**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!)
25 comments
Do I need to bring any warm clothes with me in May? What’s the tempature like in Tokyo, Kyoto, south and north island?
Should I purchase a Sim and Suica card from the JR pass website?
Hi all,
I’m looking to get a JR pass from japans JR pass website. However, I noticed that I can also include a Sim and the Suica card in as a bundle. But, for the Suica card, they’re charging $35 and for a 7 day sim, they are charging $39. I was wondering if I should but it off the website with the JR pass, or is it cheaper to get the sim and Suica when I land in Japan? Thanks! I have attached a link below showing the prices.
Website: https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/transportation/japan-rail-pass/national?travelers=2fe3d00ffb6e87c3df24e2c73512d60d#jrp-info-form
Currently in Japan and a family member asked for a miniature stone lantern- anyone know where to get one in the Tokyo area?
Some random questions I have:
1. JR pass: if I activate a 14 day JR pass on the 18th May, can I still use it for trip on the 1st of June?
2. Suica card and e-sim: I land at midnight and will have a taxi take me straight to my hotel. I want to get a suitable and sim the next day. Where can I/ where is the best place to get them in Tokyo?
3. What kind of clothes are good for Japan in May? What should I be packing?
4. My tour has luggage restrictions (no bigger than carry on luggage size) given that we will be doing a lot of train travel. I wanted to bring a larger suitcase (check-in size) and leave it somewhere is Tokyo while on the tour. Any ideas where I could keep it? Is it cheaper to buy luggage there?
Thanks in advance!
How is the quality of T-Mobile in Japan? When I travel abroad from America to other countries like Europe its actually quite good. Just debating if I should get a SIM card or not while I am there.
This may be a silly question but thoughts on purses/day bag size to use? I’m vacillating between a small belt bag for ease and lightness versus a larger tote that could hold trinkets we may purchase or drinks throughout the day. I know it’s dependent on needs but just looking for folks’ experiences and thoughts 🙂
Can I use takuhaibin if I arrive at the hotel 3 or 4 days after sending luggage? Do I need to inform the hotel?
Hello. I’ll be travelling to Fukuoka soon and I really want to visit Itoshima and go to the following places
• Sakurai Futamigaura
• Totoro Forest
How difficult is it if I’m using public transportation to go around Itoshima? I’ll be coming from Hakata and I saw in myroute app that they have a pass that I can purchase but I’m having a hard time figuring the bus routes in the area. Is there any app that I can use? I’ve been trying google maps but it doesn’t show the local bus route in the area.
I also have a question with IC card. Do I have to return it before leaving Fukuoka? If I can keep it, how long is it’s validity?
Thank you for your help.
Hey all —
For the form to provide proof of a negative PCR test — is this something I fill out myself? My test results don’t come back for 12-24 hours after I take the test, so I’m guessing I fill this out myself rather than the provider so I don’t have to go back to the office? Can anyone confirm? Just seems weird since it doesn’t seem to ascertain “proof” if done this way.
Form for reference: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_test.html
Thank you for this information, super helpful
Hi all, I’m going to Japan in May for my second time. I’m pretty good with my itinerary but have some miscellaneous questions. To preface, I’ll be solo traveling based out of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
What’re some of your must restaurants when in Japan? I feel like the last time I went I didn’t try as many specialty restaurants as I should’ve.
Nightlife. I’m 25M and another thing I didn’t do much of last time was enjoy the nightlife so I plan on going out to the clubs and drinking a lot more this time. Any specific bars/clubs I should look at besides Golden Gai? I was also looking into doing a pub crawl with a group one night. I was looking at the Tokyo Pub Crawl, Magic Trip Tokyo Bar Hop and the Osaka Pub Crawl. Out of those 3 which would you recommend?
Is Kobe worth a half/full day trip or would I be better of spending that additional day in Kyoto and Osaka. I’ll be in Osaka/Kyoto for 5 days. One of those being spent in Nara. Would a half day be enough in Kobe?
Appreciate any input.
Any recommendations for Tohoku area and Miyagi in fall? I was thinking of doing a late October to early November trip, maybe like Oct 22 – Nov 5. Mostly for nature stuff, but I wanna see Aomori, Morioka, and Sendai.
Trying to wrap my head around trains and logistics, but am stuck on two in the planning process:
1- We have 6 hour window between landing to get to our hotel which is a 52 minute train ride away. I’ve heard you can exchange JR Pass voucher at other stations if there’s a line at Narita, is this true? Also seen where some people opt for taxi over train out of Narita. How hard is that to plan?
2- Were meeting up with a guide in Hiroshima (traveling from Osaka). What’s a good meeting spot near the train (going to peace memorial, Osaka castle etc.)? Also what JR line should we take?
Thanks in advance!
Of all the areas around Kyoto — Arashiyama, Northern Kyoto, Northern Higashiyama, Southern Higashiyama — which temple area should be the LOWEST priority?
Hoping not to get templed out and want to prioritize as best I can.
Best way to exchange money in Japan?
I know that 7-11 charges small flat fee but my bank also charges 2% for international withdrawals. Also I’m not sure which exchange rate would 7-11 use if you select Yen. Would it use Visa exchange rate or rate of my bank? The problem is that my country’s currency is not EUR but I have EUR account so it would maybe convert EUR to domestic currency and then domestic currency to Yen.
Would it be better to just change cash at interbank (Ninja exchange)?
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to arrive at NRT on April 27th but want to use my 7 day JR pass from May 2nd to May 9th!
I’m trying to buy my pass at japanrailpass.net but it requires me to have my start date be the arrival date (April 27th). Is there anyway around this?
Thanks
Does anyone know how long customs would take at Narita airport when flying from the US? My flight lands at Narita at 2pm and then I have a connection at 4pm.
Do you think that is enough time?
Anyone have any recommendations for tea cerimônia places in Kyoto? Maikoya is fully booked for the month :/
Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on taking a road trip from Osaka to Tokyo over three days / two nights. I am thinking of heading out northeast from Osaka (maybe even taking a route north of Lake Biwa), and hoping to drive through the mountains and stay in smaller towns. I am staying on the north side of Tokyo, so may plan to approach the city from that direction. Any recommendations for nice routes or things to do along the way? Have you stayed anywhere in these regions (outside of the city of Nagano proper) that you liked? I love hiking (and camping, although I think renting gear may be ultimately too complicated to deal with in this short timespan), and am excited to see some new areas! I speak conversational Japanese, but it’s been about 15 years since I studied it formally and my keigo and kanji could probably use some work. Any help is much appreciated!
Do I need to fill out Visit Japan Web if I’m arriving in June?
First time visitor: are there public drinking fountains or fill stations widely available? Trying to decide getting a travel bottle that fits in a pocket or just slam plastic bottles from 7/11.
1) My family member coming with me to Japan has arthritis and can’t use chopsticks well. They can use those training chopsticks well. Are there any, maybe an elderly version of, chopsticks available to purchase somewhere/anywhere in Japan or should I get them one here?
2) I forget, FML.
I have filled out what I could on the visitjapan website in preparation for our trip next week but I had a question regarding the vaccination. I’ve filled out the section and now it says “REVIEW COMPLETED” does this mean it is approved and I’m good to go?
Wondering if someone could help with a portable wifi pickup question?
So I placed an order to reserve a portable wifi from Japan-Wireless with pickup from the JLC ABC Counter in Narita. All the support articles I’ve read mention you need your passport and a tracking number to pick up your order from the counter, but I haven’t received a tracking number yet.
We are arriving there on Monday. Do they usually just ship them last minute, or do they already have them available at the airport and don’t need to ship? Anyone know if the order number is enough for pickup?
Where should I stay if I want to visit all of these places from Tokyo? Should I have a base in Shinjuku or book separate hotels at these spots? Help!
– Nikko 2 days
– Kamagoe 1-2 days
– Kamakura 1-2 days
– Kanazawa 2 days
– Takayama 2 days