First Time in Japan: 10 Safety and Compliance Tips Every Tourist Needs

Quick Answer: Japan Is Safe, But Has Unique Rules

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists — violent crime is rare, public transport is reliable, and people are genuinely helpful. However, Japan has a set of unique rules and regulations that can catch first-time visitors off guard. Some common medications are illegal to bring into Japan. Your international driver's license may not be valid. Bicycle fines were dramatically increased in 2024. Food allergen labeling follows a completely different system than Western countries. And the tax-free shopping system is changing in 2026. This guide covers the 10 most important things every first-time visitor needs to know, with links to tools that help you check each one before you fly.

1. Food Allergies Are Harder to Manage Than You Think

Japan has a world-class allergen labeling system with 28 regulated allergens — far more comprehensive than the US (9) or EU (14). But the labels are entirely in Japanese, and restaurants are not required to provide allergen menus. Hidden ingredients like dashi (fish stock) appear in almost everything, including seemingly vegetarian dishes.

What to do before your trip:

• Use the food label scanner to practice reading Japanese allergen labels — [Scan a Label Now](/)
• Generate a bilingual allergy communication card to show at restaurants — the card is in Japanese and English so staff understand your needs immediately
• Check chain restaurant allergen data before you go — [Chain Restaurant Allergen Search](/tools/restaurant)
• Read: [How to Read Japanese Food Allergy Labels](/articles/japan-allergy-labels)
• Read: [Hidden Allergens in Popular Japanese Dishes](/articles/hidden-allergens-japanese-food)

2. Some Medications Are Illegal in Japan

This catches many travelers by surprise. Japan bans or strictly controls medications that are perfectly legal in other countries. Pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed and many cold medicines) is banned as a stimulant precursor. Codeine-containing painkillers require advance permission. ADHD medications like Adderall (amphetamine) are completely prohibited — bringing them into Japan is a criminal offense that can result in detention and deportation.

The rules depend on the specific compound, dosage, and quantity:

• Check your specific medications before packing — [Medication Import Checker](/tools/medication)
• If you take prescription medications, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) from the Ministry of Health at least 2 weeks before travel
• Over-the-counter medications with pseudoephedrine (many cold/sinus medicines) must be left at home
• Bring a doctor's letter in English for any prescription medications you carry
• Japan Customs takes this seriously — declarations are checked, and violations can lead to arrest

3. Your Driver's License Probably Needs Extra Steps

An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention is valid in Japan — but only if your country is a signatory. If you're from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Taiwan, or Monaco, your standard IDP is NOT accepted. These countries need a separate Japanese translation document (JAF translation) instead.

Many tourists discover this at the car rental counter and lose their reservation:

• Check your country's driving eligibility instantly — [International Driving Permit Checker](/tools/idp)
• If you need a JAF translation, arrange it BEFORE arriving in Japan (some countries allow advance application, others require you to get it in Japan)
• US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: your standard 1949 IDP is valid — get it from your automobile association before departure
• An IDP alone is not enough — you must also carry your original domestic license at all times
• Japanese police regularly check licenses at traffic stops. Driving without proper documentation is a criminal offense

4. Bicycle Fines Are Now Serious

Japan updated its Road Traffic Act in November 2024, introducing strict new penalties for bicycle violations. This directly affects tourists who rent bicycles in Kyoto, Tokyo, or other cities. Using your phone while cycling, running a red light, or riding while intoxicated can now result in fines up to 1,000,000 yen (approximately $6,500 USD) or even imprisonment.

Key violations to know:

• Using a phone while cycling: up to 1 year imprisonment or 300,000 yen fine
• Cycling under the influence: up to 5 years imprisonment or 1,000,000 yen fine
• Running a red light: 3 months imprisonment or 50,000 yen fine
• Riding with earphones/headphones: subject to local prefecture ordinances, fines vary
• No helmet law for adults, but strongly recommended (mandatory for children under 13)
• Browse all 15 violation categories — [Bicycle Fine Calculator](/tools/bicycle)

5. Tax-Free Shopping Has New Rules

Foreign tourists can save 10% on purchases by shopping tax-free. The current system exempts tax at the register, but starting November 2026, Japan is transitioning to an airport refund model where you pay full price and claim the refund when departing.

Key facts:

• Minimum purchase: 5,000 yen per store per day
• You must show your passport at the time of purchase
• Consumables (food, cosmetics) must stay sealed until you leave Japan
• After November 2026: pay tax at the store, get refund at the airport
• Calculate your potential savings — [Tax Refund Calculator](/tools/tax-refund)
• Full guide: [Japan Tax-Free Shopping Guide 2026](/articles/japan-tax-free-shopping-2026)

6. Cash Is Still King in Many Places

Japan has been modernizing its payment systems rapidly, but cash remains essential in many situations. While Tokyo and Osaka convenience stores, train stations, and major retailers accept IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) and credit cards, many smaller establishments are cash-only:

• Small restaurants and izakayas (especially outside Tokyo and Osaka) often accept cash only
• Street food vendors, market stalls, and some temple shops are cash-only
• Some budget hotels and ryokans prefer cash
• Taxi drivers in rural areas may not accept cards
• Tip: 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept international Visa/Mastercard for cash withdrawals. Other ATMs often reject foreign cards
• Carry at least 10,000-20,000 yen in cash as a baseline, more if traveling outside major cities

7. Learn These 5 Essential Japanese Phrases

Most Japanese people speak limited English, especially outside major tourist areas. These five phrases will cover 80% of your daily interactions:

8. Emergency Numbers and Resources

Japan has different emergency numbers than most Western countries. Save these in your phone before your trip:

• 110 — Police (警察 / keisatsu). For crimes, accidents, and emergencies. English support is available through interpreter services
• 119 — Fire and Ambulance (消防 / shoubou). For fires and medical emergencies. State your location and the nature of the emergency
• #7119 — Medical Consultation Hotline. For non-emergency medical questions — helps you decide if you need an ambulance or can visit a clinic. Available in English in Tokyo and some other cities
• 03-5321-3906 — Himawari Medical Info Service (Tokyo). English-speaking staff help you find an appropriate hospital or clinic
• 1-010-813-5321-3906 — AMDA International Medical Information Center. Multilingual medical consultation for foreigners in Japan
• Koban (交番) — Police boxes. Found near every major train station. Officers can help with directions, lost property, and minor emergencies. Look for the red light outside
• Your country's embassy or consulate — register with your embassy before traveling for emergency assistance

9. Use TravelSafe Japan to Prepare

You do not need to memorize everything in this guide. TravelSafe Japan provides free tools that check each of these concerns instantly:

- [Food Label Scanner](/) — photograph any Japanese food label and get an instant allergen analysis - [Allergy Communication Card](/) — generate a bilingual card to show restaurant staff - [Chain Restaurant Allergen Search](/tools/restaurant) — check allergen data for major restaurant chains - [Medication Import Checker](/tools/medication) — verify if your medications are allowed in Japan - [International Driving Permit Checker](/tools/idp) — check if your license is valid for driving in Japan - [Bicycle Fine Calculator](/tools/bicycle) — understand the new cycling laws and penalties - [Tax Refund Calculator](/tools/tax-refund) — estimate your tax savings on purchases

All tools are free to use. Create an account to unlock unlimited scans, scan history, and personalized trip reports.