No, you do not need a specific app to enter Japan, but using the Visit Japan Web service is highly recommended for a smoother experience. Visit Japan Web is a web-based portal (not a standalone app you download from an app store) that allows you to pre-fill your Immigration (Disembarkation Card) and Customs Declaration forms online. Upon completion, you receive a QR code that you scan at electronic kiosks upon arrival, which can significantly reduce the time spent in line. If you choose not to use it, you can still go "old school" and fill out the physical paper forms that flight attendants distribute on the plane or that are available in the arrival hall. As of 2026, the digital process is the standard, and while the "Tax-Free" QR code function in the portal has seen some changes, the core entry and customs sections remain the most efficient way to clear the border at major airports like Haneda, Narita, or Kansai.