Weekly Japan Travel Information and Discussion Thread – July 28, 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. First time going to Kurashiki and Himeji. What are the places that is nice to visit during autumn? We’ll be going on early November. Can you suggest anything?

  2. Does anyone have any experience going to METROCK (Tokyo)? Intending on going next year but there’s essentially zero posts, articles or videos on attending from the perspective of a tourist. Just want to know what the experience is like in terms of ease of ticket purchase, getting there, getting in and so on.

  3. Applied for an eVisa last week as a PR in Canada with China passport, but haven’t received anything yet. Anyone know what the approval timelines are like now?

  4. Does Anyone know about the JAL Explorer Pass Domestic ticket fare? Is this fare still in effect for tourist? I booked a flight for early 2024 but cannot complete the booking. Is it too early or the fare is already discontinued?

  5. Looks like my PTO for October has been approved, so back to Japan it is for my birthday. I do know what cities I’d like to visit, however, I do not know the sequences of the cities I’d like to stay at. Dates are from October 9th/10th to October 27th.

    I will be flying out of SFO and would prefer to take only direct flights to and from. Thus, I am limited to Osaka and Tokyo.

    The cities and areas I’d like to visit are Tokyo+Hakone+Mt Fuji, Hokkaido, Kyoto/Osaka, and Hiroshima. But how should I arrange this? Essentially, there are 3 areas I’d like to visit.

    A) SFO -> Tokyo+Hakone+Mt Fuji -> (flight to) Hokkaido -> (flight to) Osaka/Kyoto+Hiroshima -> SFO.

    B) SFO -> Osaka/Kyoto+Hiroshima -> (flight to) Hokkaido -> (flight to) Tokyo+Hakone+Mt Fuji -> SFO.

    C) SFO -> Hokkaido (via connecting flight from Tokyo) -> (flight to) Tokyo+Hakone+Mt Fuji -> (Shinkansen to) Osaka/Kyoto+Hiroshima -> SFO.

    D) SFO -> Hokkaido (via connecting flight from Tokyo) -> (flight to) Osaka/Kyoto+Hiroshima -> (Shinkansen to) Tokyo+Hakone+Mt Fuji -> SFO.

    E) Others that I didn’t think of.

    Thanks.

  6. Bought Nozomi tickets but don’t know what station to go to.

    It’s Nozomi 265 (Series N700) 21:24 departure. Tokyo to Kyoto.

    Where exactly in Tokyo do I go to board this? I don’t have the physical ticket (just the reservation) so I’m not sure if this means Tokyo Station or a different one.

  7. Hello, and thank you for reading!
    I am unable to add money to SUICA from Apple Pay, tried Amex, Visa, and MC. No luck. I saw this happen a month ago, is this still an issue? It seems like I would have seen something here recently. I am trying to avoid waiting in line anywhere.
    Just how rainy is it in September, allegedly the rainiest month? I am trying to determine whether i can get by without boots and a raincoat? For context, I live in Florida. It rains every day here at 5 p.m. I would not wear a raincoat or rain boots here.
    Finally, does customs check every person’s medication and vitamin bottles? This seems like it would really clog up customs.

  8. Visa question for a Chinese passport with permanent residence in United States. For “National ID number officially assigned by the government,” is this my Chinese resident ID or my drivers license number from the US?

    Thanks!

  9. Sorry if this sounds insensitive – but how safe is Japan in terms of radiation, especially in food? I didn’t even consider this but I’m traveling with my brother, sister in law, and niece. My parents mentioned concerns about radiation. I can’t imagine Japan wouldn’t take extra precautions but would appreciate some data/research mainly for their peace of mind! Thanks!

  10. How fast is JAL ABC with luggage delivery service? I dropped my bags to be delivered on Wednesday. It’s Saturday morning now and no sign of it. I checked my copy of my receipt and all the details are correct. Maybe I just need tp be patient but I only brought three changes of clothes because I thought I would have it by now (don’t worry I’m doing laundry today lol).

  11. Hi

    Because of JR Pass price increase im pondering on buying a domestic flight instead of a Shinkansen ticket.

    Can i purchase directly at Haneda airport, for like 3 days later or for the same day? Or do i have to reserve online?

    I dont know but maybe even same day domestic plane ticket will be less than a Shinkansen Nozomi ticket. Without JR.

  12. 1. Luggage forwarding: Anyone ever sent their luggage from Haneda Airport to Takayama? Wondering about estimated cost range and experience with the process. 3rd Japan trip, first time considering this.

    2. Route delays: I am making my way from Tokyo to Takayama in October. Thinking of taking the Tokyo-Toyama-Takayama route as it will allow travel at night with final arrival in the early morning.

    Google keeps mentioning significant delays for both the Hida WV Limited Express and the Takayama Line routes. Something about track inspection of inbound and outbound lines.

    Anyone know how long these delays are typically?

  13. I will be likely attending a smaller fireworks festival tomorrow night. Is there anything against having a camera bag over my shoulder while wearing a yukata? Would that be wrong? I can’t really find any information this.

Leave a Reply
You May Also Like