**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 Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the JR Pass is no longer a viable pass for most itineraries.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/)
5 comments
I saw this on the train company:
> A “stopover” is when temporarily exiting a station’s gate at a location between the departure and destination (within ticket’s section). Stopovers can be done as many times as one desires with basic fare tickets as long as no backtracking is done.
We travel from Nagano to Kyoto, spend 4 days there and then 2 days in Hiroshima.
Is it cheaper if we book Nagano – Hiroshima and do a stopover in Kyoto for 4 days? Is it acceptable? How should we book the tickets? (I don’t have the JR pass)
Where can i buy Seiko, Orient and Citizen watches for men in Tokyo? , any recommendation that offers a big variety of them without being so “expensive”
Hello! Starting to book my Kyoto/Osaka part of my trip. I have about 9 days to spend between the two.
What would be some recommendations on hotels for Kyoto (not looking to do a ryokan)? So many options that I’m totally lost at this point.
What would everyone recommend for the split between days spent in Kyoto vs Osaka?
Appreciate any help!
I know the TeamLab exhibitions in Tokyo are pretty popular, but looking on their website I see they have a bunch of other stuff too.
Any opinions on any of these?
About when would a long-term forecast for the summer be available? Maybe in March? I’m very concerned about what El Niño is going to do to the fall foliage.