Travel

Travel Note

Information for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Japan

Please read carefully and prepare for the Japan trip! If you have any questions, please contact us in advance.

Travel Note

Notice to all passengers entering Japan (Updated September 26, 2022)

Foreign nationals will be allowed to visit Japan for tourism purposes without any limitations of purchasing through a travel agency or traveling as part of a guided tour. Visas are no longer required to enter Japan for short-term stays within 90 days.* ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System) will also no longer be required. *Visa exemptions for short-term stays apply only if you are a citizen of an eligible country (including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). All eligible passengers entering Japan with a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Those who do not meet vaccination requirements still need to present a negative COVID-19 test result before departure. ●Requirements for travelers who are fully vaccinated (2 doses + booster shot): Download “Fast Track” App My SOS, Valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate, Questionnaire. ●Requirements for travelers who are NOT fully vaccinated: Download “Fast Track” App My SOS, Negative COVID-19 test results taken within 72 hours before departure, Questionnaire The information found on this page is subject to change without prior notice. We recommend customers confirm the latest requirements for Japan entry before making plans, as requirements continue to change. Reference: For the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Home Page For the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Home Page

Hotel

THE ROYAL PARK HOTEL KYOTO SHIJO

Please let us know. We have discount price.

Hotel

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

Please let us know. We have discount price.

Hotel

The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike

The closest hotel to the wedding venue.

Hotel

Kyoto Garden Palace

Hotel

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo

Hotel

RIGAH ROYAL HOTEL KYOTO

Hotel

MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO HACHIJO

House Or Rental

airbnb

Train

Tokyo → Kyoto (Shinkansen)

Tokyo and Kyoto are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about 140 minutes to reach Kyoto from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 160 minutes and Kodama trains about four hours. The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Kyoto is 13,320 yen for a non-reserved seat or around 14,000 yen for a reserved seat. A 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs about the same as regular round trip tickets. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains, but not on Nozomi trains. Only available to foreign passport holders, the "Shinkansen Round Trip Package" (sale is currently suspended) (https://www.jrtours.co.jp/en/) provides a round trip within seven calendar days by non-reserved seat on any train between Tokyo and Kyoto for only 21,500 yen. The ticket can be purchased at JR Tokai Tours travel agencies. With the "Puratto Kodama Economy Plan", you can travel between Tokyo and Kyoto by reserved seat on a Kodama train for only 10,600 yen, but the plan has to be purchased at least one day in advance from JR Tokai Tours travel agencies. The Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass is a rail pass that allows holders to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto via Kanazawa, using the Hokuriku Shinkansen. It is not the fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, but it allows pass holders to visit the less-explored Hokuriku Region along the way. At 24,500 yen for seven days, the pass is cheaper than a 7-day Japan Rail Pass.

Flight

Tokyo → Kyoto (Via Osaka)

<TOKYO → OSAKA ITAMI AIRPORT > The closest airport to Kyoto is Osaka's Itami Airport, about one hour by bus from central Kyoto (more details). Most flights connect Itami Airport with Tokyo's Haneda Airport, with just a few serving Tokyo's Narita Airport. Flight duration is one hour. The regular one way fare is around 28,000 yen, but discount tickets are usually available for around 9,000 to 14,000 yen. < OSAKA ITAMI AIRPORT → KYOTO > Airport Limousine Bus The easiest way is the Airport Limousine Bus. It takes you directly to JR Kyoto Station and you are bound to get a seat, even in peak hours. At 55 minutes it is marginally quicker than any train combination (59 minutes) and the bus stop is closest to your luggage carousel in the Arrival lounge. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket vending machines. There is some peak hour traffic on the tollway, however as the route doesn’t go near Osaka city itself, it is usually bearable. Have a great trip!