**This discussion thread has been set up by the moderators of /r/JapanTravel. Please stay civil, abide by the rules, and be helpful. Keep in mind that standalone posts in the subreddit must still adhere to the rules, and quick questions are only welcome here and in /r/JapanTravelTips.**
## Japan Entry Requirements
* Japan allows visa-free travel for [ordinary passport holders of 69 countries](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html) (countries listed [here](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html)).
* If you are a passport holder of a country **not** on the visa exemption list, you will still need to apply for a visa. All requirements are listed [on the official website](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html).
* As of April 29, 2023, Japan no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test ([official source](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html)).
* Tourists entering Japan should still have their immigration process and customs process fast tracked by filling out [Visit Japan Web](https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/) (VJW). This will generate a QR code for immigration and a QR code for customs, which can smooth your entry procedures. VJW is not mandatory. If you do not fill it out, you will need to fill out the paper immigration and customs forms on the plane/on arrival to Japan.
* **For more information about Visit Japan Web and answers to common questions, please see [our FAQ on the topic](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/visitjapanweb/).**
## Japan Tourism and Travel Updates
* **Important Digital IC Card News!** There are reports that as of iOS 17.2, you can charge digital Suica cards with some (but not all) foreign Visa cards. See [this blog post](https://atadistance.net/all-about-apple-pay-suica-recharge/) from At a Distance for more information and ongoing updates, as well as our stickied thread in /r/JapanTravelTips.
* **Important JR Pass News!** As of October 1, 2023, the nationwide JR Pass has increased in price (see [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/16foi20/jr_pass_price_increase_discussion_thread_part_1/)). Regional JR Passes have also increased in price (see [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/16tk54c/jr_pass_price_increases_discussion_part_2/)). Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the JR Pass is no longer a viable pass for most itineraries. For more information on the JR Pass, including calculators for viability, see our stickied thread in /r/JapanTravelTips.
* **Important IC Card News!** Although there is an ongoing shortage of regular Suica and PASMO cards, there are some reports that Suica cards might be starting to be available again at some stations. You can also still get the tourist versions of those cards (Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport). Please see our stickied thread in /r/JapanTravelTips for IC card info, details, and alternatives.
* As of March 13, 2023, [mask usage is left up to personal choice and preferences in many circumstances](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/13/national/japan-mask-rules-caveats/). The government recommendation will only remain in place for medical institutions, nursing homes, and crowed buses/trains. That said, keep in mind that private establishments can still ask that you wear a mask to enter, and you should be respectful of those types of restrictions.
* Some shops, restaurants, and attractions have reduced hours. We encourage you to double check the opening hours of the places you’d like to visit before arriving.
* There have been some permanent or extended closures of popular sights and attractions, including teamLab Borderless, Shinjuku Robot Restaurant, and Kawaii Monster Cafe. Check out [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/xqulaa/for_travelers_coming_to_japannew_and_gone/) for more detail.
* If you become ill while traveling, please see the instructions in [this guide](https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html). If you are looking for information on finding pain or cold/cough medication in Japan, see [this FAQ section](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/faqs/japantravel/#wiki_health).
## Quick Links for Japan Tourism and Travel Info
* [/r/JapanTravel Discord](https://discord.gg/3f7KBUMwU4)
* [/r/JapanTravel Resources Page](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/resources/)
* [Immigration/Customs Info](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/airportimmigration/)
* [JR Pass Info](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/transport/jrpass/)
* [IC Card Info](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/transport/iccards/)
* [Luggage Forwarding Info](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/luggage/storageandforwarding/)
* [Phone/Internet/SIM Card Info](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/technology/internet/)
* [Prescription Medication Wiki Page](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/health/prescriptions/)
8 comments
If I buy an e-sim to activate in Japan, do I need to do anything to disable my current sim? And do I need roaming off or on? Thanks!
Hi! I’m going to kawagukicho lake the 3th of february, that same day in the morning I plan to go see the setsubun event in Asakusa.
I have two questions:
With how much anticipation should I buy the express bus form shinjuku to kawagukicho station?
How long is the setsubun event in Senso ji? Should I see it completely or is something to just pass by?
Thanks!!
Hello! I’m going to Japan in late March, and I’m a huge car guy. Not really in the JDM/drift type scene, but more GT/Le Mans style cars (Gran Turismo nerd). I see a lot of posts about car stuff in Japan, and wondering if anything has changed for 2024.
We’re doing Tokyo and Kyoto, so that’s the area I’m narrowed down to. I’ve got eyes on:
-Nissan Crossing, in Tokyo – Shouldn’t be that hard to see, but seems like it’s probably more geared toward cars they’re trying to sell as it’s essentially a dealership, right?
-Nissan Heritage Collection – a little out of the way and I guess they’re not selling seats for late March yet? Website isn’t that great to follow. But this would be right down my alley.
-Honda Collection Hall – out at Motegi, might be possible but a stretch for sure. Again this is right what I’m looking for.
-Honda Welcome Plaza – Bottom level of their HQ, seems like a good safe bet considering it’s in the city. Like Nissan Crossing I imagine not a lot of race car types though.
-Fuji Motor Sports Museum – Farthest away but definitely along the lines of what I would like. I guess I’ll need to wait until next month to see the March calendar to see if they are open.
Has anyone traveled to these recently (or have some lesser know gems in Tokyo/Kyoto related to these) and have any tips? Thanks in advance!!
In Japan visitors must carry their passports at all times. How does this work for skiing, especially if they close the top lifts and you have to bus back to your accommodation?
Hello,
Does anyone know of a hotel around Haneda airport that offers rooms during the day? I’m looking for a regular hotel, not a love hotel or a capsule hotel. Thank you!
Hi,
I’m currently planning a trip where I plan on doing a round trip Tokyo -> Kyoto -> Tokyo. I’d like to fit a night at a ryokan in Hakone at some point. I was thinking it made most sense to do it en-route between Tokyo and Kyoto in terms of efficiency of transport, but not sure if there is anything else I should consider?
Would appreciate any insights/advice!
We’re staying at the Hilton in Shinjuku – does anyone have experience with contacting their concierge ahead of time to help make restaurant reservations? We’re looking at Den, Locale, and Pizza Bar on 38th.
Might be a dumb question but how can I tell if the hotel I’m going to stay at will take my luggage delivery? We’ll be sending a bag with ski boots and ski clothes ahead when we arrive in Narita, to our hotel in Shiga Kogen (land on Wednesday, arrive in Shiga Kogen on Sunday)