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 Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the nationwide JR Pass is no longer a viable option for most itineraries.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
by AutoModerator
6 comments
Hello, I am travelling the middle of next March for 5 days in Tokyo. I am torn between staying in Asakusa, Asakusabashi and Akihabara. We are arriving from Kyoto via Shinkansen, but I’m planning to transfer my luggage separately so am not concerned about getting to the hotel initially.
My Tokyo itinerary is quite loose to give time to just experience Tokyo but does have:
1 day Shibuya/Shinjuku, starting at Meiji Jingu
1 day Odaiba starting at Gundam statue
1 day Akihabara
1 day Ginza/Tokyo city starting at Team Labs Borderless
1 day visiting Shibimata or Tonogayato garden, weather dependent
I have researched multiple hotels, focussing on those near the stations in Asakusa, Asakusabashi andAkihabara. I am aware the Yamanote line doesn’t cover all the stations but transfers look fairly straightforward. My budget is around £500 for the 5 nights.
It is a similar distance to the main areas on my itinerary from each of the hotels I am considering. Having never been to Tokyo before, I wondered what everyone’s personal experiences of these areas was, if you are happy to share, with regards to the general vibe, safety walking at night or early in the morning, and where you would go back to.
Thank you!
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I’m going to be in Ikebukuro for the next couple of days and I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find some fanta melon? On my previous trips I was able to find it almost everywhere, but now it seems to have disappeared from all the convenience stores and even the couple of supermarkets I checked did not have it in stock. I will also be walking around in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, etc… so I can travel a bit if need be.
Looking for suggestions for kid friendly activities (10, 12yrs old) near Team Labs Borderless in Tokyo.
I tried posting my itinerary but keeps getting auto deleted by Reddit for some reason.
How do I search a restaurant on Tabelog? I’m on the mobile English website and it doesn’t seem to have a search function where you can look up the name of the restaurant..
I cannot register my park pass on the official USJ app. I took a screenshot of the e-ticket from the mail, and uploaded it from my photo gallery, but the app wouldn’t accept it. It’s been more than a week since I purchased my ticket. My entry is the 21st June, do I register the ticket only on the entry date?