**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. Additionally, Japanese airlines still require masks in most circumstances.
* 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.
**Will I still get a “temporary visitor” stamp in my passport if I use VJW? I need it for the JR Pass and tax-free shopping!**
> Yes, you will still get a temporary visitor stamp in your passport. Tourists who fill out VJW still see an immigration officer at a manned immigration station and receive their stamp.
## 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!)
25 comments
Random comment: I find it weird that whenever I see a “great souvenirs from japan” article, it never mentions those temple charms/amulets.
Personally it’s my favorite souvenir to give others from Japan. It’s something really unique and Japanese, and I like the thought of the added benefit of thinking of the person’s health or other struggles. Plus they’re small and light, so easy to buy for a lot of people without taking up luggage space
…I just have to make sure not to accidentally hand a “get pregnant” amulet to the wrong person…
Hi,
I intend to go to in the Japanese Alps around Oct 24th for a few days.
My question is about the fall foliage in the Karasawa cirque around that time. I know peak time would be early October but is it still worth hiking to the Karasawa cirque or is it too late ? Same question for Senjojiki cirque even though it is not in the same area.
If it is completely barren by then, what would be an area that combines elevation and pretty colours in late October ?
Thank you for your feedback and/or suggestions !
Hey guys!
Is it possible to enter Japan with a tourist visa without a return ticket? I want to spend a good amount of time there with family, and wanted to just get the return later when it might be cheaper. Any insights would be super appreciated! Thank you
Hello, I’m meant to meet a friend in Japan this weekend. We’re both leaving tomorrow and she’s getting her third booster TODAY, will they even let her in the country? 😩
I’m looking to specifically buy a new backpack for this trip. I am trying to pack light and comfortable, and for convenience sake travel with just a carry on. Then when over in Japan, buy another bag at (Tokyo) Hands or Loft at the end of the trip for a shopping day for larger souvenirs.
I am flying from the UK with **Cathay Pacific (Economy)** with the current baggage requirements of **56cm x 36cm x 23cm (7kg).** Although my bag allows for 1 checked bag on each journey, as I say above the plan is to just use carry on for the outbound.
Budget is £150
I can buy an Osprey Europe Men’s Farpoint 40 Backpack for £120 which is well reviewed from the community here. Has anyone had trouble with it being accepted as a carry on with Cathay Pacific? As I say, I’m specifically looking for a backpack for this trip as carry on so if it has a strong chance of not being accepted I’d probably go smaller.
Bonus question: If it isn’t accepted a carry-on, what would happen then considering I have a ticket with a checked bag already included? Is there any charge or fine? I’ve only ever flown long haul once so fairly anxious about getting this right.
We will be in Tokyo for golden week. Any suggestions or recommendations on things to do that might be better to do during golden week? We’re definitely going to check out Wisteria gardens, have tickets for teamlab and checking out arcades. One thing we want to experience is a traditional matsuri, but haven’t been able to find reliable information on anything that might be happening. (We will be in the Setouchi islands, Osaka, and Hakone the week prior)
Hi! I’m doing a quick trip to Hakone from Shinjuku for 1 day / 1 night, and the main attraction we plan to see is the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
1) With this limited schedule, is it worth getting the Hakone Freepass?
2) Are there any other recommended attractions in Hakone to check out after 5p? It seems most things close around then
Thanks ~
Currently looking at doing 4 days in Kyoto (including a day trip to Nara), 3 days in Osaka and 2 days in Kobe (including visiting Himeji Castle on the way to Kobe). If you could add one day to one of these cities which would it be?
I’d originally planned to do a full day in Himeji but I feel like a few hours for the castle on the way to Kobe will be enough
Edit: Ignore the part about Himeji, that’s on the way to Hiroshima!
I hope the Japanese will catch onto ‘you really don’t have to wear a mask at all times anymore both indoors and outdoors ‘.
Cannot imagine a less comfortable travel experience than having to wear a mask at all times for 2-3 weeks, especially with the weather getting warmer
Hi! How terrible an idea would be to try to catch the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo during the beggining of Golden Week (ie, Saturday April 29th)? Would it be better trying to catch in on either the 30th or May 1st?
For those who are there right now in the rain, how wet are your shoes by the end of the day? Trying to decide how many pairs to bring (hate bringing extra shoes 🙁 ). And how chilly is it – obviously this is a perception but is it jacket weather, multiple layers weather?
I’m staying in akihabara for a week in Tokyo. I’m not a tremendous weeb/anime nerd, but it just kinda worked out that way with my group. Any recommendations of where to walk? I was looking at Kanda to the south, and then east of Akihabara station seems to be chill neighborhoods. And maybe the side streets of Akihabara too?
There is a Yoasobi concert in Osaka at Osaka-Jo Hall on April 8/9. I’ve been working with credit card concierge to help with booking tickets and it looks like they aren’t able to because you’d have to book thru a specific website which requires Japanese phone number and passport.
Does anyone have a sense of whether people would be selling (marked up) tickets outside of the music venue day of the concert? My wife and I would likely be happy to pay the premium but wasn’t sure if the culture in Japan on selling tickets outside the venue is different than western countries.
I’m planning to go to USJ on June 13 and I’ve been reading a bunch of info about how to get tickets, but I feel so overwhelmed with all of the different options.
Tickets haven’t been released for June 13 yet, but when I try and simulate the latest possible date (end of May), everything shows up as out of stock.
I’d really appreciate some help in understanding:
* When I can buy Day Pass and Express Pass for June 13
* Which website is better? The English USJ website? The Japanese USJ website? I’ve read that Klook is not so good because we can’t select the entry times, but what about the other travel agencies mentioned on the English USJ website ([https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/travel](https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/travel))?
* If I can’t manage to get an Express Pass on any of these websites, is there any alternative?
* Do the Express Passes sell out in minutes? Because that’s what it seems like…
I just want to make sure I’m doing everything I possibly can to buy an Express Pass that at least gets me into the 2 rides at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Thanks in advance for any tips or guidance!
For pulling cash out of an ATM I keep seeing everyone say 7/11. My question is if FamilyMart/Lawson is also an option. I’ve never seen it recommended so I am not sure if there is an issue with it or if it just isn’t popular.
PSA – United has a fare sale currently. I’m seeing < $1100/rt out of SFO (for the same dates I paid $1500 a month ago).
On the **visit japan website** we’re trying to expedite our check-in process
**—does everyone traveling need their own phones/accounts or is just the 1 account sufficient if we print out our individual QR codes on paper?** (I.E. disembarkment card QR codes, Declaration of personal effects QR code)
My plan was just to print out the QR codes and hand them to my family but was wondering if we needed the app strictly. My family is registered as people traveling with me and have their own QR codes.
Hi, I see the info on COVID requirements but I can’t tell if a flu shot is required to travel from the US to Japan. Does anyone have info on that?
I’ll be in Tokyo next month and looking to purchase a watch from a tokyo-based online watch store and have it delivered to my hotel address.
Is there any way to claim a tax refund for an online purchase? All the info I can find online is regarding in-store purchases for tax refunds.
I’m going to Japan in June. I saw that Japan is changing it’s covid classification on May 8th. Have they said yet whether this means the vaccination rules for tourists will be changing then as well?
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I’m going to Kawagoe and am renting a Kimono. Does anyone have any recommendations for a rental shop? The reviews for Kimono Koto look a bit iffy, has anyone gone there? Any word on Kimono Vivian or Sara
Does Japan require tourists to bring our physical COVID vax cards?
We are heading to Japan next week and have 2 nights booked in Hakone on our way from Tokyo to Kyoto.
In Hakone we will mostly be relaxing at our hotel/onsen, but the main things I want to do in our full day there are the pirate ship cruise and the ropeway/cable car. I’m not seeing any way to buy tickets to these online. Are they included in the Hakone Freepass? Or are they typically purchased day-of? Any help on this would be much appreciated 🙂
I will be flying to Japan in June for the first time. While I understand the procedures with my three covid vaccinations for entry, I was wondering if there is anything I need to do before flying back to the US. Do I need to show a negative test to fly back from Japan?