**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 Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the JR Pass is no longer a viable pass for most itineraries.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/)
7 comments
Hello! I’m back again asking ahead of my trip. In my last two trips, the baggage delivery service was godsend. It made travel so much more convenient. However, this December I will be staying in a non-manned hotel(?) in Akasaka – COCOSHUKU Akasaka Premium. How do I transfer my luggage ahead to Osaka while I stay overnight in Hakone?
Many deep thanks in advance!
I’ve drafted my March 2024 itinerary and realised I’m in Kyoto during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Does the city transport and points of interest choke up with tourist and should I flip my itinerary around to avoid Kyoto if it is much busier?
Context: I used to go to Japan annually for 7 years until COVID, only in mid Jan to early Mar every time. This is my first time staying up to mid-late Mar and we try to avoid crowds associated with festivities and events.
Looking for infrastructure or factory tours tips or suggestions.
First time, going with engineer son (geology), and we’ve really enjoyed touring factories and infrastructure projects in previous international trips. Unfortunately, we’re going Dec 28-Jan 14, so several places will be closed (Toyota, etc).
Arigato! (hope that’s right)
Anyone have some favorite shops to go for Toshikoshi Soba in Osaka?
Planning an 11-day trip for early March ’24! Going to stay based in Tokyo and take a few day trips. I’m thinking of just doing 3 of them max, does that seem reasonable? And in that case, which ones should I cut? (Also open to any other daytrip ideas instead!)
-Nikko (Stay 1 night overnight)
-Kamakura/Enoshima
-Kawaguchiko
-Yokohama
Is your JR pass still valid if you exchange the voucher, set the start date for within 30 days, leave Japan and come back closer to the start date?
I can fly from Busan to Fukuoka for cheap so cost isn’t a huge issue, I just purchased before the price hike and may need to rehab an unfortunate injury a bit longer.
My partner and I are looking at potentially taking a short trip to Japan in January 2024. When I search “short trip” in the sub, I see a lot of 10-day itineraries. Given our schedule limitations, we’re looking at more like 5 days.
Obviously we aren’t looking to see all of Japan in 5 days. We’d fly into Tokyo and would like to spend most of our time at a ryokan. I’d really like to stay in Kinosaki, but it would be 5 hours on the train each way. Is it worth it to arrive in Tokyo on a Tuesday afternoon, take the train to Kinosaki and return to Tokyo on Friday?
We’d also be open to staying at a ryokan closer to Tokyo to cut down on traveling time, but I’m looking for a few things (that I’ve verified we could get in Kinosaki).
* Private bath option – we’re interested in the public onsen, but would also like to be able to spend time together
* Ideally allows tattoos (not a must, since a private option is also important)
* Traditional atmosphere (would love yukata provided or available)
* Option to include breakfast/dinner
* Other things to do in the immediate area, walking distance to food, etc.
Help?