A practical guide for port calls (for cruise passengers from overseas).

Before landing: Landing permit and passport

Upon arriving in Japan on a cruise, you will undergo immigration procedures at the first port of call. Depending on your nationality and the cruise, you may enter the country using your passport, or you may be granted a "shipboard sightseeing shore leave permit" issued to passengers of a designated cruise ship. A shipboard sightseeing shore leave permit is a system that allows you to disembark for sightseeing purposes, on the condition that you return to the ship before departure.

• When disembarking, be sure to carry your cruise card (boarding pass) and any documents that the cruise company has instructed you to carry with you (such as your landing permit or passport).
• You may be asked to show your identity when making tax-free purchases or in case of trouble.
• It's a good idea to take a picture of the photo page of your passport with your smartphone for peace of mind.

Adhere to the return time (all aboard).

• Please be sure to return to the ship by the time indicated in the ship's information (daily program) as "All aboard." Once the departure time arrives, the ship will depart without waiting for passengers.
• In Japan, ports can be quite far from the city center. Considering the last shuttle bus departure time and potential traffic congestion, plan to return to the port at least an hour before departure.
• Please check that your smartphone's clock is set to Japan Standard Time (UTC+9).
• If you anticipate being late, contact the ship's port agent immediately. Contact information is often listed in the ship's daily program or on your cruise card, so be sure to check before disembarking.

Money: Cash, cards, tips

• Tipping is not necessary. It's not customary to tip in restaurants or taxis.
• While more and more stores are accepting credit cards and smartphone payments, some small restaurants, food stalls, local shops, and temple/shrine entrance fees still only accept cash.
• At ATMs in convenience stores and other locations, you can often withdraw Japanese yen using cards issued overseas.
• Sometimes, port terminals don't have currency exchange offices or ATMs. It's a good idea to check if you can exchange currency on board the ship.

Transportation: Shuttle bus, taxi, train

• On days when large ships dock, shuttle buses may operate from the port to the city center or train station. Availability, destinations, and fares vary depending on the port and the ship.
• Taxis are often lined up in front of the port terminal. It's helpful to have a map or address displayed on the screen so you can show the driver your destination in Japanese.
• For trains and buses, IC cards (such as Suica and ICOCA) are convenient. The number of routes where you can pay with a contactless credit card is also increasing.
• The docking locations at each port and access to the towns are as follows:Port of Call GuideWe introduce each port individually.

Communication: Wi-Fi and smartphone

• Free Wi-Fi is sometimes available at port terminals, tourist information centers, and train stations.
• If you plan to use map apps at ports of call, it's a good idea to have an eSIM or mobile data plan that works in Japan.
• Since onboard Wi-Fi is often not free, one option is to use it after arriving at the port.

Shopping and tax exemption (the system will change from November 2026)

• Japan's tax-free system will change to a "refund system" from November 1, 2026. Under this system, you will initially purchase items at a price including consumption tax, and then receive a refund of the consumption tax after your purchase is confirmed by customs upon departure.
• Procedures for those who have disembarked with a ship-based tourist landing permit have also been reviewed. If you wish to shop duty-free, please check the procedures with the store and the cruise company.
• Duty-free shopsJapan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) duty-free shop websiteYou can find it there.

Japanese Manners You Should Know

• There are few trash cans, so please take your trash home with you or use the trash cans at convenience stores or other locations.
• Some hot springs and public baths refuse entry to people with tattoos. It's best to check beforehand.
• It is considered good manners to refrain from making phone calls on trains and buses.
• When taking pictures of temples, shrines, shops, or people, be sure to ask for permission first.
• In Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road. When crossing the road, be careful of cars coming from the right.

Weather, typhoons, earthquakes

• During the summer and autumn months (especially August to October), typhoons can occur, which may result in changes to port calls, shortened port calls, or even cancellations of port calls.
• If you feel a strong tremor near the sea or if a tsunami warning is issued, evacuate to higher ground immediately.
• Free app supervised by the Japan Tourism Agency"Safety tips"You can receive earthquake, tsunami, and weather warnings in multiple languages.

Emergency contact information

110, 119, and 118 can be called free of charge from any phone, including public phones. How to find a hospital when you feel unwell:JNTO's "Guide to What to Do When You Feel Unwell"This may be helpful.

FAQ

Source/Reference Information

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) "Japan Visitor Hotline"
• JNTO "Safety Tips"
• JNTO “Guide for when you are feeling ill”
• Immigration Services Agency, "Materials from the Immigration Policy Consultation Meeting (May 30, 2025)" (Permission for Tourist Landing by Ship)
• National Tax Agency: "Review of the export goods sales venue system to a refund system"
• JNTO “Japan. Tax-free Shop”

Last updated: September 29, 2026. Regulations and contact information are subject to change. Please check the cruise company's information and official sources before departure and disembarkation.