Planning Your Trip#

When to Visit#

I like early spring, just before the cherry blossoms arrive. The weather is nice and cool, and the crowds aren’t yet at their peak. Summer is super hot and humid, plus the rainy season puts a damper on things. I’d like to try a fall trip next time, just for the change of scenery.

Visa & Entry Requirements#

Japan does require Americans to get a visa before arriving.

You can do all of the customs paperwork in advance on Visit Japan Web before you go. https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001 The web form will produce a QR code at the end - screencap it on your phone before you leave, as the part of the airport where you’ll need it has terrible cell reception.

If you’re bringing any perscription medications with you, find out if they’re allowed. There are many drugs that are allowed here with a perscription that are just straight-up banned in Japan, including many ADHD medications. You must complete the paperwork before departing, on the Japanese Ministry of Health’s website: https://impconf.mhlw.go.jp/about_en.htm

It’s quite the pain in the neck, so I hope you can just not bring anything on the ban list with you.