Originally Posted by
llngoc
Thanks for all the response. Somehow ChatGPT and Gemini both were giving me the impression that there is automated gateway for visitors now. BTW, last April when I was there, we need to wait in the same line with everyone even we had the QR code and then got to the machine to scan in the QR code. While everyone else just moved past us, is it still the same "odd" arrangement? I saw some immigration counters with sign stating they were for pre-registered visitor but they were all closed.
AFAIK the newest NEC kiosks are only installed in HND T2/T3, KIX T1, and NRT T3, and they became fully operational in April after an earlier trial period at HND T2, so you may have missed them depending on exactly where and when you entered. FUK is supposed to get them by year end and NRT T1/T2 are supposed to get them by next March.
There are fully automated "walkthrough" gates for Japanese nationals, but foreigners have to get passport stamps after using the kiosks (though there is supposed to be a faster line for this).