I always opt for Singapore Airlines as they have Haneda flight that arrive in the morning. Almost all hotels in Tokyo will keep your luggage until u check-in in the afternoon. I will leave bag, go for breakfast and explore temples and back to hotel for check-in after late lunch

If u are holding MYR, better change now because it's more likely MYR will drop further than JPY dropping

Hopefully, further announcement on this opening will see Japan accepting Sinovac like UK, US and some European countries

These are the countries that do not recognize Sinovac. 11 of them

https://worldofbuzz.com/list-of-countries-t...accept-sinovac/

11th of Oct 2022 onwards, Sinovac will be recognized as approved vaccination. Airlines have received new updates on this

Before Covid, I used to pay RM$1900 for Singapore Airlines to Osaka. Now it's double the price

Japan are not friendly to Malaysian wallet. Ringgit are too low. A 3 days Tokyo wide pass ( https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_06.html ) will worth it if u plan to travel far to Mt. Fuji, sking at Gala Yuzawa and Samurai town "Nikko". The pass are Jpy10,180 with unlimited travel on shinkansen and JR trains for 3 consecutive days

There are plenty of nice food around Tokyo but famous food will not be cheap.

Wagyu are really worth it in Tokyo compared to Malaysia. (highly recommend Seiyuxan restaurant near Shimbashi Station)

Things must try when in Japan:
1) Tempura shop (quality a lot better than the best u had in Malaysia)
2) Grill Unagi
3) A5 Wagyu beef + beef tongue BBQ
4) Sashimi n grill fish roe (Tarako Yaki)
5) Ichiran Ramen


For budget meal:
Yoshinoya, Sukiya and Song wu. All 3 have good value set meal (they have english menu for ordering)

When the sun sets, temperature drops very fast. Be prepared and bring extra clothing if u plan to stay out until late

Oh Yes, forgot about Tonkatsu. google for a few famous shop around Tokyo. Their Japanese lettuce are very fresh and taste different from ours here and they offer unlimited lettuce and rice

That I agree 100%. Even hourly hotel for prostitute cost RM$300+/night in Singapore and you could get a 3-4 star hotel in Japan.

Food price are similar but you get better quality food in Japan.

tokyo wide pass will be very useful if going several areas as it's valid for 3 days. can use for travel to Ichigo Yuzawa, Nikko and kawaguchiko + local travel around tokyo.

This post has been edited by michaelchang: Oct 7 2022, 10:15 PM

After 11 OCT all vaccine approved by WHO will be accepted and do not need PCR (Sino are on the approved list)

Arrival. 1 day after Japan opening. Submit all required digital documents via MySOS app.

Got blue screen = everything required verified and accepted by Japanese authorities. (3 dose of Sinovac = accepted)

Mine include booster. did u download correctly?

Can call their hotline too. I'm sure it was a glitch somewhere. If u can see your booster in mysejahtera app. The pdf should reflect the same

If holding Malaysian passport, no visa required. Do not need to apply tour, just download MySOS app and filled in all the required fields after u have bought your air tickets and have full address of your hotel.

If u have 3 shots of vaccine, do not need to take PCR test before departure

Go to this website to register entry (immigration n customs)

https://www.digital.go.jp/en/services/visit_japan_web-en/

This post has been edited by michaelchang: Oct 12 2022, 06:03 PM

Most common bag u see at airport when passengers check-in are accepted in Shinkansen. A+B+C = 160cm

Those big luggage mentioned in the new rule (2020) are extra big bags u see some Americans or European carry as their holidays are usually 3-4 weeks and some even 2 months. These bags are at least 30%-50% bigger than those u see sold in Shopping center in KL.

If still worried, pop over to any Mr. DIY and get a cheap measuring tape and measure

From 11 OCT until 14th Nov 2022:

1) Install MySOS to submit health declaration + vaccination
2) Visit Japan Web to submit digital immigration + customs

I just arrived in Japan this morning, there are 2 queue at the airport, one for those that have blue screen on MySOS and one without app or not blue

If no app, they advise you to go to a corner to install and fill up. Those ith blue screen, the officer will ask to show QR on MySOS app n passport. Verified in less than 1 minute, proceed to immigration

At immigration, open Visit Japan Web and show QR code for immigration, he will scan n have all the info on his screen, then place both index finger for scanning + picture taken, he will paste a 60 days tourist sticker on passport. proceed to customs

Customs have special automated area for those that have Japan Web (don't need to queue with others).. just go to machine scan passport and scan QR code for customs at the same time at machine. then walk to automated exit by showing face to camera. door will open and just walk out to arrival hall.

these 2 digital submission makes things a lot easier and u know for sure you have been pre-approved to visit and no last minute panic when insufficient documents.

Why PCR? I have 3 dose of Sinovac which are recognized as fully vaccinated

Oops! You are right, it's 90 days tourist pass. Must go and get my eyes checked.

you actually only have 5 full days in Japan and you want to go 4 different places?? what not just stick to either tokyo only or just do Osaka/Nara. Kyoto u will need at least 3 days if u intend to visit all the UNESCO heritage temples/shrine + Arashiyama bamboo forest. I'm in Kyoto for a week and have not finished all the places of interest