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 Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the nationwide JR Pass is no longer a viable option for most itineraries.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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5 comments
The proportion of itineraries that are being posted here which appear to be ChatGPT generated is getting pretty nuts. They frequently have exactly the same sequence of things to visit and the same awkward wording. They also often don’t make much sense, with over crowded days or itineraries that involve zooming all over a city in no particular order. It seems odd to me to plan your trip in this way.
I’d suggest that people using AI services treat them as a starting point only and also treat their output with a healthy degree of scepticism.
Does anyone know when the current set of bills will be phased out? As I understand Japan is distributing new bills. I still have a few thousand yen from my recent trip and I don’t think I will be back anytime soon.
I’ve been seeing lots of post about over tourism. How bad is it compared to last year?
I traveled to Japan in October of 2023. I’m looking to visit again in October of 2024. I really don’t remember it being bad when I visited in 2023, how much more crowded would you say it is this year compared to last?
Hi all,
I am looking to do an Enoshima-Kamakura Trip on 17 july and stay at Kamakura for the fireworks at 7:20 pm. However, I have seen on social media from locals that shops generally rest on Wednesday (Kamakura especially). I was wondering whether this is true as I do not want to miss out on any of the Komachi Dori food shops or any other attractions.
Thank you!
Very general question. I’m planning my first trip to Japan this coming October and I was thinking I’d like to spend a good portion in Hokkaido. I’ve got 12 full days.
I come from a major urban city and I’m more interested in the Japanese country side than I am major cities. I love the outdoors and planned on structuring the trip around seeing natural beauty. Totally cool with renting a car. Any issues with spending a couple days in Tokyo, flying to chitose, spending 7 days in Hokkaido, flying back to Tokyo, and heading home?