Japan - What to expect in Japan?

Hello all, I am traveling to Japan for the first time with my friend. We are both female college students. I am nervous because I don't know what to expect!!

The trip is:
- leave LAX on Asiana Airlines (connect in Seoul)
- arrive at KIX
- spend 2 days in Kyoto
- Shinkansen to Tokyo
- 4 days in Tokyo
- Leave NRT to LAX

I guess my questions are:
1) how are customs at KIX? Should I be prepared for a lot of questions?

2) is a carry on enough for 6 days in Japan?

3) As far as medicines, what is and isn't allowed? Are acetaminophen and ibuprofen allowed? It seems that medicine including pseudoephidrine or other "stimulants" isn't allowed (e.g. Sudafed, Vicks Inhalers), however if I bring the Sudafed that doesn't have pseudoephedrine (it has Phenylephrine HCl), is it going to be an issue because it still says Sudafed on the front?

4) is the weather that cold in Kyoto and Tokyo? I have jackets, layers, wool socks, boots etc but people are telling me it is going to be unbelievably cold. Does it snow in January?

Thanks for any help and sorry for the possibly ridiculous questions...

Hello all, I am traveling to Japan for the first time with my friend. We are both female college students. I am nervous because I don't know what to expect!!

The trip is:
- leave LAX on Asiana Airlines (connect in Seoul)
- arrive at KIX
- spend 2 days in Kyoto
- Shinkansen to Tokyo
- 4 days in Tokyo
- Leave NRT to LAX

I guess my questions are:
1) how are customs at KIX? Should I be prepared for a lot of questions?

2) is a carry on enough for 6 days in Japan?

3) As far as medicines, what is and isn't allowed? Are acetaminophen and ibuprofen allowed? It seems that medicine including pseudoephidrine or other "stimulants" isn't allowed (e.g. Sudafed, Vicks Inhalers), however if I bring the Sudafed that doesn't have pseudoephedrine (it has Phenylephrine HCl), is it going to be an issue because it still says Sudafed on the front?

4) is the weather that cold in Kyoto and Tokyo? I have jackets, layers, wool socks, boots etc but people are telling me it is going to be unbelievably cold. Does it snow in January?

Thanks for any help and sorry for the possibly ridiculous questions...
I won't be the one to provide an exhaustive list of what pharmaceuticals aren't/are allowed. You're aware that pseudoephedrine isn't permitted and are considering taking a version of sudafed that contains Phenylephrine HCl instead. In the very unlikely event that your medicines are queried this seems like an entirely sensible explanation to me. Worse that can happen is that it gets confiscated and that you'll need to go to a chemist and get a Japanese decongestant for the week. I can't really see that happening though.
I'm not one to take pills and potions around with me and the only medicine I've taken in Japan has been what I've purchased there. I'm more likely to bring back cough sweets from Japan than take anything with me. If you're that bunged up whilst you're there you can show your cultural sensitivity by wearing a surgical mask (the tip from guidebooks about blowing your nose being taboo is baloney, just show the same restraint you'd like others blowing their nose in your proximity to show towards you).

I've never used KIX just Nagoya and Narita. The level of questioning has always felt appropriate, search dogs are common so I would resist the urge to take explosives and recreational narcotics or drugs that don't conform to an expected amount for a 6 day trip. Only time I felt the questioning was intrusive was past Customs one time when I was helping out a gormless ex workmate of my husband who happened to be on the same flight as me, because of her I ended up hanging around the airport much longer than I usually would.

Too cold in January?

It might snow, then again it might not. The biggest dilemma is which shoes to pack. Something sensible that can deal with icy slush but that you can take off easily as shoes need to be removed in a great many places. Watch out with synthetic clothes as the air is dry and static shocks are common at this time of the year. And take clean pairs of socks everywhere in case the ones you're wearing get wet or smelly. (Oh yes, most deodorant in Japan is ineffectual, don't forget to pack some)

Carry on only? You could but you'd need to stay away from mountainous rural areas. I've been to Mt Takao on the outskirts of Tokyo on New Years day where it started off fine only to snow a great deal while we were up there. And we'd thought all those people in heavy hiking gear were over dressed on the way up, we realised we were horribly under dressed on the way down. So, no. If you want to venture out of the cities, carry on only isn't enough.

Hello all, I am traveling to Japan for the first time with my friend. We are both female college students. I am nervous because I don't know what to expect!!

The trip is:
- leave LAX on Asiana Airlines (connect in Seoul)
- arrive at KIX
- spend 2 days in Kyoto
- Shinkansen to Tokyo
- 4 days in Tokyo
- Leave NRT to LAX

I guess my questions are:
1) how are customs at KIX? Should I be prepared for a lot of questions?

2) is a carry on enough for 6 days in Japan?

3) As far as medicines, what is and isn't allowed? Are acetaminophen and ibuprofen allowed? It seems that medicine including pseudoephidrine or other "stimulants" isn't allowed (e.g. Sudafed, Vicks Inhalers), however if I bring the Sudafed that doesn't have pseudoephedrine (it has Phenylephrine HCl), is it going to be an issue because it still says Sudafed on the front?

4) is the weather that cold in Kyoto and Tokyo? I have jackets, layers, wool socks, boots etc but people are telling me it is going to be unbelievably cold. Does it snow in January?

Thanks for any help and sorry for the possibly ridiculous questions...

Re: #1

IME, Immigration and Customs are on par with other places in the region so you probably won't have any issue beyond the normal processes. However, on one trip, one of my friends got the business from both Immigration and Customs. We figured that it might be related to the fact that he is Korean but we have no proof of that. That instance only added about 20 minutes to our journey.

Re: #2

I had only a carry-on for 15 days in Japan though it wasn't weighed down by souvenirs and jackets or extra shoes. I had to do laundry half-way through but that wasn't an issue for me.

Re: #3

Can't help you there but I suspect that Japan has something OTC for your ailments that would suit your needs.

Re: #4

It can snow but you should be fine with your normal winter garb unless you just can't handle the chill. I went to Hokkaido 2 years ago and there were Japanese women in mini skirts and heels on snow-covered streets. It all depends on your comfort level. Living in SoCal probably won't help you in that regard, so you may be wise to have and not need than need and not have.

Highs in both Kyoto and Tokyo are likely to be in the 40s Fahrenheit, with snow possible but not likely. (It snows only every few years.)

For a Minnesotan like me, this means a wool coat or a lightly padded jacket, a hat for windy days, and lightweight leather gloves. No snowshoes, ski pants, face masks, or other Arctic survival gear required. I don't switch to my next level of warmth unless the high for the day is below about 20°F (-5°C). Daytime highs of less than 0°F (That's about -20°C--yes, it happens in Minnesota) require a whole new level of gear, but I can guarantee that you will not find such temperatures in either Kyoto or Tokyo.

My one piece of advice is to wear thick socks. You have to take off your shoes to go inside temples, and I once made the mistake of wearing thin socks to visit a temple in February. I was chilled through and could not warm up until I got into the bath that evening.

Highs in both Kyoto and Tokyo are likely to be in the 40s Fahrenheit, with snow possible but not likely. (It snows only every few years.)
That's not been my experience.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6407771.stm
2007 was an oddity (and it did actually snow in parts of Tokyo that year) and I think the snow may have come late in 2009, but "snow only every few years" doesn't seem to be correct, not for Tokyo.

That's not been my experience.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6407771.stm
2007 was an oddity (and it did actually snow in parts of Tokyo that year) and I think the snow may have come late in 2009, but "snow only every few years" doesn't seem to be correct, not for Tokyo.

Perhaps "snow that accumulates every few years" is more accurate. Most snowfall in Tokyo melts on contact with the ground, and the snow that does stick almost all melts within two days.

1) how are customs at KIX? Should I be prepared for a lot of questions?

2) is a carry on enough for 6 days in Japan?

3) As far as medicines, what is and isn't allowed? Are acetaminophen and ibuprofen allowed? It seems that medicine including pseudoephidrine or other "stimulants" isn't allowed (e.g. Sudafed, Vicks Inhalers), however if I bring the Sudafed that doesn't have pseudoephedrine (it has Phenylephrine HCl), is it going to be an issue because it still says Sudafed on the front?

4) is the weather that cold in Kyoto and Tokyo? I have jackets, layers, wool socks, boots etc but people are telling me it is going to be unbelievably cold. Does it snow in January?

(1) Customs is generally pretty easy. The only major caveat is their broad definition of stimulants and narcotics, which you have already apparently heard about.

I have only been stopped at customs once, and that was coming in from a few days in China with a small bag, which I guess might have triggered a smuggling profile somehow. I have never been stopped when coming in from the US.

One of my co-workers came back from South Africa carrying several pounds of meat and was stopped -- the customs inspector looked at the meat inside the suitcase, asked "Is this food?" and after he said "Yes," waved him right through. :p

(2) Probably OK if you're sticking to cities. You should have no trouble finding extra clothes, etc. if necessary, though it may be a challenge if you are particularly tall or big-boned.

(3) Given the fact that it could trip you up at customs, and that the public rules are not very clear, I wouldn't bring any potentially troublesome medication to Japan unless you need it in order to survive. Based on what I have read online, you CAN get deported or even end up in jail for possession of the wrong kind of Sudafed -- and if you have a cold or another condition, you can get OTC medicine from a drug store when you get here. That said, Tylenol is definitely OK (they sell it here, same brand name and everything).

(4) Comments on weather above are generally spot on. Kyoto is a bit colder and snowier than Tokyo IME. One thing to keep in mind is that you'll want warm inner wear as well as warm outer wear, because Japanese buildings can often have really crappy insulation.

I never take more than a rollaboard plus a small laptop backpack for up to 3 weeks in Japan. To make that work, I book at least one hotel during the trip that has a coin laundry on site. For 6 days, I'd think you could rinse out a few things in the sink if no laundromat is available. The one kicker here is that you are traveling in the dead of winter and will likely need heavier clothing. Check hotels for laundry facilities and plan on a laundry night and you will be fine.

In addition to prescription meds, I always take small quantities of cold-related OTC medications and have never been questioned. Perhaps I just look trustworthy but in many trips to Japan, I have never even had my luggage opened for inspection. They just wave me through. Of course, I look like someone's grandfather and it might be a bit different for college aged girls but probably not much. However it goes, they will be polite. Expect more unpleasantness from the US folks when you return.

It will likely be colder in Kyoto than Tokyo but neither will be arctic. Whoever has been telling you "unbelievably cold" has been exaggerating.

Re: #1

IME, Immigration and Customs are on par with other places in the region so you probably won't have any issue beyond the normal processes. However, on one trip, one of my friends got the business from both Immigration and Customs. We figured that it might be related to the fact that he is Korean but we have no proof of that. That instance only added about 20 minutes to our journey.

Re: #4

It can snow but you should be fine with your normal winter garb unless you just can't handle the chill. I went to Hokkaido 2 years ago and there were Japanese women in mini skirts and heels on snow-covered streets. It all depends on your comfort level. Living in SoCal probably won't help you in that regard, so you may be wise to have and not need than need and not have.

Thank you for the responses! Yes, being from SoCal my idea of "cold" is 60 degrees, so it might be better to pack a little more and not need it rather than have the opposite situation...



My one piece of advice is to wear thick socks. You have to take off your shoes to go inside temples, and I once made the mistake of wearing thin socks to visit a temple in February. I was chilled through and could not warm up until I got into the bath that evening.

I bought some thicker boot socks and some wool blend socks, so thanks for this advice! I didn't think about removing shoes in the temple.

(1) Customs is generally pretty easy. The only major caveat is their broad definition of stimulants and narcotics, which you have already apparently heard about.

I have only been stopped at customs once, and that was coming in from a few days in China with a small bag, which I guess might have triggered a smuggling profile somehow. I have never been stopped when coming in from the US.

One of my co-workers came back from South Africa carrying several pounds of meat and was stopped -- the customs inspector looked at the meat inside the suitcase, asked "Is this food?" and after he said "Yes," waved him right through. :p

(2) Probably OK if you're sticking to cities. You should have no trouble finding extra clothes, etc. if necessary, though it may be a challenge if you are particularly tall or big-boned.

(3) Given the fact that it could trip you up at customs, and that the public rules are not very clear, I wouldn't bring any potentially troublesome medication to Japan unless you need it in order to survive. Based on what I have read online, you CAN get deported or even end up in jail for possession of the wrong kind of Sudafed -- and if you have a cold or another condition, you can get OTC medicine from a drug store when you get here. That said, Tylenol is definitely OK (they sell it here, same brand name and everything).

(4) Comments on weather above are generally spot on. Kyoto is a bit colder and snowier than Tokyo IME. One thing to keep in mind is that you'll want warm inner wear as well as warm outer wear, because Japanese buildings can often have really crappy insulation.

Thank you for all these tips. I can get by without cold OTC, I just like to bring it "just in case." I definitely do need to bring my allergy medicine, which is basically just chlorpheniramine maleate and Phenylephrine HCl, hopefully neither of those substances are illegal.

I never take more than a rollaboard plus a small laptop backpack for up to 3 weeks in Japan. To make that work, I book at least one hotel during the trip that has a coin laundry on site. For 6 days, I'd think you could rinse out a few things in the sink if no laundromat is available. The one kicker here is that you are traveling in the dead of winter and will likely need heavier clothing. Check hotels for laundry facilities and plan on a laundry night and you will be fine.

In addition to prescription meds, I always take small quantities of cold-related OTC medications and have never been questioned. Perhaps I just look trustworthy but in many trips to Japan, I have never even had my luggage opened for inspection. They just wave me through. Of course, I look like someone's grandfather and it might be a bit different for college aged girls but probably not much. However it goes, they will be polite. Expect more unpleasantness from the US folks when you return.

It will likely be colder in Kyoto than Tokyo but neither will be arctic. Whoever has been telling you "unbelievably cold" has been exaggerating.

Thanks! The hotel we are staying at in Tokyo does in fact have a laundry on site.

Being college aged girls, that was my concern. I read somewhere else that this fits a "drug profile" that they may be looking for which is why I was/am concerned about customs.

To summarize, what I am planning on taking in terms of medicine:
- Tylenol
- Allergy medicine (generic Sudafed, which has phenylephrine HCl and chlorpheniramine maleate)
- either Airborne or Emergen-C

Hopefully none of these are anything that would trigger customs!

Heck, I've bought 200mg Ibuprofen tablets over the counter at drugstores in Tokyo. Can't imagine it's banned anymore, if it ever was.

If you dress nicely, probably no bags will be opened at all.

better to pack a little more and not need it rather than have the opposite situation...


Seems like a sensible plan. However, if you do find yourself in need of an extra layer, it's not as if you're half way up a mountain without some vital kit. You can get thermals, fleece etc. quite inexpensively at any Uniqlo store in the places you're planning to visit.

Heck, I've bought 200mg Ibuprofen tablets over the counter at drugstores in Tokyo. Can't imagine it's banned anymore, if it ever was.

If you dress nicely, probably no bags will be opened at all.

Thanks. I do dress fairly nicely so hopefully it will not be an issue. The hotel we are staying at in Tokyo has a convenience store located at the bottom, I don't know if these sorts of medicines are available there or if I have to go to a dedicated pharmacy/drugstore.

Seems like a sensible plan. However, if you do find yourself in need of an extra layer, it's not as if you're half way up a mountain without some vital kit. You can get thermals, fleece etc. quite inexpensively at any Uniqlo store in the places you're planning to visit.

Thanks for this suggestion!

The hotel we are staying at in Tokyo has a convenience store located at the bottom, I don't know if these sorts of medicines are available there
Some convenience stores now offer a limited selection of drugs and dietary supplements but there are pharmacies all over the place that offer a full range of medicines and many of them open late.

I get stopped by customs often when I didn't go through NRT. That includes KIX. But that probably has something to do with me being male travelling alone, and coming from SE Asia.

The customs people were extremely(or shockingly) polite and courteous, on par with Japanese department store clerks.

I was asked politely (as opposed to a challenging tone in other countries) "Is it OK if we X-ray your suitcase?". Can I really decline? Things were removed from the suitcase, X-rayed, then items meticulously re-packed by the officer. Compare that to Canadian Customs, where the law says it's the traveler's own responsibility to re-pack.

I was asked to take off my shoes. A chair and a shoe horn were provided, and I got to stand on a nice floor mat. Very Japanese.

Granted, that was al done in public view.

Can I really decline?
If you want to know for sure, you could try this phrase: "Nin i desuka?"

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-medimport.html

You may want to refer to this. There is a partial ban on OTC medications; prescription medication is mostly okay.

Here's the Japanese ministry's side:
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/import/index.html

If you want to be 100% sure, I suggest calling an embassy or consulate (either the one here in DC or NY). They're here to help out with these sorts of things as well.

General tip as a former SoCal guy who has lived on the east coast for many years- layers are key. If you have a long sleeved shirt, pullover or zip-up fleece and a coat, scarf, and gloves- then you can put on and take off layers as needed. The gloves can go in coat pockets and the scarf can be worn over the back of the neck or shoved in a pocket, and the fleece can go around the waist. That should keep you comfortable in a wide range of temperatures when you are out and about. Thermal or long underwear might work for you, but it depends what your baseline comfort is when you end up in a warm room.

Yes this is obvious to cold-weather people, but SoCal people don't always know these things!

Yeah I'm planning on doing the whole layers thing. Hopefully that way I can also get away with just one 20" carry on (fingers crossed).

Thank you for the list. I just worry about bringing something in that isn't allowed or doing something "wrong." I don't want to cause any drama and am a bit wary of the Japanese penal system where they can hold you without actually charging you for a crime. It sounds kind of ridiculous but while others have anxiety over flying and whatnot... this is my anxiety! :(

You can definitely do this with a carry on only if you're used to packing light. I'm very cold-blooded (and have Raynaud's syndrome on top of that, so really can't bear to get cold) and have traveled in winter in Japan, even into areas with a great deal more snow and colder temperatures than Tokyo and Kyoto.

Wear your coat onto the plane. Mine is a very light Lands End knee length down coat that double as a blanket on the plane, or can be crumpled into a lumbar support.

Consider ear muffs instead of a hat---I find that my head gets too hot if I'm walking outside with a hat. I use 180s, the sort that wrap around your head from behind.

Long underwear very handy. No more than two sets, as you can rinse them out and let them dry overnight. Lots of Japanese hotels have washing machines as well, and they're often free. You can wear them under your kimono if you stay at ryokan.

Consider bringing a pair of soft footies to slip on over your regular socks in case you tour a museum or castle for which you cannot wear shoes. They often supply slippers, but I find them difficult to keep on my feet, especially if I have to climb stairs.

Waterproof shoes/boots (mine are actually dressy, made of Goretex, from Ara) that DO NOT need to be laced. Easy on and off makes it much, much easier to get around.

Chemical toe warmers are a great option for winter touring.

The secret to getting really, really warm in Japan is to visit an onsen, or use the ofuro before you go to bed at night. You'll be warm all the way through, and you'll sleep like a baby.

OP is touring Kyoto and Tokyo, not the Korakoram range. Big cities, warm subways, warm hotels.

I entered Japan about 8 times this year... the first time (very first visa ticket) I got stopped and asked a few questions by customs, followed by a cursory inspection. second time got one question and they leaned across and just patted the back of the wheelie bag (I'm guessing to test it might have been concealing something). the rest of the times were ok... they just looked at the previous entry stamps and I was on my way.

about visit 7 I got asked 'why are you coming to Japan so much'... I explained I was doing a visa run and they were fine and I was on my way.

talking with other people it does seem common that they will do a 'please open your bag', especially it seems if this is your first visit (this is Tokyo only, can't speak for other). they move around a few clothes and test the lining of the bags, but they didn't go into my toilety kit or anything like that.

my Japanese friends were particularly keen to point out the restrictions on sudafed etc... they reminded me almost every time.

that being said... over the counter medications are VERY expensive in Japan. I had a headache one day and a packet of 8 Tylenol equivalent was about 600 yen from one of those huge chemitst/drug store places. you'd pay 99c in the states. so if you think you are going to need them, stock up before you go!

make sure too you have all the details of your address for the first stop in Japan, I have had some particularly fastidious immigration officers who were not just content with the name of the hotel, but needed the phone number as well! when i asked them 'where will I get the number from now?' he told me to look it up on my computer. I explained I didn't have a 3G card and he told me to use my phone to call someone to ask. I didn't have a sim either and so he told me to 'go back to the plane and ask to use a crew members phone'. (I'm like thinking... how am I supposed to even get back to the plane?)

I went to the chief immigration officer in the booth and asked to use his phone... and he just shrugged and said 'go to this guy here... he'll let you in'! (which he did!)

I have had that same fussy issue about not putting the hotel phone number and full address down...I mean I put the exact name of the hotel and location (big chain hotel)...it could not be that hard for someone to find it...and let's not even mention that I would be there only 1 night out of the whole trip.

Only once was I asked why do I come to Japan so many times...I said yes I do, but my son (who was with me) has never been. Quick smile, and that was it.

it snows in Kyoto... not so much in the city of Kyoto.

Yeah I'm planning on doing the whole layers thing. Hopefully that way I can also get away with just one 20" carry on (fingers crossed).
:(

For 6 days, you'll be fine with that size. As others have mentioned, to save space in your bag you can always board the plane wearing the layers of clothing and then remove them as necessary for comfort. Ditto for traveling between cities.

Yet another suggestion when space is at a premium is this: http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Carry-on-Coat.shtml#ReviewHeader

Whether you want to spend that money or not is up to you but it is an option. Their gear is quite versatile and I didn't think I would like it as much as I have.

I would pack your bag like you were leaving and see what your limitations are since you may not even need much space. My bag fits 6 days of clothing with no problems. Then again, most women whom I know tend to have quite a few accoutrements which take up bag space quickly. YMMV

Thanks for all the suggestions! I will keep all of them in mind.

One more question for anyone still following this thread: on the disembarkation card, should I write the addresses of both places I am staying at? I am staying at one place in Kyoto, and another place in Tokyo, obviously.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I will keep all of them in mind.

One more question for anyone still following this thread: on the disembarkation card, should I write the addresses of both places I am staying at? I am staying at one place in Kyoto, and another place in Tokyo, obviously.

Just the first place is fine. The arrival form is fairly crowded, lots of info and boxes doe you t check. I missed the 'M/F' gender box on like visit 7! (IIRC its on the right hand side somewhere...). I got told off for not filling it in! (by now I was used to this sort of pedantic behaviour and just smiled and apologised profusely... the officer actually smiled and filled it in for me... yeah I know... big deal... but another one might have actually handed the form back and got you to tick it yourself...)

All that being said, immigration in Japan is very quick and baggage always arrives pretty quickly as well (at least in Tokyo). They are very switched on and in Narita for example they know when the last train is so they always have the staff and procedures in place to make sure everyone makes that last train... (provided I guess your flight is not severely delayed or anything...)

Immigration and customs is not too bad in Japan. Even me as a male student travelling alone got through that without any big problems. I had to open my suitcase at customs and the officer just took a brief look before I was waved into Japan. I had my usual set of painkillers (Paracetomol) and some Imodium in case of stomach problems. At immigration I got the usual set of questions of why I had came to Japan etc, but nothing more than that. I arrived into NRT from ICN on a United airlines flight btw returning on LX to ZRH.

In fact the most fuss on that trip was at checkin in ICN, they firmly thought I needed a visa to Japan (which as a Norwegian citizen I don't need up to 90 days) and it was back and forth with phone calls etc to figure it out, but apart from that I enjoyed my trip. Immigration and customs in South Korea is even better than in Japan, got through with no questions asked. :)

You're worried about the wrong things. Japanese customs/immigration is very lax.... just don't take recreational drugs/narcotics. I've been through hundred of times and never been asked to open a bag. Once I had a 3'x3'x3' foot cardboard box. They asked what was in it. I told them I didn't know (it was a present), they just said "OK" and waived me through. For the address, you can put anything.... Disneyland, Imperial Palace, Prime Minister's Residence, whatever. If you're worried about OTC drugs, you can put them in an aspirin bottle or just tell them you'll die without the drugs if they hassle you. They'll back down. Just be polite.

Tokyo is great. You'll have a great time.

Thank you for all the reassurance! It makes me feel a lot better... I don't know why - I've never had any issues at immigration/customs - but that's the part that always makes me the most nervous.

You're worried about the wrong things. Japanese customs/immigration is very lax.... just don't take recreational drugs/narcotics. I've been through hundred of times and never been asked to open a bag. Once I had a 3'x3'x3' foot cardboard box. They asked what was in it. I told them I didn't know (it was a present), they just said "OK" and waived me through. For the address, you can put anything.... Disneyland, Imperial Palace, Prime Minister's Residence, whatever. If you're worried about OTC drugs, you can put them in an aspirin bottle or just tell them you'll die without the drugs if they hassle you. They'll back down. Just be polite.

Tokyo is great. You'll have a great time.
While I agree that the OP is worrying unnecessarily, I have to disagree with just about all of the above advice.

When entering any country (and Japan is no exception) it's a very bad idea to put a wrong address on a form (even if it's obviously a joke) or to try to disguise one drug as another. If customs officials take an interest in you , then look at your documents and find that you've "falsified information", then open your bag and find pills that don't look like Tylenol in a Tylenol bottle ... you will find yourself having to explain it all. If, in addition to this, it transpires that your medication is not allowed in Japan, you may find that you're perceived as a deliberate criminal rather than an innocent traveler who just didn't know the rules.

Surely it's less trouble just to write the address and phone number of your hotel for the first night in the country and leave your medications in their normal packaging?

While I agree that the OP is worrying unnecessarily, I have to disagree with just about all of the above advice.



I think 5khours was just joking!! :D

there is no way anyone these days would be so silly as to carry a package on a plane for which they had no idea of the contents... nor would anyone advocate such disrespect for another country as to advise you can give false information on a legal document such as a landing card! :)

the Japanese are not stupid people, you should apply the same protocols with them as you would entering the USA.

I think 5khours was just joking!!
I missed that.

nor would anyone advocate such disrespect for another country as to advise you can give false information on a legal document such as a landing card!
Hmm. I've got no opinion about whether it shows disrespect ... I just know that if you're caught in a lie, customs agents, immigration agents, LEOs etc. can be hard to reason with.

I missed that.


Hmm. I've got no opinion about whether it shows disrespect ... I just know that if you're caught in a lie, customs agents, immigration agents, LEOs etc. can be hard to reason with.

if 5k wasn't joking then to say it's ok to lie on a Japanese immigration form, when they would never do the same thing on an American form (not that 5k said that explicitly... but no one would!!) shows racist disrespect.

if 5k wasn't joking then to say it's ok to lie on a Japanese immigration form, when they would never do the same thing on an American form (not that 5k said that explicitly... but no one would!!) shows racist disrespect.

*breaking out the popcorn*

... not stupid people, you should apply the same protocols with them as you would entering the USA.
You obviously have not had much contact with our DHS.

Let me clarify a few things.

1) Yes I was serious.

2) I wouldn't advise acting similarly in the U.S. Working for the DHS requires the lowest IQ of any job which allows you to carry a gun.

3) No, you will not get in trouble doing this unless you have dark colored skin or come from a poor country.

4) Japan has a long history (which continues) of official racism and disrespect for civil liberties, which if it didn't exist would make me more likely to adhere more closely to the rules.

5) Unthinking bureaucracies which abuse individual rights should be resisted.

6) The customs and immigration forms for Japan are ambiguous. They don't specifically ask for "your" address: just an address. On the immigration form the Japanese and English descriptions are different: address in English, contact point in Japanese. Who's to say that you won't stop by the Prime Minister's house to check for messages?

7) I put Aleve and Claritin pills in an Advil bottle all the time. How is this lying? As I said, you won't get in trouble unless you are from a "lesser" race or nation, in which case they will nail you for bringing in Crest toothpaste (which BTW is also illegal in Japan).

8) No, I am not a racist.

Well ... If you're advising people on how to resist unthinking bureaucracies, it's probably a good idea to let them know that's what the advice is for.

6) The customs and immigration forms for Japan are ambiguous. They don't specifically ask for "your" address: just an address. On the immigration form the Japanese and English descriptions are different: address in English, contact point in Japanese. Who's to say that you won't stop by the Prime Minister's house to check for messages?

Sorry, but this argument doesn't pass the "straight face" test. If a form says "address," you know damned well that it is asking for YOUR address, not the Prime Minister's.

And as you also alluded to above, you have practically no civil liberties when dealing with immigration people, so good luck in trying to argue that you were just being light-hearted about the process when they decide to detain and deport you.

Sorry, but this argument doesn't pass the "straight face" test. If a form says "address," you know damned well that it is asking for YOUR address, not the Prime Minister's.

And as you also alluded to above, you have practically no civil liberties when dealing with immigration people, so good luck in trying to argue that you were just being light-hearted about the process when they decide to detain and deport you.

L, in which case they will nail you for bringing in Crest toothpaste (which BTW is also illegal in Japan).

.

What is the problem with Crest Toothpaste?

Sorry, but this argument doesn't pass the "straight face" test. If a form says "address," you know damned well that it is asking for YOUR address, not the Prime Minister's.

And as you also alluded to above, you have practically no civil liberties when dealing with immigration people, so good luck in trying to argue that you were just being light-hearted about the process when they decide to detain and deport you.

Ok - Maybe the PM's residence is a little over the top, but I'm pretty sure you could get away with it. The first reaction would be that they thought you were serious and would be afraid to question you. If they did question you, and you could answer with a straight face, they'd buy it. I've left it blank, or put unknown or undecided a bunch of times. Usually they don't say anything, if they do, you just repeat what you've written and they waive you through.

Seriously, the only time I've had a problem with immigration was with an ex-Congressman who I was picking up who didn't have a visa (back in the old days), and last year when I had a slovenly, slow and extremely disrespectful immigration officer.

And actually you do have quite a few civil liberties with immigration. There have been some serious problems and the Japanese authorities are extremely sensitive to bad PR.

What is the problem with Crest Toothpaste?

Info may be outdated, but it contains (contained?) an ingredient that was not on the list of Japanese officially approved food additives.....(probably Cesium-137 or something like that).

Most American toothpaste also has a slightly higher fluoride level than the Japanese legal limit, but I don't think that (or having an unapproved additive) would make possession or importation illegal. You just couldn't resell it here.

Ephedrine and codeine, on the other hand, are viewed as narcotics and banned under drug possession laws.

3) No, you will not get in trouble doing this unless you have dark colored skin or come from a poor country.

4) Japan has a long history (which continues) of official racism and disrespect for civil liberties, which if it didn't exist would make me more likely to adhere more closely to the rules.



Well I am a U.S. citizen (by birth) but I my ethnic background is East-Indian. :confused: This does not help my anxiety! :p

Not really sure what to do about the toothpaste thing as I clearly need toothpaste. I have a travel size Colgate.

Well I am a U.S. citizen (by birth) but I my ethnic background is East-Indian. :confused: This does not help my anxiety! :p

Not really sure what to do about the toothpaste thing as I clearly need toothpaste. I have a travel size Colgate.

In all seriousness... toothpaste is fine :)

the advice about immigration and customs forms was just FYI... to make a note to have all the information with you, including a telephone number. some officers can be a little over zealous.

that being said... there really is nothing to be cocerned about :) they are on the whole straight forward.

In all seriousness... toothpaste is fine :)
And they do sell toothpaste in Japan! :)

Seriously, if you're coming over to Japan to experience the culture, why would you pass up the chance to sample the local toothpaste?

(and most hotels in Japan will supply you with toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, pajamas, hair dryer, all that good stuff...)

Well I am a U.S. citizen (by birth) but I my ethnic background is East-Indian. :confused: This does not help my anxiety! :p

Not really sure what to do about the toothpaste thing as I clearly need toothpaste. I have a travel size Colgate.

Just keep your passport in your pocket and you'll be fine. Honestly, the Japanese are very hospitable and very friendly to foreigners, you'll have a really great time. No need to worry at all.

I do the Colgate thing too and have never had any trouble at all, but I did get a cavity two years ago.:D

I agree that you will be treated well regardless of your ethnicity, so don't sweat that part. Just avoid blatantly illegal activity, like lying to the authorities, and you should be totally fine.

I've been through hundred of times and never been asked to open a bag.

It all depends on the person but I, and pretty much everyone else I know who lives in Japan have had their bags searched numerous times.

One immigration guy looked quite surprised when I told him he could eat the cookies he insisted on opening up and going through (I clearly told him it was a tin full of cookies I was going to give as a present before he opened it up).

I'm going to echo the majority (indeed unanimous) opinion here and say: don't worry!

I've been through Japanese immigration dozens of times over the past few years and never had any of the customs inspectors open my luggage. Stick away from the obviously illegal things and you'll be perfectly fine; anything "normal" that is technically against the rules would, at worst, simply be confiscated.

In 99.9% of cases, the name of your hotel and its phone number should be sufficient on the immigration card. Sometimes the immigration officer might want to see the full address, so you should have it accessible, but this is, in my experience, a very unlikely scenario. Like some of the other posters, I've occasionally left it blank for various reasons, and this has never prompted anything but simple questioning on my plans.

For reference, I'm a 22-year-old white male with a US passport, often arriving not from the US but from elsewhere in Asia... not the "safest" demographic nor the most suspicious. It may help that am fluent in Japanese and generally use Japanese when communicating with the officers, but I honestly don't feel that this plays much of a role.

Relax and enjoy your trip—there's no need to freak out so much over immigration officials, and you'll almost surely find that the ones you encounter in Japan are far friendlier than those you meet in the US upon your return! :p

I just want to say thank you (again) to those who have responded with kind and reassuring words! I tend to snowball my little anxieties... so of course one vague mention of race or something like that had me googling all these scary scenarios. :o

We leave on the 10th so hopefully this will be a fun and exciting trip! :)

I just want to say thank you (again) to those who have responded with kind and reassuring words! I tend to snowball my little anxieties... so of course one vague mention of race or something like that had me googling all these scary scenarios. :o

We leave on the 10th so hopefully this will be a fun and exciting trip! :)

You'll have a great time. Send us a trip report when you get back.