I plan to travel to Japan with a group in mid-August. Is it enough to start preparing passports and visas after the summer vacation in July?

If you plan to travel to Japan in mid-August, it will be enough to start preparing your passport and visa in July. Here are the steps you need to take:

Passport: First, you need to get a passport. Usually it takes about 15 working days to apply for a passport. You need to submit an application to the Exit-Entry Administration Office of the local public security bureau. If you don't have a passport yet, you need to start processing it immediately.

2. Visa: A tourist visa is required in Japan. In most cases, you can apply through travel agencies or online platforms. Most tourist visas take about 15 working days. You can apply at the local Japanese consulate or the Japanese embassy.

3. Air tickets and hotels: You need to book air tickets and hotels as soon as your passport and visa are processed. This is because air tickets and hotels in the tourist season are usually expensive and will be fully booked soon.

4. Other preparations: Before going to Japan, you may need to prepare some other things, such as buying travel insurance, understanding Japanese culture and customs, and buying some daily necessities that you may need.

Generally speaking, although the time may be a little tight, if you start to apply for passports and visas as soon as possible and book air tickets and hotels as soon as possible, then you should be able to go to Japan smoothly in mid-August.