**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)).
* 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/) (VJW). This will generate a QR code for immigration and a QR code for customs, which can smooth your entry procedures. VJW is not mandatory. If you do not fill it out, you will need to fill out the paper immigration and customs forms on the plane/on arrival to Japan.
* **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
* **Important JR Pass News!** As of October 1, 2023, the nationwide JR Pass has increased in price (see [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/16foi20/jr_pass_price_increase_discussion_thread_part_1/)). Regional JR Passes have also increased in price (see [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/16tk54c/jr_pass_price_increases_discussion_part_2/)). Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the JR Pass is no longer a viable pass for most itineraries.
* **Important IC Card News!** There is an ongoing shortage of Suica and PASMO cards, with regular and personalized versions not currently available. You can still get the tourist versions of those cards (Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport) at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. Please see [this thread and its comments](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/15ebhwb/issuing_of_personalized_suica_and_pasmo_cards_is/) for details and alternatives.
* 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.
* 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/)
12 comments
I used the official JR pass site. We’re do I get my pass in Haneda T3
This might be very dumb, but please bear with me. Would it be in any way offensive or inappropriate to wear boots with The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai (these [Doc Martens](https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/collaborations/the-met)) during a trip to Japan? I am very obviously not Japanese and I know that different nations have different approaches to national heritage / cultural appropriation / works of art. I didn’t think about that when I bought them.
In Fukuoka tomorrow and then have nothing planned the day after, anything close to that to see before I head back up north
Hi! Is there some site i can check to see what bands are playing while Im in japan? We have a few free nights (going 2 weeks in november) and want to see if anyone we’d like are around in concert
Does anyone know if i’m trying to buy the kesei skyliner train (narita-> Tokyo) online since tis a bit cheaper that it would accept canadian CC?
Or if i buy them there, is there a worry we wont get a spot?
Can I pick up JR pass directly at airport if it has yet to be delivered at hotel?
!
Flight got delayed, arriving one day later than expected. I called the Inn I was staying in for one night to see if it was possible for them to hold on to my JR pass but it has yet to arrive.
In this situation, could I instead go directly to the airport’s Travel Service Center and get my pass from them?
I’m headed to Fujikawaguchiko the same day l’m arriving. Would rather avoid having to buy another pass. I bought insurance for the pass for what it’s worth.
Anyone know of stores in Tokyo that sell Japanese hockey team jerseys? Thanks.
Another location for traditional Japanese culture outside of Kyoto?
Planning 3 days in Kyoto and 3 days in Tokyo in February. I am interested in seeing mostly traditional Japanese sights which is why I’m prioritizing Kyoto over Tokyo/osaka/nara. Does anyone have any recommendations for another place that might fit that bill?
Many guides have focused on rural Japan or off the beaten path for this, something that I won’t be able to do since I will not be renting a car and don’t have weeks to spend on end. Not necessarily looking for things that are not “touristy” since I am a first time tourist.
From what I gather for a first time visitor Kyoto and Kansai region seem to provide the most bang for your buck for seeing this type of thing.
Took me a while to figure out how to purchase a Universal Studio Japan (USJ) ticket, just wondering if there’s any point in registering for an account and do I need the app at all while I’m there? I got the Express Pass.
I am looking at the possibility of spending a month or two skiing in Japan starting in December or January, but I am a bit worried about accommodation. Am I too late to get a decent place as it is? Or would it work to show up in Niseko or Hakuba and find a hostel or private room while there? I am having trouble finding anything with availability on the booking sites I’ve looked at, but I am hoping there are some options I do not know how to find.
Anyone been to the Kurama Festival? It’s happening when I’m in Kyoto but looks to b a 6hr ride
Any recs for Halloween since they’re banning it in Shibuya?