**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 Digital IC Card News!** There are reports that as of iOS 17.2, you can charge digital Suica cards with some (but not all) foreign Visa cards. See [this blog post](https://atadistance.net/all-about-apple-pay-suica-recharge/) from At a Distance for more information and ongoing updates, as well as our stickied thread in /r/JapanTravelTips.
* **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 Information you find on the internet or on this subreddit may now be out of date, as the price increase makes it so that the JR Pass is no longer a viable pass for most itineraries.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 our stickied thread in /r/JapanTravelTips.
* **Important IC Card News!** Although there is an ongoing shortage of regular Suica and PASMO cards, there are some reports that Suica cards might be starting to be available again at some stations. You can also still get the tourist versions of those cards (Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport). Please see our stickied thread 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/)
11 comments
What’s the best place to buy a suitcase that isn’t too expensive? We’ll be shopping around Shibuya and our hotel is in Shinjuku, so far I’ve only seen Don Que but apparently they’re overpriced
where can i watch underground idol concerts? not the indie bands or the famous akb48, i mean like the idols who arent yet popular yet kind of shows? all the websites i see only shows the bands i mentioned above. thank you for your time and help!
Hi there’s
I’m planning a touristic trip to Japan in May, after living there for 5 years until 2019. I’ll spent most of the 2 weeks to see partner’s family and friends in Osaka and in Tokyo, but I’d like to dedicate one week to do something entirely new.
I cannot drive. I want to feel “wow” when discovering a new face of Japan, like the first time I’ve been to Hokkaido, or Kyoto/Tokyo. Unfortunately, many places I look up online seems like “yet another temple” or something. I like the culture, the gourmet, and I speak fluent Japanese.
Right now Okinawa is top on my mind. I’ve been to Amami island and Yakushima and loved it, I guess has similarities. But I’m afraid main island where Naha’s not that beautiful and not so many things to do?
I guess I haven’t seen that much of Kyushu except Kagoshima, Shikoku, anywhere in the North of Japan, Kumano Kodi, Izu Ise…
Obviously I’m far from having been everywhere, but a non exhaustive places I’ve been:
– Hokkaido in winter
– Kansai I’ve visited quite in depth
– Tokyo region
– Hiroshima region
– Tottori
– Kanazawa, Toyama, Takayams
– Shikoku: Awajishima
– Kyushu: Kagoshima, Yakushima, Amami Oshima
So, what’s your top of mind – the place that you personally loved that I’ve not cited and why? Thanks!
Any Jujutsu Kaisen event or collab to check out in the next 2 weeks in Tokyo? Already booked the JJK Cafe.
Hi all,
Not been yet and I have a couple of questions!
Going end of March for 3 weeks (In the hopes of seeing some Sakura Blossoms!)
1. **What my options in getting to Shinjuku (Staying in a hotel in Kaubukicho) when landing at Haneda at 22:30?**
Assuming it’ll take at least 1 hour to get my luggage and get out, let’s round up to midnight.
Trains and buses will have stopped by this point, so is my only option probably a £50++ taxi fare?
2. **We have another 2 joining us later in the week, what are people’s experience at that time of year going to Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai?**
I’m worried it’ll just be too busy to be able to get a place as a group of 4?
Or can we go to any of the tiny bars earlier in the day and maybe book a place?
None of us know Japanese, though I’m studying a little, but won’t be proficient, only the basics.
Wondering if anyone can answer this question about Solaniwa in Osaka or Onsen Resorts in general:
In common areas, do I have to wear the offered clothing/yukata? I’m plus-size so very doubtful they will have options that will fit. If I don’t have to wear the offered clothes, what kind of clothing is appropriate?
I’ve seen some pictures in reviews of people close to my size (according to guides I’m about a Japanese 4L, I am 5’6″ and 285 w/ weight carried pretty evenly) but am not sure if they brought their own yukata or not…
Thanks for any help. Also if any other plus-size folks have any general advice they’d like to share, would be happy to hear. I already know I can’t really expect to shop for clothes. Not bothering to go to any amusement parks.
Anyone have good tips for day-trips to see Mt.Fuji.
Would people recommend trains or busses?
Hey everyone – My wife and I are traveling to Japan again at the end of February. On our past 3 trips, we used the JR Pass for our travel, but we understand it isn’t very viable for smaller trips anymore.
We’re traveling from Tokyo to Osaka midway and will have one large luggage and 2 medium sized luggage, so 3 in total. Which train to Osaka would be best for us, and is a reserved/green car recommended with our luggage? We would only have the luggage on our travel to Osaka, and back to Tokyo from Osaka 6 days later. I’ve tried sifting through different posts/comments to figure it out myself, but I can’t get a clear answer from what I’ve seen. Any advice would be appreciated!
I snagged a cheap ticket for ten full days in late February/March. Flying in/out of Tokyo.
Seeking ideas on where to go. I’ve done all the classics (Golden Route and surrounding day trips, Kanazawa and Takayama, Hiroshima/Yamaguchi, Tohoku in the fall, Kumano shrines), etc.
I definitely want to get a Tokyo Wide Area Pass to facilitate the following day trips:
1. Kawaguchiko (if clear view of Fuji that day) / Kiyosato (if no clear view of Fuji)
2. Kawazu for sakura viewing
3. Kairakuen for plum blossoms and repositioning to NRT if needed
Still have about a week to fill. Not a big fan of Tokyo.
One idea is to get a cheap flight to (southern?) Kyushu for a few days, however concern is that it seems very nature-oriented and winter could be cold/windy and full of dead trees if the leaves fall off. I will be going to Fukuoka later this year so don’t want to be duplicative in northern Kyushu.
Another is to do the Sea of Japan coast (Shimane/Tottori) which I really enjoyed a few years ago, however I’m concerned it would be dreary given the high chance of precipitation.
More ideas welcome!
Hi JapanTravel!
My wife and I are looking at travelling to Japan for the first time hopefully Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto for 12~14 days either in early April or early May.
Our budget is most likely around 10K CAD (excluding flights). Any idea/suggestions for hotels and places to visit/eat? I have some places that I think would be nice to visit that I’ve added here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/x6qxZzuYcbwspmf86](https://maps.app.goo.gl/x6qxZzuYcbwspmf86) for Tokyo but would love more ideas/suggestions.
We are arrive at Osaka in early april. So that’s means ICOCA is still avaiable right?
And we can use ICOCA in Tokyo too right?