NOT REQUIRED FOR BRITISH NATIONALS
The UK is one of the countries with Visa Exemption Arrangements with Japan. So UK nationals do not require a visa for stays in Japan of up to 6 months.
For full details, updates and list of nationalities with visa exemption, see Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website.
Entry status
If you specify “sightseeing” or “business”on your immigration card on arrival in Japan, your passport will be stamped with the entry status “Temporary visitor.” This is the entry status which is essential if you are intending to use a Japan Rail Pass. Your passport must be shown at the time of presenting the Exchange order for the Rail Pass, so that your immigration stamp can be checked. No other entry status (eg. “Trainee”, “Entertainer”, or “Reentry Permit”) is permissible for exchanging the Rail Pass Exchange Order.