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Japan Entry Requirements
- Japan allows visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders of 73 countries (countries listed here).
- 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.
- As of April 29, 2023, Japan no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test (official source).
- Tourists entering Japan should have their immigration and customs process fast tracked by filling out Visit Japan Web (VJW). This will generate a QR code for immigration and 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.
Japan Tourism and Travel Updates
- Got an IC card or JR Pass question? See our stickied thread in /r/JapanTravelTips for information, updates, and advice.
- Important JR Pass News! As of October 1, 2023, the nationwide JR Pass and many regional JR Passes increased significantly in price, making it so that the nationwide JR Pass is no longer a viable option 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! There is no longer a shortage of IC cards in the Tokyo area. You should be able to get a Suica or Pasmo at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, or major train stations in Tokyo. See our stickied thread in /r/JapanTravelTips for more info.
- As of March 13, 2023, mask usage is left up to personal choice and preferences in most circumstances.
- If you become ill while traveling, please see the instructions in this guide. If you are looking for information on finding pain or cold/cough medication in Japan, see this FAQ section.
Quick Links for Japan Tourism and Travel Info
by AutoModerator
3 comments
With prime Sakura viewing season moving later into the year, does that mean early April is becoming the best window for good weather and lower tourism? Or have travel trends not caught up yet and we are lucky enough to live in a time where the best Sakura viewing has less tourists?
Have 5 nights allocated to Fukuoka (3) and Hiroshima (2).
Would you trim 1 from Fukuoka? Add to Hiroshima? Or go somewhere for one night? kumamoto?
Keep the 3rd night in Fukuoka and do a day trip?
Ultimate destination is Osaka and I will buy a rail pass
Staying in Ueno mid-November then travelling to Hakone on a Sunday and staying for two nights. Any preferences or quirks on taking the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto as opposed to the Shinkansen to Odawara then Tozan up to Hakone?
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