Japan
Japan travel guide for New Zealanders
New Zealanders do not need a visa for Japan for stays up to 90 days. Fly from Auckland to Tokyo (about 11 hours), carry a passport valid for the whole stay, and budget around NZ$250–350 per day. Check the latest entry rules before you go.
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Key facts
- Visa required
- No, for tourism stays up to 90 days
- Passport validity
- Valid for the entire stay
- Currency
- Yen (JPY); cash still needed in small places
- Plugs
- Types A and B, 100 V (50 Hz east, 60 Hz west)
- Tipping
- None; a tip can be refused
- Emergency numbers
- 110 police · 119 fire and ambulance
Quick answer
New Zealanders do not need a visa to enter Japan for tourism, business visits or short stays of up to 90 days. Enter as a visa‑exempt visitor; the 90‑day period starts on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for the whole stay and you should have a return or onward ticket. Check the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SafeTravel before you fly.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders
New Zealand passport holders receive visa‑free entry for up to 90 days for tourism, visiting family or short business trips. No ETA or pre‑application is needed.
At immigration have your passport, a return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation ready; officers may ask for them.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Visa | Not required for stays up to 90 days |
| Passport validity | Valid for the whole stay |
| Return or onward ticket | Required |
| Proof of accommodation | Recommended |
Confirm with the Japanese embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel.
New Zealand embassy in Japan
The New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo provides consular assistance, lost passport help and emergencies. Address: 20‑40 Kamiyama‑cho, Shibuya‑ku, Tokyo 151‑8566.
For urgent after‑hours help, call the embassy or the MFAT 24‑hour emergency line in Wellington. Visa questions are handled by the Japanese embassy in Wellington.
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Embassy, Tokyo | 20‑40 Kamiyama‑cho, Shibuya‑ku, Tokyo 151‑8566 |
| MFAT 24‑hour emergency line | NZ: 0800 432 111; overseas: +64 4 439 8000 |
| Japanese Embassy, Wellington | Level 15, 111 The Terrace, Wellington 6011 |
Verify phone numbers and addresses before travel.
Costs in New Zealand dollars
A typical Japan trip costs about NZ$250–350 per day per person, covering accommodation, meals, transport and some activities.
Flights Auckland‑Tokyo are NZ$1,200–2,000 return (season‑dependent). A 7‑day Japan Rail Pass is NZ$450–500 but often only pays off with multiple long‑distance trips.
| Item | Estimated cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Return flight Auckland–Tokyo | 1,200–2,000 (2026 estimate) |
| Budget daily budget | 150–250 (2026 estimate) |
| Mid‑range daily budget | 250–400 (2026 estimate) |
| 7‑day Japan Rail Pass | 450–500 (2026 estimate) |
Prices vary with season and booking time.
Flights from New Zealand
Direct Auckland–Tokyo flights (Narita or Haneda) take about 11 hours. Airlines include Air New Zealand and ANA.
Christchurch or Wellington routes connect via Auckland or an Australian hub, totalling 14–16 hours including layover.
| Route | Typical flight time |
|---|---|
| Auckland–Tokyo (direct) | About 11 hours |
| Christchurch–Tokyo (via Auckland/Aus) | 14–16 hours |
| Wellington–Tokyo (via Auckland/Aus) | 14–16 hours |
Plugs and electricity
Japan uses Type A and B plugs, the same flat two‑pin shape as New Zealand, but voltage is 100 V. Check that chargers accept 100‑240 V.
Frequency is 50 Hz in eastern Japan and 60 Hz in western Japan; this only affects some clocks and appliances.
Tipping in Japan
Tipping is not practised; service is included in the bill at restaurants, hotels and taxis. A tip can be refused or cause confusion.
If you wish to thank staff, a polite thank‑you is sufficient.
Emergency numbers
Call 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance. Operators may speak limited English; say “English, please” for an interpreter.
Register your trip with SafeTravel (safetravel.govt.nz) so the NZ government can contact you in a crisis.
FAQ
Sources
Questions people ask
Do New Zealanders need a visa for Japan?
No. New Zealand passport holders can enter Japan visa‑free for up to 90 days for tourism, business visits or family visits. A return or onward ticket is required.
How much does a trip to Japan cost in NZD?
Budget about NZ$250–350 per day for one person (accommodation, meals, transport). Return flights Auckland‑Tokyo cost NZ$1,200–2,000. A 7‑day Japan Rail Pass is NZ$450–500.
Where is the nearest New Zealand embassy in Japan?
The New Zealand Embassy is in Tokyo, 20‑40 Kamiyama‑cho, Shibuya‑ku, Tokyo 151‑8566. For emergencies call the embassy or the MFAT 24‑hour line in Wellington.
What plug adapter do I need for Japan?
Japan uses Type A and B plugs, the same shape as New Zealand. Voltage is 100 V, so check your charger supports 100‑240 V; an adapter may be useful for some devices.
Are there any tipping customs in Japan?
Tipping is not expected and can be refused. Service is included in the bill. If you wish to thank staff, a polite thank‑you is sufficient.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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