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 71 countries (countries listed here).
- 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.
- As of April 29, 2023, Japan no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test (official source).
- Tourists entering Japan should have their immigration and customs process fast tracked by filling out Visit Japan Web (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.
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 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 Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the nationwide JR Pass is no longer a viable option for most itineraries.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.
- 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 for more detail.
- If you become ill while traveling, please see the instructions in this guide. If you are looking for information on finding pain or cold/cough medication in Japan, see this FAQ section.
Quick Links for Japan Tourism and Travel Info
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9 comments
Does anyone know about the Hip Hop food festival in Shinjuku? They have the whole open area in front of Kabukicho tower blocked off
Is a day trip to Hiroshima from Tokyo feasible in terms of the time spent sightseeing in Hiroshima or is it advisable to stay there for a night or two?
10 day trip with family of 3 (6yo). 3 day Osaka, 4 day Kyoto, 3 day Tokyo (1 of Osaka/Kyoto day will be for Nara). Would it be worth it to take 1 of the days (and which one) to visit Hiroshima and do an overnight on Miyajima? Thanks.
Edit: any other recommendations on rearranging the schedule is appreciated as well.
Hello! Today I bought my USJ ticket for June 21st. My ticket code is 1050; does this mean that 1050 tickets have been sold so far, including mine? If so, isn’t that quite a low number? I know there’s still two weeks to go, but I’m hoping it won’t be too (I mean EXTREMELY) crowded :’)
Did you guys have any issues paying at hotels wi the a visa debit card?
Does anyone know how to book a stay at the Hotakadake Sanso Mountain Hut? It seems like they require a Japanese phone number and address for reservations.
Does Haneda airport take physical Apple Cards? I recently lost my debit. Or should I just load money onto a Suica card to be safe?
Am spending 7 days in Kyushuu in October.
Am going to Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto before going to Hiroshima then Osaka. Planning to get Sanyo Sanin Northeren Kyushu pass.
1. 3 nights in Hakata, then a day trip to Nagasaki, head back to Hakata at night, head straight to Kumamoto for a tour. However, realised that I would probably enjoy a night in Nagasaki more due to its historical significance.
2. 3 nights in Hakata, then 1 night in Nagasaki, head straight to Kumamoto for a tour. However that tour will be at 9am and it means Id have to take at worst a 645am train to reach Kumamoto by 9am since it a 2h 15 min ride there. worried I may be late as I’ll probably have a late night in Nagasaki.
3. 2 nights in Hakata, 1 night in Nagasaki, 1 night in Hakata, then head to Kumamoto from there. I’d have a bit more leeway in train timing, could probably get away with a 745 train since its a max 1 hour ride.
4. 2 nights in Hakata, 1 night Nagasaki, day in Hakta, head to kumamoto at night.
Anyone able to tell me if its a good idea to go with C? leaning towards it but would mean getting a hotel just for Saturday night in Hakata which seems hard or much overpriced, even the hostels are almost at hotel prices.
1 night in Nagasaki or Hiroshima??
The other will be a day trip.
My schedule will only allow 1 night at either btw..