Before you go · Tokyo
Tokyo essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 30 October 2026. Entry rules change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
Passports and entry
British citizens are granted a stay of up to 90 days on arrival for tourism or business, with no application before travel; an extension of a further 90 days can be requested at an immigration office. The passport must be valid for the whole stay and have a blank page for the entry stamp (GOV.UK travel advice). Citizens of other countries should check their own government’s advice.
Departure tax and tax-free shopping
Japan’s International Tourist Tax, collected when you leave by air or sea, rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 for departures from 1 July 2026; airlines and ferry operators usually include it in the fare.
From 1 November 2026 tax-free shopping becomes a refund system: you pay the price including consumption tax in the shop, and the tax is refunded once customs has confirmed your purchases when you leave Japan. Purchases at one shop on one day must still reach the minimum amount. Check the Japan Tourism Agency’s page for the latest details.
Money and IC cards
Cards are widely accepted, but some small restaurants and shrines take only cash: carry some yen. An IC card such as Suica or PASMO, bought at a station machine or added to your phone, pays for trains, buses, lockers and many shops. Tipping is not customary.
The seasons
Spring brings the cherry blossom, usually from late March to early April, and autumn the red maples and golden ginkgo of November: both are lovely and busy. June and early July are the rainy season; summer is hot and humid, with typhoons possible from late summer into autumn. Winter is dry and bright, with the clearest views of Mount Fuji.
Customs and etiquette
Keep your voice down on trains and avoid phone calls; queue on platforms; take off your shoes where you see others doing so, and in ryokan and many restaurants. At shrines and temples, follow the signs and ask before photographing indoors. In hot-spring baths, wash first and keep your towel out of the water.
Emergencies and earthquakes
Call 119 for an ambulance or fire and 110 for the police (GOV.UK). The Japan Visitor Hotline, run by the Japan National Tourism Organization, answers in English, Chinese and Korean 24 hours a day on 050-3816-2787 (japan.travel). Japan has frequent earthquakes: learn the safety instructions in your hotel, and follow official alerts. In Kabukichō and Roppongi, ignore street touts and check bar prices before you order. See our health page for hospitals, and travel with insurance that covers medical costs.
Questions and answers
Do British visitors need a visa for Tokyo?
No: British citizens are granted up to 90 days on arrival for tourism (GOV.UK). Other nationalities should check their government’s advice.
What is the emergency number in Japan?
119 for an ambulance or fire, 110 for the police.
How does tax-free shopping work from November 2026?
You pay the full price in the shop and receive the consumption tax back after customs confirms your purchases when you leave Japan.
Which airport is closer to central Tokyo?
Haneda, on Tokyo Bay; Narita is in Chiba, with fast trains to Ueno and Tokyo Station.
Entry rules, taxes and transport change, sometimes at short notice. Check GOV.UK (or your own government’s advice), japan.travel and the Japan Tourism Agency before you travel.