Security level:

The political situation in the country is traditionally stable. The level of crime is low. The terrorist threat is considered low but should not be ignored. The missile and nuclear programme of North Korea and the possible consequences in the event of conflict are seen as a serious potential threat. In the event of a missile strike on Japanese territory, warnings and action instructions will be sent via email and via an alarm through the J-Alert System. More information about the J-Alert System is available at: https://esolia.com/japan-emergency-broadcast-system-j-alert/  .
The Japanese government sustains its efforts to mitigate the risks following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in 2011 and to rebuild the area. In February 2022, the ban on crossing into the last of the 11 originally banned areas was lifted. Up-to-date information on the issue can be obtained at the following addresses: https://www.meti.go.jp/english/earthquake/nuclear/roadmap/ .
Japan is a low-risk country for travel and offers many opportunities for holiday, cultural tourism, ecotourism and more.

The Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) has informed that it has established a hotline (24 hours) to provide tourist information or to assist with incidents and emergencies, including coronavirus, as follows:

Japan visitor hotline: +81 50-3816-2787 (service in English, Chinese and Korean). In addition, we offer the following links to webpages containing useful thematic information:
information from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government:
https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/topics/2020/0128_00.html 
practical information on taking precautions against common infectious diseases in Japan:
https://www.fukushihoken.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/iryo/kansen/tagengoguide.files/tagengogaido2019-mihiraki.pdf
practical information on medical care and access to medicines in Japan:
https://www.himawari.metro.tokyo.jp/qq13/qqport/tomintop/  (available in Mandarin, English, and Korean by selecting at the top of the site);
information from the Japanese media NHK World:
https://wwwnhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/82/
information from the World Health Organization:
https://who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

Healthcare:

Healthcare in Japan is very well developed. Sanitary and epidemiological control is at a high level. Highly qualified medical care can be obtained practically anywhere in the country, but medical services are expensive. Bulgarian citizens visiting Japan are required to have insurance. Mandatory vaccinations for Bulgarian citizens are not required. The relatively small number of doctors speaking English may be a problem.

Specifics of the local legislation:

Foreigners residing in Japan are allowed to engage only in the type of activity specified in their residency status. Engaging in activity not regulated by this statute is a violation that can result in detention, deportation, and other penalties.
The penalties for offences in Japan are considerably harsher than generally accepted. Detention, even for minor offences, is longer than in other countries. The import of narcotics, even in small quantities, is severely punished — by imprisonment of up to 15 years. Prison conditions are harsh. As a rule, the Japanese judicial system shall take the side of Japanese citizens. Most local people are friendly to foreigners and are willing to provide help and assistance.
There is a high degree of tolerance in Japanese society, but loud and extravagant behaviour in public is not accepted, nor are displays of affection. Proficiency in English and other foreign languages is lower than expected.
The number of duty free and tax free shops, where foreign tourists do not pay the 10% consumption tax upon presentation of a passport, is increasing.
Cash payments are widely used in Japan, but credit and debit card payments are becoming increasingly popular. Using credit and debit cards issued outside Japan might be a problem. There are usually ATMs in post offices and 7-Eleven stores that accept the main types of international bank cards.
Tipping in Japan is not customary. Tap water is safe to drink. The mains voltage is 100 V.

Customs requirements:

The import of: https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/prohibit.htm 
— drugs and psychotropic substances, including certain medical preparations for personal use (containing codeine, morphine, oxycodone, anti-allergens);
— all types of firearms and explosives;
— dangerous chemical and biological substances; — printed, video and other materials with anti-social and immoral content;
— counterfeit banknotes, coins, etc.
is banned.
Duty-free import (for persons over 20 years of age) of: https://www.customs.go.jp/zeikan/pamphlet/tsukan_e.pdf 
— cigarettes — 400 pcs;
— cigars — 100 pcs; - — — tobacco — 500 g;
— alcohol — 3 bottles (0.75 l);
— perfumes — 60–70 ml.
— gifts worth up to JPY 200,000 (about USD 2,000)
is allowed.

There are restrictions on the import of medicines for personal use. Generally, medicines for internal use are authorised in quantities for a maximum of 2 months, and for external use up to 24 pieces of a type. More information: https://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/about/Yakkan_Shomei_Ins_and_App_20150305.pdf  ; https://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/about/NM_ImpExpInst_and_App_20120314.pdf  .

There are no restrictions on Japanese and foreign currency carried across borders, and amounts in excess of 1 million yen equivalent must be declared.
There are severe restrictions on the import of plants, animals, products of animal origin, including meat, meat products, eggs, etc., for which prior import authorization is required. In general, importing meat and meat products upon arrival in Japan is punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years and a fine of up to JPY 3 million for natural persons and up to JPY 50 million for legal entities.
Information on animals import: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/product/import.html  . Information on plants import: http://www.pps.go.jp/english/index.html ; http://www.pps.go.jp/english/trip/index.html.

Road traffic:

The road traffic in Japan is in the left side. Traffic is strictly controlled with video cameras and traffic police. Traffic rules should be strictly followed, as the penalties for breaking them are severe and the fines — high. Driving under the influence of alcohol, even without a traffic accident, usually results in criminal liability.
To date, Japan does not recognize the Bulgarian international driving licences due to the fact that they are issued on the letterhead (format) of the UN Convention on Road Traffic (adopted on 08 November 1968) in Vienna. Japan is not a party to the same convention, but only to the UN Convention on Road Traffic (adopted on 19 September 1949) in Geneva. Bulgaria has consistently joined both Conventions.
Features of the Road Traffic Act — fines and offences
The road traffic in Japan is in the left side. Traffic is strictly controlled with video cameras and traffic police. Traffic rules should be strictly followed, as the penalties for breaking them are severe and the fines — high. Driving under the influence of alcohol, even without a traffic accident, usually results in criminal liability.
To date, Japan does not recognize the Bulgarian international driving licences due to the fact that they are issued on the letterhead (format) of the UN Convention on Road Traffic (adopted on 08 November 1968) in Vienna. Japan is not a party to the same convention, but only to the UN Convention on Road Traffic (adopted on 19 September 1949) in Geneva. Bulgaria has consistently joined both Conventions.

Practical advice:

Bulgarian citizens should protect their identity documents with extreme caution. It is recommended to have a photocopy of the passport page with the personal data. In case of a lost/stolen passport, they should immediately contact the nearest police station as well as the Consular Office of the Republic of Bulgaria in Tokyo.

Emergency telephones:

110 — police emergency telephone
118 — Japan Coast Guard emergency telephone
119 — fire and ambulance emergency telephone
Time zone: UTC +9
Telephone code: + 81

Local currency:

Japanese Yen (JPY).

Climatic characteristics:

Due to the natural characteristics of Japan, the country is in constant danger of natural disasters — earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, typhoons (July–October), torrential rains and landslides. Early warning and disaster response systems are functioning very well. The Japan Meteorological Agency website should be monitored for information www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html  as well as the local authority guidelines. Earthquakes, typhoons and other natural disasters are common in Japan.Typhoons are possible in the period June–December, and most often they reach the territory of Japan in the months of August, September and October.The Japan Meteorological Agency provides information and forecasts on the approach of typhoons in English. In case of forecast for a typhoon, particular caution should be paid when travelling in rural and mountain areas, and also near water reservoirs, as heavy rains increase the risk of landslides, rising water levels and flooding.

Bulgarian citizens are entitled to a short-term (up to 90 days) visa-free stay in Japan, provided they are not engaged in employment or other paid activity.
A valid passport and return ticket is required to enter the country. The validity of the passport should cover the entire period of the expected stay in the country. The border authorities have the right to request proof of the availability of the necessary funds for the stay, as well as the presentation of documents confirming the purpose of the trip (hotel reservation, programme of stay, invitation, etc.).
Persons with Emergency Travel Documents are not allowed to enter into the country. Such documents are valid only for transit through or leaving Japan.
A visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days. Visas are free. The Japanese immigration authorities may, at their discretion, refuse entry into the country even if a visa has been lodged.
It is recommended that each applicant for a visa to Japan clarifies in advance with his/her hosts and the Japanese Embassy issuing the visa his/her rights and obligations arising from the possession of the specific type of visa.
All foreigners in Japan, excluding those with temporary resident status and diplomatic and consular staff, should apply for a ‘residence card’ within 3 months of entering Japan.

What consular officers can do for you:

— to issue a travel document, if you do not have one;
— to inform your relatives in the event of an accident, serious illness or death, and to provide the required assistance;
— in the event of arrest, to inform your relatives, to assist them to visit you in prison; to ensure that you are treated in the same way as nationals of the host country;
— to provide assistance in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters and civil protests;
— to provide you the most up-to-date travel information;
— to verify and certify a signature;
— to issue civil status certificates (birth certificate, civil marriage certificate, death certificate);
— to forward civil status certificates already drawn up by the local authorities to the municipality of your permanent address in Bulgaria.

Bulgarian identity documents:

The Consular Office of the Bulgarian Embassy in Tokyo has been equipped with a biometric counter. Applications for passports, Emergency Travel Documents, driving licences and identity cards can be made in person by the interested citizens. Under Bulgarian legislation, no exceptions to personal appearance at the Embassy are allowed. Citizens should be informed about the possibilities and conditions for submitting an application through the Automated Information System for Electronic Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the following link https://e-usluga_bds.mfa.bg/  .

Certifications and legalizations:

Documents issued by Bulgarian and Japanese institutions are certified at the Consular Office. Documents issued by the Japanese authorities to Bulgarian citizens shall bear the Apostille stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, which shall be verified at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Tokyo. Documents issued to Japanese citizens by the Bulgarian authorities should bear the Apostille stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and should be certified at the Japanese Embassy in Sofia.
The documents thus legalized by the Japanese institutions should be translated into Bulgarian in order to serve in Bulgaria. The Embassy in Tokyo offers a translation service by the Embassy translator, whose signature is verified by the Consular Official.
The Consular Office may certify the date, content and signatures of private documents which are not subject to registration and are presented by Bulgarian or foreign citizens, if the document is drawn up in Bulgarian and is intended to have its effect on the territory of Bulgaria. Persons whose signatures are to be verified must appear in person before the Consular Official.
All fees for consular services are paid in cash on the spot in Japanese yen, for which receipts are issued to the citizens.
Fees for consular services (according to the Order of the Ambassador No 41 of 10 October 2022)

9.4. Consular services (civil status) Tariff 3
Assistance for issuing certificates, duplicates, transcripts or extracts of civil status documents by the Bulgarian authorities — 2600.00

Bulgarian citizens who wish to receive their identity documents to the Embassy faster using the DHL service should transfer the exact amount of EUR 47.25 (BGN 92.41) to the relevant account:

1. For transfers in EUR:
Beneficiary: DHL EXPRESS BULGARIA EOOD
Beneficiary’s IBAN No: BG40UNCR70001523563800
Beneficiary’s Bank: UniCredit Bulbank AD
BIC/SWIFT Code: UNCRBGSF
Beneficiary’s Bank Address: 7, Sveta Nedelya square, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria

2. For transfers in BGN:
Beneficiary: DHL EXPRESS BULGARIA EOOD
Beneficiary’s IBAN No: BG94UNCR70001523563798
Beneficiary’s Bank: UniCredit Bulbank AD
BIC/SWIFT Code: UNCRBGSF
Beneficiary’s Bank Address: 7, Sveta Nedelya square, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria
As grounds for payment must be written: BDS_Tokyo_(name, father’s name and surname in Latin). It is obligatory to request a document from the bank that the payment has been processed (the so-called ‘Payment Order’ or ‘Note’). When using online banking, a screenshot of the completed payment can be sent. Proof of payment should be sent in scanned form by e-mail to: [email protected]