Weekly Japan Travel and Tourism Discussion Thread – November 19, 2022

**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 /r/JapanTravel must still adhere to the rules, and quick questions are only welcome here and in /r/JapanTravelTips.**

## Japan Entry Requirements and COVID Requirements

* Japan has resumed visa-free travel for [ordinary passport holders of 68 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).
* Tourists need to be vaccinated three times with an [approved vaccine](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_vaccine.html) or submit [a negative COVID-19 test result](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_test.html) ahead of their trip.
* Tourists entering Japan should get their COVID document checking process, Immigration process, and Customs process fast tracked by filling out [Visit Japan Web](https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/). (If you have previously filled out MySOS and have a blue screen, it is valid until January 13, 2023, although we would still recommend using Visit Japan Web instead, as it seems like some airlines are asking for it as a hard requirement, and it covers more things than MySOS.)
* Travelers connecting through Japanese airports and staying airside for their connection do not need to complete any visa, entry, or COVID procedures.

## Japan Tourism and Travel Updates

* Masks are still very prevalent both inside and outside while in Japan. The [current government recommendation ](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/mask.html) is to wear masks both indoors and outdoors whenever in close proximity to other people or while talking to them. In practice, most people wear masks all of the time, and the majority of businesses require masks to enter the premises.
* Shops and restaurants often do temperature checks or require you to use hand sanitizer when entering a building, although you won’t typically be asked for any proof of vaccination.
* 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, which includes teamLab Borderless, Shinjuku Robot Restaurant, and Kawaii Monster Cafe. You can see [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) or contact the [COVID-19 Consultation Center by phone](https://www.c19.mhlw.go.jp/covid-19-en.html#contents04).