Weekly Japan Travel Information and Discussion Thread – July 07, 2023

**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 69 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).
* As of 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.
* Shops and restaurants often do temperature checks or require you to use hand sanitizer when entering a building, although you won’t 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).

## 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/)

13 comments
  1. Does anyone know if the Ohi Racecourse Flea Market is open tomorrow? I’m finding conflicting info on the internet.

  2. Planning a trip in November and my itinerary is Tokyo(3 nights)- Kyoto (3 nights)- Osaka (4 nights)- Hakone (1 night) – Tokyo (2 nights). Is it easy to get to Hakone from Osaka or should I visit Hakone after the first three nights in Tokyo?

  3. What things should I look into booking early? And how early?

    I wanted to do the following
    Ghibli in Nov
    Universal Mario world
    Some of the other museums in Tokyo
    Team labs
    Kirby cafe

    Do all cafes need a reservation?

  4. Is TeamLabs in Tokyo really worth it? It strikes me as a very crowded rushed Instagram-bait type of place so I’m unsure of including it on my itinerary.

  5. Planning to spend birthday there in October! Any recommendations or things to reserve to do/ make it memorable day?

  6. How do I know if a ryokan in hakone will let my two year old stay there? I booked a room at Hotel Kajikaso, but they haven’t replied to messages via the website’s contact form nor via DMs on social media. Any tips here?

  7. I’ll be attending an event at korakuen hall for my trip this fall, which is in Tokyo Dome city area—any must do’s food or shops wise in that immediate area to check out before the event?

  8. How come I can’t make a reservation at Kitaohji Shinjuku Saryo? Does anyone know what’s the right way to do it? I asked my hotel through chat on booking but they’re not reading my message. I tried making the reservation on the site with VPN and even translating the details to Japanese but it just spins forever, any clues?

    Or are there any other recommendations for another kaiseki restaurant like this one for my anniversary?

  9. Hi,

    So, it seems that somehow I managed to get the Early Pass for the second day of Comiket in the lottery (13 Agusust). But the only way to receive ticket is through ‘Ticketing at FamilyMart’. How does it work? I mean I won’t be in Japan until August 8th. Won’t it be a problem if I pick up my ticket so late?

    With regards.

  10. Kumano Kodo Booking through Kumano Travel – has anyone had any luck recently? I submitted a request a month ago and have heard nothing back, it does say on their website that they are very busy, but wondering if I should just try booking it alone.

    A question re my Plan B if I don’t hear back, to anyone who’s done it before, would it be possible to stay in Yunomine Onsen/Hongu and travel by bus every morning to each of the starting points of the hike? In doing the full 6 day hike

  11. Has anyone visited Amanohashidate in early October? Worried about weather during this time of the year

  12. Does anyone know of a place that I can buy canned lemon sours in the USA? I miss them from my trip!

Leave a Reply
You May Also Like