Returning to Japan: Embarkation and Disembarkation

Returning to Japan can be an exciting yet stressful experience when it comes to ensuring you have all the necessary documents and arrangements in place, especially if you’re leaving for an extended stay abroad.

Understanding the requirements for both departing Japan and re-entering smoothly is essential.

From filling out necessary immigration forms at the airport to securing your mobile service for your return, this guide will provide tips on everything you need to know to make your return to Japan as seamless as possible.

Written by Sakura Mobile Blog Team

Hello readers! Sakura Mobile is a SIM Wi-Fi service provider for international residents and tourists in Japan.

Our global editorial team living in Japan will introduce the country’s charms based on what we have experienced and felt.

Leaving Japan

Documents Needed

Before you leave Japan, ensure you have all the necessary documents needed for international travel:

• Passport
• Valid Residence Card
• Ticket

Embarkation Card

Before going through immigration, you’ll need to complete the embarkation card.

This card has two sides: fill out the departure side, and the arrival side will be stapled into your passport for re-entry into Japan.

How to fill out the embarkation card for reentrants:

• Family Name
• Given Name (all first and middle names)
• Date of Birth
• Destination (where are you headed?)
• Flight No./vessel
• Intended period of Japan: check one of the boxes
  • Within one year: Plan to return within a year of departure
  • Over one year but within two years: If you plan to be abroad consecutively for over a year but less than two years.
  • Over two years: If you have a re-entry permit and plan to return within its validity period.
• There are two key boxes to check
  • “I am leaving Japan temporarily and will return”: you wish to re-enter Japan.
  • “I do not plan to re-enter Japan while my re-entry permit is valid”: you have a re-entry permit but do not plan to return within its validity.
• Signature

Returning to Japan

Before Departure from Other Countries

Make sure you’ve arranged living accommodations for your return to Japan:

If you kept your apartment, less worries:

Inform your landlord that you will be back, and if you cancel any of your services, make sure you have those running before you return.

If not, ensure you have a hotel, Airbnb, or a new rental secured before you arrive in Japan.

An address is required for re-entry.

Make Sure You Have a Reliable Network You Can Use While You Are Back in Japan!

Sakura Mobile Customers: make sure to unsuspend your contract before arrival.

New to our service? Sign up with Sakura Mobile, a dedicated wireless service provider for residents in Japan!

Documents Needed

Passport: Make sure your passport is valid. If it expires while abroad, bring your old and new passports. You need the old passport with your re-entry permit.

Valid Residence Card: Your initial landing visa is likely already expired, so you’ll need a valid residence card to re-enter.

Disembarkation Card

Just as you filled out the embarkation card before leaving Japan, you’ll need to fill out the disembarkation side upon arrival.

How to fill out the disembarkation card for reentrants: 

• Family Name
• Given Names (all first names and middle names)
• Date of Birth
• Last flight no./vessel (the one that you came off to get into Japan)
• Yes/No Questions:
  • Have you ever been found guilty in a criminal case in Japan or another country?
  • Do you presently have in your possession narcotics, marijuana, opium, stimulants, or other controlled substances, swords, explosives, or other such items?
• Signature: sign to declare that the information is true.

Declaration of Accompanied Articles and Unaccompanied Articles

This is the customs form that is required upon arrival in Japan.

You can:

• Fill it out on the plane or at the airport before reaching the customs gate.
• Use Visit Japan Web: fill out the customs form online and use the QR code to scan at a kiosk before the customs gate for expedited processing.

Inspections:

Upon arrival, you’ll undergo a personal identification check, including fingerprints and facial photographs. Unless exempt, an immigration officer will review:

• The validity of your passport and residence card.
• Whether your activities in Japan align with your status of residence.
• Whether you meet the criteria for re-entry and don’t fall under the criteria for denial.

Be sure you have all your documents and information to avoid any issues when returning to Japan.

Make Sure You’re Connected

Place an order with Sakura Mobile before arriving in Japan. This way, you can pick up your order at the counter and hit the ground running as soon as you return with Sakura Mobile’s Voice + Data SIM card, eSIM, or pocket Wi-Fi/Home Internet plans!

There’s no need for a Japanese address if you’re picking up. You only need your residence card, passport, or other valid proof of identity.

You can check what documents are accepted for proof here. 

Pick up your Sakura Mobile eSIM/SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi at kiosks in major international airports:

• Narita Airport
• Haneda Airport
• Kansai Airport
• Chubu Airport
• New Chitose Airport
• 🆕✨Fukuoka Airport✨

📶eSIMs: simply scan the QR code sent to your email as soon as you land and activate it immediately so you can get online ASAP!

🛜Home Internet plans: schedule your delivery ahead of time to ensure it arrives within the first few days of your return!

Conclusion

Returning to Japan requires a lot of preparation, but with a little planning and following these tips, you can avoid common issues and ensure a smooth return.

Before you leave, make sure to:

Safe travels, and we hope to see you back in Japan soon!