**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 Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the JR Pass is no longer a viable pass for most itineraries. For more information on the JR Pass, including calculators for viability, see [this stickied thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/comments/17ljalr/do_you_have_a_jr_pass_or_ic_card_suicapasmoetc/) in /r/JapanTravelTips.
* **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 stickied thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/comments/17ljalr/do_you_have_a_jr_pass_or_ic_card_suicapasmoetc/) in /r/JapanTravelTips for IC card info, 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). If you are looking for information on finding pain or cold/cough medication in Japan, see [this FAQ section](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/faqs/japantravel/#wiki_health).
## 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’m doing a very last-minute trip, 17 nights. Excited!
I have just booked my first 4 nights (Sun 19 – Wed 23) in Tokyo. Really looking forward to seeking out some fall foliage – going to do some parks and some day trips. (Loads of ideas on this sub.)
Got another 13 nights still to book. Definitely doing Kyoto for a lot of time, will look at the fall foliage forecasts to work out some other locations I should stay.
Travelling super light, so I can do some A to B days where I wake up in one place and see lots of stuff on the way to the next place, arriving in the evening.
Exicted!
(Dreading the cost of booking last minute during foliage season though. I hate to say YOLO but I am literally YOLOing this. Feeling jealous of you guys who’ve been able to book in advance!)
Anyone have any recommendations for luggage for a 5 week trip. Ideally I would want just a large backpack.
Hey folks! Almost ready for my trip to Japan. 23rd to the 6th.
I recently read how the weather had turned colder. Should we (fiancée and I) pack for cold weather for the most part (10c or lower), or is it still going to be warm enough to go lighter? (15+). We’re heading to Tokyo, Sendai and Osaka with a few more scattered day trip destinations.
Also, a friend wants me to bring them back a Daruma doll. Where would one find a small one that fits in the palm?
Thanks!
Hi all,
In Kyoto and going to Osaka…anyone seen these toy capsules? My friend went last month and saw them. But I’ve been looking everywhere and no luck!
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hobbydigi.com%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fcache%2Fimage%2F700x700%2Fe9c3970ab036de70892d86c6d221abfe%2F1%2F6%2F1685158763_4580580792176-front.jpg&tbnid=QLtHP9DDBc3TiM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hobbydigi.com%2Fen_us%2Fulcap-capsule-toy-lotte-koala-s-march-eco-bag-set-of-5&docid=MWvuXwb66kcyiM&w=550&h=550&itg=1&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm1%2F2&shem=uvafe2
Thank you,
Is there talk of allowing more discussion-based posts on this subreddit instead of the same itinerary and trip report posts? I am certain that the mods are aware of another new Japan subreddit that is currently helping to fill that role by allowing discussion rather than permitting only drab requests for itinerary critiques. Has a new approach been considered?
Hi I’m planning on a trip to Japan for a couple week and am from a visa exempt country. If I do a quick round trip visit to another country in the middle of my stay will I still be visa exempt?
Long shot but I’ll take it. Any idea when the Suzuka Skyline (Route 477) will be closed? I’ve read that it tends to be closed in mid-December but my itinerary will take me there a few days before, sometime around 10 Dec. Would like to avoid making a wasted trip
Same thing with the Ryujin Skyline, will mid-Dec be too late for a visit? It’s been on my list for quite some time but I recall the road is closed through winter to March
How do we find a hotel that doesn’t turn off the ac units? I have a health condition which makes me sensitive to high heat when sleeping. We stayed at E Hotel in shinjuku in 2018 in may and they didn’t turn on the ac units. It was rather difficult to sleep in a 27 degree room and i fell ill.
That hotel listed that it had ac, but when we arrived there was no ac. Is that common? Do we have to dig through the reviews of every hotel we’re looking at to figure out whether they do that? Do we have to pay up for 4.5 or higher stars for ac in the room?
Thanks for everyone who can answer or give a suggestion is very much appreciated.
Our plane arrives in Narita right around noon and we want to make the most of the remaining daytime.
We are contemplating sending our luggage via takkyubin (luggage delivery) to our hotel in Urayasu, near Tokyo Disneyland.
Is it correct that we may only expect it the next day given we only able to arrange the service by 1:30-2 pm? Around what time could that possibly arrive the next day?
I have a short trip to tokyo planned (5 days with only 3 being non flight days). There is so much food that I want to try but probably can’t fit into my short itinerary. (Ramen, udon, gyukatsu, sushi, yakiniku, yakitori, tempura, and more)
However, I’ve heard a lot of people say that convenience store food is top tier and a must try. Should I do one of those meals in a conbini instead of a restaurant? Which dish tastes better from conbini and which chain (7/11, lawson, family mart) would you recommend?
I‘m a travel photographer from Germany… now I‘m for 2 nights in Ōsaka can any person give me some advice for a nice photospot? Maybe cool streets with lights or some nature points 😊📸
Dear community,
I’m traveling Japan with a friend, spent the last 2.5 weeks in different cities and want to explore some nature by car now. We thought about 5 nights in the Gifu and/or Nagano prefecture. Two questions:
1. Is it possible to travel the mountain regions of these prefectures with a small rental car or do we need a bigger SUV, maybe eben snow tires?
2. Any other recommendations/hidden gems where you would spend 5 nights with a rental car?
Thanks <3