What Is Visit Japan Web?
Visit Japan Web is the Japanese government’s official online arrival service for international travelers.
It replaces many of the paper forms that travelers previously completed after arriving at Japanese airports and allows visitors to complete several arrival procedures before boarding their flight, including:
- Immigration information
- Customs declaration
- Trip registration
After completing your registration, you’ll receive QR codes that can be presented when arriving in Japan.
Many travelers complete the entire process before leaving home, making airport procedures faster and easier than filling out paper forms after landing.
One important point to remember is that Visit Japan Web is a website—not a smartphone app.
You simply create an account using your web browser on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Do You Need to Use Visit Japan Web?
Many travelers ask whether Visit Japan Web is mandatory.
The short answer is no—but using it is strongly recommended for most international visitors.
You can still complete immigration and customs procedures by filling out paper forms after arriving in Japan.
However, almost every first-time visitor will benefit from registering in advance.
Using Visit Japan Web allows you to:
- Complete your information before departure
- Receive QR codes for immigration and customs
- Reduce paperwork at the airport
- Save time after landing
If you’re traveling during busy seasons such as cherry blossom season, Golden Week, or the autumn holidays, using Visit Japan Web can make your arrival noticeably smoother.
For most travelers, spending a few minutes registering before departure is well worth the effort.
Before You Start
Preparing your registration only takes a few minutes if you have the necessary information ready.
Before creating your account, make sure you have:
- Your passport
- Your flight information
- Your accommodation address in Japan
- An email address
- A smartphone or computer with internet access
If you’re staying at multiple hotels, you only need to enter the accommodation where you’ll stay after arriving in Japan.
Preparing these details in advance helps you complete the registration quickly and reduces the chance of making mistakes.
Once everything is ready, creating your account and registering your trip usually takes only a few minutes.
Planning your first trip to Japan? Before completing Visit Japan Web, make sure you’ve prepared everything for your journey.
→A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors to Japan
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
Before you can register your trip, you’ll need to create a Visit Japan Web account.
To get started, prepare:
- A valid email address
- A secure password
- Access to your email for verification
After creating your account, sign in to begin the registration process.
We recommend creating your account several days before your flight. This gives you plenty of time to complete the required information without feeling rushed.
After signing in, you’ll register your personal information.
This includes:
- Your passport information
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Name
- Basic personal details
The easiest method is to scan your passport using your smartphone’s camera. Visit Japan Web will automatically read most of the information for you.
If scanning doesn’t work, don’t worry—you can also enter the information manually.
Registering Your Passport
Your passport is the most important document in Visit Japan Web.
Be sure that:
- Your passport is valid.
- The information matches your passport exactly.
- Your passport number is entered correctly.
Even a small typing mistake could delay the immigration process.
Optional: Basic Information
Visit Japan Web also allows you to register additional personal information, such as your occupation and country of residence.
Although this section is optional, completing it is highly recommended.
The information you enter here can be automatically reused later when completing your immigration and customs declaration, saving time and reducing the chance of errors.
You only need to register this information once. If you visit Japan again in the future, much of it can be reused.
Next, you’ll register the details of your upcoming trip to Japan.
This creates your trip record and links it to your immigration and customs procedures.
You’ll be asked to provide information such as:
- Your arrival date
- Flight number
- Arrival airport
- Airline
- Accommodation in Japan
- Length of stay
Your accommodation can be:
- A hotel
- A vacation rental
- An Airbnb
- A friend’s house
- Any other place where you’ll stay
If you’ve saved accommodation information previously, Visit Japan Web allows you to reuse it instead of entering it again.
This information connects your trip with the immigration and customs procedures you’ll complete in the next step.
After registering your trip, you’ll complete the procedures required for entering Japan.
For most international visitors, this includes two sections:
Immigration
You’ll answer the questions normally found on the paper immigration card.
Since much of your personal information has already been registered, many fields are filled in automatically.
Customs Declaration
You’ll also complete Japan’s customs declaration online.
Typical questions include:
- Are you bringing prohibited items?
- Are you carrying large amounts of cash?
- Do you have commercial goods to declare?
Many leisure travelers answer “No” to these questions, but always answer truthfully based on your own situation.
Because your passport and personal information were registered in Step 2, this part is usually much faster than completing a traditional paper form.
Completing Immigration and Customs before your flight means you can simply show your QR code after landing instead of filling out paper forms at the airport.
After arriving, you’ll also need to travel from the airport to your accommodation.
→ How to Use IC Cards in Japan
→ How to Use Trains and Subways in Japan
→ How to Pay for Train Travel in Japan
→ How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets in Japan
→ How to Use Taxis in Japan
When you arrive in Japan, simply log in to Visit Japan Web and display the appropriate QR code when instructed.
You’ll first present your Immigration QR code, followed by your Customs QR code.
Airport staff and clear signs will guide you through each checkpoint, making the process straightforward even for first-time visitors.
After Completing Visit Japan Web
Once you’ve finished the registration, your arrival in Japan becomes much smoother.
Most travelers complete immigration and customs in only a few minutes by showing their QR codes.
Instead of filling out paper forms after a long flight,
you can head directly toward your first adventure in Japan.
With the arrival formalities behind you, you’re ready to begin exploring Japan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although Visit Japan Web is easy to use, a few mistakes are surprisingly common.
Before your flight, make sure you have:
- Checked that your passport number is correct.
- Registered the correct arrival flight.
- Saved screenshots of both QR codes.
- Confirmed your accommodation address.
- Logged in successfully before leaving for the airport.
A few minutes of preparation before departure can prevent unnecessary stress after arriving in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register after arriving in Japan?
Yes, but it’s much easier to complete your registration before departure.
Visit Japan Web is designed to help travelers prepare their immigration and customs information in advance, reducing paperwork after landing. Registering before your flight allows you to arrive with your QR codes already prepared.
Do children need to be registered?
Yes.
Children traveling with you should also be included in your Visit Japan Web registration.
The official website explains how to add family members to your account during the registration process.
What if I change my hotel or flight?
You can edit most of your trip information before arriving in Japan.
If your flight number or accommodation changes, simply log in to Visit Japan Web and update your trip details before departure.
What happens if my phone battery dies?
Although your QR codes are stored in your account, it’s a good idea to prepare a backup.
Before leaving for the airport, consider:
- Taking screenshots of both QR codes
- Saving them on another device
- Printing a paper copy if you prefer
Having a backup can save time if your phone battery runs low or you experience internet connectivity issues.
Is Visit Japan Web available in English?
Yes.
The website supports English and several other languages, making it straightforward for most international visitors to complete the registration process.
Travel With Confidence
Preparing for your first trip to Japan can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with unfamiliar arrival procedures.
Fortunately, Visit Japan Web makes the process much simpler than many travelers expect.
By completing your immigration and customs registration before departure, you’ll spend less time filling out paperwork and more time enjoying the start of your journey.
Combined with Japan’s excellent transportation system and well-organized airports, arriving in Japan is usually smooth and stress-free.
A few minutes of preparation before your flight can make a noticeable difference once you land.
Once you’ve completed Visit Japan Web, you can focus on what really matters—enjoying your journey through Japan.
Related Guides
Now that you’re ready to enter Japan, the next step is learning how to travel around the country with confidence.
Whether you’re taking your first train, using an IC card, or heading to your hotel from the airport, these guides will help you travel confidently throughout Japan.
These guides will help you make the most of your visit to Japan.
Planning Your Trip to Japan
- A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors to Japan
- Visit Japan Web: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
- What to Expect on Your First Trip to Japan
- Best Time to Visit Japan: A Season-by-Season Guide
- Is Japan Safe for Foreign Travelers?
- Japanese Etiquette Every Visitor Should Know
Language and Communication
Transportation
- How to Use Trains and Subways in Japan
- How to Use IC Cards in Japan
- How to Pay for Train Travel in Japan
- How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets in Japan
- How to Use Taxis in Japan
