Japanese Customs and Immigration — What to Expect on Arrival (2026)
Arriving in Japan goes smoothly when you know what to expect at customs and immigration. It goes badly when you don’t. Here’s a clear walkthrough of the entire arrival process so there are no surprises. One gap to plan for before you even land: Japan’s national health insurance (NHI) doesn’t start the moment you land — enrollment happens after you register your address at city hall, which can take a few weeks. If anything happens in that window, or if you’re still shuttling between countries while your visa paperwork finalizes, you’re not covered. ...