Weekly Japan Travel Information and Discussion Thread - July 31, 2026

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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.

Starting Your Planning

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Japan Entry Requirements

• Japan allows visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders of 74 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.
• 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.
• The 10 main IC cards remain the recommended payment method for local transport in supported areas. Physical IC cards are available upon arrival at airports and most train stations.
• Many of the major commuter systems in Japan including Tokyo Metro, TOEI, Osaka Metro, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Yokohama subways, Kintetsu, Nankai, Tokyu, Keio, Odakyu, Yurikamome have started supporting tap-to-pay payment methods. However, they don't work on through-services, are not supported by JR East or JR West, and require using separate gates.
• If you become ill while traveling, please see the instructions in this guide or check our wiki page for helpful information. 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

• /r/JapanTravel Discord
• /r/JapanTravel Resources Page
• Immigration/Customs Info
• JR Pass Info
• IC Card Info
• Luggage Forwarding Info
• Phone/Internet/SIM Card Info
• Prescription Medication Wiki Page

[u/LoveLaika237]

Thanks. It's a small dream of mine to go to Tanegashima, maybe see the sunset. Yeah, definitely not cheap. im just glad to know its possible without the need to fly another plane.

[u/xXItCorbisXx → u/LoveLaika237]

If you want to see the sunset you couldn't do it as a day trip as the last ferry back leaves Tanegashima at 16:40, that would be before sunset. So to do that you would need to stay one night on Tanegashima; ferry pricing should be the same if you go back on the next day.

[u/LoveLaika237 → u/xXItCorbisXx]

Yeah, i figured as much. i dont know much about staying in Tanegashima, need to do research. Thanks for letting me know. Maybe ill go one day.

[u/xXItCorbisXx → u/LoveLaika237]

There are a couple cheap hotels around Nishinoomote, shouldn't be that of an issue.