passport, accommodation address, purpose of travel and return details. Required documents depend on your passport and itinerary.
Customs declaration
Check prohibited and restricted items before departure. Take particular care with food, meat products, plants and medicines.
Keep internet, power and payment options working
Your phone supports maps, translation, route planning and payments. Choose your connection before departure instead of comparing plans after landing.
eSIM, SIM or portable Wi-Fi
Check eSIM compatibility, SIM lock and roaming charges. Save your hotel address and essential QR screens so they can be viewed offline.
Japan uses 100V, Type A plugs
The common outlet has two flat pins. Check the voltage range on your devices and bring an adapter or transformer if required.
Cards plus a little cash
Cards and mobile payments are common, but small shops, some ticket machines and regional businesses may still need cash. Keep more than one payment method.
Check the line, station exit and last train—not just the station name
Urban transport is efficient, but one station may serve several lines and exits. With large luggage, fewer transfers can be more useful than the fastest route.
Trains, IC cards and airport transfers
- Save destination names in Japanese as well
- Check last trains and airport transfer cut-off times
- Some limited express trains need an extra ticket
- Check elevator locations when carrying luggage
Simple etiquette that makes travel easier
- Queue and let passengers exit first
- Avoid phone calls and loud conversation on trains
- Public bins can be scarce, so carry a small bag
- Follow signs at temples, hot springs and photo-free areas
- Tipping is generally not required
Keep emergency details on paper as well as your phone
Save your hotel, insurer, companions and airline contacts on paper in case your battery dies or mobile service is interrupted.
Police: 110
Call for police help in a crime or accident. For lost property, you can also ask at a nearby police box or station office.
Fire and ambulance: 119
Call for a fire, serious illness or injury. Give an address, station or nearby landmark if possible.
Japan Visitor Hotline
JNTO: 050-3816-2787. The service provides guidance for visitors during emergencies, accidents and natural disasters.
Understand in-town TAX FREE and airport DUTY FREE
The names are similar, but the locations and procedures differ. Buy regional items in town and compare airport staples on departure day to manage your budget and luggage better.
Keep some budget and suitcase space for the airport
Airport DUTY FREE sells at duty-free prices after departure procedures. The airport is not always the cheapest option, but it brings cosmetics, fragrance, liquor, tobacco and boxed sweets together before boarding.
At JAPAN DUTY FREE in Narita, eligible items can receive an extra 5% off duty-free prices through the in-store offer or pre-order service.
Count backward from boarding, including shopping time
Airport arrival, check-in, security, departure procedures, shops and the walk to your gate all take time. Follow your airline's guidance and arrive with a comfortable margin.
Confirm the airport and terminal
Airlines and flights at the same airport may use different terminals. Recheck the airport, terminal and departure time the day before.
Save store locations first
Save your terminal map and store photos before you fly. Our Narita store guide also gives step-by-step directions after departure procedures.
Pre-order items you do not want to miss
Use pre-order when availability matters. Eligible Narita and Haneda items receive an extra 5% off duty-free prices.
Questions before a first trip to Japan
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?＋
Visa requirements depend on nationality, passport, purpose and length of stay. Check the latest information from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
Do I need cash in Japan?＋
Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, but some small shops, ticket machines and regional businesses may still require cash. Carrying a small amount of yen is useful.
Should I shop in the city or at the airport?＋
Buy regional finds and things you need during the trip in town, then compare cosmetics, liquor, tobacco and boxed sweets at the airport. The airport is not always the cheapest, so compare price and availability.
Is Visit Japan Web mandatory?＋
Visit Japan Web lets travelers register information for immigration and customs procedures in advance. Check its official website for current procedures and how to use the service.
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Find clear advice for a first trip, shopping and packing, and the journey to the airport on departure day.
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