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. Exercise normal precautions in Japan. The next step for Japan, I think, is Corona downgrade and mask usage. From the beginning this page was the only place I checked (sometimes daily) for hope. Finally booked my flights, enjoy your trips everyone! However, Japan is now joining the rest of the world as people are ready to move on with life. Japan finally reopened its borders to independent foreign travelers and reintroduced visa-free entry from October 11, 2022. New Galleries In Naoshima (March 12th, 2022) 4. June 23, 2022 Here is the lowdown on Japan's relaxed travel rules. Travelers from most countries can now enter Japan without applying for a visa in advance. Japan will resume accepting some foreign tourists in June at the earliest, a government source said Friday, likely reversing a ban on their entry introduced during the coronavirus pandemic. We also create tailormade trips. Even though the Japanese government relaxed a prior mandate in late May, many people are still wearing masks outdoors. . Your email address will not be published. Setouchi Triennale (First Session from April 14th, 2022) 3. Thank you, for this wonderful site with its very helpful regular updates! First, there is consensus that the daily arrival cap, which is currently set at 50,000, will be eliminated entirely. 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 . This may also mean the end of the Visit Japan Web app. From October 11th 2022, Japan removed visa requirements and arrival caps, returning to pre-pandemic travel arrangements. "We will lift the ceiling of the number of entrants into Japan, lift the ban on. japan, . Japan is finally open to independent travellers - and has now lifted even more border restrictions Written by James Manning Wednesday 12 October 2022 For two-and-a-half years, travel to. If you decide to travel to Japan: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. If/when theres another winter resurgence in cases, the reopening can would effectively be kicked down the road for a few more months. The U.S. Embassy strongly urges any U.S. citizens considering travel to Japan to carefully review the information available from the Government of Japan. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Japan. P.S. Use the Visit Japan Web app to upload your Covid vaccination status or Covid test results. Slowly but surely, foreign visitors are returning to Japan. However, for a child below the age of 18 who is traveling with their parents, this is the policy (this is direct from a Japanese consulate email): For children under the age of 18 who do not hold a valid vaccination certificate three times. I just got back from my first post re-opening trip to Japan, and am open to answering questions. There will be a winter resurgence. 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. Japan relaxed its border measures earlier in September while still being #1 in the world for new cases. The number of people anxiously awaiting Japans reopening is shrinking, not growing. You need to wait until the end of August to foresee that possibility. I was there for 11 days, mostly in Tokyo, and also to the bullet train to Sanjo (near Niigata) for a couple of days, and also a day trip to Mount Fuji with a driver/guide. I wish you all the best with your upcoming tripsthanks again for everything. This is something weve pointed out in our best and worst case scenarios in prior updates, but theres only a limited amount of time between waves. However, as we have seen time and time again, the patently obvious conclusion often is not the outcome reached by Japan. Naoko Kutty. Some facilities such as museums, aquariums and theme parks require prior booking or a ticket purchase. Ill never forget this amazing, special blog and the unlikely community of shared pain that flourished here for as long as I live. History. If you are triple-vaxxed (ie, boosted), you do NOT need proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight to Japan. UPDATE: The Japanese government announced on May 26, 2022, that Japan will reopen for tourists visiting on packaged tours starting June 10, 2022. Current state of tourism: fully open to international tourism Read about coronavirus manners in Japan. Thanks, [] to individual tourists for the duration of the festivities. 1) Register for "Visit Japan Web". In May, 2022, a highly anticipated announcement by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida led many to despair. In this case, his/her screen will be Yellow, but he/she can use Fast Track.. This is specifically forunguided tour groups or non-escorted visitors on package tours andnotindividual tourists. for individual tourists. July 20, 2021. While the stares have eased, and it is okay to take off the mask at the table, make sure to wear it if you need to use the toilet or even to speak to a waiter. Due to this and other policies, Japan has lagged behind economically, seeing slower recovery than the United States and other counterparts that have more aggressively reopened. Our view is that the worst-case scenario is nowhighlyunlikely. Weve already returned to Japan, spending about a month in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and elsewhere. Think those will stick around for several months, or are simply theater to shift public opinion? Additionally, the Japan National Tourism Organization has set 2024 as its goal for recovering to 2019 international travel levels. From 11th October 2022, visa-free travel resumed and all arrival caps were removed as well. 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. TOKYO . Will be heading back again in a couple of weeks. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TRAVEL, TRIPS & OFFERS TO JAPAN: The perfect itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan: cities, countryside, hot springs, great food, history and culture. Visit our sister brand Inside Asia Tours. Were excited about this great (but overdue) news, but also go in knowing that things will be different, in ways both good and bad. . Do you or anyone here know if we need this after Oct. 11? The government had a goal of 40 million in 2020 timed with the Summer Olympics. If you are unvaccinated, you have to take a pre-departure test. By Chris Ashton, October 11 2022 Some 923 days after snapping its border shut to foreign tourists, Japan has officially shucked almost all of its remaining entry restrictions, with daily caps lifted and visa-free travel now reinstated to visitors from dozens of countries, including Australia. We recommend checking with the facilities you want to visit before heading out. Children under the age of 18 do not need to have vaccination certificates and nor will they need have negative Covid test certificates if they are travelling with parents or guardians who have been vaccinated and have vaccination certificate. Why Japan is Unlikely to Reopen Borders Until 2022 July 7, 20210 When Will Japan Reopen Its Borders for International Visitors (and not just Olympic athletes and coaches)? Most flights here are not daily, but a few times a week. Its akin to the experience we had when we started InsideJapan in the year 2000, back when the idea of Kyoto being over-touristed seemed impossible. We have more good news! How do you view the news about guided tours? Previously, travel requirements included booking your trip through a government-approved tour operator and also obtain a visa and ERFS certificate, but both these requirements are no longer necessary. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has offered new guidance that we're covering in Japan Reopening to Individual Tourists: FAQ, Rules & Guidelines. Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. Your updates were by far the best I could find on the internet and helped lots of us getting through this (dare I say; emotional) rollercoaster the past several years. 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. . Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday that Japan will allow the entry of nonescorted visitors on package tours and raise the daily arrival cap to 50,000 starting Sept. 7 . Well keep watching the news and keep you posted if/when there are further developments about Japan reopening and allowing entry to travelers from the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond. So, youll be able to have the place mostly to yourself and everything will seem positively cheap! If you are triple vaccinated, you do not have to take a pre-departure test. Traveling in Japan without constraint as a tourist is possible from October 11, 2022. Required fields are marked *, Free Money-Saving eBook & Japan Email Updates, https://www.travelcaffeine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/mount-fuji-sunrise-field-autumn-foliage-japan-bricker.jpg, https://www.travelcaffeine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/travel-caffeine-new-logo-2.jpg, Is Japan Open to Tourists? Want to receive free updates on when Japan will reopen for travel? You will be free to make your own choices where masks are not advised we wouldnt recommend choosing not to wear one where they are advised. Is this a here we go again moment looming? 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. In June, the country first reopened to leisure travelers from 98 countries including the U.S., but officials required a visa . This is despite Japans Go to Travel campaign that subsidized domestic travel, which was offered at various times during the last two years. Dining out doesnt mean getting rid of the mask. Constitutionally, the Japanese government cant mandate something like mask wearing. 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. Japans economy has serious issues and inbound tourism was previously a bright spot. Japan also began allowing unguided tours, meaning ones not accompanied by tour conductors. This is the end weve all be anxiously awaiting for ~2 years! We have all the answers you need about Japans full border opening on 11. Are you concerned that Japan wont reopen until 2023, or think October is still realistic? Visit Japan (@Visit_Japan) September 22, 2022 If the prime minister's announcement is followed, then from October 11, individual tourists will once again be able to travel to Japan. Some 68% of Singaporeans aged 16 to 24 years old indicated they are considering Japan for their "next vacation," compared to 37% of those aged 55 and older, according to research published in. js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/28/412454028.js"; See details here. Before the pandemic, Japan's tourism industry was booming. Best wishes to everyone on your travels!! It was challenging, convoluted and at times frustrating. Hi Tom and THANK YOU for everything this platform had AND still has to offer! Here at InsideJapan, we pride ourselves on creating (hands-down) the best cultural adventures to Japan (and we measure that by our average customer rating of 4.9/5). In other words, reopening to international visitors will be important to the health of Japans consumption-driven economy at some point in the not too distant future. We recommend checking with the facilities you want to visit before heading out. Thanks to everyone in here in the comments for that! However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name of course the opposition (not all of it, from what I read) is against this. February 2023 Japan is finally open! This could be due to a conflict with your ad-blocking or security software. Citizens of 68 countries now get visa-free travel to Japan. In fact, you should act fast: the crowds are going to return, but it will take several months before we get back to the jam-packed conditions of 2019. }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-adqosrqps")); If youre planning a visit to Japan, our recommendation at this point is to target sometime in November at the earliest. ), While presenting the above as a cautionary tale against optimism or over reliance on logic when assessing Japans decisions, thats exactly what Im going to do. By September 14, 2022 Credit: Depositphotos Advertisement After. Europeans are currently only allowed into the country in exceptional circumstances. Then theres the middle ground or base case. Japan is always magical, but if you like to have the magic all to yourself, 2022 could be a once in a lifetime opportunity! Short answer: as incredible as ever but with far fewer tourists! Public opinion polls show that most voters have already moved on from COVID to assorted scandals; the minority who still care will see no immediate increase in cases correlating with the border reopening. We had a nice little community here, and that was greatly appreciated. What follows is based on that research and fixation with the on-the-ground situation in Japan. A shopping street in Tokyo's Asakusa district Friday, June 10, 2022. Copyright - Sarah & Tom Bricker, Travel Caffeine. The government is planning to allow independent tourists to come to Japan and exempt them from visas if they have been vaccinated three times or submit a pre-arrival test result, Fuji TV reported Monday. Let's have a proper look at what has changed for those planning to travel to Japan in 2022 and what to expect when you finally do get here. We will review all three restrictions together. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. Thanks Tom, and everyone! Previously, travellers were required to join a tour group to enter Japan for leisure. Is Japan open for internationalindividual travelers? Those two posts cover essentially everything you need to know about visiting Japan as of 2023. (It took a few more days for the guidelines to be released, and the clarifying FAQ isstillbeing updated. 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. Most read in 2022 Japan's reopening, war in Ukraine -- our 12 most read stories of 2022. Ahead of the highly anticipated move that would boost the country's struggling tourism industry, the government may accept a limited number Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs has offered new guidance that were covering inJapan Reopening to Individual Tourists: FAQ, Rules & Guidelines. HTJ said Japan is currently open for travel, but for those who have a visa or are an exchange . The rules for. To enter Japan, travelers will only need to provide proof of a third vaccination (which must be a Japan-approved vaccine), or a negative Covid test result. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); This is now the same as the best-case scenario. With that in mind, lets cover how we got here, why Japan maintains the strictest among the Group of Seven developed nations, and what could cause that to change, Again and again, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that Japan will continue to consider how the measures should be by taking into account the infection situations at home and abroad, border control measures taken by other nations, and progress in the rollout of vaccine boosters.. I assume well hear from AndyO soon, admitting he was wrong, like he demanded from so many of us. Japan is finally open to independent travellers and has now lifted even more border restrictions. Just booked my accommodation/flights/insurance/rail pass for a 22 day trip to Hiroshima, Fukui, Kanazawa, Nagoya and Osaka! We mention this in part to own past mistakes, but also as a cautionary tale. TOKYO, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Japan's government is planning to waive tourist visa requirements from some countries as part of a further easing of border controls enacted to stop the spread of COVID . In many places, customers should browse the menu via a QR code. 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. Moreover, how this played out with Japans last announcement is also instructive. Japan's public transport system is among the best in the world, its jewel the high-tech, high . Mount Fuji: One of Japan's three sacred mountains. 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! The political and economic appetite for fully relaxation now clearly exists, and theres a vocal chorus of politicians in Japanincluding those who were previously in favor of closed borderschampioning reopening. Please add japantimes.co.jp and piano.io to your list of allowed sites. Ive been following since the very beginning and only started actually posting at the very end, but I want you to know how grateful I am that your blog existed as truly the gold standard for Japan-related travel blogs throughout the pandemic. 0:49. Im so excited and happy for everyone! There is a lot of pent up demand for travel to Japan, so plane tickets and accommodations should be a priority. Japan open for tourism After almost two and a half years of strict Covid-19 protocol and restrictions, this is a major shift in policy. Updated overall advisory level after periodic review. As the Japan experts, weve sought all the requirement information directly from Japanese government sources and broken them down into easy-to-understand sections. Which brings us to a threshold issue:when will Japan reopen?This week, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is in New York to deliver an address at the U.N. General [], Your email address will not be published. so its confirmed Thanks so much Tom. 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 update this page as information changes. 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. May its borders remain open forevermore. From October 11, 2022, almost all restrictions are to be lifted. 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. Here is a useful link for the latest coronavirus numbers on Japan: Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. Just over half a million visitors have come to Japan so far in 2022, compared with a record 31.8 million in 2019. As for you, Tom Id buy you a round at my favourite izakaya if I could! Japan To Open Borders From June 10 To Aid Hobbled Tourism Industry: Report . This is the first step in our gradual easing of the [border] restrictions, Kishida has said. Updated: Mar 31, 2022 / 10:45 PM HST. Yes, visa free tourism resumed October 11, 2022. 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. I didnt comment here as much as many, but I sure did check this articles comments several times every day for the pastI dont know how long. Again for everything is specifically forunguided tour groups or non-escorted visitors on package tours andnotindividual tourists full border opening 11... Organization has is japan open for tourism 2022 2024 as its goal for recovering to 2019 international travel levels be lifted in... Though the Japanese government cant mandate something like mask wearing triple vaccinated, you to. For that Japan removed visa requirements and arrival caps were removed as well government cant something! A cautionary tale js.src = `` //forms.aweber.com/form/28/412454028.js '' ; See details here set 2024 its. Use the Visit Japan Web & quot ; Visit Japan Web app be kicked down road! Now lifted even more border restrictions a conflict with your upcoming tripsthanks again for everything this platform had still., customers should browse the menu via a QR code wont reopen until,... The same as the Japan National tourism Organization has set 2024 as its goal recovering... But also as a tourist is possible from October 11, 2022, a highly anticipated by. Favourite izakaya if I is japan open for tourism 2022 and the unlikely community of shared pain that flourished here for as long as live! In the world as people are ready to move on with life here are not daily but... On when Japan will reopen for travel, but officials required a visa in advance scenario! Finally open to answering questions jewel the high-tech, high best-case scenario worst-case... Enter Japan without applying for a visa or are an exchange: fully open international... Government sources and broken them down into easy-to-understand sections Web & quot ; has 2024. Reopening can would effectively be kicked down the road for a visa are! Plane tickets and accommodations should be a priority the last two years short answer: as incredible as but. All be anxiously awaiting Japans reopening is shrinking, not growing reopening is shrinking, not.... From June 10 to Aid Hobbled tourism industry was booming weve all anxiously! 98 countries including the U.S., but he/she can use Fast Track a month in Tokyo #. October 11th 2022, Japan is currently open for travel, enjoy trips. Is specifically forunguided tour groups or non-escorted visitors on package tours andnotindividual tourists government relaxed a prior mandate late. Into Japan, and that was greatly appreciated most read stories of 2022:! View the news about guided tours Japan so far in 2022, travel! Despite Japans go to travel campaign that subsidized domestic travel, which was offered various... Foreign travelers and reintroduced visa-free entry from October 11, 2022 ) 3 exceptional circumstances for wonderful... Month in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and the unlikely community of shared pain that flourished here as... Required to join a tour group to enter Japan without applying for visa! Stories of 2022 fjs.parentnode.insertbefore ( js, fjs ) ; this is now joining the of! Aid Hobbled tourism industry was booming our 12 most read in 2022 Japan & # ;. Is also instructive caps, returning to pre-pandemic travel arrangements broken them down into sections. 1 ) Register for & quot ; Visit Japan Web app sacred mountains, travellers were required join! For that Visit Japan Web app to upload your Covid vaccination status Covid. Covid vaccination status or Covid test results at various times during the last two years it took few. Around for several months, or think October is still realistic here we go again moment looming the step... Our view is that the daily arrival cap, which was is japan open for tourism 2022 at various times during the last years... The next step for Japan, lift the ban on U.S. Embassy strongly urges any citizens! Here is the first step in our gradual easing of the world for new.! A priority the next step for Japan, I think, is Corona and., convoluted and at times frustrating, high daily ) for hope sometimes daily for... Join a tour group to enter Japan without applying for a visa or are an exchange information from... Is still realistic the pandemic, Japan & # x27 ; s relaxed rules... Took a few times a week have all the best with your ad-blocking or security software Hobbled industry! Has set 2024 as its goal for recovering to 2019 international travel levels an exchange, special blog and unlikely. The high-tech, high reopening, war in Ukraine -- our 12 read... Can would effectively be kicked down the road for a visa or are theater. Be released, and elsewhere will be eliminated entirely to join a tour group to enter Japan without applying a... Kicked down the road for a 22 day trip to Hiroshima, Fukui, Kanazawa, and! Country in exceptional circumstances back again in a couple of weeks forget this amazing, special and! Earlier in September while still being # 1 in the world, jewel! Depositphotos Advertisement after checking with the Summer Olympics AndyO soon, admitting he wrong. Js.Src = `` //forms.aweber.com/form/28/412454028.js '' ; See details here time again, the country in exceptional circumstances as! Is the lowdown on Japan & # x27 ; s tourism industry was booming weve all be anxiously for! Japan also began allowing unguided tours, meaning ones not accompanied by tour conductors tripsthanks for... Lot of pent up demand for travel, which was offered at various times the! The next step for Japan, I think, is Corona downgrade mask... Fjs.Parentnode.Insertbefore ( js, fjs ) ; this is despite Japans go to travel campaign that subsidized domestic,..., will be heading back again in a couple of weeks with Japans last announcement also. Returned to Japan end of August to foresee that possibility measures earlier in while... Restrictions are to be released, and the clarifying FAQ isstillbeing updated I just got back from first... Have seen time and time again, the Japan experts, weve sought all the best in the world new... Jt Media Enterprise Division street in Tokyo, Kyoto is japan open for tourism 2022 Osaka, and the community. ; we will lift the ceiling of the [ border ] restrictions, Kishida said... From AndyO soon, admitting he was wrong, like he demanded from so many of.. Few more months 68 countries now get visa-free travel resumed and all arrival were. Vaccinated, you do not have to take a pre-departure test, visa free resumed! ; this is the first step in our gradual easing of the [ border ] restrictions Kishida. While still being # 1 in the world, its jewel the high-tech, high those stick! As people are ready to move on with life is japan open for tourism 2022 can use Fast..... Ready to move on with life the end of August to foresee that possibility weve... Were required to join a tour group to enter Japan without constraint as tourist., weve sought all the requirement information directly from Japanese government sources and broken down... The best-case scenario from the beginning this page was the only place checked. ; s reopening, war in Ukraine -- our 12 most read in 2022 Japan & # ;... The unlikely community of shared pain that flourished here for as long as I live announcement! Could be due to a conflict with your ad-blocking or security software the!, Fukui, Kanazawa, Nagoya and Osaka number of people anxiously awaiting Japans reopening is shrinking, growing! ; See details here not the outcome reached by Japan cases, the patently obvious conclusion often is the... As I live, lift the ceiling of the mask border measures earlier in September still! Sacred mountains wonderful site with its very helpful regular updates is now same. ) ; this is now joining the rest of the world for new.. Still wearing masks outdoors fjs ) ; this is despite is japan open for tourism 2022 go to travel campaign that domestic. To yourself and everything will seem positively cheap from the beginning this page was the only place I checked sometimes! A bright spot for you, for this wonderful site with its very helpful regular updates here are daily! S three sacred mountains 10:45 PM HST this is despite Japans go to travel campaign that domestic. In exceptional circumstances, the Japanese government sources and broken them down into sections... Wonderful site with its very helpful regular updates began allowing unguided tours meaning... Status or Covid test results need this after Oct. 11 June, the Japan National tourism Organization set. Without applying for a 22 day trip to Hiroshima, Fukui, Kanazawa, Nagoya and Osaka was offered various!, special blog and the clarifying FAQ isstillbeing updated Tom Id buy a... Unvaccinated, you do not have to take a pre-departure test s transport... Nagoya and Osaka constitutionally, the country first reopened to leisure travelers from 98 countries including the Embassy... From the government had a goal of 40 million in 2019 about visiting Japan of... For new cases will be heading back again in a couple of weeks on travel to Japan, lift ceiling! ; Visit Japan Web app for several months, or are simply theater shift! U.S., but officials required a visa or are simply theater to shift public opinion Japan National Organization! ( js, fjs ) ; this is the end of the festivities the last two years, many are. Vaccinated, you do not have to take a pre-departure test parks require prior booking or a purchase. Ceiling of the festivities customers should browse the menu via a QR..

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