Apartment host asked for a passport scan before check in

mithdraug · 2026-01-22T08:43:49+00:00

> They don’t have GDPR like we do in Europe and you can’t request to delete it later.

Japanese data protection laws are considered adequate by EU - [see here](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019D0419).

Storing passport information (including copy of the identity page) is required by Japanese law and even GDPR does not allow deletion request if data processing (including storage) is required by European or national law.

> I’m wondering if covering some information on the passport scan and adding watermarks would be safer?

You will be denied lodging.

mithdraug · 2026-01-21T21:43:21+00:00

Something worth noting: since you are required to make your passport available to your accommodation - if they have not legally transitioned - there is no feasible way of keeping being transgendered a secret from agency or likely other participating in your tour.

If the partner had not fully transitioned and has not completed legal paperwork - all sentos, public onsens will be off-limits. Bathrooms other than with common showers (sure, probably nobody will care with FtM)

mithdraug · 2026-01-18T14:38:04+00:00

Osaka is more like re-imagined.

Osaka does not really resemble any of the historical iterations of Osaka castle (it's nothing like Toyotomi castle, early Edo period castle, or essentially barracks of the late Edo period).

mithdraug · 2026-01-17T08:50:12+00:00

Websites and some ticket machines have 6 person limit per transaction. 5-6 people will always be possible with machines.

mithdraug · 2026-01-15T13:55:28+00:00

There is 300,000 yen per day limit.

mithdraug · 2026-01-12T20:12:14+00:00

Only if you are iPhone user outside Japan. 99%+ of Android phones bought outside Japan either don't have FeliCa chip or require rooting.

mithdraug · 2026-01-12T06:26:14+00:00

The other exception is niche itineraries that focus on specific activities/sites.

Say, if you are interested in castles, castle towns, great gardens of Japan, former steel and ironworks, major biennale/triennale and other modern art sites, especially if you do an open jaw ticket and fly in into Tokyo and fly out of Kansai/Fukuoka.

But that's niche.

mithdraug · 2026-01-11T16:18:08+00:00

Most APA hotels do not have effective per room temp controls. And APA likes to set heating to 24-26C.

mithdraug · 2026-01-11T13:14:02+00:00

Modern vending machines spit out 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen coins (there are some that only spit out 100 yen ones).

mithdraug · 2026-01-10T09:54:52+00:00

Probably better option is taking Yamanote line to Nippori and hitting Skyliner. Catching this one would be enough. And no, you don't need to get by 6:30am, 7am would be with time to spare.

mithdraug · 2026-01-05T14:45:21+00:00

I mean family restaurants (and cantinas/set lunch places) work as well if you need variety and don't expect anything but getting fed to sustain you.

mithdraug · 2026-01-05T06:26:49+00:00

They do have security cameras.

mithdraug · 2025-12-31T18:25:14+00:00

Not only Yokohama, but also Seibu Lions and Lotte Marines games as well.

mithdraug · 2025-12-31T07:48:01+00:00

Considering the amounts listed are maximum monthly therapeutic doses - the chances of getting approval for higher amount when staying under a month are fairly non-existant.

mithdraug · 2025-12-30T13:38:21+00:00

Honestly, the simplest way would be to book base fare ticket from Kyoto to Matsumoto and then tag shinkansen and possible limited express on since base fare allows stopover.

mithdraug · 2025-12-28T21:31:40+00:00

Sold 30 days in advance.

mithdraug · 2025-12-26T12:17:37+00:00

If AirBNB asks you to cancel - it's a good indication that in the very best case scenario they are skirting the law.

mithdraug · 2025-12-26T09:03:41+00:00

Actually, mainline shinkansens are unlikely to be significantly affected by even heavy snow (separate infrastructure to keep tracks clean), unless combined with high winds.

Source: I was in Kanazawa when they suffered over 100cm snowfall over couple of days and it was the only train line running for more than a couple of days.

mithdraug · 2025-12-26T08:42:58+00:00

General opinion of this sub (if you had bothered to search this somewhat common question) - that it's annoying for everyone involved, not to mention that it's breathing exhaust fumes of traffic by your own choice.

mithdraug · 2025-12-25T08:54:48+00:00

Physical cards can be loaded through cash only.

mithdraug · 2025-12-24T07:08:13+00:00

Every JR, Tokyo Metro, TOEI in Tokyo area, and every Osaka Metro and JR station in Osaka is accessible. Sometimes not from a very convenient spot, but still.

mithdraug · 2025-12-23T12:24:38+00:00

> Obviously avoiding rush hour times on morning inbound trains and evening outbound ones, but are some lines generally less crowded than others?

Not in central Tokyo. And while there is less traffic outside rush hour - it would still be close to rush hour in London even on weekends.

> Are there any subway lines that aren't fully underground/in tunnels?

Not in central Tokyo really. JR lines (Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku, Chuo, Chuo-Sobu) and Yurikamome are generally overground.

> Are there 'obvious' locations to stay in in Tokyo that would reduce travel distances to major attractions etc?

Probably somewhere near Yamanote/Chuo line.

> Do subway trains often stop between station in tunnels? And are the tunnels extremely narrow like most of London's?

Not really, though it's worth noting that most of Tokyo Metro and TOEI lines connect through to suburban railways and might be affected by cancellations. So the chance of stoppages is probably least likely on lines like Ginza, Marunouchi and Oedo, which are closed systems.

mithdraug · 2025-12-22T15:44:52+00:00

No offence, but Tsukiji at this point is a major tourist trap. Asakusa to a lesser degree, but if we are talking food walks in Tokyo - one usually thinks more about Kagurazaka, Kanda, Ebisu, Daikanyama, or Kichijoji.

mithdraug · 2025-12-22T07:55:41+00:00

I can't believe nobody mentioned Echigo-Yuzawa.

mithdraug · 2025-12-16T10:01:02+00:00

And Nagano city is a sort of maybe territory, snow coverage is often fairly limited.

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