**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 70 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 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 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!** 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 and many regional JR Passes increased significantly in price. Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the nationwide JR Pass is no longer a viable option for most itineraries.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 most circumstances](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/13/national/japan-mask-rules-caveats/).
* 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/)
by AutoModerator
15 comments
I’m going to Japan this june and I’m looking for recommendations on which area I could go on day trips to. I’m staying in Tokyo for 2 weeks and since this is my second time going there I want to explore more of the countryside (possibly costal cities since it’s gonna be pretty hot in june but I’m open to any sceneries).
Would it be better to visit the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden or Chidorigafuchi Park this weekend for cherry blossoms?
headed to japan for the first time from america on april 15th. I’ve love to pick up a vintage watch. nakano broadway seems like the most mentioned place. but also heard they have jacked up prices.
any other places around tokyo that might be worth a visit?
what kind of undergarments do i (a female) wear to a kimono fitting? It says it includes undergarments (I’m assuming a nagajuban or something similar). Should I also wear, say biker shorts and a camisole or something? I don’t want to offend anyone by what I’m wearing but I also don’t want to have too many clothes on that I end up being uncomfortable or it looks bad due to the amount of layers.
Is it possible to travel from kyoto to tokyo and stop at ghibli amusement park in the middle? What’s the best way to travel with our luggage? I know there are lockers at stations, but I don’t know if those would be big enough. I also know that some hotels can ship luggage, but it can take some time. Has anyone tried this?
Currently, me and 5 friends are planning a trip to Japan for 16 days! We are really excited and are to planning to visit Osaka for 4 nights (including Nara and Himeji), Kyoto for 2 nights, Kanazawa for 1 nights, Takayama for 1 nights, Hakone for 2 days, and Tokyo for 5 nights.
We really want to diversify our experience in Japan and immerse ourselves as much as possible to the culture while appreciating a lot of not only the city-life but also the scenery. Do you think we should remove or add any cities/towns into the mix to enhance our experience in Japan? I also am worried that this is maybe too much travel and we may experience some fatigue moving every 1-2 days.
Am I allowed to line up at sushi dai or daiwa sushi for more than one person part of the same party? My girlfriend isn’t a morning person and I would like to go line up for the two of us. That way she can sleep in and arrive for when we have our scheduled seating time.
We’re planning a trip to Hokkaido and would like to visit Sapporo and Hakodate. We’re flying in/out of Japan via Narita airport. Logistically what’s the most efficient path? Fly Narita to New Chitose, take the train down to Hakodate, and fly from Hakodate to Narita? I saw there’s generally more flights from Sapporo to Narita, so I am curious how most people structure a visit to both Sapporo and Hakodate
I’m heading back to Tokyo from Hiroshima for one day before my flight early tomorrow. Managed to see some cherry blossom in Miyajima but would love to see some in Tokyo – any last min advice for where is best to see them this afternoon?
are there are other stores like the tax free akihabara thats in narita terminal 1 in tokyo?
Ill be flying on 22nd april at 6am, please help suggest what to do before this, i want to try and explore more areas of japan if possible… Ill be checking out of my hotel no 21st april at 10am (from ikebukuro), so need suggestions on what to do between this timing
Wanted to add this information about Welcome Suicas for folks looking for it.
Flew in Thurs. March 28th through HND in Terminal 3. Landed about 1:00PM.
Welcome Suicas were available for purchase and I ended up buying 6 – 2 adult and 4 children. So far they are working well through visiting various areas of Tokyo, including of course getting onto the Monorail to leave the station.
Word of warning, there can be a VERY long line to pick up the Welcome Suicas. There are 2 machines, and a line marked/labeled with signs showing you were to line up to buy the Welcome Suica cards. When I left the machine there was a line of maybe 40 people stretching down the corridor.
Most of the issue was really one person who was buying like 50 welcome suica cards in a row and hogging up the machine. So I would recommend getting the attention of a worker if you see that happening.
Other info that might be helpful. The Kiosks for Welcome Suica DOES take credit card. Also, I was able to get all 6 welcome suicas on my own for my group.
Hi, does anyone have any information or guidance regarding luggage storage/delivery in Tokyo? My friends and I are here now. We are going to Nikko on Monday and will be back on Wednesday. I was hoping the hotel we’re going to stay at would have a storage service but they are not responding
Anyone have useful tips to keep stuff charging in place? Not used to Japan’s flimsy 2 pin sockets 😅
Does anybody want a 20% discount for Ubigi eSIM use in Japan? It’s for new users. I used Ubigi last year in Japan and found it convenient. Thanks and sorry if this isn’t allowed… The code is LYW4PEQT