Japan's New Tourist Rules Changed Everything (What You MUST Know Before Flying)

Summary

Japan has implemented major travel changes in 2025 that travelers must understand before their trip. These include a pre-clearance system for faster immigration, an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for 71 countries, changes to Shinkansen seating policies during peak periods, and an overhaul of the tax refund process. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, book Shinkansen tickets in advance, and familiarize themselves with the updated rules to avoid surprises. With the right preparation, your Japan trip can be smooth, efficient, and stress-free. The video aims to help travelers navigate these changes and enjoy their visit to Japan with ease.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japan has introduced a pre-clearance system that allows travelers to complete immigration procedures before boarding their flight, but it's currently only available to travelers from Taiwan.
• 😀 The pre-clearance system requires travelers to register on the Visit Japan web portal 72 hours before their flight and upload a photo and necessary details.
• 😀 Japan now requires travelers from 71 visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, and Australia, to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling.
• 😀 ETA application costs around $10 and must be submitted at least 72 hours before departure. The approval email must be kept handy for airport processing.
• 😀 Non-reserved seating on the Shinkansen Tokyo-Osaka route has been reduced, and during busy periods, you must book your tickets in advance to guarantee a seat.
• 😀 To save money on Shinkansen tickets, book 28 days in advance using the Smart EX app, which also allows for linking tickets to Apple Pay or Google Pay via the Welcome Suika app.
• 😀 Japan’s tax refund process will be overhauled by November 2026. There will be no minimum spending requirement, and tax refunds will be processed at the airport before departure.
• 😀 Travelers must arrive 90 minutes earlier than usual at the airport to process their tax refunds and ensure all receipts and passport details are organized.
• 😀 To avoid large crowds and high prices, avoid traveling during peak periods such as Golden Week, New Year holidays, and summer vacation. Instead, consider visiting during off-peak times like early April or mid to late May.
• 😀 To navigate crowded tourist spots, consider visiting in the early morning or late evening when most tour groups have left, and explore less crowded destinations like Hokkaido or Okinawa.
• 😀 Proper preparation is key to a smooth Japan trip in 2025—register for pre-clearance, apply for the ETA, book Shinkansen tickets early, and plan your visit around less crowded seasons to make your trip enjoyable and stress-free.

Q & A

What is Japan's pre-clarance system, and how does it work?

The pre-clarance system allows travelers to complete immigration procedures before boarding their flights to Japan. Travelers must register on the Visit Japan web portal at least 72 hours before departure, providing details like passport information, flight details, accommodation plans, and a clear photo. After completing registration, travelers receive a QR code for faster processing at Japan’s immigration. Currently, only travelers from Taiwan are eligible for this system, but Japan plans to expand it to more countries throughout 2025.

What is the electronic travel authorization (ETA), and who needs it?

The ETA is a new travel authorization system introduced by Japan for travelers from 71 visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, and most European nations. Travelers must apply for the ETA at least 72 hours before their flight for a fee of about $10. Once approved, they receive an email confirmation. This must be shown at the airport or upon arrival in Japan, and it is separate from the pre-clarance registration.

How have Shinkansen ticketing rules changed in 2025?

In 2025, non-reserved seating on the Shinkansen’s Tokyo-Osaka route has been reduced by 85 seats per train. During peak periods such as Golden Week, summer holidays, and New Year's, non-reserved seating is eliminated entirely. To guarantee a seat during these busy times, travelers must book tickets in advance. Booking through the Smart EX app can also help save money, with discounts of up to 4,000 yen for round-trip tickets.

What new features does the Welcome Suika app offer for international travelers?

The Welcome Suika app allows international travelers to link their Shinkansen tickets to Apple Pay or Google Pay for easy access. It’s valid for up to 180 days, which is an improvement over previous options, and can be used for all transportation needs while in Japan.

What are the changes to Japan's tax refund process starting November 2026?

Starting in November 2026, Japan’s tax refund system will be overhauled. There will be no minimum spending requirement for tax-free purchases, and no maximum refund limit, allowing refunds on smaller purchases. However, travelers must arrive at least 90 minutes earlier than usual to process their tax refund at the airport and organize their receipts by purchase date.

What are the peak travel periods in Japan to avoid, and why?

Peak travel periods to avoid in Japan include late March (fiscal year transition), late April to early May (Golden Week), June to early July (rainy season), August (summer vacation), late September (Silver Week), and late December to early January (New Year holidays). During these times, crowds are large, transportation and accommodation prices skyrocket, and the Shinkansen imposes special fees and eliminates non-reserved seating.

What are the best times to visit Japan to avoid crowds?

The best times to visit Japan are early April, when cherry blossoms are in bloom without the crowds of Golden Week, mid to late May for pleasant weather after Golden Week, and October to November for comfortable weather and beautiful autumn foliage. Visiting during these periods helps you avoid crowds and enjoy Japan’s natural beauty.

How can tourists minimize the impact of Japan’s busy travel periods?

Tourists can minimize the impact of Japan’s busy travel periods by visiting less crowded regions like Hokkaido during the rainy season or Okinawa in late June to early July, when the rainy season ends earlier. Additionally, visiting popular tourist spots early in the morning or later in the evening, when most tour groups have left, can help avoid large crowds.

What steps should travelers take to prepare for a smooth trip to Japan in 2025?

Travelers should check if they’re eligible for the pre-clarance system and complete Visit Japan web registration at least 72 hours before departure. They should also apply for the electronic travel authorization (ETA) if necessary, book Shinkansen tickets in advance, download the Welcome Suika app for easy transportation, plan to visit Japan during less crowded periods, and arrive 90 minutes earlier for tax refund processing.

What is the key takeaway for travelers planning a trip to Japan in 2025?

The key takeaway for travelers planning a trip to Japan in 2025 is that preparation is more crucial than ever. With new entry rules like the pre-clarance system, mandatory ETA, revamped Shinkansen ticketing, and changes to the tax refund process, planning ahead will ensure a smoother, more efficient, and stress-free travel experience.