**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 Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the nationwide JR Pass is no longer a viable option for most itineraries.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
4 comments
For those of you that have been to Kawaguchiko in Nov — –
* I keep reading during busy seasons there’s a likelihood you won’t get on the bus that comes what feels like every hour. Was that your experience?
* Also read a post that taxi was not readily available due to the amount of tourists. What was your experience with getting a taxi
* Did you use any of the taxi apps (Uber, Go, etc)? did that help with your transportation issues when buses weren’t available?
Because of the potential transportation issues, I’ve limiting the amount of sightseeing up to 4. I just want to be extra prepared when it comes to transportation as I plan on repurchasing a return train ticket and don’t want to miss the train. (and no, driving is out of question as an option)
What are some things to do in Hiroshima besides the usual activities travel sites mention (the museum, the peace park, Miyajima, okonomiyaki)?
I’m looking to book some hostels that are social and suitable to meet other travelers. I know it wont be SEA levels of social, but I want to at least try 🙂
Cities i’m looking for: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Fukuoka.
Any suggestion is much appreciated!
What affordable hotels close to Tokyo Station offer shuttle service to and from the station? Everything else I saw costs about USD500 and up