**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/)
9 comments
Working Holiday visa required for volunteer work?
Looking at work-in-exchange-for-accomodation programs (Workaway, WorldPackers), and the majority of them say that a working holiday visa is required. Yet a cursory Google search suggests that volunteer work falls under the tourist visa that U.S. citizens automatically have on arrival.
Do you need to apply for a visa to volunteer at guesthouses, hostels, farms, etc. in Japan?
I have one last open day with my jr pass. And I’m conflicted where to go with it. Amanohashidate for the day? Or Kanazawa. I’ve been to Hiroshima. Himeji. Kobe. Miyajima. Kyoto Osaka.
So just definitely looking for something to leave it on a bang. I def like both nature and city vibes. I enjoyed the Kobe ropeway a ton.
Choosing between Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel and Hotel New Otani for my husband, me, and our 16 year old son. Our travel style DOES include lounging at hotel, so a comfortable relaxing hotel is important to us. We would enjoy the beautiful gardens at Otani, but I understand that Cerulean is more convenient. … how convenient (or inconvenient) would a stay at Otani be? This is our first trip to Tokyo. Based on the map, Otani ‘seems’ convenient to subway and train … but I don’t know the reality of being there. How important is it that we have the accessibility of Cerulean?
Anyone know which airport in Asia is usually cheapest to go to Japan in March? Saigon is so far looking cheapest with Vietjet Air(who are trash).
Hello! I’m currently planning our itinerary and have a day wherein the earlier half of the day we simply don’t know where to go to or what to do. I originally looked at Odawara for a quick sight-seeing but thought maybe it was too much.
We’re staying near Asakusa so I went with Sensoji and Skytree planned on the latter half of the day if that helps connects things. For reference, by this point we would be done with Shibuya and the surrounding area.
So are there any other spots or places we can go to for about half-day before hauling back to Asakusa?
Is the Robot Restaurant actually still closed or did it reopen? Thank you.
Do I need a SUICA card if I am planning to buy a 48 hour unlimited Tokyo Subway Ticket?
Hi guys I have a couple of questions for a trip with a group of friends this January:
– Is it worth it to go on a day trip to Shirakawago (in January?) We weren’t able to secure an overnight stay, but is it worth it to go for a day visit?
– Same with Ginzan Onsen, we couldn’t secure an overnight stay there, but we found one in Yamagata, is it worth it to visit in the day, and also if we’re planning to stay as long as possible at Ginzan Onsen, until when do the buses run from Yamagata to Obanazawa?
Thanks in advance!
Is it safe to plan to go to Yakushima Island for 3 days towards the end of September with the potentially typhoon season?
Is 2 nights in Hiroshima too long or it’s good to explore the city and Miyajima?