**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. (See below for more info.)
* 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
* **As of March 13, 2023, [mask usage is left up to personal choice and preferences in many circumstances](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/13/national/japan-mask-rules-caveats/).** The government recommendation will only remain in place for medical institutions, nursing homes, and crowed buses/trains. That said, keep in mind that private establishments can still ask that you wear a mask to enter, and you should be respectful of those types of restrictions.
* 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).
## Visit Japan Web Info and FAQs
[Visit Japan Web](https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/) (VJW) is an online document-checking system introduced in December 2022. It allows you to pre-enter all of your Immigration, Customs, and COVID vaccine/test information before arriving in Japan. To make the entry process as smooth as possible and prevent any issues, we recommend filling it out and obtaining the QR codes provided by the service.
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding filling out the VJW sections:
**Can I put multiple family members under the same Visit Japan Web account?**
> All adults should have their own VJW account. Family members on the same account should only be either minors or dependents incapable of filling it out on their own.
**How far in advance can I fill out Visit Japan Web?**
> Officially speaking, you can use Visit Japan Web for trips up until the end of the year following the current year. For instance, in February 2023, you can register a trip with a date up to December 2024. That said, your information will be wiped if you don’t sign into Visit Japan Web at least once every 18 months.
> Practically speaking, there’s no real need to register more than a few months or weeks in advance, as the information gets reviewed and approved within hours or days.
**What flight number do I use?**
> You should use the flight number for the flight _landing in Japan_. So, for instance, if you have a flight from New York City to Seattle and then from Seattle to Tokyo, you use the flight number of the Seattle to Tokyo Flight. If you are on a codeshare flight, you can use either the carrier you purchased through, or the operating carrier. For instance, if you are on American Airlines #4065 and it codeshares with JAL #001, you can write either “AA 4065” or “JAL 001”.
**What do I put down for my intended address? What do I do if I’m staying in multiple hotels or accommodations over the course of my trip?**
> You should use the address and contact information for your first hotel/hostel/Airbnb/etc. You don’t need to provide multiple addresses.
**On the quarantine procedures page, it has a “Time remaining to complete registration: XXXXXX” notification, but I’ve already submitted my vaccine certificate and my screen is blue. What do I do?**
> You don’t have to do anything. This timer is for submitting a test for approval, which you don’t need to do if you submitted vaccine information. Basically, it’s bad design/programming.
## 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/)
* [Prescription Medication Wiki Page](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/health/prescriptions/) (Recently Updated!)
17 comments
Hello, does anyone know if the JR trains have a place to get hot water on board, for making instant noodles?
Hey should the date I got my 3rd shot matter? I got it at the December of 2021 and will be in Japan June 2023
Hello,
Seeing how early all the cherry blossoms are I was wondering. I’m arriving to Kyoto on April 1st, do you think I’ll be able to see some? What places would you suggest first, seeing as I might have limited time for the bloom.
I planned to go to Arayashima on Monday, and I booked the Sagano train for that day, but at this point I’m not sure how much I’ll see..
Does anyone know how long it takes to hike Mt. Tsurugi (*Shikoku*) from the base (*at Tsurugi Shrine / chairlift start*) to the top, where the large wooden viewing platform is?
I am assuming the chairlifts will not be available on April 10th when I will be there, so I wanted to ask and see if anyone has hiked this before on foot. I have heard it is about 2 hours one way.
I am a 27 year old male and in really good shape, so while I don’t want to RUSH it, I wanted to see if I can expect to make it up faster than the estimated 2 hours.
Does anyone know how long it takes for the negative Covid test to be reviewed on VJW website? I plan on getting a rapid PCR test done Tuesday morning and getting the results the same day. I would upload the results around noon. My plane leaves Wednesday evening. Is that enough time?
Another question: Are the Japanese Covid test forms still required? I asked the clinic that is doing my PCR test, and they said they don’t think it is required anymore, and if i still wanted them to sign it I’d have to pay extra.
Is Sugamo tourist friendly? Going to Tokyo for 8 days and was thinking of using it as a base.
I get overstimulated quite easily so want a (fairly) quiet base and the slower pace of life, lack of cars on the shopping street and parks appeals to me in that area, plus a few arcades and good food from what I hear… And it’s on the main tube line. I’d be staying in APA Sugamo, right by the station.
From there I’ll visit other areas and go on a few day trips
But was wondering how tourist friendly it is as I know they cater to an older crowd.. (I’m 39 so maybe younger than average) are the restaurants less likely to have English menus than the younger orientated areas and might I face more anti foreigner sentiment?
My other option is staying in APA Ochanomizu-Ekikita. It would be within walking distance to Ochanomizu, Taito/Ueno Park and Akihabara though might be more noisy and hectic, I don’t know?
Thank you!
Are the ticketing machines at the train stations cash only or do they take card?
Has anyone experience with buying Disneyland tickets at the Konbini? Can you pay in cash there? I know you can buy tickets on Klook etc. but my credit card is sometimes truoblesome when I try to use it in foreign countries, and the Disney app also gives me an error for my card
I am going to Japan in mid-May for 4 weeks. I will start in Tokyo and more or less move in the direction of Fukuoka. It will be pretty warm and humid but also might rain(?) so I really want to take a rain jacket with me. I would also feel more comfortable knowing I have a jacket especially for hiking, nighttime and sudden rain.
Is this reasonable?
Hi there!
Is there any indication will the current border measures change with the downgrade of Covid to class 5 on May 8th?
Thanks!
Hi I have train tickets booked from Takayama to Tokyo. The route is Takayama to Nagoya then Nagoya to Tokyo. I heard Nagoya is the biggest train station in Japan and I arrive in Nagoya at 912 and need to be on the next train by 931. Is that enough time to get to the next train? The train to Nagoya is through the Hida Express and the train to Tokyo is the Hikari Shinkansen if that helps
Looking at the Japan Guide Blossoms forecast – says Tokyo has already started blooming, and the best viewing is beween Mar 22 – Mar 30th. Unfortunately I do not land in Tokyo until April 7th. This is my first time going during this season, is it still worth visiting the main parks (such as Shinjuku Gyoen) when I get to Tokyo (Apr 7/8)? Or is it going to be too late and not worth planning for any more?
Is it easy to meet people and do things in Tokyo? I’m going solo, I have a friend there but would like to meet people and do fun things with..
I’ve purchased the Hakone Free Pass with the included round-trip from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto for my upcoming trip in April. I also purchased separate Romancecar Limited Express ticket for reserved seats. Just a couple questions about this if someone could help!
1. I’m pretty clear on how the Hakone Freepass works once we arrive in the Hakone area. How do I use the Shinjuku-Hakone roundtrip part of the ticket when we leave from Shinjuku? I realize I’ll get a 2D barcode on my Freepass ticket. In Shinjuku station, how do I enter the ticketing area? Do I show the Freepass to someone at a manned gate? Or do I go to a ticketing machine and scan the barcode to get a physical ticket ?
2. When we leave Hakone at the end of the 3 days I don’t want to actually return to Shinjuku (we’ll be traveling on to Kyoto). I believe I read that I can just hop off the train at any stop (Odawara in my case) and tell someone at a manned gate that we’re getting off? Is this how it works?
​
Thanks in advance!
What would you recommend for internet options in Japan? Later this year I’ll be going from Osaka to Kyoto, then to Tokyo for two weeks with my friend. We learned you can’t get sim cards unless you’re a native so we are exploring options.
We wouldn’t be online often. Just for using maps and phone calls. I don’t want to rely too heavily on random wifi spots due to phone security (and if there were emergency, I wouldn’t want to struggle finding wifi)
Not sure if this is the right place to ask, I bought my flights (UK to Japan) through Expedia and have checked in on the Japan Airlines website. When I click on display e-Ticket in the Japan Airlines web check in it just downloads a PDF of an invoice.
Does anyone know where you would usually find an actual e-Ticket? My flight is on Sunday morning, I’m not sure if the ticket is only viewable on the day of flight
For people with experience with Tokyo free guide:
how many days before the date you selected they usually contact you? Or they don’t contact you at all if they can’t find a guide?