Travel Visa concern...?
I feel I should start by saying I've never really traveled before so as of a few hours ago I wasn't even sure what a travel visa was. Since I am from Canada, I was told I would not need a travel visa for visiting Japan for 2 weeks.
I just went to book the hotel I want to stay at and saw this in the FAQ: Q. I don't come from a visa-waiving country. Can I get a confirmation from you for applying visa? A. We are sorry that only individuals who already possess valid visas issued by the Japanese government could reserve at our hotel. We are afraid we cannot provide any confirmation to apply for Japanese visa. To reserve, please send us a copy of visa for all members via e-mail or fax. Maybe I'm reading it wrong...but to me this says I need one to reserve at their hotel even if my country says I don't need one. This seems a little sketchy to me. Why would I need one for a hotel but not to be in the country? Have any of you encountered this before? Where can I get one of these if it turns out I do need it? Sorry if this seems like a total newbie question...I'm just really confused. Like I mentioned earlier this will be my first real trip and I don't really know anything about travel visas as I was under the impression I wouldn't need one. :S |
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That question doesn't concern you. It is placed there as an example for a tourist from a country that needs a visa to visit Japan. I think that for those countries' citizens, someone needs to vouch for them and the hotel is saying they won't vouch for them. I could be wrong here, but not with what I'll say next.... You are coming from a country that has an agreement with Japan where you don't require a visa prior to landing in Japan. You can simply show up at the airport in Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya (or any other point of entry) and Immigration in Japan will stamp your passport with a Temporary Visitor status stamp, allowing you 3 months of stay in Japan. Assuming everything is fine, that should be it. You do have to provide proof that you'll be leaving within the 3 months, like a return ticket, even though I'm not sure I've ever had to prove it past writing flight info on the paperwork they'll give you on the flight to Japan. Welcome to the forum and if you have any more questions regarding travel to Japan, please don't hesitate to ask! |
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Phew, relief to know it doesn't concern me then. :p So for the stamp they give you...how does that work? When I was googling travel visa there was a post that said a place in the airport did it for you and it made it sound like you have to go find it.
I have yet to book my flight since I still have a few months before my trip but right now it's looking like the route I'll be taking will have me landing in Tokyo then catching a plane to Osaka. Would I need to get this stamp when landing in Tokyo or is it something I'd wait until Osaka for since in Tokyo I'd only be there for a few hours before hoping on the next plane? |
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The stamp will be received before you even get your luggage in Tokyo. Why fly from Tokyo to Osaka when it is much more convenient to take the bullet train? |
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I think I'll be much more comfortable taking trains and such after I'm done with the tour group I'm meeting in Osaka. I'm sure after they show me the ropes I'll be fine to go off on my own. Until then though...maybe it won't be a good option...? :mtongue: lol! |
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I usually fly Tokyo to Nagoya, even though it is even closer than Osaka and the Shinkansen is "convenient".
There is no lugging around of luggage, no dealing with stations, no messing with finding a spot to store the luggage on the Shinkansen, and no extra cost. I have always found that booking flights with the stop over no different in price than just going to Narita. So it seems a complete and total waste to me to get off in Narita, deal with the whole drag-luggage-to-train thing... And then pay an extra 10,000 something to take the train. Especially when I am feeling like crap after a long international flight. |
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Canadians don't need a visa, they get a landing permit up to 90 days. That's enough for the hotel.
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One more thing, does anyone know where I can purchase a ticket online for the Ghbli Museum? I know you have to book it early but I'm not sure how early...
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You can give them a call. I don't think they accept reservations online. You have to give them the date you wish to go and maybe even the time of day, as I recall there may be a time limit for the visit. You can order the tickets 3 months in advance.... |
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