**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 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 have three doses of 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 departure to Japan. For the vaccine doses, there are no timing requirements as long as you have three doses of an approved vaccine (see [top of page 10 here](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/001002920.pdf)).
* 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/). This will generate a QR code for Immigration, a QR code for Customs, and a blue “Review completed” screen for COVID fast track (no QR code) once approved.
* 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, 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) or contact the [COVID-19 Consultation Center by phone](https://www.c19.mhlw.go.jp/covid-19-en.html#contents04).
## 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/)
10 comments
If I buy tickets to a Japanese concert, and the machine wants to write the name on the ticket, is it OK to just write my English name in hiragana? Don’t have a Japanese name lol.
What would happen if they check names at the venue in this instance? My ID would technically match the hiragana…
Thank you 😊
Any recommendations for restaurant recommendations in Tokyo where I can try high quality wagyu but isn’t hard to get reservations for? (Easy online booking or walk-in availability?) My trip is in a few weeks and I’m sure more of the fancier/popular places are already booked
Does anyone have ideas of hikes that overlap macaques habitat? I’m hoping to find a place to spot wild monkeys that aren’t in captivity or fed (so most monkey parks are out). I’m okay with taking a longer hike to see them, as well as the possibility that they might not cross my path.
Anyone have feedback on the Miyako City Tokyo Takanawa hotel? It’s located across from the Takanawa Gateway station and 8 min walk to Shinagawa station. Would y’all say this is a decent base? I’m not interested in staying in Shinjuku, too busy and overwhelming, reminds me of NYC which is just too much for me. This hotel seems to have a great mix of room size, price, and train access but the thing is seems to be lacking is food options in the area, but there are the station restaurants and a 7/11. That said I will be in a different neighborhood every single day and won’t be ending any day with dinner by my hotel so don’t know it matters much.
Are there any apps or a master guide list or something that’ll show you what trains/subways are covered by certain passes or if you need to pay an additional fare?
Like when browsing routes on Google maps, they’ll show a variety of trains or buses. Is there any easy way to know if these will accept Suica or JR Pass or if you need to pay an additional fare or reserve ahead of time? (Certain trains? Limited express trains?)
I’m just a bit overwhelmed with all of the transportation stuff and want to make sure I’m prepared and am always paying correctly & efficiently when I arrive!
JR Pass question.
I have a “regular” Nationwide JR Pass (not Green). Let’s say I arrive at Tokyo station and notice there’s some reserve seats left on the shinkansen to Osaka, can I still reserve a seat by paying just the additional fee for the reserve seat upgrade? Or would they charge me the entire full price? So let’s say the upgrade cost 500 yen compared to entire 6000 yen reserve seat price.
I’m going to be riding non reserved most of the time but I’m assuming there may be times when I need to upgrade to a reserved seat.
Question about large luggage on shinkansen-
I’ve read that you need to reserve seats w/ luggage storage space for luggage over 160cm. My partner and I both have larger suitcases, but they are still under the 160cm (~142 cm). However, I feel like they are fairly large and wouldn’t fit in the overhead shelf (just by looking at photos, those overhead shelves look a little narrow?)
Are you allowed to keep your suitcase (if it fits) in front of you/under your feet on the trains? Like on an airplane that’s not allowed, but I’m guessing it’s probably fine for trains?
I’m just asking because I most likely will be shipping our suitcases to our next destination, and don’t necessarily want to reserve the luggage space seats in case we decide to just ship them instead. However, if we decide to bring our suitcases with us, can we put them in front of our seat/under our feet if it comes to that? We have the Green car JR pass, so there’s extra legroom.
Thank you
Legally as a tourist do you need to always have your passport on you? I seem to recall reading that somewhere recently.
Went to the Chainsaw man cafe in Tokyo. For anyone that had trouble registering, I just used the closest translation of my name through google to Japanese. The restaurant just wanted to see the reservation via the website and that was it.
Just went and tried to book my USJ tickets for exactly sixty days out as they become available, I’ve tried twice now on my phone and in a browser, and I put in my info on the contact screen and I keep getting system exception. Has this happened to anyone else? It won’t tell me what’s wrong or anything.