CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Japan

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (the information on typhoon Melor has been removed).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Japan

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Japan do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns.

On April 5, 2009, North Korea launched a rocket, which may result in heightened regional tensions. Canadian are encouraged to monitor ongoing developments via local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Travellers are also encouraged to confirm flight details with the relevant airline or airport authority before flying.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime against foreigners is low. Petty crime occurs in larger cities, particularly in entertainment districts. Foreigners are increasingly targeted by incidents of drink-spiking, often combined with credit card fraud, particularly in the district of Roppongi in Tokyo. Drinks should never be left unattended and extreme caution should be observed when drinks are prepared and served. If possible, travellers should avoid carrying their credit cards when frequenting nightclub establishments in the Roppongi district.

Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure passports and travel documents are secure.

Tourists and foreign residents may obtain assistance (in English) via telephone hotlines. The Tokyo English Lifeline provides counselling and referrals (tel.: 03-3968-4099). The Japan Helpline offers similar services (tel.: 01-2046-1997). Additional referrals may be obtained from the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo.

For emergency services, dial 110 for Police and 119 for Fire and Ambulance.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Japanese authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of Japan and its consulates, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Japan. The passport must be valid for at least the expected duration of your stay in the country. You should check passport validity requirements for the countries through which you are transiting, and if you are travelling onwards from Japan to other destinations, you should verify the entry requirements of each country you expect to visit. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians travelling onwards from Japan to other Asian destinations have been denied boarding due to insufficient validity on their passports. Under Japanese law, foreign visitors are required to carry their passport at all times while in the country. Police are authorized to ask foreigners to produce their passport or proof of residency in Japan. Passports should never be turned over to unauthorized persons.

Effective November 20, 2007, all visitors to Japan must adhere to new entry requirements. Japanese officials will photograph and fingerprint all visitors upon arrival. Some exceptions may apply, including children under the age of 16, individuals with special permanent residency and diplomatic visits. For more information, contact the Immigration Bureau of Japan.

In order to meet immigration requirements, Canadians must be in possession of a return airline ticket, confirmed accommodation arrangements, and proof of sufficient funds. Canadians have been refused entry into Japan due to their inability to satisfy the immigration authorities that they were in compliance with Japanese laws and immigration regulations concerning residence and employment. Non-compliance with entry requirements may result in deportation or considerable delays. Several Canadians recruited to work in Japan were not fully informed of the conditions of employment and unintentionally violated Japanese immigration law.

Entry permits for tourists are for a maximum stay of 90 days. Overstaying an entry permit or any other type of Japanese visa is a criminal offence. If you overstay your visa you will be subject to deportation and may be barred from re-entry to Japan.

Canadian business travellers require a business visa if they will receive compensation for work carried out while in Japan that is not part of their regular salary. For further information, contact the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa or one of the Consulates prior to departure.

Canadian citizens considering employment in Japan must obtain a work visa from the Japanese government. A number of Canadians have sought employment or have been recruited for employment as bar hostesses. Visas will not be issued for this purpose, and an offer of employment that does not meet Japanese immigration requirements cannot be legitimately made or accepted. Working without an appropriate visa is illegal; if caught, offenders may be subject to imprisonment, a fine, and/or deportation. Canadians considering employment offers in Japan should contact the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa or one of the Consulates.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

Passport services for Canadians in Japan are only available at the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo. For detailed information regarding the provision of passport and consular services in Japan, please visit: www.consul.japan.gc.ca.

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Japan - TOKYO, Embassy of Canada
Address: 3-38 Akasaka 7-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 107-8503
Tel.: 81 (3) 5412-6200
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-010-800-2326-6831 (KDDI): 0041-010-800-2326-6831 (Nippon Telecom): 0061-010-800-2326-6831 (Cable & Wireless IDC)
Fax: 81 (3) 5412-6289
E-Mail: tokyo@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.japan.gc.ca

Limited consular services (providing citizenship application forms and limited notary services) are available from the Consulate of Canada in Hiroshima and the Consulate of Canada in Sapporo at the following addresses:

Japan - HIROSHIMA, Consulate of Canada
Address: c/o Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc., 4-33 Komachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken, Japan, 730-8701
Tel.: 81 (82) 246-0057
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-010-800-2326-6831 (KDDI): 0041-010-800-2326-6831 (Nippon Telecom): 0061-010-800-2326-6831 (Cable & Wireless IDC)
Fax: 81 (82) 246-0057
Internet: http://www.japan.gc.ca

Japan - SAPPORO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Dogin Building, Bekkan 8F, Odori Nish 40-chome 1-banchi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Japan 060-0042
Tel.: 81 (11) 261-7740
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-010-800-2326-6831 (KDDI): 0041-010-800-2326-6831 (Nippon Telecom): 0061-010-800-2326-6831 (Cable & Wireless IDC)
Fax: 81 (11) 261-7740
Internet: http://www.japan.gc.ca

Limited consular services (providing limited informational and notary services) are available from the Consulate of Canada in Nagoya at the following address:

Japan - NAGOYA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Nakato Marunouchi Building, 6F, 3-17-6 Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan, 460-0002
Tel.: 81 (52) 972-0450
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-010-800-2326-6831 (KDDI): 0041-010-800-2326-6831 (Nippon Telecom): 0061-010-800-2326-6831 (Cable & Wireless IDC)
Fax: 81 (52) 972-0453
E-Mail: ngoya@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.japan.gc.ca

When calling from within Japan, the area code is preceded by a 0 (for example, 03 for Tokyo then followed by local number). There is no 0 when calling from outside Japan. An area code is not dialled if the call is being placed to a cellular phone.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 001-010-800-2326-6831 (KDDI), 0041-010-800-2326-6831 (Nippon Telecom), or 0061-010-800-2326-6831 (Cable & Wireless IDC).

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Global Issues page on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Japanese officials are conducting on-board screening for H1N1 Flu virus of passengers demonstrating flu-like symptoms. For additional information regarding screening measures for the H1N1 Flu virus in Japan, please consult the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s website.

Canadians working in Japan, who are not covered for medical/health services by their Japanese employers, should carry full medical coverage for their stay. Medical services are usually much more expensive than in Canada and many hospitals and doctors are private. Foreign patients are often required to pay in advance or produce documentation that the bill will be paid prior to discharge. Some medical facilities will accept medical insurance issued by credit card companies. The normal procedure involves immediate cash payment and subsequent reimbursement from the insurance agents in Canada.

Travellers can bring a one-month supply of prescription medication or a two-month supply of non-prescription medication into Japan providing the medication does not contain narcotics. Prescribed medication must be accompanied by the doctor's prescription stating the patient's full name, address, reason for use, and dosage. The bearer of the medication may be requested to present a detailed listing of the contents of the medication. Travellers, who wish to bring in larger supplies of medication, or bring in prescription medication that contains narcotics, must apply in advance for import certification. Application should be made several months prior to arrival. Further information can be found on the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare's Web site.

Medical referrals can be obtained by calling Himawari, a free medical information service provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Centre at 03-5285-8181. The Himawari hours of operation are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. A list of medical clinics and doctors is also available by contacting the Embassy of Canada or nearest consulate.

Excellent medical care is available.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. In most drug cases, suspects are denied oral or written communication with anyone other than their lawyer or a Canadian consular representative. Those arrested, even for a minor offence, may be held in detention for weeks or months during the investigation and legal proceedings.

Canadians should be advised that there are restrictions over the importation of certain over-the-counter and prescription medications used to relieve sinus and allergy symptoms. These items are banned under Japan’s anti-stimulant drugs law.

Severe penalties exist for drinking and driving offences. Local laws extend to both the driver and the passengers (for allowing someone to drive while under the influence of alcohol). Both are subject to prosecution.

Japanese regulations require that visiting foreign nationals provide detailed information when checking in at lodging facilities such as hotels and inns. The purpose of the registration is to assist in preventing infectious diseases and terrorism. The required information includes name, address, occupation, nationality, and passport number. You must also allow your passports to be photocopied.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Travel by motor vehicle is challenging. Roads are narrow, signs are in Japanese, and city traffic is congested. Turning on a red light is not permitted unless specifically authorized. Roads in mountainous areas are often closed during winter. All visitors wishing to drive in Japan must obtain Japanese compulsory insurance. Travel by taxi can be difficult. It recommended that visitors have their destination written in Japanese.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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The currency is the yen. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at major banks and hotels. Credit cards are accepted in major cities. Automated banking machines are widely available, but some do not accept foreign debit cards.  Visitors should be aware that banking machines are not available 24 hours a day and may not be available on weekends. A four-digit PIN is required to use ABMs in Japan.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Japan is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. The region also has active volcanoes. Travellers should familiarize themselves with safety procedures in the event of an emergency and heed the advice of local authorities. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo.

The typhoon season extends from June to September. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. You are advised to visit the Web site of the Japan Meteorological Agency for information on weather conditions.

Snow storms occur in western Honshu and Hokkaido from December to March.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Teaching English: Contracts to teach English (arranged by recruiters in Canada) should be carefully reviewed before being signed. Ensure all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated in the contract and that you meet all requirements before accepting an offer. Concerns have been raised that some employers may not adhere to their contractual obligations.

Adoption: Adoption by foreigners is subject to very stringent controls. Adoption of Japanese children by foreigners in Japan is extremely rare.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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