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 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
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I’m planning my first trip to Japan. It’s meant to be a graduation present to myself for 2027, but I realized that I may be able to go in-between classes in 2026. If I go in 2026, it must be between May 4 to May 19. However, in 2027, I’ll have more flexibility and I can probably be there for 3 weeks instead of 2. I plan on visiting Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo.
I was originally going to go between late October or early November 2027, since I’ve read the weather then is nice, there’s less tourists (compared to Summer months), it’s not as expensive, and I have a high chance of seeing the fall colors. However, I’ve seen some posts say May also has nice weather, can be cheap, and Japan is colorful (green) then too. It also seems that during both months there are slight chances of rain, but the days are longer in May (obviously), so you have more time to explore and be outside.
As of this week, it seems that airline prices are slightly cheaper for May 2026 compared to October 2026 (for American Airlines, less than $3k for premium economy for 2 persons from the West Coast USA). I’m assuming the prices will be relatively the same for 2027.
I’m looking for affordability (less than $3k for 2 people in premium economy from West Coast USA), nice weather (preferably no more than 85F with low humidity and no to low chance of rain), and less crowds/tourists. For further context, I want to explore the culture and nature of Japan.
What are your opinions? Thanks in advance!
TL;DR: I have the option of visiting Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) in May 2026 or sometime in 2027. I would like to go when it’s cheap (less than $3k for 2 people in premium economy from West Coast USA), nice weather (preferably no more than 85F with low humidity and no to low rainfall), and less crowds/tourists. Based on that information, when would you visit Japan?
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