**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 68 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).
* For travelers entering the country on or after 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)). The COVID/quarantine section of Visit Japan Web has been removed.
* 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/). This will generate a QR code for Immigration and a QR code for Customs, which can smooth your entry procedures.
* **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
* 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. Additionally, Japanese airlines still require masks in most circumstances.
* Shops and restaurants often do temperature checks or require you to use hand sanitizer when entering a building, although you won’t typically be asked for any proof of vaccination.
* 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) or contact the [COVID-19 Consultation Center by phone](https://www.c19.mhlw.go.jp/covid-19-en.html#contents04).
## 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/) (Recently Updated!)
9 comments
Hello! Not sure if anyone can help me identify this location, but it’s a building in Akihabara – not Madarake. There’s multiple shops on each floor of it, and they all sold figures and gunpla in there. Unfortunately, there’s not much more I remember about the place than this.
Would also appreciate any suggestions for buying gunpla in Akihabara – I’m specifically looking for a Neo Zeong. I’ve looked at Madarake today, and it seems like they don’t have it.
Finally, one of my friends is in search of a giant gudetama plush. Would appreciate pointers in which stores in akihabara (or close to it) would have a good chance of this. Thank you!
Has anyone taken the JR Beetle ferry to/from Busan? I’m wondering how long it took to go through customs on either end.
Thank you for the comprehensive updates, moderators of /r/JapanTravel! It’s great to see that Japan is easing some of its COVID-related restrictions for tourists. I appreciate the reminder to still follow the rules and be respectful during my travels. The quick links are also very helpful for planning my trip.
What is the best Tokyo JR Pass office to exchange at? Just wondering what the fastest one might be
Does anyone know where I can find this product (or something similar), called Cool Babu Babu Cool Gel Foam?: [https://youtube.com/shorts/GAZmUkSQtDU?feature=share](https://youtube.com/shorts/GAZmUkSQtDU?feature=share)
This is all my little niece has asked for as a souvenir lol but I don’t know where or how to find it? I’ve seen a few cooling sprays at pharmacies but nothing that looks like this. My other nieces and nephews asked for Pokemon and instant ramen or unique (to them) food items, but this one has me a bit stumped, lol
Is street name sign a thing (in Osaka)? I cant find any. It has to be a thing right? Or how do people drive before GPS?
Does anyone know any good vantage points/easily accessible buildings you could go up to take a good pic of the highway that passes through the building in Osaka (Gate Tower Building)?
Hi everyone! I will be going to Osaka on 6 July to 11 July and am considering taking separate day long trips out to Tokyo Disneyland and Kinosaki from Osaka. Would like to seek some advise if it is feasible or worth giving it a go, given the travel time even with riding a shinkansen.
My other visit locations will be in Kobe and Kyoto, will it be better to just stick to these areas instead?
Any advice is appreciated!
I’m looking at ryokans in Hakone for early November and not seeing great availability.
Is this because a lot of ryokans are booked up already or because they don’t have availability that far out?