**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).
* **If you are arriving in Japan on or before May 7, 2023,** you will 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 your 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)).
* **If you are arriving in Japan on or after May 8, 2023,** you will not be required to present a vaccine certificate or negative PCR test ([official MHLW source](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html)).
* 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!)
17 comments
Incredibly useful information, Thanks!
anyone ever used JR haruka on unreserved seating? saw a good deal on klook compared to paying 3k JPY from Osaka-Umeda to KIX. Planning to use that this sunday on 6PM.
Was there ever any trouble finding unreserved seats and luggage space? im traveling alone if that helps
Hey All! I’ve got a couple more questions:
1- I might exceed the allowed luggage allowance, so I looked up the charges for that. Thai airway int is way too expensive, basically multiply[ this whole table by 5](https://www.thaiairways.com/en_TH/before_you_fly/additional_services/excess_baggage.page). So I might as well just ship it from there. From experience, what do you guys think of this?
2- Does Ecobo give the best rate for storing luggage for a moderately long time? are there any other services like it?
Shibuya Sky outdoor rooftop closes when it’s excessively windy. For those who have visited the indoors portion of Shibuya Sky, do you still think it’s worth it to go if the outdoor rooftop isn’t open? (Note: planning to go at night)
Some stats from being on the ground (good Friday arrival):
Arrived at Narita, be smart and have your VisitJapan stuff and QR codes ready because I was done with all (including passport stamp and customs declaration) in 20min.
As someone said before, luggage takes longer (the other party was only through everything after luggage pick up after 45min).
We were lucky to maybe have arrived around lunch time, narita JR office at terminal 2 was only a 45min wait. After 2pm the queues was filling up super quick so probably looking at +60min wait or more.
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For anyone in Japan atm, how bad are the crowds?
Could anyone give me some more information about rainy season in July? Planning on going 4th – 19th but worried it will rain the whole time. Is there rain constantly for days or just showers, I’ve found different info online. The current plan is Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima so open to area suggestions too! Any advice at all is appreciated
Hello all! I booked a connecting flight on JAL from JFK to Haneda & then Haneda to Osaka Itami. The layover is only 1hr 40min but as it was booked directly with JAL I figured it was fine. With the news about long immigration lines I am getting nervous about making the connection. Does anyone know if JAL at JFK will send our bags along directly to Osaka? Or if Haneda will prioritize immigration for people trying to make connecting flights? Either way I’ll just going to cross my fingers and hope the inbounds get lighter in the next 2 weeks.
Hi all. I stupidly forgot a bag on the Narita Express this evening. I went to a JR ticket office to see if they could help, and they provided me with the lost and found hotline number. I then asked my hotel’s concierge to help call it, but the hotline was closed for the evening. The concierge said they’d try again in the morning.
Anyone experienced this before? If my bag was found, what can I expect in terms of retrieving it?
I’m arriving to Kansai Airport at 7pm. Where should I buy my tickets going to Osaka? And I’m carrying one big luggage. The klook rapit train ticket station closes at 7pm. Help?
I’m going to Japan in May and will arrive at Tokyo at midnight? What would be the best way (solo traveller, first time in Japan) to get to my hotel?
Planning on going Kobe for lunch and want some Kobe A5 beef, does anyone know if any restaurant there have walk ins available or is it all reservations only?
I am in the beginning phases of planning a trip for next February. I will be spending a week near Niseko to snowboard and a week and a half around Tokyo and Kyoto from what I have figured so far. One thing I would like to do is catch some live music while there. Any suggestions on venues? I am a fan of Kikakaku Moyo and Minami Deutsche so would love to see any similar artists that might be playing.
Anyone recently flown out of KIX? How bad is the security/check in? Wondering if I need to take a private car to be there early enough, in case airport limo doesn’t get there soon enough.
I have my trip coming up in a week and a half. Is it a no no to not have dinner reservations for Saturday night in Tokyo (Shibuya/Shinjuku), or dinner reservations for Friday Night in Kyoto? Some places I want to try don’t take reservations, but wondering if I should pivot my plans.
Hi,
I registered my partner on my Visit Japan account and we both have QR codes for immigration, customs and Covid. I didn’t realise it was only for dependents. Will this be okay or will she need to do her own??