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Hotels in Kagawa urged not to request foreign residents' ID

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I often get asked for my passport at hotels but when I say I’m a resident, that’s the end of the matter.

14 ( +25 / -11 )

I often get asked for my passport at hotels but when I say I’m a resident, that’s the end of the matter.

That's only for residents of Japan. In the UK, hotels keep a record of ID of all visitors to cross check for wanted criminals, look for missing persons, or protect against identity thieves.

Interesting to compare Japan with the U.K.

11 ( +19 / -8 )

When asked unnecessarily for I.D,I pull them all out.

Gaijin card, Japanese driving licence,My number, medical insurance,T point,Cat café membership....fan 'em out on the counter,and say,"Pick a card.Any card".

Amuse myself,anyway.

10 ( +17 / -7 )

A permanent resident has it written on his I.D( gaijin card) and that can just be shown without making any record of it on any documentation.

The establishment has no need to know what your residency status is. You could just as easily show a drivers license, if you have one. And btw, the residency status is on all cards, not just PR.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

Most hotels know the law by now and in my case when writing my address in kanji and speaking Japanese I am not asked for any ID.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Been asked to show ID at numerous hotels throughout Japan. I just say that I am a resident and it’s never gone beyond that.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

If the guest is paying by credit card it would seem logical to ask everyone for ID.

Wouldn't it?

6 ( +9 / -3 )

In Japan, only foreign-looking guests have to show ID.

They don't have to show ID hence the article.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

A permanent resident has it written on his I.D( gaijin card) and that can just be shown without making any record of it on any documentation.

Indeed. As do all residents on their 在留 カード residence card. Gaijin card is so old fashioned BTW.

But to show said card as proof is to present ID. How can, let's say, a Caucasian male's claim, "I live in Osaka." be verified with out showing ID?

4 ( +11 / -7 )

I travel a lot domestically and have had a few hotel clerks ask me for ID even though I've written my local Japanese address on the forms.. It's usually asked out of ignorance since some clerks have the automatic habit of asking any foreign looking person for their passport or ID.

Basically, like one of the posters above has written, either ask ALL people for ID or only ask for one from people without local addresses - foreign travelers. All hotels need to be clearly reminded of this by the government.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Happens fairly frequently to me all over Japan. I always educate them about the law while writing down my address in kanji. That always solves the matter.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

garymalmgren

Today 07:36 am JST

If the guest is paying by credit card it would seem logical to ask everyone for ID.

> Wouldn't it?

I have never been asked for ID using a credit card in Japan, my wife has never been asked for ID when using a credit card in Japan.

The only time I have ever been asked for ID when paying with a credit card was several years ago on a business trip in The USA.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Rodney

Never asked for passport or Gaiijin card. Often stay in hotels. Don’t carry them, but always have my drivers license and health card. I believe that if you speak basic Japanese you won’t be harassed.

it is required by law you carry your Resident's Card and could face a heavy fine if caught without it.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I just say that I live here and dont need to show anything- thats usually the end of it.

If its not, just talk to the Manager and thats the end of it.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Aly - I had never heard of any initiative to force everyone, Japanese included, to present ID at hotels.

No that's not what I meant. When they changed from Gaikokujin Torokushomeisho 外国人登録証明書,to Zairyu Card 在留カード, the aim was to include Japanese nationals in it and change the law so that the Japanese could also be stopped on the street and asked for ID.

But there was a backlash against it and it was scrapped. Very short-lived.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Back in the late 80's, while waiting outside a sporting goods store in Shinjuku to open a policeman approached and asked for ID. I lived nearby and had brought only my credit card, so somewhat nervously I gave him my Amex card and explained it was the only ID I had on me. He looked a bit confused at first and after a minute of head scratching he handed it back to me and walked off. I was much relieved. Amex... Don't leave home without it.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Yes, it is. In the UK, all guests have to show ID.

I have googled it,:

Do You Need a Passport to Check Into a Hotel in UK?

In a nutshell, UK citizens don’t have to give their ID when checking into UK hotels. However, when it comes to overseas guests, they must show their documents (excluding the Republic of Ireland and Commonwealth citizens), and their data will remain in the hotel records.

https://photobooth.online/en-gb/blog/why-do-hotels-ask-for-id

I have never been asked for ID in the UK when checking into a hotel and I have stayed at plenty. Most people in the UK do not even carry ID on them - there is no state ID card and you do not have to carry your driving licence on you even when you drive.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

It's not only hotels, ever tried to get a new phone subscription? Last time I got a new phone for my daughter, I refused and told them it's not mandatory as I pay with my credit card. I said it's discrimination right in their face and they called yahoo mobile to verify and confirmed it was not necessary. Lots of these establishments standard ask for id but if you point out there is no need they comply. Same with banks

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Awa no Gaijin

Today 08:22 am JST

Hotel's are not police. How can they check any resident i.e. a Japanese national is actually a resident? Answer? It's not their job

> The hotel can set it's rules if your staying on the premises or using the facility

Actually, No.

Hotels are regulated by the laws and rules established by the government in order to obtain and retain their permit to function as a hotel.

It seems clear by the article the laws/rules governing hotels does not permit asking residence of Japan proof of ID or proof of residency.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

第五条

営業者は、左の各号の一に該当する場合を除いては、宿泊を拒んではならない。

一 宿泊しようとする者が伝染性の疾病にかかつていると明らかに認められるとき。

二 宿泊しようとする者がとばく、その他の違法行為又は風紀を乱す行為をする虞があると認められるとき。

三 宿泊施設に余裕がないときその他都道府県が条例で定める事由があるとき。

> 第六条

営業者は、宿泊者名簿を備え、これに宿泊者の氏名、住所、職業その他の事項を記載し、当該官吏又は吏員の要求があつたときは、これを提出しなければならない。

2 宿泊者は、営業者から請求があつたときは、前項に規定する事項を告げなければならない。

Article 5

The business operator shall not refuse accommodation except in cases falling under one of the items on the left.

(1) When it is clearly recognized that the person who intends to stay is suffering from an infectious disease.

(ii) When it is recognized that the person who intends to stay is likely to commit abusive acts, other illegal acts, or acts that disturb public morals.

(3) When there is no room in the accommodation facility or when there is a reason specified by the prefecture ordinance.

Article 6

The business operator shall prepare a guest list, enter the guest's name, address, occupation and other matters in it, and submit it when requested by the government official or employee.

2 The lodger shall inform the matter prescribed in the preceding paragraph when requested by the business operator.

( Used translator I wasn't going to start translating it myself)

Notice the only reasons they can refuse! Notice no ID or refusing to show ID isn't one!

I reiterate hotels only function if they follow the government regulations which clearly do not permit asking ID.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Requiring Japanese nationals to carry an ID is against the constitution.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

How can a hotel check whether the so called resident really is a resident without check ID?

Hotel's are not police. How can they check any resident i.e. a Japanese national is actually a resident? Answer? It's not their job.

Just a check box at the top of the page to confirm you are a resident should be enough (ticked by both Japanese and foreign would be ideal). Then you are responsible for giving false information if you aren't.

1 ( +13 / -12 )

Every once in a while I get asked for some sort of extra ID even after showing my Japanese Driving Lic. but by now I am GETTING NUMB & USED IT it I don't even think about it in any other ways.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

That's only for residents of Japan. In the UK, hotels keep a record of ID of all visitors to cross check for wanted criminals, look for missing persons, or protect against identity thieves.

I've stayed in lots of hotels in the UK, and don't think that I've ever been asked to provide ID. I have also never heard of the explanation you give. They usually ask for a valid credit card in advance - that's all.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Rodney

Today 08:27 am JST

Never asked for passport or Gaiijin card. Often stay in hotels. Don’t carry them, but always have my drivers license and health card. I believe that if you speak basic Japanese you won’t be harassed.

You don't carry you foreign residency card with you? Really?

You do realize you are required to show that if ever a police asked you for it and if you don't have it they will take you in until you can prove you actually have it.

Unless you're driving your driver's license is not going to help you you don't need your passport the only card you actually 100% need is your foreign registration card.

I once late at night left my house to go to the corner just to get a drink from the machine no phone no foreign registration card.

My luck a police officer was right there asked me for my ID didn't have my foreign registration card on me got taken to the station they called my wife had her bring the card down wouldn't even let me walk back to the house to ring the doorbell and ask my wife to bring it out.

I hear foreigners constantly telling me they don't carry their card but somehow I find that very suspicious.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Uchujin

Today 10:32 am JST

By law tourists are required to carry their passports.

> You are wrong, check again with your local authority

He means international tourist and he is correct.

https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/welcomebacktojapan/#:~:text=Make%20sure%20you%20carry%20your,ask%20to%20check%20your%20identification.

Passport/Carrying Identification

> Make sure you carry your passport at all times during your trip to Japan. It is a legal requirement and local police may ask to check your identification. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. If you plan to travel to other countries during your trip, be sure to check the passport validity and visa requirements of each country.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Aly - I had never heard of any initiative to force everyone, Japanese included, to present ID at hotels. As far as I know the only change was during SARS almost 20 years ago, when hotels had to start transcribing the passport numbers of tourists so that their location could be traced in the event of a pandemic.

Soon after, the National Police Agency piggybacked on this and tried to get hotels to not just transcribe the numbers but also make copies, and then tried to do the same thing with resident immigrants, who have never been required to do anything more than write their addresses.

It is of course a human rights violation to force someone to present identification to stay in a hotel. If it were a requirement, someone losing their wallet while travelling would have to sleep rough on the street. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare is absolutely correct to have laws that prevent hotels from refusing guests except in very specific situations: society does not benefit when people are denied lodging and made to wander the streets at night.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Elvis is here, I haven't been back to Britain for a long time, over ten years. I know things have changed, but are Brits required to carry an ID? I don't believe there are British ID cards, and not every Brit has a passport of driving licence.

I thought the purpose of signing in at a hotel in Britain was to make sure couples were married as there used to be a law that basically said that if more than two or three (I forget the number) of married couples were staying under the same roof, the place was a bawdy house or brothel. Hoteliers did not want to be prosecuted for runny a brothel. Even genuine Mr and Mrs Smiths were given knowing looks by desk clerks when they signed in.

Love hotels seemed a strange Japanese concept. I find it hard to imagine them asking foreigners for ID. How are they covered by law?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Uchujin

   By law tourists are required to carry their passports.

> You are wrong, check again with your local authority.

The article is about foreigners. Foreign tourists are required to carry their passports 24/7.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

It was JGov who requested hotels to do so because of terror. LOL. These days I say I'm resident and wrote Japanese address. No need show anything.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Sven - the resident card has a specific purpose; it's for the Ministry of Justice to manage immigrants' status. It's not for random hotel clerks to be tracking the immigration status (and lots of other personal info printed on there) of their guests. Regarding this part:

it’s obvious in any case simply by looking at me that I am a foreigner here

...under the Hotel Law there are only two kinds of people: people who live in Japan (any nationality), and people who don't. Being a "foreigner" is not something that matters at all.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This is like a joke. There are so much more serious and real human rights issues in japan than just asking id. How about renting an apartment. It’s human right but you can’t rent if even you have high income. How about opening a bank account, it is a problematic issue. How about trying to get a credit card. Foreigners will not be issued credit cards. How about try to go to court, you don’t have any right for any issue at court.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

British citizens are not required to carry ID. Only need to give your name and address to the police. The same for booking into a hotel.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Never asked for passport or Gaiijin card. Often stay in hotels. Don’t carry them, but always have my drivers license and health card. I believe that if you speak basic Japanese you won’t be harassed.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Eastman

Today 09:38 am JST

make it fair.

> issue ID for japanese nationals as same as you did for foreigners.

> problem solved

There is no ID problem, only hotels violating the laws regulating hotels.

The government law/regulations do require hotels to ask for ID from anyone other than non resident tourist.

The government law/regulations specifically forbid refusing accommodation for any reason other than the following.

Article 5

> > > > > > > (3) When there is no room in the accommodation facility or when there is a reason specified by the prefecture ordinance.

Hotels don't ask Japanese so they shouldn't ask foreign residents but even if they do you just say, "NO!"

Under the law they cannot refuse you accommodations

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The conclusion is right in the article:

"If a guest provides a domestic address, even if their name or other information suggests they are a foreign national, no further confirmation is required," the notice says.

And, foreign residents are treated the same as Japanese.

Everyone in Japan is required to have a registered address in Japan while staying here.

All Japanese will and are required to have a registered address in Japan and are required to write that when they check-in; the same requirement as foreign residents here.

Non-resident foreigners do not have a registered address in Japan, so they must provide their passport. When they check-in, the address of that hotel becomes their registered address in Japan.

The end result is the same.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

And if they cannot provide ID?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Gaijin card, Japanese driving licence,My number, medical insurance,T point,Cat café membership....fan 'em out on the counter,and say,"Pick a card.Any card".

I also throw in my mr donuts points card

0 ( +1 / -1 )

About 5 years ago I arrived at the front desk of a large hotel across from Asahikawa Station and inquired about a room for the night. The clerk told me that there was indeed one available and asked to see my passport. I presented my foreign resident card but the man persisted in asking for a passport. I then asked him to consult the manager. Result: I was checked in a few minutes later. Had he been following procedures or was he just being a wiseguy? I hazard the latter given the officious smile on his face when I showed my foreign resident card and even after.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I have been asked for ID in hotels and I just show them my Japanese drivers license and it stops there no further questions asked.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Strange my previous post uploaded with the quotation all messed up.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I believe they can ask for ID but are not required to photocopy anything if you are a foreign resident. Whatever. They even ask Japanese to write down their home address and phone number anyway at most business hotels. If you want no questions asked, stay at a love hotel or APA Hotels where the check in is totally automated.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Just ask if they request this of everybody.

End of story.

If they say they do ask it from everyone, it would be very hard to refuse and the painful drama that would follow would certainly spoil someone's holiday before it even starts.

I'd say better to be able to show ID when requested

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Doesn’t make sense and isn’t logically stringent. Neither it’s a discrimination if I have to show that resident card, because it’s obvious in any case simply by looking at me that I am a foreigner here, Nor would the issuing of those ID cards to all foreign residents make any sense if afterwards no one wants or is not allowed or advised to look at it. It surely depends on whatever viewpoint, but at least one of those two options is wrong, isn’t it?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

 How about try to go to court, you don’t have any right for any issue at court.

I can say that is not correct. I won three civil cases.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It is a common procedure to request an ID there in Brazil where I was born and raised, and even here in Japan, the Zayru Card is requested in most places. And some years ago I went to the USA, and was asked in all places, from airport arrival immigration officers, car rental assistants, where did I come from, where I am going to, requested to present ID, I got late in a hotel, so was asked why did I arrive late, what would be my next destination, and so on. It was a repeated procedure of everybody, afraid of terrorists?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I keep my Residents Card in my small key bag so even a quick visit to the store comes with me.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

In Japan, neither Japanese citizens nor foreign residents are required to show ID when checking in, and for a hotel to refuse lodging based on their not showing ID is against the law.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Kimball McCartyToday  07:54 pm JST

I have been asked for ID in hotels and I just show them my Japanese drivers license and it stops there no further questions asked.

The first question shouldn't have been asked, and there is no reason for you to show your driver's license.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

"If a guest provides a domestic address, even if their name or other information suggests they are a foreign national, no further confirmation is required," the notice says.

How can a hotel check whether the so called resident really is a resident without check ID?

I say I’m a resident, that’s the end of the matter.

How can such a claim (said probably in English) be verified?

-2 ( +11 / -13 )

Unless they ask all guests for ID, regardless of name or appearance, it's discriminatory.

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

By law tourists are required to carry their passports.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Aly Rustom

Today 11:56 am JST

issue ID for japanese nationals as same as you did for foreigners.

> problem solved?

> I heard they tried that a few years back and the Japanese were up in arms about it. Said it violated their human rights. So it was scrapped

Yes but not scrapped, it is now called "My number card" and by next year everyone will be carrying one because your medical insurance card will be included in that card.

Note under the law only few few places can take down your card number.

It is strictly illegal for places like hotels to write the "my number card" ID number down strictly illegal to photocopy of scan it, only banks can request the number (no scanning or photocopy) police, government offices, even hospitals/doctors will not be permitted to copy the card or number only scan the IC chip with the approved machine.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

"We don't need to see his identification. This isn't the GAIJIN we're looking for. You can go about your business."

--

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Just show them your Japanese drivers license and it'll the end of the matter. Sometimes they ask if they can copy it, I say sure. But lately they ask to copy it less and less.

It's kind of crazy hotels don't ask for ID of everyone. They should. Otherwise anyone could be staying at the hotel!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

All hotels should ask everyone for ID. Why do you think murders often happen at love hotels in Japan? They don’t check ID and, if they are not automated, the person at the front desk is behind glass and a blind so they don’t see your face and only ask for cash through a slot. But I’m assuming, for that same reason, they have discreetly hidden cameras in the lobbies. Same with a lot of Motels in the US: no ID, cash only, no questions asked.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

A smartphone wallet is also a good place to keep your Residents Card.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I have also never heard of the explanation you give

Google "ID UK hotel".

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

You are absolutely right. So let me re-phrase what I said:

-

In the UK, all guests have to show ID.

In Japan, only foreign-looking guests are asked to show ID.

Thats better. Mean what you say. Say what you mean.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

They can ask, we don't have to provide, and if they refuse us accommodation they are violating the hotel law.

And no need to tell the hotel one's nationality.

Just ask if they request this of everybody.

End of story.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

"If a guest provides a domestic address, even if their name or other information suggests they are a foreign national, no further confirmation is required,"

Sorry, but by law, not even THAT is required, and is in fact racial profiling. Is it any wonder Japan is so far behind most of the world in human rights issues?

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

It's just a minute to show your ID.

Only people with a guilty conscience care about this (⁠^⁠^⁠)

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Even foreign residents in other counties are asked to submit their IDs for checking in. I didn't see any wrong.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

make it fair.

issue ID for japanese nationals as same as you did for foreigners.

problem solved?

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

@Aly - Now I see; that doesn't surprise me. It was probably the guilty-until-proven-innocent, hold-people-incognito, abuse-detainees-then-deny-it National Police Agency with a hand in that plan, wasn't it?

You catch on very fast Thon.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

It is an entrenched practice and is unlikely to change...

-5 ( +12 / -17 )

issue ID for japanese nationals as same as you did for foreigners.

problem solved?

I heard they tried that a few years back and the Japanese were up in arms about it. Said it violated their human rights. So it was scrapped.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

on a voluntary basis

Voluntary has a funny meaning here in Japan. They can go as far as physically laying hands on you, unless you comply with their "voluntary" requests.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

First of all, why do you think it would be "said probably in English"?

Because the person in question does not live in Japan

Secondly, lots of residents have Japanese-issued smartphones, and even Japanese-issued credit cards.

How can one distinguish a foreign phone and credit card from a Japanese one?

By basing a decision on whether to trust someone on the appearance of their accessories is stretching it a bit, even for yourself.

Moral of story; be ready to flash your (appropriately named) residence card to get into a hotel, unless you want to be going home earlier than expected.

With more egg on your face.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

When you live on an Island anyone & anything is Foreign.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

By law tourists are required to carry their passports.

You are wrong, check again with your local authority.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

@Aly - Now I see; that doesn't surprise me. It was probably the guilty-until-proven-innocent, hold-people-incognito, abuse-detainees-then-deny-it National Police Agency with a hand in that plan, wasn't it?

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Interesting, been to the prefecture many times never once had a problem like this in hotels, never a problem in any private business, however I have been stopped by the local police as I take my nightly walk on nearly every occasion.

The only places I have had problems with Hotels ( and will never even go near anymore if possible) is Nagoya, asking for ID would be the least offensive thing, but in multiple Hotels (actual overnight business and family hotels) my wife and I have had our reservations cancelled once we got to the desk to check in, "policy" of no Gaijin men, staying in the same room as Japanese women!

This was at several places in the city only the large expensive chain Hotel had no such "policy".

But in over 30 years no hotel has ever requested to see my Alien registration card or foreign residency card.

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

@Elvis

A permanent resident has it written on his I.D( gaijin card) and that can just be shown without making any record of it on any documentation.

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

Let's not beat about the bush.

If Japanese nationals are not asked to present ID but foreign residents are then it's a racist policy full stop.

-8 ( +17 / -25 )

asked for ID from foreign nationals living in Japan on a voluntary basis."

Is voluntary to provide it but they'll voluntary refuse the guess if they fail to provide the ID and Japanese won't be required to show any ID right like MyNumber.

-10 ( +11 / -21 )

Let's not beat about the bush.

If Japanese nationals are not asked to present ID but foreign residents are then it's a racist policy full stop.

THIS!!! EXCELLENT POST!

-13 ( +9 / -22 )

Hotels in Kagawa urged not to request foreign residents' ID

Well done Kagawa!

"problematic on human rights grounds" to ask foreign residents to show their passport or other forms of ID when checking into a hotel.

Absolutely!

Hotel's are not police. How can they check any resident i.e. a Japanese national is actually a resident? Answer? It's not their job.

EXACTLY!!

-14 ( +10 / -24 )

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