Sorry to resurrect a 2 1/2+ year old thread, but I wanted to share a recent (May 09) shore pass experience with all.

Traveling MIA-LAX-NRT-HKG, and wanted to spend two nights in Tokyo area. I am US citizen but my travel buddy is Venezuelan citizen with US green card. Although I should have researched this well in advance, as I had for HKG, the extra nights in Japan were a last minute decision and change to ticket. We were assured by AA that we were (he was) OK to TWOV (Transit without Visa). I hit the web and wanted a hotel as close as possible to the NEX, so not really knowing the greater Tokyo area very well, I chose the Sheraton Yokahama.

Upon arrival at NRT, (and seeing Sheraton Yokahama on our arrival cards) we're informed that my friend is not eligible for a shore pass because Yokahama is outside the permissible prefectures for shore passes. At this point I was livid, and those of you that have dealt with Japanese immigration officers know that between their lack of ability to communicate in English (alright, my inability to communicate in Japanese) and their desire to abide by the letter of the law, being livid doesn't really help. So AA changed us to the first flight out the next day and we were granted a shore pass and stayed at the Mercure hotel one train stop away in Narita.

To make a long story less long, I realize this was all my fault. Yes, I do admit to turning into the ugly American in the immigration area claiming 'You're not serious? How can this be, Yokahama's only 20-30 minutes more by train?' For that I am sorry.

From: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/02.html

"II. C. (a) Permission for Landing at Port of Call

Special dispensation, called a shore pass, may be granted to foreign passengers aboard an airplane or ship that is proceeding to another destination via Japan who wish to enter Japan temporarily for shopping or rest. A shore pass permits such foreigners to enter Japan as long as they remain in the vicinity of their port of call (in principle, the municipality in which the port of call is located) and for a period of less than 72 hours."

So here's my question for anyone that knows: Is there a legal definition of 'vicinity of their port of call' or 'municipality in which their port of call is located' in terms of miles/kms? Or is it totally discretionary to to immigration officer?

Thanks.