Should I carry my passport everywhere I go in Japan?

Should I carry my passport everywhere I go in Japan? - Side view of positive young woman in warm clothes smiling at camera while carrying luggage with passport walking along airport terminal

Because of this question, I remembered that I read somewhere that some places or bars in Japan ask for your passport for identification (Old article, can't find it now).

Should I bring it with me everywhere I go in Japan?


Post-trip update :

I got checked in JR Shinagawa Station (in Tokyo). Good thing I had my passport with me.



Best Answer

In my experience, no.

I spend approximately four/five weeks in Japan each autumn. Usually in the Osaka area but sometimes I have business or leisure elsewhere in other cities. I have only ever been asked for my passport at the airports, car rental places and at hotel check in.

No one at a restaurant, bar, supermarket or corner shop has ever asked me to prove my age when buying alcohol. Indeed in the shops they look embarrassed and press the "Yes I'm over 20" button for me---probably as a courtesy assuming I cannot read it. (For comparison I am occasionally asked for proof of age in other countries. I went to a Morrison's in the north of England yesterday actually and had to produce a driver's licence to buy an ale!)

So, officially maybe you should take it, but in practise it isn't worth the risk of losing it.

In Japan, age restrictions on alcohol are not a big deal. There are vending machines selling beer everywhere.




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Should you carry your passport with you at all times?

Safe StorageIt's generally inadvisable to carry your passport with you everywhere while you're traveling, as this increases the chances of losing it. Ideally, it's best to have passports locked away, either in a hotel room safe or in a suitcase with a secure travel lock.

Where do you keep your passport when traveling abroad?

If you're looking for something a bit more comfortable, try a travel wallet or passport cover. Both conceal your passport (and nationality), while the travel wallet also has room for other valuables, including credit cards and emergency cash.

Where do you keep your passport when backpacking?

Top 7 Places To Hide Your Passport When Travelling
  • Invest In A Good Neck Pouch. ...
  • Making Copies Of You Passport's Identification Page. ...
  • Secure Your Passport In Your Hotel Room. ...
  • When You Need To Bring Your Passport With You. ...
  • Using Travel Underwear, Like Using Money Belt. ...
  • You Can Also Saw A Pocket Inside Your Jeans.


Should you keep your passport on you in Europe?

Whenever you travel from one European country to another, whether by plane, train or automobile, keep your passport with you to cross the border. You also need your passport when renting a car in Europe, in addition to a full driver's license from your home country.



Always carry your Passport while traveling here’s why!




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Gustavo Fring, LT Chan, ShotPot, Angela Roma