The Dark side of Japan Tourism.

[sjk]

This one?

He eventually got sentenced to three years in prison after an initial not guilty verdict was reversed. But then he did kill someone.

This incident has also influenced public sentiment:

Higashi-Ikebukuro runaway car crash - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[Seat0B]

Esp with regards to medications

Yes me too in this regard. I’m paying much closer attention.

 

[RooFlyer]

Esp with regards to medications.

In my recent trip to Japan, I actually did look up if there were any prohibited medications I was taking. And yes, codeine.

Can anyone hazard a guess or know what would happen if they found you with codine awesome other drug that is legal in Australia either at the Border or just routine while you were in the country? Isolation and strip search?

 

[NM]

@drron. Did they ask to see your IDP at any time?

No they didn't ask but found it when they took all my belongings off me when I was taken to the Detention Centre.
Then when I was leaving they told me that they had cancelled it.

I am curious how and under what authority they cancelled your IDP. An IDP is just a multi-lingual interpretation of your home country/state drivers licence. In your case, it will have been issued by the Australian Automobile Association, so I would expect only the AAA can cancel it.

So I would expect that not returning your IDP amounts to theft and I expect there is no justification for the Japanese authorities to retain it or to claim they have the ability to cancel it. I would be requesting they return it to you as it remains a valid document (multi-lingual interpretation of your drivers licence) that you may require for future travel to other countries.

 

[Pushka]

In my recent trip to Japan, I actually did look up if there were any prohibited medications I was taking. And yes, codeine.

Can anyone hazard a guess or know what would happen if they found you with codine awesome other drug that is legal in Australia either at the Border or just routine while you were in the country? Isolation and strip search?

There are some surprising ones on that list. Many cough syrups too. And no. I don't want to find out because in that case it could be argued guilt immediately.

I have sent an email off as we too are taking something. Have to list the dose and quantity and arrival. Immediately a reply is sent back stating that the enquiry needs to have both those elements (dose etc and arrival airport - there's a different email address for Haneda and Narita - phew, random luck I did) and that if you need the necessary permission then you will receive a reply email indicating that. If you don't receive an email within 3 business days then you don't need any special permission.
Namely, We DON’T ANSWER to your inquiry when YOU NEED NOT TO OBTAIN the CERTIFICATE for your medication

Gulp. What could possibly go wrong with that system. Needless to see I've printed off both emails. And crossed my fingers.

 

[drron]

I am curious how and under what authority they cancelled your IDP. An IDP is just a multi-lingual interpretation of your home country/state drivers licence. In your case, it will have been issued by the Australian Automobile Association, so I would expect only the AAA can cancel it.

So I would expect that not returning your IDP amounts to theft and I expect there is no justification for the Japanese authorities to retain it or to claim they have the ability to cancel it. I would be requesting they return it to you as it remains a valid document (multi-lingual interpretation of your drivers licence) that you may require for future travel to other countries.

They did hand it back but were adamant it was cancelled. However they might have put me on the Rental Car Association of Japan's black list. On my rental agreement from Toyota it does say if you return the car and have an unpaid traffic fine you will be placed on that list and will be unable to rent a car from any member.
It also does say if you have an accident and are unable to drive your car to a branch your rental is immediately cancelled. As I was in detention I was unable to drive it back hence my rental was cancelled.

This one?

No it was just recently. I do read the Japanese English language newspapers now. It was a recent accident and the fellow hit a Convenience store when parking.
Another interesting story about a US Marine who was given a 3 year prison sentence. he was transferred back to prison in the USA and released very soon after getting back.

 

[Seat0B]

In my recent trip to Japan, I actually did look up if there were any prohibited medications I was taking. And yes, codeine.

Can anyone hazard a guess or know what would happen if they found you with codine awesome other drug that is legal in Australia either at the Border or just routine while you were in the country? Isolation and strip search?

Its codeine for me too - for my chronic cough I take a massive 2 ml per day! I was not taking this medication for earlier trips, and I did apply for the permit for my first trip with codeine in 2020 and it was a total PITA, including having to physically post my application and supporting paperwork to them once I arrived in Japan - the permit was processed by an emailed copy of the application and supporting paperwork, but "not valid" unless I mailed the originals from Japan. Mailing from Australia was not acceptable. Then when I arrived, airport (HND) staff/customs/immigration/various officials did not know what to do with me. I spent more than 45 minutes waiting while phone calls were made. They did not have a copy of the permit and asked to photo copy my own permit. They did not at any point ask to see the medication. Plus it was stressful waiting for the application to be approved, which did not come through until close to departure date (apparently this is normal) but it stressed me out as I need to make an alternative medication cough management plan if I can't have my codeine syrup. I also received considerable huffing and puffing from the travel companions as it took a lot of time, caused us to almost miss our bus connection, and in my wider circle people have paid out on me for being a goody two shoes as they have all taken something on the non-approved list in without trouble.

Based on that, I did not bother to apply for the permit for the 2023 and 2024 trips, with the plan that I would just apologise for my overisght and just surrender the codeine at the border. I expected they might be a bit cross but nothing more. I know it was a risk, and contrary to their rules, but that was the risk assessed decision that I made at the time.

But now after reading this experience of @drron, I am envisaging being arrested and taken off for interrogation and detained. I will definitely be applying for the permit. And yes don't flame me, I already know I should have applied each time.

 

[Pushka]

Its codeine for me too - for my chronic cough I take a massive 2 ml per day! I was not taking this medication for earlier trips, and I did apply for the permit for my first trip with codeine in 2020 and it was a total PITA, including having to physically post my application and supporting paperwork to them once I arrived in Japan - the permit was processed by an emailed copy of the application and supporting paperwork, but "not valid" unless I mailed the originals from Japan. Mailing from Australia was not acceptable. Then when I arrived, airport (HND) staff/customs/immigration/various officials did not know what to do with me. I spent more than 45 minutes waiting while phone calls were made. They did not have a copy of the permit and asked to photo copy my own permit. They did not at any point ask to see the medication. Plus it was stressful waiting for the application to be approved, which did not come through until close to departure date (apparently this is normal) but it stressed me out as I need to make an alternative medication cough management plan if I can't have my codeine syrup. I also received considerable huffing and puffing from the travel companions as it took a lot of time, caused us to almost miss our bus connection, and in my wider circle people have paid out on me for being a goody two shoes as they have all taken something on the non-approved list in without trouble.

Based on that, I did not bother to apply for the permit for the 2023 and 2024 trips, with the plan that I would just apologise for my overisght and just surrender the codeine at the border. I expected they might be a bit cross but nothing more. I know it was a risk, and contrary to their rules, but that was the risk assessed decision that I made at the time.

But now after reading this experience of @drron, I am envisaging being arrested and taken off for interrogation and detained. I will definitely be applying for the permit. And yes don't flame me, I already know I should have applied each time.

If arriving into Haneda first check your dosage might be allowable by sending an email to : [email protected]

If arriving into Narita: [email protected]

In your email mention arrival Airport, drug and dosage, and how much you are bringing in and for how long the trip. Then you will immediately get the auto email I did and if you get no more emails within the week it is ok. You don't need to mention the date. Then keep both yours and their email.

 

[Quickstatus]

If arriving into Haneda first check your dosage might be allowable by sending an email to : [email protected]

If arriving into Narita: [email protected]

Thanks good to know
Ive put these email in my contacts

 

[auriga]

I was contemplating a driving holiday in Hokkaido sometime in the near future.
After reading this, I don't think I will.
It just sounds too scary if something were to go wrong.

 

[Pushka]

Thanks good to know
Ive put these email in my contacts

Drrons experience made me do some research over the weekend.

 

[Quickstatus]

I don't think I will.

For anywhere really.

My TI has an legal liability exclusion if the insured is using a motorised vehicle:

 

[Seat0B]

I was contemplating a driving holiday in Hokkaido sometime in the near future.
After reading this, I don't think I will.
It just sounds too scary if something were to go wrong.

Us too - Hokkaido and Kyushu, but now we will definitely stick to public transport.

 

[justinbrett]

Ironically the first time I travelled with Stilnox was to Japan (over 15 years ago) I had the original prescription and a letter from my doctor.

The form at the time asked to declare “drugs” so I ticked yes. They put me in a waiting room to be interviewed. I gave the officer my letter and she obviously didn’t know what Zolpidem was. Barely spoke any English. I did a sleeping mime and she exclaimed “ah!”, got my form, scribbled out the yes tick and she ticked no. She said “only illegal drugs”, and I was through. I’ve never declared it since except in the UAE where I got a permit.

 

[Lynda2475]

The only times I've travelled with prescription drugs was to Central & South America (general purpose antibiotics in case of unplanned illness). I understood it was standard practice to ensure all mediation was in original packaging (with your name on the sticker) and an accompanying GP letter specifying why they were prescribed.

Never declared on way back into Aus as they were acquired legally in Aus and not anything that could be used to manufacturer illegal drugs.

I will be in Japan for a couple of days next year (using public transport only) and see no need to take any prescription medication there.

 

[KIZI]

Back home might be the only good thing in the end...... This is an unbelievable thing. @drron hope after you tell the story here, you feel better. I'm starting to feel creeped out about my road trip to Chile six months ago.

 

[Pushka]

Never declared on way back into Aus as they were acquired legally in Aus and not anything that could be used to manufacturer illegal drugs.

my SIL declares everything she brings back into Australia even though it was prescribed here. I don't get it. I sure don't.

 

[Tiki]

Back home might be the only good thing in the end...... This is an unbelievable thing. @drron hope after you tell the story here, you feel better. I'm starting to feel creeped out about my road trip to Chile six months ago.

What happened in Chile? I was considering renting a car but even before I read drron's report I had decided it was cheaper to use public transport, some Ubers and a couple of day trips with a tour agency to see what I want to see. I would have needed an automatic, maybe a small SUV with insurance plus petrol and car ferry to Chiloe.

The other thing that puts me off car rentals is the possibility of corrupt cops shaking down tourists for bribes, criminals targeting tourist in rental cars and I even heard of things like people having small accidents on purpose to get insurance payouts.

 

[Quickstatus]

corrupt cops shaking down tourists for bribes,

They already do that in the US to locals. Look up Civil Asset forfeiture in the US. Car gets pulled over. Cops search car. Finds cash. Alleges that the cash cannot be properly shown to not be related to criminal activity. Seizes cash. The cash owner then has to sue to get the money back. The cost of suing to get the money back often more than the cash value

 

[TheRealTMA]

They already do that in the US to locals. Look up Civil Asset forfeiture in the US. Car gets pulled over. Cops search car. Finds cash. Alleges that the cash cannot be properly shown to not be related to criminal activity. Seizes cash. The cash owner then has to sue to get the money back. The cost of suing to get the money back often more than the cash value

And some just shoot citizens asking them for help after reporting prowlers in their neighbourhood.