Best Apps For Travel In Japan

Japan is a beautiful country with many different landscapes, and if you’re planning a trip there, you’ll want to know about the best apps for travel in Japan. The following list of apps can help you plan your trip, book your hotel and flights, find local restaurants and food shops, learn more about Japan’s culture and history—and they can even help you learn some of the language!

We’ve put together this list of the best apps for travel in Japan so you can get started on planning your trip today.

Best Apps For Travel In Japan

This article is dedicated to the most useful apps to check while traveling in Japan. If you are scared of the fact that you simply can’t cope with the Japanese writing and will get lost either in translation or the extensive Tokyo metro system – worry no more. Our apps selection is here to save the day. Following is a detailed list of which the best apps for traveling in Japan are, the type of service they provide and how to use them.

Table of Contents [hide]

1 Hyperdia: the essential transportation app
1.1 Hyperdia by Voice
2 Japan Navitime
3 Jorudan
4 Google Maps
5 Tripadvisor
6 GuruNavi
7 Sushi Dictionary
Hyperdia: the essential transportation app
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Hyperdia is at the top of any list of Japan travel apps. This is a Japanese app, developed for commuters and tourists in Japan. It is available in English, Japanese and Chinese. Hyperdia lets you choose your departure and arrival stations as well as the time of travel.

What is more, there is a special search filter, which allows for the personalization of the search results. All Japan Rail Pass holders should be aware that Nozomi and Mizuho trains are not part of the national JR Group and therefore are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Useful tip: Make sure to deselect Nozomi and Mizuho trains from your search filter. This will make the results even more accurate. You can customize each search through the “More options” button.

Once you have specified from where to where you want to go (town or station), click Search. You will be redirected to the results page which will show you:

hyperdia route result
The departing hours
Your departure and arrival track number
The name of your train
How much it will cost (Japan Rail Pass holders ride all JR trains for free)
Additional information on maps, hotels, restaurants and rent-a-car services in the area
How long will the journey take
How many transfers you will have (if 0, it is still shown)
The total distance in kilometers
Hyperdia can be easily accessed from your computer, tablet or Android phone (for iOS see below).

Hyperdia by Voice
Hyperdia by voice
Hyperdia by Voice is equal to the standard Hyperdia app. The only difference is that this version is currently only available to iPhone users. If you have an iPhone, use Hyperdia by Voice for queries like “Kyoto station to Yokohama station, first train”.

The voice recognition software of the app will set the parameters of your search automatically and will provide you with direct and quick access to the train timetable information you asked for. This is a very handy app for all first-timers in Japan and especially for those who are looking for an easy navigational service in English.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Japan Navitime
Navitime for Japan is another popular navigation app option. Apart from providing detailed information about the world’s most complex metropolis (Tokyo), it also generates:

Door-to-door route search
Voice navigation
New offline search for free WiFi spots
A train stop list that will help you confirm you are headed in the correct direction
Train delay information
Recent routes saved for offline searches
This app is very useful, however, make sure to have an internet connection to be able to take the most of it. If you are looking for some great connectivity options for your stay in Japan, nothing better than a Pocket Wi-Fi device, which can get connected to a total of 10 devices simultaneously.

Jorudan
Jorudan Co., LTD. is a Japanese company, which has developed an easy-to-use transport app called Japan Transit Planner. Below you can see a screenshot of the PC version and the type of information it provides.

Jorudan search results
Jorudan search results
As you can see, this app tells you the distance, fare, type of seat on the train (reserved, non-reserved), including any surcharges that may apply. You are also given information about the duration of the trip and the total price, in case you travel without a Japan Rail Pass.The Jorudan app is available for both iOS and Android system. However, unlike the first two apps described in this article, Jordan has no free version. It costs approximately $4 to download it.

The Jorudan app is available for both iOS and Android system. However, unlike the first two apps, described in this article, Jordan has no free version. It costs approximately $4 to download it.

Google Maps
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Google Maps is one of the oldest and best-known transportation apps. Similar to the apps we’ve seen so far, the new Maps will guide you through any city, town, village or area in Japan, by showing all the optimal routes, available at the moment of your inquiry.

By clicking Details you will see the name of your train (in this example Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen is the bullet train line) and the time it will take you to get to your selected final destination. The displayed cost is only valid for those who do not hold a Japan Rail Pass. The biggest advantage of this app is that it is more visual regarding location. Apart from your destination station, you can easily see nearby restaurants, parks, bars and more.

Tripadvisor
“Things to do in Nara” by Tripadvisor
“Things to do in Nara” by Tripadvisor
Now that you know everything about how to get from one place to another in Japan, it’s time to learn how to find the best restaurants, hotels, and attractions. Tripadvisor is a top-rated app, used by millions of people all over the world. If you are using to it in your own country, no doubt you will use it while in Japan as well. It is available for Android and iOS.

Tripadvisor gives you personalised options about:

Places near you
Hotels
Flights
Restaurants
Things to do
Holiday rentals
Destination guides
Forums
Having all of this information at the tip of your fingers will surely make a difference. Select your preferred food, price limit, personal interests and start discovering. The app is completely free of charge. However, you will need an internet connection to access it. Apart from the amazing Pocket Wi-Fi option, you can also order a Data SIM card (internet only) that will give you direct access to the fastest internet connection available in Japan.

GuruNavi
Gurunavi app
Gurunavi is a great and easy to use restaurant-finder app. It lets you select your prefecture (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc.) and the area where you are.

Once you have selected where you want to eat, the app shows you restaurants search results by cuisine such as:

Sushi/Seafood
Okonomiyaki/Takoyaki
Yakiniku (BBQ)
Izakaya (Typical Japanese pub)
Dining bars / beer halls
Furthermore, there are some quite useful filters such as:

Places with English-speaking staff
All you can eat/drink offers
Places with free Wi-Fi access
Family-recommended
Non-smoking restaurants
Sushi Dictionary
Sushi Dictionary search results
Sushi Dictionary search results
Yes, you’ve guessed it, this is a Sushi dictionary app for everyone out there who still can’t decode the meaning of all those delicious Japanese meals. The app is available for iOS and Android and is completely free of charge.

Sushi dictionary includes interpretations of any sushi option available in any Japanese restaurant. Downloading the app will allow you to understand the whole menu without worrying about mistranslations.

japan travel restrictions

Information about entering into Japan

Quarantine measures: Review on the on-arrival COVID-19 test and the home quarantine period after entry into Japan (New)
Based on the New Border Measures (28), from 0:00 am (JST) on June 1, 2022, on-arrival test, self-quarantine period and place of accommodation after entry into Japan may be changed according to the grouping (“Red”, “Yellow” and “Blue” categories) of the countries/regions in which the entrants stayed within 14 days before the day of return to Japan or the day of application for landing on Japan and whether they obtain a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
Group “Red”：On-arrival test is required. 3-day quarantine at a government-designated facility is required, however, those who obtain a valid vaccination certificate may have 7-day home quarantine (or 3-day home quarantine + negative result of a voluntary test) instead.
Group “Yellow”：On-arrival test and 7-day home quarantine (or 3-day home quarantine + negative result of a voluntary test) are required, however, those who obtain a valid vaccination certificate are not required to have on-arrival test, home quarantine and other measures.
Group “Blue”：Regardless of the vaccination status of the entrants/returnees, on-arrival test, home quarantine and other measures are not required.
Grouping of the countries/regions shall be announced whenever it is confirmed. For FAQ about Quarantine measures, please see Japanese Border Measures (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) Open a New Window.
New entry of foreign nationals
Based on the New Border measures (27), from 0:00 am (JST) on March 1, 2022, new entry of foreign nationals into Japan under the supervision of receiving organizations is allowed, except for those for touristic purposes.
Eligible persons (who meet both of the following (1)and (2): (1) Foreign nationals newly entering Japan for a short-term stay (less than three months) for purposes including business and employment or foreign nationals newly entering Japan for a long-term stay.
(2) Foreign nationals staying for the purpose of the abovementioned category (1) who have receiving organizations for supervision located in Japan.
Required documents for the visa application (Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit.) : A certificate for completion of Registration to the ERFS system obtained by a receiving organization through online application along with other visa application documents in response to the purpose of visit. (Please refer to “Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel” page for more details).
Receiving organizations means such companies or organizations which employ or invite the entrants for their business or entertainment purposes.
(Note) A certificate for completion of Registration to the ERFS system means a proof of document issued by ERFS of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare after receiving organizations apply and register their entrant’s information online.
For further information of the New Border Measures (27), please refer to the paragraph 1 of “Measures for Resuming Cross-Border Travel” page.

Please refer to 7. Entry of foreign nationals with special exceptional circumstances below for further information.
Suspension of visa validity
From 0:00 am (JST) December 2, 2021, as emergency precautionary measure from a preventive perspective against coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529), validity of visas already issued by December 2, 2021 are suspended except for those issued for the holders of status of residence as “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”, “Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident” or “Diplomat”. Please refer to 4. Suspension of visa validity below for further information.
From 0:00 am (JST) April 8, 2022, visa exemption measures for the following 14 countries are suspended.
Albania, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Mauritius, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Panama, Serbia, Turkey and United States of America

1. Denial of permission to entry 2. Denial of the re-entry from certain countries/regions among designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures (New) 3. Quarantine measures (New) 4. Suspension of visa validity 5. Suspension of visa exemption measures 6. Restrictions on airport/ports for arrival 7. Entry of foreign nationals with special exceptional circumstances
2. Denial of permission to entry
   For the time being, foreign nationals who have stayed in any of the following 159 countries/regions within 14 days prior to the application for landing are denied to enter Japan in pursuant to the Article 5, paragraph (1), item (xiv) of Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, unless special exceptional circumstances are found. Note that foreigners (from the countries and regions where the entry bans do not apply) are not denied to enter Japan even when they arrive in Japan via those countries or regions, which are subject to denial of permission to entry, for refueling or transit purpose. Those who entered those countries or regions will, however, be subject to the entry ban.

The following 106 countries will not be subject to denial of permission to enter Japan from 0:00 am (JST) on April 8, 2022.

Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste
Oceania: Fiji
North America: Canada, United States of America
Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentine, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican
Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
Africa: Botswana, Cabo Verde, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tunisia
Please see Regarding the denial of landing permission to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (multilingual version) for further information about the denial of landing to prevent the spread of COVID-19Open a New Window.

Countries/Regions subject to denial of permission to enter Japan:
Region Countries/Regions
Asia
Oceania
North America
Latin America and the Caribbean Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia
Europe Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Kyrgyz, Moldova, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine
Middle East Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine
Africa Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, Comoros, Cote d’lvoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe

2. Denial of the re-entry from certain countries/regions among designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures (New)
   The re-entry into Japan of foreign nationals with status of residence who have stayed in designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variants of special treatment on border measures within 14 days prior to the application for landing will be denied for the time being unless there are special exceptional circumstances.

Designated Date Date of Commencing quarantine measures Countries/Regions

–
None
(Note 1) subject countries and regions of the measures designated on and after September 18, 2021 will be designated and confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The designation is duly announced.

(Note 2) Foreign nationals with the status of residence of “Permanent Resident”, “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”, “Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident” or “Long Term Resident”, who have departed Japan with Re-entry Permission by the next day of the designation mentioned in (Note1) above with intent to re-entry into Japan from those countries/regions mentioned in (Note 1) above, are treated, in principle, as persons in special exceptional circumstances. Foreign nationals with the status “Special Permanent Resident” are not within the scope of this entry ban.

0:00 am (JST) 2 days after the designation mentioned in (Note 1) above and arrive in Japan after this time.

According to the above measure, when foreign nationals, who departed from Japan with a re-entry permit before August 31, 2020 and who were not permitted to re-enter Japan because the validity period of the re-entry permission expired after the country/regions of stay was designated an area subject to denial of landing and, have already obtained a visa based on the newly issued Certificate of Eligibility (COE), they will be subject to denial of landing for the time being if they have stayed in those designated countries/regions mentioned in (Note 1) above within 14 days prior to the application for landing.

3. Quarantine measures (New)
   The current quarantine measures are strengthened as followings.

From 0:00 am (JST) on March 1, 2022, self-quarantine period after their entry into Japan is changed. All cross-border travelers and returnees from designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures are required to self-quarantine in places such as their own residence or accommodations after their entry into Japan, to follow-up checks conducted by the Health Monitoring Center for Overseas Entrants (HCO) and to refrain from using public transportation for 7 days in principle. In addition, based on whether they enter/return from countries/regions of 3-days quarantine at specific facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station, and they obtain a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (validity of which is certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare(MHLW)) (hereinafter referred to as “vaccination certificate”), the measures may be relaxed.

These measures are decided to remain in place until further notice.

(1) Reinforced quarantine measures
From March 19, 2021, all travelers including Japanese nationals have to submit a certificate of negative test result conducted within 72 hours prior to departing from the country/region where travelers stay when entering Japan. Those who do not submit a certificate of negative test result will be denied entry into Japan in accordance with the Quarantine Act. Airline companies will reject boarding those without one. Please consult with Embassies or Consulates or Consular Office of Japan in case it is truly difficult to obtain the certificate of negative test result.

From January 8, 2021, all those who enter, re-enter or return to Japan (including Japanese nationals) are also subject to conducting of COVID-19 test upon arrival no matter whether arriving from the countries/regions designated as an area subject to denial of permission to enter Japan or not until further notice.

From January 14, 2021 until further notice, all Japanese nationals and foreign nationals with the status of residence are also required to pledge to be in quarantine at home or other designated areas, retain the location data, and provide it to the health centers or other institutions, if requested. (If separate quarantine measures are to be taken, those also need to be pledged.) They are required to sign and submit the Written Pledge (PDF)Open a New Window when entering Japan. In case of violation, they may be subject to detention under Quarantine Act and the following shall apply:
(ⅰ) For Japanese nationals, names and other information that contribute to preventing the spread of infection may be made public.
(ⅱ) For foreign nationals with the status of residence, names, nationalities, and other information that contribute to preventing the spread of infection may be made public. They may also be subject to the revocation of status of residence and procedures for deportation under Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law. Those who do not submit the “Written Pledge” are requested to stay at a location designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (only at the accommodation booked by the quarantine office).

From 0:00 am (JST) on March 1, 2022, self-quarantine period after entry into Japan is changed.

For all cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions where the B.1.1.529 Omicron variant becomes dominant (all countries/regions except for those where COVID-19 variants other than the Omicron variant become dominant), the length of period when they are required to self-quarantine in places such as their own residence or accommodations after their entry into Japan, to refrain from using public transportation is changed from which countries/regions they enter/return, as well as, whether they obtain a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (PDF)Open a New Window (One of the requirements is having received 3 doses of specific vaccines).

 Vaccination certificates    Home quarantine period and other measures after entry into Japan

From designated countries/regions subject to the measures (17) No 3-day quarantine at a specific facility designated by the chief of the quarantine station(+negative test result (PCR test) at the facility)
Yes 3-day home quarantine+ negative result of a voluntary test
or
7-day home quarantine without test
From countries/regions other than designated countries/regions subject to the measures (17) No
Yes Home quarantine and other measures are not required
Based on New Border Measures (26), countries/regions where COVID-19 variants other than the Omicron variant become dominant are to be specified separately. For all cross-border travelers and returnees from the specified countries/regions, the length of period when they are required to self-quarantine in places such as their own residence or accommodations after their entry into Japan, to follow-up checks conducted by the HCO and to refrain from using public transportation is 14 days.

(2) Reinforced quarantine measures for all the travelers who enter, re-enter or return to Japan from designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures.
Taking such elements as knowledge of COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures, epidemic situation in each country/region, risk assessment of current situation of inflow of the COVID-19 to Japan, and efficacy of the vaccination among others into account, and judged from a comprehensive risk assessment of inflow of coronavirus from each country/region, the following additional measures will be implemented as designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures according to separate designation based on this measure;
(i) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions are requested, for the time being, to stay for 10 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station). In addition, those who obtain negative results of all COVID-19 tests conducted on the third, sixth and tenth days from the entry into Japan, may leave the facilities.

Designated Date Date of Commencing quarantine measures Countries/Regions
None
(ⅱ) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions, are requested, for the time being, to stay for 6 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station). In addition, those who obtain negative results of both COVID-19 tests conducted on the third and sixth days from the entry into Japan, may leave from facilities secured by the Quarantine Station, but are still required to stay for the remaining period of 7 days after the entry into Japan at places such as their own residence.

Designated Date Date of Commencing quarantine measures Countries/Regions
None
(iii) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions are requested, for the time being, to stay for 3 days at specific facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station (limited to the accommodations facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station). If the test result (PCR test) at the facility on the third day after the entry is negative, home quarantine after leaving the facility is no longer required. Meanwhile, those who have obtained a valid vaccination certificate will be allowed to have 7-day home quarantine instead, and if they submit a negative result of a voluntary test (PCR test or Quantitative Antigen test) on or after the third day from the entry into Japan, home quarantine is no longer required only after the MHLW(Health Monitoring Center for Overseas Entrants) confirms the test result via MySOS app. (Please see 3. (1) Reinforced quarantine measures)

Designated Date Date of Commencing quarantine measures Countries/Regions
December 22, 2021 0:00 am (JST) on December 25, 2021 Russia
February 24, 2022 0:00 am (JST) on March 1, 2022 Egypt, Pakistan
April 28, 2022 0:00 am (JST) on May 1, 2022 Bulgaria, Laos, South Africa
(Note 1) Subject countries and regions of the measures will be designated and confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The designation is duly announced.

(Note 2) The above-mentioned quarantine measures will be applied to those entering Japan who have stayed within 14 days in the designated countries and regions.

(3) Reinforced quarantine measures for all the travelers who enter, re-enter or return to Japan from designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 infection other than coronavirus variants of special treatment on border measures.
With regard to countries/regions other than countries/regions based on the designation mentioned in (2) above, taking such elements as knowledge of COVID-19, epidemic situation in each country/region, risk assessment of current situation of inflow of COVID-19 to Japan, and efficacy of the vaccination among others into account, and judged from a comprehensive assessment of the risk of inflow of the coronavirus from each country/region, all cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions judged with high risk of inflow of COVID-19are requested, for the time being, to stay 3 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station) as “designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus infection other than COVID-19variants of special treatment on border measures” according to the separate designation based on this measure. In addition, those who obtain a negative result of COVID-19 test conducted on the third day from the entry into Japan, may leave the facilities, but are still required to stay for the remaining period of 7 days after the entry into Japan at places such as own residence.

Designated Date Date of Commencing quarantine measures Countries/Regions
None
(Note 1) Subject countries and regions of the measures will be designated and confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The designation is duly announced.

(Note 2) The above-mentioned quarantine measures will be applied to those entering Japan who have stayed within 14 days in the designated countries and regions.

4. Suspension of visa validity
   From 0:00 am (JST) December 2, 2021, as emergency precautionary measure from a preventive perspective against coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529), validity of visas already issued by December 2, 2021 are suspended except for the status of residence of “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”, “Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident” or “Diplomat”.This measure does not apply to foreign nationals who departed from overseas before 00:00 am (JST) on December 2, 2021 and arrive in Japan after the time.

As for visas already issued under “Business Track” or “Residence Track” and visas issued based on “New border measures (4)” (referred in Note 2 of Article 1), for the time being, validity of those visas have been suspended from 0:00 am (JST) on January 21, 2021 based on the announcement of the Government of Japan dated on January 13, 2021.

Validity of visas listed below are suspended for the time being

(1) Single and multiple-entry visas issued by March 8th, 2020 by Japanese Embassies or Consulates General in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and Republic of Korea
(2) Single and multiple-entry visas issued by March 20th, 2020 by Japanese Embassies and Consulates General in the following countries
Region Countries/Regions
Europe Andorra, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican
Middle East Iran
Africa Egypt
(3) Single and multiple-entry visas issued by March 27th, 2020 by Japanese Embassies and Consulates General in the following countries
Region Countries/Regions
Asia Brunei, Indonesia (note), Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam Note: including seal of “visa wavier registration certificate”
Middle East Bahrain, Israel, Qatar
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo
(4) Single and multiple-entry visas issued by April 2nd, 2020, by Japanese Embassies and Consulates General located in or accredited to the following countries and regions
Region Countries/Regions
Asia Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste
Oceania Cook, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Latin America and the Caribbean Antigua and Barbuda, Argentine, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guyana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela
Europe Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Middle East Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates (note), Yemen Note: including seal of “visa wavier registration certificate”
Africa Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles , Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

5. Suspension of visa exemption measures
   As visa exemption measures with the countries and regions listed below are temporarily suspended, those who fall under the measures are required to obtain visas before visiting Japan. Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan have been newly added to the list (1) and (2) below. The measures will be in place for the time being.

(1) Visa exemption measures agreed with Japan and the following countries and regions
Region Countries/Regions
Asia Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam
Oceania Australia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon
North America Canada, United States of America
Latin America and the Caribbean Argentine, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay
Europe Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican
Middle East Israel, Iran, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
Africa Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Tunisia
(2) The effect of Pre-Clearances (i.e. visa exemptions) granted by the Japanese Government to APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) issued by the following countries and regions is also suspended.
Region Countries/Regions
Asia Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam
Oceania Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea
Latin America and the Caribbean Mexico, Peru
Europe Russia

6. Restrictions on airport/ports for arrival
   The Government of Japan (GOJ) announced the following measures (1) and (2) on March 5, 2020, and (3) on April 1, 2020. These measures will be in place for the time being.

(1) The Government of Japan restricts arrival airports for passenger flights from China or Republic of Korea to Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport only and requests the airlines concerned to conform this restriction. Based on the announcement of the GOJ on September 25, 2020, the incremental relaxation of the limitation on the number of arrival airports for passenger aircraft being implemented for the time being will be considered in light of the conditions including testing capacities upon arrival of each airport. The relaxation will be implemented once such conditions are met at each airport.
(2) The Government of Japan suspends passenger transportation departing from China or Republic of Korea by vessels and requests related companies to conform this suspension.
(3) Requesting airlines concerned to curb the number of arrival passengers to Japan by such measures as reducing the number of passenger arrival flights in order to ensure the appropriate implementation of quarantine measures. In order to securing smooth return to Japan of Japanese citizens or overseas travelers wishing to return, a proper care, including providing information and sending advisories, will be taken.
(4) The measures will be in place for the time being

7. Entry of foreign nationals with special exceptional circumstances
   Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit. Please note that due to the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa approval procedure may take longer than usual. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

Please see Regarding the denial of landing permission to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (multilingual version) to be informed of the detailed cases of special exceptional circumstancesOpen a New Window.

Foreign nationals who are entitled to enter Japan as those with special exceptional circumstances are required to apply for an appropriate visa at Embassies or Consulates or Consular Office of Japan (for Taiwan, Taipei Kaohsiung offices of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association)(hereinafter referred as “Japan’s overseas establishments”) in your country/region.

Please see this page for the information about the visa application.

Please note that the certificate of negative test result (PDF)Open a New Window of pre-departure COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departing from the country/region where travelers stay is required for foreign nationals to enter Japan, with special exceptional circumstances, in addition to obtaining a valid visa.

Related Links
Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel

Conclusion

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