A shopping street in Tokyo's Asakusa district Friday, June 10, 2022. Japan is open to travel. Now that borders are open you can visit a new UNESCO site in northern Japan, open since May 2021. February 24th, 2022 at 2:15 PM EST Skift Take Japan is clearly taking steps to prepare for a reopening to foreign tourists not just the gradual border easing that will take place next month.. Naturally, if you want to make the most out of your trip and have a truly unforgettable experience you can book an amazing independent itinerary or small group tour through us, with the added benefit of. SHARE. Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs has offered new guidance that were covering inJapan Reopening to Individual Tourists: FAQ, Rules & Guidelines. (It took a few more days for the guidelines to be released, and the clarifying FAQ isstillbeing updated. We recommend checking with the facilities you want to visit before heading out. Asia Welcomes Travelers, but Japan Says, Not Yet Countries across region are reopening borders to tourists, but Japan continues to turn them away. First, after reopening to guided tour groups, Japan reopened to individual tourists on October 11 of last year. What we had here was a weird little community of sorts, and a really nice one considering the circumstances. Its made it slightly more bearable having a community to discuss all the news coming out of Japan especially since group tours first became a reality. Thats a wild card that could further extend any timeline. Weve already returned to Japan, spending about a month in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and elsewhere. But I was there from the beginning, first as a lurker and then eventually as a participant, so I know precisely how it came to be. With all of this said, Ill present my revised best, worst, and base-case scenarios for Japans reopening to individual tourists, Lets start with the best-case scenario. Finally, the worst-case scenario is that Japan instead opts to revive its Go to Travel campaign just in time for fall colors season, and uses that to buoy the tourism sector through December. With the ever-changing rules, it's hard to keep up with which countries are open for study, work, and tourism. Though some things feel different, this nation Ive travelled for the last two months, ing and ing about the forty-seven prefectures as I once did in the 2010s, is certainly the same marvellous place that I fell in love with so long ago. History. js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/28/412454028.js"; Thanks again for all the work you put into this. To enjoy our content, please include The Japan Times on your ad-blocker's list of approved sites. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; Decreased tourism plus falling exports, an increased consumption tax, reduced consumer spending, weak yen, and growing national debt. Heres the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free travel list. This Article is From May 30, 2022. From Sept. 22nd, In a Reuters report published on The Japan Times, the government may allow hotels to refuse entry to guests who do not wear masks and follow other anti-virus measures.This new measure is still in its infancy. Even before the pandemic, many locals preferred to travel within the country, with domestic tourism totaling $21.9 trillion yen ($167 billion) in 2019, according to government-backed Japan Tourism . Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Japan. Will those be a requirement for overseas travelers? Guidelines for tourist attractions are straightforward. Essentially, there will be no (legal) basis for the current border protocol effective May 8, 2023. To enter Japan tourists simply need to: Return a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure, OR provide a valid Covid-19 certificate of having had at least 3 vaccine doses (the certificate needs to be uploaded onto Visit Japan web) To differentiate the two, Ill also allow for a middle ground possibility of a bifurcated decision with the individual tourist reopening a few weeks after the entry cap elimination. We humbly apologize for the inconvenience. Kyodo, Nikkei, and NHK are reporting that this is to be determined, with government officials still deciding whether to proceed with this plan or start with lifting the daily arrival cap. even if theyre off for a jog or on a bicycle. And indeed, there was nothing today, either, or even this year so far because at last the Japan we loved, the Japan that rejected us against sense, science and reason, has finally provided a sensible, responsible option for people like us to enter the country, which was all we ever asked for in the first place. While Japan is keeping in place its quarantine system for arrivals from a list of at-risk countries, no countries are actually currently on that list. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Japan's tourism industry is still waiting for the country's borders to fully reopen [File: Kentaro Takahashi/Bloomberg] (Bloomberg) When Japan implemented a blanket ban on inbound tourists in. Thanks for the updates Tom and thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and opinions over the past 2 years. However, as we mentioned above, from October 11th onwards fully independent, visa-free travel to Japan is possible. Fully independent, visa-free travel to Japan is now possible from October 11, Sort of, hence the confusion! This error message is only visible to WordPress admins, InsideJapan Tours, an award winning travel brand specializing in group tours, tailormade travel and cultural experiences across Japan, Tokaido Trail - the original InsideJapan group tour, DOWNLOAD OUR BRAND NEW 2022/2023 BROCHURE. Please subscribe to our FREE email newsletterand stay tuned if you are curious about how things are on-the-ground for tourists in Japan post-reopening. The next step for Japan, I think, is Corona downgrade and mask usage. Why Expecting Japan's Reopening to Tourism Before Summer 2022 at Best is Unrealistic. Coronavirus . This is the first step in our gradual easing of the [border] restrictions, Kishida has said. You all made the (repeated) cancellations and premature excitement a bit more bearable. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed. This is specifically forunguided tour groups or non-escorted visitors on package tours andnotindividual tourists. Multiple media outlets, including NHK, Kyodo, Nikkei, and Fuji TV are all reporting thatJapansgovernment is planning to further relax restrictions and border measures with an eye to implementing the revisions by the start of October. Im very glad its dead but am also appreciative of what existed while it did. Its entirely possible that Kishida sees this polling and his sagging approval numbers and realizes that its time to move forward. Obviously, the easing has to occur at some point and this lag will always play out, but the notion that this moves the needle for fall is misguided. "We will lift the ceiling of the number of entrants into Japan, lift the ban on. Guided trips also had to be booked through a government-authorized provider. A key challenge will be to make the country more responsible and open-minded to foreigners. . Published Feb. 18, 2022 Updated Feb. 28, 2022. Thanks for all the updates and helpful info during this stressful and hard time, Tom!! We were wrongthe unguided tours offered two steps forward but one step backwards. Not so much in the last couple of years, as this has been reflected in policy-making. Are you concerned that Japan wont reopen until 2023, or think October is still realistic? Visa-free, independent travel restarted on October 11. Japan To Open Borders From June 10 To Aid Hobbled Tourism Industry: Report . Those two posts cover essentially everything you need to know about visiting Japan as of 2023. I already moved on to read your other Japan travel posts to get tips which are also so helpful! New Galleries In Naoshima (March 12th, 2022) 4. Yet despite the wealth of praises I have for Tom, this article and its two-year community, I am so, so glad, perhaps gladder than ever now, that compulsively opening this link in my browser is no longer part of my daily routine. Contents. So why aren't tourists coming back? 2023 Yosemite Firefall Viewing Guide: Best Dates, Reservations Info & Face Masks in Japan: Rules v. Reality (2023), Please subscribe to our FREE email newsletter, Japan Fall Colors Forecast & Autumn Foliage Viewing Guide, Tokyo Disneyland 40th Anniversary 'Dream-Go-Round' Details, New Parade & Japan Reopening Disney Tourist Blog The KKK News. In June, the country first reopened to leisure travelers from 98 countries including the U.S., but officials required a visa . The good news is that we now have an answer to questionsweve been asking for nearly two years! Prior to those guidelines being released, we speculated on how this would work given basic logic and past precedent with prior groups who had been allowed to enter Japan. Koike said that Japans borders would fully reopen soon. By September 14, 2022 Credit: Depositphotos Advertisement After. Together, youll craft your itinerary. Single entry visa and multiple entry visa issued by Embassies, Consulate-Generals, and Consulates of Japan in all countries/regions whose validity had been temporary suspended resumed on October 11, 2022. This was a great place to keep up to date on the happenings. However, Japan is now joining the rest of the world as people are ready to move on with life. Given that none of the recent reports have even mentioned COVIDs status in regard to reopening, its possible our perspective was wrong. This is would allow a bit of wiggle room for Japans slow and belabored decision-making process that involves a lot of careful consideration and evaluating the situation. If anything has been well-established during the last two-plus years, its that inaction is Japans baseline, and anything that does happen occurs gradually and in stages. TOKYO . (See above 'Latest News') Short-term travelers to Japan will be allowed to enter Japan without a visa. 28-year-old woman picked to be astronaut by Japans space agency, J. Its says a lot about Japan is a socially conscious society that so many individuals choose to wear masks even without mandates in place! Fully independent, visa-free travel to Japan is now possible from October 11th onwards. Given that Japan is now open, its time to start planning a trip. See our, If you are boosted with a Covid vaccine, you do not need a negative Covid test before flying to Japan. If you cant respect another countrys Covid policies you shouldnt visit and be an entitled tourist. Regardless, its good to have this removed as it eliminates an element of uncertainty and could have been an issue during peak travel times for the Japanese. Thank you Tom and to everyone for all the insights, info, and updates. Then theres the middle ground or base case. The yen has fallen to a 24-year low of 144 to the dollar, likely contributing to the sense of urgency in the aforementioned interviews. Sorry, but your browser needs Javascript to use this site. All rights reserved. This means that people can book their own flights, accommodation and experiences, without having to go through a travel agent, which was the previous rule. Guided trips also had to be booked through a government-, , independent travel became possible, but still needed to be booked through a government-, However, as we mentioned above, from October 11, onwards fully independent, visa-free travel, Yes! At best, this helps with winter. 2022. If you are unvaccinated or not boosted, you need a negative Covid test. Contact, Vancouver: Air Canada, ANA, Japan Airlines, American Airlines, Seattle: ANA, Japan Airlines, Delta, American, United, San Francisco: United, American, ANA, Japan Airlines, Los Angeles: Zipair, United, American, ANA, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Chicago: United, American, ANA, Japan Airlines, Dallas/Fort Worth: American, Japan Airlines, New York: United, American, ANA, Japan Airlines, London: British Airways, ANA, Japan Airlines, Frankfurt: Lufthansa, ANA, Japan Airlines, Finnair, British Airways, Helsinki: Finnair, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Bangkok: Thai, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia X, ZIPAIR, ANA, Japan Airlines, HCMC: Viet Jet Air, Vietname, VietJet Air, ANA, Japan Airlines, Hong Kong: Cathay, Hong Kong Express, ANA, Japan Airlines, Taipei: China Airlines, EVA, Scoot, Starlux, ANA, Japan Airlines, Singapore: Singapore Airlines, ZIPAIR, ANA, Japan Airlines, Seoul: Korean Air, Asiana, Ethiopian, ANA, Japan Airlines, For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my, Check Kyoto accommodation availability on, Need tips on where to stay? Kishida has also acknowledged that Japans border control measures are the strictest among Group of Seven nations, and expressed a desire/need to bring Japan in line with its counterparts. Thank you, for this wonderful site with its very helpful regular updates! We have all the answers you need about Japan's full border opening on 11th October 2022. of course the opposition (not all of it, from what I read) is against this. You will receive a link to download the eBook and periodic emails when there's news to share. For better or worse, Japan is an insular and culturally conservative countrya characteristic that is often valued by visitors. Visa-free travel has also been reinstated for travellers from dozens of countries (see which ones here), though there are still several border measures in place. Any thoughts or tips of your own to add? Travel agencies eye discounts for those vaccinated for COVID-19. tomthanks for ALL the help.I was told I need the MYSOS app to enter now, but there is mixed information on JapanWeb. It was challenging, convoluted and at times frustrating. obsolete information. Against that economic backdrop, lets take a look at the latest changes to Japans reopening plans. (Updated February 12, 2023.). Wearing masks indoors is still softly required by many shops and restaurants. Visa-free travel is possible for all countries that originally had this arrangement with Japan, which includes countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, most of Europe, the US and Canada. That theres more upside than downside risk in reopening and encouraging more economic activity. From 11th October onwards, visa-free travel will resume, and all arrival caps are being removed as well. Wow, i cant believe it. It doesnt matter if you have just squirted it on at the shop next door, one minute ago. The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party recognizes these problems and realizes it needs to rebuild Japans economy. Constitutionally, the Japanese government cant mandate something like mask wearing. Thank you Tom for providing us a platform to discuss thing amidst all the confusing developments and giving us updates. for individual tourists. The short version is that it is possible to enter, regardless of whether youre vaccinated or unvaccinated, albeit with a testing requirement for the latter. While it certainly sounds likethe end is nearfor the Japan travel ban, its premature to have a high degree of confidence. This is where there is disagreement among the major outlets. Ive started to see on JP twitter people asking for No mask in Japan too, so the sentiment is shifting even there. If they are accompanied by a guardian such as a parent who has a valid vaccination certificate and who will supervise the children, they will be regarded as holders of valid vaccination certificates, the test certificate will be exempt as their guardian. We typically spend a couple of months in Japan each year, and are ecstatic to be returning after nearly 3 years away. Japan's struggling tourism sector sees a light at the end of the tunnel as "self-guided" tours make way for full travel. Its now the popular position being advanced publicly by politicians, not just being advocated by Keidanren or Japans business lobby. Thatll help you prepare for arrival, and potentially save time at the airport. Moreover, how this played out with Japans last announcement is also instructive. Basically, travelling with a guide either as part of a group or a private guide just for you and your travel companion(s). If you are triple vaccinated, you do not have to take a pre-departure test. Basically, travelling with a guide either as part of a group or a private guide just for you and your travel companion(s). By contrast,Fuji TV is treating this as a done deal, using less ambiguous language. Critically, this would eliminate the legal requirement of a responsible receiving party for visitors to Japan. Everybody have a great trip! As governor of Tokyo, that would be tomorrow.. in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. While the daily number of arrivals was higher pre-closure, we assumed that 50,000 is the level at which this cap becomes immaterial with China still sidelined. a prior mandate in late May, many people are still wearing masks outdoors. Second, theres awareness within theKishida administration that the window of opportunity to reopen the border is closing. See details here. From the early days of Covid-19, our team of Japan travel experts has been closely monitoring developments and in constant contact with our network throughout the country. October. The rest of 2022 offers a rare chance to experience Japan before the crowds return in 2023. You may still need a negative Covid test within 72 hours of flying to Japan (see details below). Travel restrictions such as visa requirements and arrival caps were removed on October 11th, and Japan is fully open for tourism. Japan is finally open to independent travellers and has now lifted even more border restrictions. That this would be achieved in such an unexpected setting on the comments section of a single article on a white-and-orange travel blog, which came to accumulate nearly 3,000 comments as though it were a 2000s-era forum feels almost too ridiculous to be true. How this played out with Japans last announcement is also instructive 98 countries including the U.S., but browser. Constitutionally, the Japanese government cant mandate something like mask wearing Depositphotos Advertisement after disagreement among major! 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