Short answer
Hotels must record passport details for foreign guests who do not have a fixed address in Japan. Japanese accommodation operators are required to keep a guest register. For a foreign guest without a fixed address in Japan, the record includes nationality, passport number and a copy of the passport, which is why reception asks to see it.
What to do now
- 1Show your passport at reception.
Have the photo page ready so staff can record the required information.
- 2Check the name against your reservation.
This helps avoid a separate spelling or booking issue.
- 3Ask politely if you have a privacy concern.
The hotel can explain how it handles the required record.
- 4Keep the passport with you afterwards.
Do not leave it at the desk unless you deliberately agree to do so.
What the hotel is checking
The passport request is normally about confirming the guest record at check-in. It does not mean your booking has a problem or that the hotel suspects you of anything.
The rule is aimed at guests who do not have a fixed address in Japan. A hotel may still ask other guests for identification under its own policy.
What this does not mean
It is not an immigration interview and it does not replace the documents you need for entry to Japan. It is a lodging record requirement.
If a self-check-in property requests a passport image before arrival, confirm that the request comes through the property’s legitimate booking channel.
FAQ
Can I refuse to show it?
The accommodation needs to meet its guest-record obligation. If you are concerned, ask the manager to explain the process rather than assuming the request is optional.
Why did another hotel not ask?
Check-in practices vary, but the legal record requirement still applies to foreign guests without a fixed address in Japan.
Official sources
Check the source directly if your journey depends on a detail.
Checked against official Japanese sources · Last verified August 13, 2026