Your First 30 Minutes After Landing in Japan

Before You Land: Visit Japan Web

Do this on the plane or before departure:

Visit Japan Web (VJW) is Japan’s digital immigration/customs system. Completing it before landing saves 30-60 minutes in line.

What it does:

• Pre-fills immigration forms
• Pre-fills customs declaration
• Generates QR codes for fast-track lanes

How to register:

1. Go to: https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/
2. Create account
3. Enter:
   • Passport information
   • Flight details
   • Accommodation address in Japan
   • Customs declaration (what you’re bringing)
4. Save QR codes to your phone

At immigration: Show QR code instead of filling out paper forms.

If you didn’t do this: Paper forms are available on the plane and at immigration. Takes longer.

Step 1: Immigration (入国審査)

What happens:

1. Follow signs to “Foreign Passport” or “Non-Japanese” lanes
2. Join the queue (can be 15-60 minutes depending on time)
3. Approach the immigration officer
4. Show:
   • Passport
   • Visit Japan Web QR code (or filled paper form)
   • Return ticket (sometimes requested)
5. Fingerprints and photo — place fingers on scanner, look at camera
6. Answer questions (usually just “Purpose of visit?” → “Tourism”)
7. Receive entry stamp in passport

Typical questions:

• “What is the purpose of your visit?” → “Tourism” / “Sightseeing” / “Business”
• “How long will you stay?” → “7 days” / “2 weeks”
• “Where will you stay?” → “Hotel in Tokyo” (name if you remember)

Immigration officers speak English. Don’t worry.

Tourist visa: Most nationalities get 90 days visa-free (check before travel).

Step 2: Baggage Claim (手荷物受取所)

What to do:

1. Check screens for your flight number
2. Go to the correct carousel
3. Wait for luggage (usually 10-20 minutes)
4. Grab your bags

If your luggage is missing:

• Go to the airline’s baggage counter (near carousels)
• File a lost baggage report
• They’ll deliver to your hotel when found (common service in Japan)

Step 3: Customs (税関)

Two lanes:

Green Lane (Nothing to Declare)

Use this if:

• You have no restricted items
• Alcohol: under 3 bottles (760ml each)
• Cigarettes: under 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars
• Perfume: under 2 ounces
• Gifts/souvenirs: under ¥200,000 total value
• No meat, fruit, plants, or large amounts of cash (over ¥1,000,000)

What happens:

1. Walk through
2. Sometimes random bag checks (rare)
3. Exit to arrivals hall

Red Lane (Something to Declare)

Use this if:

• You exceed the limits above
• Bringing prescription medication (over 1 month supply)
• Carrying over ¥1,000,000 cash
• Bringing restricted items

What happens:

1. Show customs officer your declaration
2. They may inspect your bags
3. Pay duty if required
4. Exit to arrivals hall

Most tourists use the green lane.

Customs officers speak limited English but are helpful. If unsure, ask.

Step 4: Arrivals Hall — Now What?

You’re in the arrivals hall. Here’s what you need before leaving the airport:

Priority 1: Internet (SIM Card or eSIM)

You need internet to:

• Use Google Maps
• Call taxis
• Translate
• Contact your hotel

Option A: eSIM (Set Up Before Landing)

Best for: iPhone users, Android with eSIM support

How it works:

1. Buy eSIM online before your trip (Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly)
2. Install on your phone before departure
3. Activate when you land in Japan
4. Instant internet

Cost: ¥1,000-¥3,000 for 7-30 days, 1-20GB

Pros: No physical SIM, instant activation, keep your home number Cons: Requires eSIM-compatible phone

Recommended providers:

• Airalo — cheapest, reliable
• Ubigi — good coverage
• Holafly — unlimited data options

Option B: Physical SIM Card (Buy at Airport)

Where to buy:

Narita Airport:

• Vending machines in arrivals hall (Terminals 1, 2, 3)
• Mobile counters near exits
• Brands: IIJmio, Mobal, Japan Welcome SIM

Haneda Airport:

• Vending machines in arrivals (Terminal 3 International)
• Mobile counters near baggage claim

Cost: ¥1,500-¥4,000 for 7-30 days, 1-10GB

How to buy:

1. Find vending machine or counter
2. Choose plan (days + data)
3. Pay (cash or credit card)
4. Insert SIM in your phone
5. Follow activation instructions (usually automatic)

Your phone must be unlocked to use a Japanese SIM.

Option C: Pocket Wi-Fi Rental

Where to rent:

• Counters in arrivals hall (Global WiFi, Japan Wireless, Ninja WiFi)
• Pre-order online and pick up at airport counter

Cost: ¥800-¥1,500 per day

How it works:

1. Rent device at counter
2. Turn it on
3. Connect your phone/laptop to Wi-Fi
4. Return device when you leave Japan (at airport or by mail)

Pros: Multiple devices can connect, unlimited data Cons: Must carry device, must charge it, must return it

Recommendation: eSIM is easiest. Physical SIM if your phone doesn’t support eSIM. Pocket Wi-Fi if traveling with multiple people.

Priority 2: Cash (Japanese Yen)

You need cash for:

• Small shops and restaurants (many don’t take cards)
• Taxis (some don’t take cards)
• Temples and shrines
• Vending machines
• Emergency backup

How much to get: ¥10,000-¥30,000 for the first few days

Option A: ATM (Best Rate)

Where:

• 7-Eleven ATMs in arrivals hall (Narita and Haneda)
• Japan Post Bank ATMs (red machines)
• MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho ATMs (major banks)

How to use:

1. Insert foreign card
2. Select “English”
3. Select “Withdrawal”
4. Enter amount (¥10,000, ¥20,000, ¥30,000)
5. Enter PIN
6. Take cash and card

Fees: Your bank’s foreign transaction fee (usually 1-3%) + ATM fee (¥200-¥400)

Best cards for Japan:

• Charles Schwab Debit (no foreign fees, ATM fees refunded)
• Wise card (low fees)
• Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

7-Eleven ATMs work with most foreign cards (Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus).

Option B: Currency Exchange Counter (Worse Rate)

Where: In arrivals hall (clearly marked)

How it works:

1. Show passport
2. Hand over foreign currency (USD, EUR, etc.)
3. Receive yen

Exchange rate: 3-5% worse than ATM

Use this only if:

• Your card doesn’t work in ATMs
• You have cash to exchange

Recommendation: Use ATM. Better rate, faster.

Priority 3: IC Card (Suica/Pasmo)

What is it: Rechargeable transit card for trains, buses, and purchases

Why you need it:

• Tap to enter/exit trains (no need to buy tickets)
• Works on all trains in Japan
• Use at convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants
• Faster than buying tickets every time

Tourist IC Cards:

Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport — special cards for tourists

Where to buy:

Narita Airport:

• JR East Travel Service Center (Terminals 1, 2)
• Near train station ticket gates

Haneda Airport:

• JR East Travel Service Center (Terminal 3)
• Keikyu Tourist Information Center (Terminal 3)

Cost: ¥1,000-¥2,000 (includes initial balance)

How to buy:

1. Go to counter
2. Say “Welcome Suica, please” or “Pasmo Passport, please”
3. Choose amount (¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000)
4. Pay
5. Receive card

Validity: 28 days from purchase

How to use:

1. Tap card on reader when entering train station
2. Tap again when exiting
3. Fare is automatically deducted

Recharge: At any ticket machine or convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson)

Alternative: Mobile Suica/Pasmo on iPhone (Apple Pay) — add card in Wallet app

If counters are closed or sold out: Set up Mobile Suica on your phone instead — it works anytime with just a credit card. Regular plastic Suica cards are not currently sold at ticket machines due to an ongoing IC chip shortage.

Priority 4: Pocket Wi-Fi (Optional)

Skip this if you got SIM/eSIM.

If you want pocket Wi-Fi:

• Counters in arrivals hall (Global WiFi, Japan Wireless)
• Pre-order online for discount
• Pick up at counter
• Cost: ¥800-¥1,500/day

Step 5: Choose Your Transport to the City

From Narita Airport:

Option	Time	Cost	Best For
Narita Express (N’EX)	60 min to Tokyo	¥3,070	Speed, comfort
Keisei Skyliner	41 min to Ueno	¥2,570	Fastest to Ueno/Asakusa
Airport Limousine Bus	90-120 min	¥3,200	Direct to hotels, luggage
Taxi	60-90 min	¥20,000-¥25,000	Groups, late night

From Haneda Airport:

Option	Time	Cost	Best For
Tokyo Monorail	20 min to Hamamatsucho	¥500	Cheap, fast
Keikyu Line	15 min to Shinagawa	¥300	Cheapest
Airport Limousine Bus	30-60 min	¥1,300	Direct to hotels
Taxi	30-60 min	¥6,000-¥8,000	Convenience

Detailed guides: See our airport-to-city articles for step-by-step instructions.

Timeline: How Long Does This Take?

Smooth arrival (everything goes well):

• Immigration: 15-30 min
• Baggage: 10-20 min
• Customs: 5 min
• SIM card: 5 min
• ATM: 5 min
• IC card: 10 min
• Total: 50-70 minutes from landing to train

Busy arrival (long lines, slow baggage):

• Immigration: 45-60 min
• Baggage: 20-30 min
• Customs: 10 min
• SIM card: 10 min (queue)
• ATM: 10 min (queue)
• IC card: 15 min (queue)
• Total: 110-125 minutes (nearly 2 hours)

Add 30-60 minutes if you didn’t complete Visit Japan Web.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Solution
Immigration line is 60+ min	Peak arrival time (afternoon flights from Asia/US)	Use Visit Japan Web next time, or arrive at off-peak times
ATM won’t accept my card	Card not compatible	Try 7-Eleven ATM (most compatible), or use currency exchange counter
SIM card vending machine is sold out	High tourist season	Buy at mobile counter, or use eSIM (buy online on airport Wi-Fi)
IC card counter is closed	Late night arrival	Set up Mobile Suica on your phone (works anytime with a credit card)
Don’t have enough cash	Underestimated	Find another ATM in the city, or use credit card where accepted
Missed last train to city	Late arrival	Take airport limousine bus (runs later) or taxi
Phone doesn’t work with Japanese SIM	Phone is locked	Use pocket Wi-Fi, or unlock phone before next trip

What NOT to Do

Don’t:

• ❌ Skip getting cash — many places don’t take cards
• ❌ Exchange currency at airport counter — ATM is better rate
• ❌ Buy expensive airport SIM if you can use eSIM — cheaper online
• ❌ Take taxi to city from Narita — ¥20,000+ (train is ¥3,000)
• ❌ Forget to activate your SIM/eSIM — do it before leaving airport
• ❌ Leave airport without IC card — you’ll waste time buying train tickets
• ❌ Ignore Visit Japan Web — saves 30+ minutes

FAQ

Q: Can I use airport Wi-Fi while I set up my SIM/eSIM?
A: Yes. Both Narita and Haneda have free Wi-Fi. Connect to “FreeWiFi” or “NARITA_Airport_FreeWi-Fi” / “HANEDA_FREE_WiFi”.

Q: Do I need to print my Visit Japan Web QR code?
A: No. Show it on your phone. But screenshot it in case of low battery.

Q: Can I buy IC card with credit card?
A: At counters, yes. At vending machines, some accept credit cards, some are cash-only.

Q: What if I arrive late at night and everything is closed?
A: 7-Eleven ATMs are 24/7. Ticket machines for IC cards are 24/7. SIM vending machines are 24/7. You’ll be fine.

Q: Should I get yen before leaving my home country?
A: Not necessary. ATMs at the airport give good rates. Only get yen at home if your bank offers a good rate.

Q: Can I use my credit card everywhere in Japan?
A: No. Many small shops, restaurants, and taxis are cash-only. Always carry ¥10,000-¥20,000 cash.

Q: How much data do I need for 1-2 weeks?
A: 3-5GB is enough for most tourists (maps, messaging, light browsing). Heavy users (streaming, video calls) need 10GB+.

Q: Can I return my IC card for a refund?
A: Welcome Suica/Pasmo Passport are non-refundable. Regular Suica/Pasmo have a ¥500 deposit you can get back (minus ¥220 handling fee).

Last verified: February 2026