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Basic guidance and information about Japan
Here are some helpful links about visiting Japan: these are particularly useful if this is your first visit to Japan.
Airport access tips
Japan has multiple international and local airports across the islands. Please find links below to help you with planning access to and from the airport you will be flying in and out of.
Airport procedures
Information about the departure and arrival procedures at the airports around Tokyo.
Narita International Airport: Information on departure and arrival procedures
Haneda Airport International Terminal: International Departure Procedures
Entering Japan
Visas
To make sure you are able to enter and stay in Japan without any trouble, please check here for visa information for foreign nationals, including application procedures. Visa exemptions depend on nationality, regions and period of stay.
Often you will not require a visa for short-term stays of less than 90 days. However, we recommend checking whether you will require a visa for a short-term stay.
Do I need a visa?
For those who need a visa to enter and stay in Japan
Countries or Regions that require a visa to enter Japan and the information on the application
Applying for a visa in your country or region
List of Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Mission
Accommodation
Here are some tips to find the right place to stay during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.
TOKYO AND BEYOND 2020
The ultimate guide for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, provided by JNTO.
Widen your research
Japan has a wide range of accommodation options, from traditional ryokan to modern Western-style hotels. Each has unique advantages, allowing you to choose what best fits your needs. Explore the links below to find out more about different types of accommodation available:
Be an early bird
Start looking for accommodation now. Early research will give you a valuable head start. If your top choices have not yet opened reservations for the Games period, you may have the opportunity to be first in line. Make sure to check back regularly on your preferred options for the latest information.
Look beyond Tokyo
Discover the hidden treasures surrounding Tokyo. With 35 million people living in the greater Tokyo area, these areas are as well connected and lively as the centre of the capital. Moreover, they may be closer to the sports competitions you will attend as some will take place in neighbouring cities or prefectures.
To help you decide where you might like to stay, check out these maps of where the venues are.
We hope this advice will not only allow you to find accommodation during Tokyo 2020 but also help you find the right place for you.
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) provides helpful information about accommodation, as well as information about things to see and do in Japan.
Check the links below to start your research.
Websites of the Tokyo 2020 Official Partners
Demand is expected to increase as Games-time approaches. We would like to encourage you to make a reservation as early as possible.
While there are many ways to find accommodation, here are some recommended choices on the websites of Tokyo 2020's Worldwide Olympic Partner and Paralympic Official Partner, Airbnb, Inc. and Tokyo 2020's Official Partners, KNT-CT Holdings Co. Ltd. (KNT), JTB Corp. and Tobu Top Tours Co. Ltd.
Check the links below to start your research.
Attention!
Some accommodation facilities may begin taking reservations around one year to six months prior to the Games.
Reservation start dates will vary depending on the facility, type of accommodation and travel agency.
Please carefully check the information provided by your accommodation.
With the enforcement of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) on 25 May 2018, the website of KNT cannot accept reservations from EU residents.
* The product category for Airbnb, Inc. is: Unique Accommodation and Experiences.
* The product category for KNT, JTB Corp. and Tobu Top Tours Co. Ltd. is: Travel Agency and National Trip Hospitality Services.
Transportation
Japan has a great transport system, making travel between cities convenient. Please check here for help with planning travel to your destination of choice.
Tips
- Please give yourself plenty of time when travelling to a venue. Transport and local areas will be very busy during the Games.
- IC Travel Cards (Suica/PASMO etc.) make it possible to use public transport smoothly and conveniently.
- Please note that we may ask you to use alternative routes or stations during the Games.
- Please check our website for further information closer to the Games.
- Please use public transport to travel to venues.
- If you're travelling long distance, the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) is convenient as it covers many of the key areas in Japan.
Rail Pass
- The Rail Pass is available for people who come to Japan for sightseeing.
- This is a convenient and economical way to travel across Japan.
- As there are several types of ticket, see which one suits your needs the best.
Shinkansen Ticket
- Reservations can be made from one month prior to the date of use.
- As weekends and holidays will be especially crowded and even fully booked, make sure to give yourself ample time to make your reservation.
- For further information, please check here.
Climate and weather advice
Please check the following link for helpful Information about weather and the geography in Japan.
Summer in Japan is expected to be very hot and humid!
You will need to plan appropriately for a trip to Japan in summer, so here are some top tips about staying cool in the hot weather.
Assistance dogs
Travelling to the Games with an assistance dog? Please see the information below.
＊Those who applied for 2020 will need to follow the application process for the year 2021.
Need help in Japan?
Guide for when you need medical treatment
If you require medical treatment whilst you are in Japan you may find the following link helpful. This includes information regarding institutions providing multi-lingual support, and information about how to see a doctor in Japan.
Medical institutions with multilingual support and guidebook for using medical institutions
Information about the Consumer Hotline for Tourists
The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan provides the Consumer Hotline for Tourists. This hotline offers telephone consultation for overseas visitors to Japan, to use if they experience consumer issues while visiting the country.
Feel free to call this hotline if you encounter consumer issues involving stores, restaurants, bars, transportation or accommodation during your visit.
Note: "Consumer Hotline for Tourists" handles consumer issues only. It cannot provide tourist information or answer questions related to lost items, accidents, illness or injury.
Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(closed weekends, national holidays, and Dec. 29 - Jan. 3)
03-5449-0906
*Standard call rates to the call centre will apply.
Chinese, English, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter Japan.