**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
* Japan allows 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).
* For travelers entering the country on or after April 29, 2023, Japan no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test ([official source](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html)). The COVID/quarantine section of Visit Japan Web has been removed.
* Tourists entering Japan should still have their 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 and a QR code for Customs, which can smooth your entry procedures.
* **For more information about Visit Japan Web and answers to common questions, please see [our FAQ on the topic](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/visitjapanweb/).**
## 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).
## 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!)
11 comments
Where do I find more information about expressway passes? How can I purchase them? And how would I acquire one if driving from a different region?
I don’t want to waste a thread for this so, seems like a good spot to ask. Is there anywhere in Japan (preferably Tokyo or Kyoto / Osaka) that caters to retro anime like 80s / 90s OVAs? I know a lot of those were geared towards western audiences and there likely isn’t a lot of Japanese nostalgia for them but if such a place exists I’d like to see it.
In Hakoke today (May 5) I was able to get the rope way up the mountain but after maybe an hour ~11 am it was suspended for the rest of the day due to high winds. It looks to be high winds for the next couple of days so you might have to hike up to Owakudani Station
I’m planning to go to Japan on 12/16-12/31 with my bf. This will be my first Japan trip and his second, but it will be our first trip during Winter season. Our itinerary is to visit Kyoto for about 4-5 days, then Hakone for onsen for a day, then Tokyo for the remaining days. We’re still looking into things to do, but a bit worried possible shops closing.
Do you have any advise/tips for us? Or what we should expect?
Pro tip: Skip Enoshima and go to the coastal edge path of Miura. Enoshima is tourist trap Instagram island. Miura on the other hand is an isolated coastal path with gorgeous views and almost no one goes there (only takes 1 hour from Yokohama visa train, bus, and 20 min walk). The path isn’t maintained much, and it’s a pretty unmarked, but you’ll be blown away.
My sister in law is taking a shinkansen from Tokyo (Ueno area) to Kyoto Saturday morning, is it even possible to get tickets because of Golden Week?)
Any guidelines for tourists in Ishikawa prefecture right now on how to prepare for a bigger earthquake, given the current seismic activity going on right now?
Does anyone know if Tmobile actually works instead of pocketwifi or esim?
I’m planning a visit in August. The only proof of vaccination I have is the paper/handwritten vaccination card they distributed in the US. Is it a good idea to have another form of documentation?
Anyone planning to go to Nihon-Ji/Nokogiri, Sarushima, or southern Izu?
Are there any decent restraunts people would recommend in Tokyo to book in advance? Its hard to tell without being there.
We’ll be in a lot of popular spots seeing the sights, Asakusa etc.