248 destinations shown · Natural Earth boundaries · small states appear as dots. Boundaries are illustrative and do not imply a position on any territorial dispute.

Japan passport

Visa requirements for ordinary passport holders, tourism. Data as of October 14, 2026.

Japan passport holders can travel to 196 destinations without arranging a visa in advance. That is 141 visa-free, 33 with a visa on arrival, and 22 with an electronic travel authorisation. 20 more offer an e-visa; 32 require a visa before you travel. This puts the Japan passport 1st of 199 worldwide.

141 visa-free
33 on arrival
22 eTA
20 e-visa
32 visa required
#1 global rank

Visa-free

141 destinations

Enter on a valid passport, no visa.

Visa on arrival

33 destinations

A visa is issued at the border.

Electronic travel authorisation (eTA)

22 destinations

Quick online approval before departure.

e-Visa

20 destinations

Apply and get approved online before travel.

Visa required in advance

32 destinations

Arrange a visa before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How many countries can Japan passport holders visit visa-free?

196 out of 248 destinations covered, without arranging a visa in advance (visa-free, on arrival, or eTA). 20 more offer an e-visa; 32 require a visa before travel.

Where can Japan passport holders travel without a visa?

The country-by-country list below shows where Japan passport holders can travel visa-free, get a visa on arrival, use an eTA, apply for an e-visa, or need a visa in advance. 196 destinations are currently in the easier-access group.

Do Japan passport holders need a visa?

It depends on the destination. Some destinations are visa-free or offer a visa on arrival or eTA; 20 offer an e-visa, while 32 require a visa before travel. Check the destination-specific entry rule and official authority before departure.

How can I check the latest visa requirements for a Japan passport?

Use the destination list and visa requirement pages on this site as a starting point. The Japan passport data is dated October 14, 2026; rules can change and may depend on nationality, residence, travel purpose, passport validity, or length of stay. Confirm the result with the destination's official immigration authority or consulate.

What is the Japan passport ranked?

1st of 199 passports worldwide, by number of visa-free-or-easier destinations.

What is the best time to visit Japan?

May, August, based on Tokyo's climate normals.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Japan have?

32.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asian mainland, it is bordered to the west by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk in the north, and the East China Sea in the south. The Japanese archipelago consists of four major islands alongside over 14,000 smaller islands. Japan is divided into 47 administrative prefectures and eight traditional regions, and around 75% of its terrain is mountainous and heavily forested, concentrating its agriculture and highly urbanized population along its eastern coastal plains. With a population of almost 123 million as of 2026, it is the world's 11th most populous country. Tokyo is the country's capital and largest city.

CapitalTokyo

RegionEastern Asia

Population123.4M

Area377,930 km²

CurrencyJapanese yen (1 USD ≈ 158.45 JPY)

LanguagesJapanese

Calling code+81

Drives on theleft

TimezoneTokyo (UTC+9)

Nearest airportTokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), 13 km

Emergency number110 / 118 / 119

UNESCO sites32

Income levelHigh income

GDP per capita$35,951 (2025)

Tourist arrivals4.1M (2020)

Climate in Tokyo

Warmest August, coolest January, driest December, sunniest August. Best time to visit: May, August.

Monthly climate normals for Tokyo, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	9.9°C	2.7°C	137mm	193h
February	11.4°C	2.5°C	38mm	248h
March	14°C	5°C	133mm	234h
April	16°C	7.7°C	177mm	281h
May	22.1°C	15.3°C	130mm	258h
June	25.9°C	19.7°C	199mm	239h
July	26.8°C	22.3°C	340mm	127h
August	31.8°C	25.1°C	44mm	372h
September	27.2°C	22.1°C	145mm	209h
October	20.3°C	14°C	240mm	188h
November	17.1°C	8.8°C	39mm	238h
December	11.1°C	2.4°C	20mm	224h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

Japan, known as Nihon or Nippon (日本) in Japanese, is an island nation in East Asia. Its insular character has allowed it to develop a unique and very intricate culture, while its closeness to other ancient East Asian cultures, in particular China, has left lasting influence. Despite belonging to a nation long at war, Japan's people have always placed emphasis on inner balance, tranquility and natural beauty. These traditional values have become increasingly important now that Japan has grown to be one of the world's most densely-populated countries, and its legendary work ethic makes life in its cities quite hectic.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Amami-Ōshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara
Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area
Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration
Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region
Higashi Kairō
Himeji Castle
Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Upcoming public holidays

September 21, 2026敬老の日

September 23, 2026秋分の日

October 12, 2026スポーツの日

Full source list on About.