What is the entry procedure after arriving at a Japanese airport?

Sure thing! Here's the translation:

Okay, no problem! Let me walk you through it. Entering Japan is actually quite convenient now, don't stress. Just follow the steps, and it'll be super smooth.

Super Detailed Guide to the Arrival Process at Japanese Airports (Easy for Beginners!)

Hi! Congratulations on your upcoming trip to Japan. Feeling a bit overwhelmed thinking about all the procedures after landing? Don't worry, I've broken down the entire process for you, making it easy to understand. It's mostly electronic now, much more convenient than before.

The Most Crucial Pre-Departure Step: Register on Visit Japan Web

This is practically a game-changer now. I strongly recommend setting this up before you leave.

What is it? A Japanese government website where you can pre-register your information for immigration inspection and customs declaration.
Why use it? After filling it out, you'll get two QR codes: one for immigration and one for customs. At the airport, just scan these codes – it's way faster than filling out paper cards! Saves you a lot of queuing time.
How to do it? Access the "Visit Japan Web" official website on your computer or phone. Register an account with your email, then follow the prompts to enter your passport details, flight information, address in Japan (your hotel address is fine), etc. Take it step by step; there are Chinese prompts, so it's not difficult.

Pro tip: Once it's done, take screenshots of both QR codes and save them on your phone! Even though airports have Wi-Fi, what if you can't connect? Better safe than sorry.

The Complete Process After Your Plane Lands

Alright, your plane has landed smoothly at a Japanese airport. Take a deep breath and just follow these steps:

1. Deplane → Follow the Signs

This is the easiest part. Follow the crowd and look up at the signs. Japanese airport signs have Chinese (Simplified), English, Korean, and Japanese. Look for signs saying "到着・入国審査" (Arrival / Immigration Inspection) and follow the arrows. You can't go wrong.

2. Quarantine

After walking a short distance from the plane, you'll first pass a quarantine counter. Nowadays, this is mostly just a formality. Staff might glance at your phone screen (mainly to see if you have the health status QR code generated via Visit Japan Web, though this step is often simplified or skipped now). In most cases, you'll pass through directly and quickly.

3. Immigration Inspection - The Core Step!

This is the most important part of the whole process. You'll see two lanes:

日本人・再入国 (Japanese / Re-entry)
外国人 (Foreigners)

Go to the "外国人" (Foreigners) lane.

Here, you need to have ready:

Your Passport
Your Visit Japan Web Immigration QR code (or the paper disembarkation card you filled out on the plane)

The process is:

When it's your turn, hand your passport and QR code to the immigration officer.
The officer will signal for you to place your index fingers on the fingerprint scanner.
Then, look at the camera to take a facial photo.
The officer might ask one or two simple questions, like "Purpose of visit?" (Sightseeing/Work/Study) or "How long are you staying?". Answer truthfully.
If everything is okay, he/she will place a "Landing Permission" sticker in your passport, stating your permitted length of stay.

If you are coming for a long-term stay (study, work, etc.): After placing the "Landing Permission" sticker, the officer will issue your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) on the spot. This card is extremely important – it's your temporary ID card in Japan. Make sure to check the information on it immediately (name spelling, status of residence, validity period) for any errors, and keep it safe!

4. Baggage Claim

Congratulations! With immigration done, you're 90% there. The rest is easy. Find your flight number on the big screen to see which baggage carousel is yours, then go wait for your checked luggage.

5. Customs Inspection

After collecting your luggage, push your cart forward to the final checkpoint – Customs.

Here, there are two options:

Electronic Declaration Gate: If you used Visit Japan Web and generated the Customs Declaration QR code, you can go through this gate. Scan your passport at the machine, then scan the QR code, do a facial recognition check, the gate will open, and you're through! Super fast – highly recommended!
Manned Counter: If you don't have the QR code, or if you have items to declare, go to the manned counter. Hand your passport and the completed paper Customs Declaration form (distributed on the plane) to the customs officer. They might ask if you have anything to declare or briefly inquire about the contents of your luggage. Most tourists pass through smoothly.

6. Arrive at the Arrivals Hall

Once through customs, push through those doors, and you've officially arrived in Japan! 🎉

Outside, you'll find people waiting to meet arrivals, bus/train ticket counters for getting to the city, SIM card/Wi-Fi rental counters, and more. Follow your plan to buy tickets or get a SIM card, and start your Japanese life/journey!

Key Points Summary:

Set up Visit Japan Web before departure, generate both QR codes, and take screenshots.
Airport signs have Chinese, so no need to worry about getting lost.
At immigration, have your passport and QR code ready, and place your fingers / take a photo as instructed.
If staying long-term, you'll get your Residence Card on the spot – keep it safe.
For customs, use the Electronic Declaration Gate for the fastest exit.

The whole process is designed to be very streamlined, and staff are very accustomed to foreigners. So relax, take it step by step, and you'll be absolutely fine.

Have a great time in Japan!