A friend read my blog and asked about my plans for visiting Japan. Apparently when her parents visited some years ago they went through quite a lot of work to obtain a visa to be able to enter Japan. Happily, it is no longer necessary to obtain a visa just to visit Japan for a short vacation from the United States. As of this post, most US citizens are able to visit Japan for up to 90 days as tourists. If you want to stay longer or work in Japan, you must obtain the appropriate visa. It is recommended you get it via the Japanese Embassy before you go, but changes are now sometimes possible while visiting Japan. See the Japanese Immigration website or the nearest local office for details as you might be able to stay in Japan while waiting for the visa. -Disclaimer: Please keep in mind Japan could change their laws on this at any time, so be sure to check with them for current information.-
While the news I wouldn't have to run around making copies of random documents and trying to get them all filed was happy news, a passport is needed to board the plane to Japan. I already got ours when my daughter and I needed them for a recent trip to England. You can get all the details regarding US Passports from the Department of State website.
~~Passport Basics~~
A passport is needed for travel pretty much anywhere outside the US now. Check the Department of State website for details. Getting a passport is actually pretty easy.
First, you will need a copy of your birth certificate and a picture ID. I wasn't born in Texas, but I was able to order my birth certificate online from the Ohio Vital Statistics website. I think most states have similar websites. During the ordering process, I was warned processing might take a couple of weeks. I ordered my birth certificate on a Friday morning and received it via second day postal service the following Monday.
After I received my birth certificate, I filled out the forms on the passport website using their passport application wizard and printed them out. I used the convenient search on the Department of State website for my local acceptance locations. Do call and ask, as the three nearest to me did not allow walk in application drop off. The nearest told me they were booked up and would not be able to make an appointment for me for almost five weeks. Happily, I was able to walk in at the nearby Durant, OK Bryan County Court Clerk office. I recommend them highly for their fast and helpful service. It took longer to walk up the stairs than it took me to turn in my documents! I did have to pick up my passport photo from a local photo shop. Shop around as the first place I looked wanted $15 for the required mini-photos. I got mine for only $7.
According to the Department of State website, it should now take about 4-6 weeks to obtain your passport via regular processing. Our passports came back much faster than that. I was able to pick up my daughter's birth certificate at the local court house, so her application was turned in the Friday I ordered my birth certificate online. Had her passport in hand on the following Friday via second day postal service. Mine was turned in the Monday I received my birth certificate, and I had my passport in hand Wednesday week, so 9 days from drop off. Timing may have been affected by the fact I turned mine in late afternoon, possibly after mail had left the Court Clerk's office for the day, whereas I dropped off my daughter's before lunch. I would not recommend you count on such fast service, unless you pay the extra fees for express processing. I was told by the Court Clerk's office they are told to warn customers to expect up to 8 weeks. You can go to the nearest Regional Passport Agency and get a passport in as little as a day under emergency circumstances, but they ask that you make an appointment first.
~~Ready to fly US Japan~~
Ok, now that passports are covered, it's time discuss travel to Japan. According to some sources, it is possible to book a cruise from some ports on the West Coast, but most people just fly there. Unless you are going to just go through and book your flight and hotel stay all at once online, I recommend that you print out your flight itinerary. Examine it carefully to determine the actual day you will be arriving and leaving Japan. A friend did not do this and arrived in Japan a day later than he had given his hotel for arrival. He had to add find a new hotel to his list of first day activities as a result. Japan is on the other side of the globe in a different time zone. Coupled with the long flight it is doubtful you will arrive in Japan on the same day you left the US.
Another matter to consider before you leave for Japan is how you will get around in Japan once you arrive. There is a special Japan Rail Pass for tourists to travel around Japan, but you must purchase before you go. They will provide you with an exchange order which you will exchange for the actual Japan Rail Pass upon arrival. You can only use this card for trains, not subways. If you will be traveling on the trains around Japan after a stay in Tokyo you must remember to ask that the Japan Rail Pass activate on the first day you will be using the trains to travel. The cards are only good on consecutive days, so please plan your travel accordingly to receive the best value. The cards are valid for all except the fastest Nozomi trains, so pay attention when boarding to the type of train.
;)
Most US tourists going directly US Japan will arrive at Narita International Airport. As you can see from the diagram, Narita Airport is a huge place. Don't worry, because they have tourist there all the time there are signs in English. Do wear comfortable shoes. Because of the way international travel from the US is booked, you will most likely arrive at Narita International Airport somewhere around midday or early afternoon. Because the flights are so long, you will most likely be tired. Depending on where you are staying, it can take considerable time just to travel to your hotel.Most people choose to book their hotel in Tokyo as there isn't a lot to do in the area around Narita Airport. Also, Tokyo hotels are much more numerous and varied. There are even Tokyo hostels and internet cafes where you can spend the night. Friends have recommended we consider checking into a Narita Airport hotel for our last night for easy access for our early morning departure since our tentative itinerary has us returning from Hakone for our return flight.
There is rapid train service from Narita Airport into Tokyo via the Narita Express. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, but most travelers go ahead and pick up a Suica/N'EX package at the JR East offices inside the Narita Airport. This package will allow you to ride the train into Tokyo and provides a Suica card that lets you ride most of the various forms of public transportation within Tokyo area without having to purchase tickets for each trip. The Suica card is good for other things as well, such as travel in a few other areas and making purchases in some shops and restaurants near Tokyo stations. There are kiosks in the Tokyo stations that allow you to add more funds to your Suica card, but they require cash.
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