Japan Is Safe, But Has Unique Rules
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists — violent crime is rare, public transport is reliable, and people are genuinely helpful. However, Japan has a set of unique rules and regulations that can catch first-time visitors off guard. Some common medications are illegal to bring into Japan. Your international driver's license may not be valid. Bicycle fines were dramatically increased in 2024. Food allergen labeling follows a completely different system than Western countries. And the tax-free shopping system is changing in 2026. This guide covers the 10 most important things every first-time visitor needs to know, with links to tools that help you check each one before you fly.
1. Food Allergies Are Harder to Manage Than You Think
Japan has a world-class allergen labeling system with 29 regulated allergens (9 mandatory and 20 recommended since April 2026) — more than the US (9) or EU (14). But the labels are entirely in Japanese, and restaurants are not required to provide allergen menus. Hidden ingredients like dashi (fish stock) appear in almost everything, including seemingly vegetarian dishes.
What to do before your trip:
- Generate a bilingual allergy communication card to show at restaurants — the card is in Japanese and English so staff understand your needs immediately
- ReadEssential Japanese Phrases for Food Allergies
- ReadHow to Read Japanese Food Allergy Labels
- ReadHidden Allergens in Popular Japanese Dishes
2. Some Medications Are Illegal in Japan
This catches many travelers by surprise. Japan bans or strictly controls medications that are perfectly legal in other countries. Products with more than 10% pseudoephedrine (found in some Sudafed-type cold medicines) need advance permission as a stimulant raw material. Codeine products with more than 1% codeine need a narcotics permit. ADHD medications like Adderall (amphetamine) are completely prohibited — bringing them into Japan is a criminal offense that can result in detention and deportation.
The rules depend on the specific compound, dosage, and quantity:
- Check your specific medications before packing — Medication Import Checker
- Without paperwork you can bring up to a 1-month supply of prescription medicine and a 2-month supply of over-the-counter medicine; above that, apply online for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import confirmation). Narcotics such as strong codeine need a separate permit from the Regional Narcotics Control Office, applied for at least 14 days before travel
- Check the pseudoephedrine concentration of cold and sinus medicines: above 10% needs a permit, so it is usually easier to buy a Japanese equivalent after you arrive
- Bring a doctor's letter in English for any prescription medications you carry
- Japan Customs takes this seriously — declarations are checked, and violations can lead to arrest
3. Your Driver's License Probably Needs Extra Steps
An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention is valid in Japan — but only if your country is a signatory. If you're from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Taiwan, or Monaco, your standard IDP is NOT accepted. These countries need a separate Japanese translation document (JAF translation) instead.
Many tourists discover this at the car rental counter and lose their reservation:
- Check your country's driving eligibility instantly — International Driving Permit Checker
- If you need a JAF translation, arrange it BEFORE arriving in Japan (some countries allow advance application, others require you to get it in Japan)
- US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: your standard 1949 IDP is valid — get it from your automobile association before departure
- An IDP alone is not enough — you must also carry your original domestic license at all times
- Japanese police regularly check licenses at traffic stops. Driving without proper documentation is a criminal offense
4. Bicycle Fines Are Now Serious
Japan updated its Road Traffic Act in November 2024, introducing strict new penalties for bicycle violations. This directly affects tourists who rent bicycles in Kyoto, Tokyo, or other cities. Using your phone while cycling, running a red light, or riding while intoxicated can now result in fines up to 1,000,000 yen (approximately $6,500 USD) or even imprisonment.
Key violations to know:
- Using a phone while cyclingUp to 1 year imprisonment or 300,000 yen fine
- Cycling under the influenceUp to 5 years imprisonment or 1,000,000 yen fine
- Running a red light3 months imprisonment or 50,000 yen fine
- Riding with earphones/headphonesSubject to local prefecture ordinances, fines vary
- Helmets are an effort obligation for all cyclists, including children — strongly recommended, but there is no fine
- Browse all 15 violation categoriesBicycle Fine Calculator
5. Tax-Free Shopping Has New Rules
Foreign tourists can save the 10% consumption tax (8% on food and drinks) by shopping tax-free. The current system exempts tax at the register, but starting November 2026, Japan is transitioning to an airport refund model where you pay full price and claim the refund when departing.
Key facts:
- Minimum purchase5,000 yen per store per day
- You must show your passport at the time of purchase
- Until October 31, 2026, consumables (food, cosmetics) must stay sealed until you leave Japan; the sealing rule ends with the new system
- From November 1, 2026Pay tax at the store; Customs confirms export at departure (within 90 days of purchase) and the store refunds you
- Calculate your potential savingsTax Refund Calculator
- Full guideJapan Tax-Free Shopping Guide 2026
6. Cash Is Still King in Many Places
Japan has been modernizing its payment systems rapidly, but cash remains essential in many situations. While Tokyo and Osaka convenience stores, train stations, and major retailers accept IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) and credit cards, many smaller establishments are cash-only:
- Small restaurants and izakayas (especially outside Tokyo and Osaka) often accept cash only
- Street food vendors, market stalls, and some temple shops are cash-only
- Some budget hotels and ryokans prefer cash
- Taxi drivers in rural areas may not accept cards
- Tip: 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept international Visa/Mastercard for cash withdrawals. Other ATMs often reject foreign cards
- Carry at least 10,000-20,000 yen in cash as a baseline, more if traveling outside major cities
7. Learn These 5 Essential Japanese Phrases
Most Japanese people speak limited English, especially outside major tourist areas. These five phrases will cover 80% of your daily interactions:
8. Emergency Numbers and Resources
Japan has different emergency numbers than most Western countries. Save these in your phone before your trip:
- 110Police (警察 / keisatsu). For crimes, accidents, and emergencies. English support is available through interpreter services
- 119Fire and Ambulance (消防 / shoubou). For fires and medical emergencies. State your location and the nature of the emergency
- #7119Medical Consultation Hotline. For non-emergency medical questions — helps you decide if you need an ambulance or can visit a clinic. Available in English in Tokyo and some other cities
- 03-5321-3906Himawari Medical Info Service (Tokyo). English-speaking staff help you find an appropriate hospital or clinic
- 1-010-813-5321-3906AMDA International Medical Information Center. Multilingual medical consultation for foreigners in Japan
- Koban (交番) — Police boxes. Found near every major train station. Officers can help with directions, lost property, and minor emergencies. Look for the red light outside
- Your country's embassy or consulateRegister with your embassy before traveling for emergency assistance
9. If Japan Is One Stop of a Longer Asia Trip, Check Each Border Separately
Plenty of first-time visitors pair Japan with a second country — most often China or South Korea, both of which are short flights from Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka. The mistake is assuming the homework you did for Japan carries over. It does not. Medication rules, driving permits, allergen labeling, and entry paperwork are set country by country, and the answers frequently differ.
The one that catches people out most often is routing. China's 240-hour visa-free transit scheme requires you to arrive from one country and depart to a different one — so Japan → China → home works, but Japan → China → back to Japan does not qualify. If you book the return leg first and check the rule second, you can end up needing a full tourist visa you did not plan for.
- Re-check medications for every country on your route, not just Japan — Medication Import Checker
- Your Japanese-language allergy card is useless outside Japan — plan separate communication for each country
- Full guide to the China leg: Adding China to Your Japan Trip
- Check your passport against China's current entry rules — China visa requirements checker
10. Use TravelSafe Japan to Prepare
You do not need to memorize everything in this guide. TravelSafe Japan provides free tools for each of these concerns:
- Allergy Communication Card — generate a bilingual card to show restaurant staff - Japan Visa Checker — check whether your passport needs a visa - Medication Import Checker — verify if your medications are allowed in Japan - International Driving Permit Checker — check if your license is valid for driving in Japan - Bicycle Fine Calculator — understand the new cycling laws and penalties - Tax Refund Calculator — estimate your tax savings on purchases - Hotel Tax Calculator — work out the accommodation tax for each city on your route - Visit Japan Web Guide — complete the digital entry form before you fly
All tools are free to use.
Sources
- Consumer Affairs Agency — Food allergy labelling (Japanese)9 mandatory and 20 recommended allergens (as of April 2026)
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan1-month prescription / 2-month OTC / 1-month self-injection / 24 external-use items without paperwork
- Narcotics Control Department — Application guidance for travelersStimulants banned; narcotics permit 14+ days ahead; psychotropics over the limit need a doctor’s certificate
- National Police Agency — Blue ticket system for bicycle violations (leaflet)Blue tickets from April 1, 2026 for cyclists aged 16+; main fine amounts
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government — Bicycle blue ticket system (Japanese)113 violation types; warnings first; paying at a bank or post office within 7 days; fake-police warning; pavements, headphones, helmets
- National Tax Agency — Overview of the tax-free refund method (from November 1, 2026)Refund method, 90-day export window, abolished sealing and consumables cap
Sources checked: September 24, 2026
Researched and fact-checked by the TravelSafe Japan team against the sources above. AI tools helped with drafting; every rule, number and date was checked by an editor. General information, not legal or medical advice. Spotted an error? Tell us · How we verify