Japan

Before committing: build the itinerary around reliable transport, independently chosen venues and a practical natural disaster plan.

Emergency: police 110, ambulance and fire 119. JNTO visitor assistance is 050 3816 2787, or +81 50 3816 2787 from abroad, with Chinese, English and Korean support. Use emergency dispatch first for immediate danger. [S33]

What changes the plan here

Official travel advice warns of extortion, robbery, drink spiking and card fraud in nightlife settings, including Tokyo entertainment districts. Do not follow street touts into bars or let a new acquaintance choose an unverified second venue. The warning is about situations and behaviours, not every establishment in a district. [S34]

For Tokyo and Osaka meetings, keep a verified return route and the accommodation address in Japanese. For Kyoto, a ryokan, a ski resort or a remote holiday property, check reception hours, medical access, transport availability and how a lost phone would affect your return.

Do not assume public transport will still run at the end of an evening. Check actual service times and keep an alternative. Avoid financial decisions after drinking or a long travel day.

Natural hazard preparation

Know the property's earthquake procedure, nearest appropriate evacuation location and coastal tsunami exposure. Save official alerts and offline information. Follow Japan Meteorological Agency and local authority instructions rather than social media speculation. If a tsunami warning applies, use the designated route and do not return for possessions. [S36]

Crypto and legal checks

The Financial Services Agency publishes regulated institution lists, including crypto asset exchange service providers. Check the current list and verify that the provider can lawfully serve your residency and intended transaction. Registration does not remove market, custody or counterparty risk. [S35]

Check medication and controlled substance requirements through Japanese official channels before packing; do not assume an overseas prescription is enough. Confirm identification and immigration obligations for your status. Keep legal compliance separate from informal claims that a particular business “always does it this way.”

Do before arrival: save a Japanese address card, emergency numbers and a transport fallback; confirm medication requirements; and check disaster information for every overnight location.

If a nightlife bill becomes threatening: prioritize safety, seek help from police or a staffed venue when safe and retain receipts or transaction records. Do not treat a dispute as a reason to unlock a wallet for strangers.