Japan
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Japan’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance on foreign travel insurance.
330,000 British nationals visited Japan in 2018. Most visits are trouble free.
Follow the British Embassy Tokyo on Facebook and Twitter for updates and more information about Japan.
There’s a continuous risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis throughout Japan. Latest warnings and advisories are published on the Japan Meteorological Agency website. See Natural disasters.
The level of tension and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula can change with little notice. Tensions, which may affect Japan, can rise following missile tests by North Korea (DPRK) and during the regular South Korean-US military exercises, which take place throughout the year.
The Japanese government have confirmed the launch of three missiles from DPRK towards Japan in the morning of 3 November. All three are believed to have landed in the Sea Of Japan. Alerts were issued in Miyagi, Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, but the Government of Japan confirmed later than none passed over Japan and there are no reports of any damage. DPRK has launched numerous missiles towards Japan in 2022 and we expect this pattern to continue. Please follow instructions by the local authorities and check NHK World for the latest information.
You should keep in touch with news broadcasts, follow the advice of the local authorities (Cabinet Secretariat Civil Protection Portal Site) and keep up to date with this travel advice.
For updates on political events on the Korean peninsula which could affect travellers to Japan, you should read FCDO travel advice for South Korea.
The Japanese authorities continue to maintain some exclusion zones around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear facility. Travel through these zones on some designated trunk roads is allowed. Follow local signs and instructions while travelling in this area. See Fukushima
Attacks in Japan cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism
To contact the emergency services call 110 (police) or 119 (fire and ambulance). Calls are free of charge from any phone, including pay phones.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.