Live updates on visa rules, scam alerts, customs changes, and safety notices. Updated as news breaks.
Japan's International Tourist Tax ("Sayonara Tax") rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person for anyone leaving the country by air or sea on or after July 1, 2026.
Source: Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Nagano Prefecture (plus Matsumoto, Karuizawa, Achi and Hakuba), along with Kumamoto City and Miyazaki City, began charging new per-night lodging taxes on hotel and ryokan stays starting June 2026.
Source: Japan Tourism Agency / regional governments
ADHD medications including Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin are classified as controlled substances in Japan and are illegal to bring — even with a prescription.
Source: Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Japan's online visa application system expanded in September 2025 to cover nationalities that previously had to visit embassies in person.
Source: Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japan's consumption tax refund system for tourists is now entirely digital. Physical passport presentation is mandatory — no copies or photos accepted.
Source: Japan Tax Agency
Updates added as news breaks. Report a scam or rule change →