Drinking in Japan and ID

shikomizer

後輩

7 Feb 2009

8

0

• 26 May 2009

• #1

Hello
I am going to japan soon and I am going to a concert and it is in a nightclub. I don't know if the hostel will take my passport like they did to me in Egypt, I have a british driving liscene will this be acceptable if I get asked for ID. I am nearly 23 years old but I often get mistaken for 16 so I am worried.
All help is appriciated

 

nice gaijin

Resident Realist

Moderator

Donor

Twenty-year veteran

8 Aug 2005

7,316

3,727

• 26 May 2009

• #2

The odds of you being asked for ID depends on where you're going. You're going to need your passport on you anyways, so you might as well bring your driver's license along in the unlikely event that you'll be carded.

 

JimmySeal

Tubthumper

5 Mar 2006

1,516

78

• 26 May 2009

• #3

Travellers in Japan are usually advised to keep their passports on them at all times as the police have a habit of stopping people and asking to see their passports/alien registration cards. I've never heard of a case of a hostel/hotel taking possession of someone's passport in this country.

 

shikomizer

後輩

7 Feb 2009

8

0

• 26 May 2009

• Thread starter
• #4

Thank you both



Thank you both for advice, I was just worried as I am going on my own too so eeeep lol

I hope all will be ok

 

Glenski

Just me

Twenty-year veteran

20 Aug 2003

4,910

416

• 26 May 2009

• #5

Passports are not personal property. They belong to your government. You are not even supposed to be on the streets without one (it's the law). So if any hostel says they want to keep it, tell them no very politely.

 

MeAndroo

先輩

29 Jul 2004

767

16

• 26 May 2009

• #6

Nightclubs, especially in Tokyo, have been cracking down on underage drinking. I was in Shibuya 2 weeks ago and we had a hell of a time getting into a club because my friend's gf forgot her passport.

Bring ID, particularly picture ID. Like has been mentioned, your passport is supposed to be on you at all time (I usually just carry a copy of the picture page and my current visa), and this can be requested from you at any time for any reason (or no reason) by the police.

 

shikomizer

後輩

7 Feb 2009

8

0

• 26 May 2009

• Thread starter
• #7

wow you have a visa

are you staying for a long while, i am in university here so i cant stay but i will go back there for a job in a couple of years. I dont need a visa for the small amont i am staying I checked alot on my tickets and in the book it says uk i dont need a visa for a 2 week stay.
When I was in Egypt I back packed and had visa and was forced to leave my passport with hotels for police checks.
I thought I wouldnt have to in japan but just in case, i will take my passport and driving license with me everywhere. thank you all so much