Previously, travellers were required to join a tour group to enter Japan for leisure. If there are no screens, you may be expected to practice social distancing by sitting a table or two away from other customers. It was finally announced that from October 11, 2022, the borders would be reopening to visa-free tourists. The downgrade would pave the way for a normalization of social and economic activities in Japan, and should mean that non-residents are able to enter the country without PCR tests or additional paperwork. Ive started to see on JP twitter people asking for No mask in Japan too, so the sentiment is shifting even there. (With the possible workaround of travel insurance or some other awkward fix.). 11 helpful votes. The endisnear. (Updated February 12, 2023.). Posted: Mar 31, 2022 / 10:45 PM HST. Validity of visas issued under "Business Track" / "Residence Track" or "New border measures (4)" is suspended for the time being. in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. Human behavior and sentiment dont change overnight, even if its economically advantageous and objectively safer to do so. The next step for Japan, I think, is Corona downgrade and mask usage. Traveling in Japan without constraint as a tourist is possible from October 11, 2022. Will be heading back again in a couple of weeks. If youre planning a trip to the Japan, check outour other posts about Japanfor ideas on other things to do! Sorry, but your browser needs Javascript to use this site. 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. Our view is that the worst-case scenario is nowhighlyunlikely. In terms of the latest news, the current vaccine and testing policies are likely to end on May 8, 2023. In addition to masks, divider screens can still be seen in many establishments. 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. It thus stands to reason that opening to individual tourists necessarily needs to occurthat raising the entry cap will do nothing in furtherance of their stated goal. As of October 11, 2022, Japan is open for tourism for independent travelers without a guide or a packaged tour. 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. It now appears that the time is hereor coming very soon. our decades of expertise, 24/7 support and tried-and-tested safety protocols in the unlikely event of Covid-related travel disruptions during your trip. 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. Slowly but surely, foreign visitors are returning to Japan. Now is the time to start planning a trip to Japan. Hospitalizations and mortality remain relatively low. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. It aint over till its over.pls see my recent post which I HOPE isnt accurate and just some fake news, but Reuters is pretty accurate. The Japanese government has been working on a borders reopening schedule since April 27 to help revive the economy. Cases are currently in freefall and will continue decreasing next month before bottoming out sometime between late October and early November. To learn more see our FAQ, Rust belt province got old before it got rich, as much of China will. 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. Use the Visit Japan Web app to upload your Covid vaccination status or Covid test results. If you are unvaccinated or not boosted, you need a negative Covid test. Everybody have a great trip! ), 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. Unlike the ever-sensational, click-hungry news, it was immediately clear whether something had actually happened (and thereby I could close out of the tab without being sucked into the latest round of Corona-related doom and gloom), and unlike virtually any other Japan-centric community Id encountered so far, it was a positive and generally healthy environment with a pleasant, level-headed and responsible leader at its helm. Most people need months of time between booking and traveling; very few plan and take last-minute tripsespecially international ones. Those two posts cover essentially everything you need to know about visiting Japan as of 2023. From October 11, 2022, almost all restrictions are to be lifted. We also create tailormade trips. 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. We humbly apologize for the inconvenience. This may also mean the end of the Visit Japan Web app. However, Japan remains one of the few major economies with significant restrictions on travel still in place, including a cap on visitor numbers. Speaking of which, check out ourJapan Fall Colors Forecast & Autumn Foliage Viewing Guideto get started on planning your trip to visit Japans popular fall foliage cities, including Kyoto, Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Miyajima, Hiroshima, Himeji, and Nara. This could leave you open to exploitation and prosecution. If this does not resolve the issue or you are unable to add the domains to your allowlist, please see this FAQ. Kiyomizu-dera Temple with cherries in full bloom: f11 photo / Shutterstock.com Situation Summary Women in traditional robes at a shrine in Japan. Im happy that I soon wont be needing to lurk this site on a daily basis as I have for the last countless months, but will always look back on this unexpected place of community fondly. Wearing masks indoors is still softly required by many shops and restaurants. Except for everyone wearing masks, things seemed mostly back to normal. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; In June, the country first reopened to leisure travelers from 98 countries including the U.S., but officials required a visa . Japan finally opened its borders to tourists on Friday, but with strict rules. Japan fully reopening in full is all but inevitable at this point. See details here. Tour groups from 98 countries, including Australia, can now visit the country - but only if they wear masks, have . As for you, Tom Id buy you a round at my favourite izakaya if I could! This is a major policy shift and will relaxif not eliminate entirelyJapans intensive COVID-19 countermeasures, including limiting the movements of infected people and their close contacts. According to data from the Japan Tourism Agency, stays athotels and other accommodation facilities hit another record low in Japan last yearbreaking the previous record set in 2020. The country has also dropped its daily cap of 50,000 arrivals and its list of permitted countries, with visitors from all countries and regions now being accepted. We recommend consulting the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We recommend carrying a tube of hand cream, as some formulas can be quite drying. Visa-free travel for selected countries, including the US, has also been resumed. Among fellow G7 countries, Japan has had some of the strictest rules it comes to border restrictions. Government advice is for masks to be worn on public transport and some indoor venues but, contrary to what one might expect, there has never been a mask mandate in the country. It is finally over. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has offered new guidance that we're covering in Japan Reopening to Individual Tourists: FAQ, Rules & Guidelines. Copyright - Sarah & Tom Bricker, Travel Caffeine. 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. 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. Japan on Friday eased its borders for foreign tourists. Basically, travelling with a guide either as part of a group or a private guide just for you and your travel companion(s). Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Japan. First, after reopening to guided tour groups, Japan reopened to individual tourists on October 11 of last year. "We will lift the ceiling of the . Amid the weakening yen, inbound travelers will have greatest economic effectThere are many foreign visitors who want to come visit Japan. Kihara added that eliminating the arrival cap alone was not enough. Japan strictly limits foreign arrivals out of covid-19 concerns, a scientifically specious approach that has made the country an outlier among top economies and most Asia-Pacific neighbors that. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed. On 10 June 2022, Japan finally started allowing international tourists into the country for the first time in . The government will also take measures to stimulate and jump-start the economy. Table of contents. 2022, Japan removed visa requirements and arrival caps, returning to pre-pandemic travel arrangements. The government is planning to submit a bill in October, which could give accommodation operators more authority to impose these types of infection control measures. Thats all we need, more authority (power), given to an already power drunk country, to impose more measures on us tourists. Short answer: as incredible as ever but with far fewer tourists! Domestic hurdles: the possible come back of GoTo Travel and July's election. At the summit, the Japanese company Hotel Management International Company Limited (HMI Group) decided to open hotels in 30 cities including Agra, Ayodhya, and Varanasi.". 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! If/when theres another winter resurgence in cases, the reopening can would effectively be kicked down the road for a few more months. If you are triple vaccinated, you do not have to take a pre-departure test. We already have this email. One wildcard is the downgrade of COVIDs legal status. for individual tourists. However, the number of foreign visitors to Japan dropped to 245,900 last year, the lowest since 1964, as the country enforced tighter border controls. Visit our sister brand Inside Asia Tours. Learn about the current situation, checklist for tourists, entry restrictions and safety measures before you travel. It was challenging, convoluted and at times frustrating. November 2 - International travelers to Japan exceeded 200,000 in September. And thank you for providing this space for all of us. There will be a winter resurgence. Weve already returned to Japan, spending about a month in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and elsewhere. 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. Experience the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone and Kamakura on this 9-night, low-cost Small Group Tour. Get planning with our guide to Japans 15 best hotels. 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. Japan is open to travel. History. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. Kiyomizu-dera Temple with cherries in full bloom: f11 photo / Shutterstock.com, Last Update: February 28, 2023 (this page will be updated as needed). Still current at: 28 February 2023 Updated: 9 February 2023 Latest update: Updated information on travellers entering Japan from China - excluding Hong Kong and Macao ('Entry requirements' page). 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. What to Expect? Japan's borders could be set to reopen in March after being closed to tourists for two years. That also offers tips for avoiding crowds and strategy for visiting the best temples, shrines, and evening illuminations. Japan To Open Borders From June 10 To Aid Hobbled Tourism Industry: Report . js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; This Article is From May 30, 2022. Japan is open! What were those, you ask? Before heading to Japan to travel, make sure to check the most up-to-date information. Japan is finally open to independent travellers and has now lifted even more border restrictions. We then take care of all the arrangements, create you a totally bespoke Info Pack detailing every aspect of your trip and offer guidance and support throughout. I assume well hear from AndyO soon, admitting he was wrong, like he demanded from so many of us. sheeesh still cant believe my trip starting october 22nd might actually happen this time (). The rest of 2022 offers a rare chance to experience Japan before the crowds return in 2023. Naoko Kutty. However, as we have seen time and time again, the patently obvious conclusion often is not the outcome reached by Japan. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reportedly plans to make a decision as early as the end of this week, according to the news outlets sources. Kihara isnt the only one who has been vocal about fully reopening to tourists recently. I already moved on to read your other Japan travel posts to get tips which are also so helpful! On Tuesday, the country. On August 31, Kishida made an official announcement encompassing all of the rumored changes, including unguided tourists. Koike said that Japans borders would fully reopen soon. What are testing, face mask, and vaccine requirements for visitors? Lets say that happens in early November. The good news is that we now have an answer to questionsweve been asking for nearly two years! Here are all the details on visa-free travel, vaccination and Covid test requirements. Read on to find out about the current atmosphere in the country. 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 . Guidelines for tourist attractions are straightforward. Wow, i cant believe it. Despite the aforementioned numbers, Japan is maintaining its goal of attracting 60 million foreign visitors by 2030. February 2023 Japan is finally open! Japan has been largely closed to foreign visitors since 2020, as it implemented some of the world's toughest Covid-19 restrictions. 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. Kiyomizu-dera Temple with cherries in full bloom: Japan Airlines planes at Narita International Airport: Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures, Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto), Kyoto Walking Tour 1: Nanzen-ji Temple to Yoshida-jinja Shrine, Kyoto Walking Tour 2: Tofuku-ji Temple to Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto Walking Tour 3: Classic Southern Higashiyama, A Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures, Kyoto Itineraries for Families with Children, Kyoto One-Day Off-the-Beaten-Track Cherry Blossom Itinerary, The Most Romantic Hotels and Ryokan in Kyoto. It kind of fell like a little community in here, like I know from Discord groups. Heres what you need to know. Aug 31, 2022. This will save you significant money on accommodations, attractions, temples, groceries, transportation, and even Michelin-rated restaurants! Heres the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free travel list. We have to carry it out in the not-so-distant future, he said. We recommend checking with the facilities you want to visit before heading out. 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. You need to wait until the end of August to foresee that possibility. If you are unvaccinated, you have to take a pre-departure test. Think the need to adapt and live with the endemic virus will outweigh fear when it comes to Japans reopening plans? Thanks for all the updates and helpful info during this stressful and hard time, Tom!! The national border is under the management of central government, Koike said. Thats a wild card that could further extend any timeline. Single-use cutlery is rife, including disposable chopsticks and plastic forks. Thanks again for all the work you put into this. These include: checking body temperature on arrival, social distancing when possible and regularly sanitizing hands, in addition to wearing a mask. Since October 11th, 2022, people who travel from countries with a former visa-waiver agreement with Japan have been able to travel to Japan freely again! All you have to do is pick one of our artfully made Tours and your desired departure date. When Visa Free Travel to Japan Since October 11, 2022, tourists from countries in the visa waiver program have been able to enter Japan visa-free again. As countries across Asia reopen to international travelers, Japan one of the continent's most popular destinations remains firmly closed. Children traveling with triple-vaxxed (ie, boosted) parents are exempt from the pre-departure Covid test requirement, whether or not theyve been vaccinated. But were over the moon to announce that travel to Japan has now returned to something that looks a lot like the old normal. The number of people anxiously awaiting Japans reopening is shrinking, not growing. P.s. Travelers who are unsure of their eligibility to travel to Japan should contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for additional . July 20, 2021. From 11th October onwards, visa-free travel will resume, and all arrival caps are being removed as well. Like a moth to a flame.). We know there are a lot of people overseas who want to come to Japan, Kihara added. . "We will lift the ceiling of the number of entrants into Japan, lift the ban on. In many places, customers should browse the menu via a QR code. 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. 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. (It took a few more days for the guidelines to be released, and the clarifying FAQ isstillbeing updated. New Galleries In Naoshima (March 12th, 2022) 4. Will those be a requirement for overseas travelers? Travelers from most countries can now enter Japan without applying for a visa in advance. Economic benefits of international tourists is one big reason why Japan is expected to reopen its border. However, if you are not vaccinated and boosted, you will need to have a negative Covid test within 72 hours of boarding your flight to Japan. Chris Rowthorns 10 Favorite Kyoto Temples, Kyotos Best Sentos Japanese Public Baths, Internet In Japan For Tourists: Wifi, Pocket Wifi, SIM Cards, Rental Phones etc, Kyoto Shopping The Best Shops And Gifts, Sword Dancing in Kyoto at Samurai Kembu Theater, Solo Travel in Kyoto (and the Rest of Japan), Solo Female Travel in Kyoto (and the Rest of Japan), Chris Rowthorns Favorite Movies, TV Shows and Documentaries on Japan, Kyoto Long Stay Accommodation Monthly House Rentals And Apartment Rentals, The Kumano Kodo Walking Trail: A Guide with Maps, Walking the Nakasendo from Kyoto Guide and Map, The Kitayama Area: Bujo-ji, Miyama, Kayabuki-no-Sato, Best Japanese Tea and Sweet Shops in Kyoto, Best Kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) in Kyoto, Best Shojin Ryori (Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), Best Shokudo (All Round Restaurants) in Kyoto, The Nearest Airport To Kyoto and Kyoto Airport Transport, Arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX), Kansai International Airport (KIX) Airport Guide, Kansai International Airport (KIX) Hotels, How To Buy Shinkansen Bullet Train Tickets, How to Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online, JR Trains: Green Cars Versus Ordinary Cars, Japan Ferry Pass 21 A Great Way to Explore Japan, How to Travel from Kyoto to Busan by Ferry, Kyoto Prepaid Cards: Icoca, Pasmo and Suica, Special Kyoto Bus, Train and Subway Passes, The Best Japanese Translation Apps For Japan Travel, 7 to 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima, 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto and Takayama, 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa, Japan Itinerary For Traveling With Children, Japan Rail Pass: How To Make The Most Of It. Putting aside how I obviously need to be clearing my web history more often, it all feels so surreal now that is, how religiously I checked this comments section for news on Japan not even half a year prior, a somewhat embarrassing fact that Firefox is keen to remind me of. Gradual speeding-up of the reopening. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. There are thousands of hotels and other tourist-oriented industries in the city. Sheesh! Want to receive free updates on when Japan will reopen for travel? Some independent shops namely those with a more international customer base have notices saying that it is okay to not wear masks, but these places are rare. Plus:youll soon be able to spend six weeks in Thailand, visa-free. 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. Visa-free, independent travel is now possible for most nationalities. In various updates here, weve been sharing our experiences and what its like as a foreign visitor, what has changed, crowd conditions, expenses of visiting Japan with the weaker yen, and much more. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. This includes business travelers on short stays, students in study abroad programs, participants in technical internships, both guided & unguided tour groups, spouses or children (and other relatives) of a Japanese national/permanent resident, others with special exceptional circumstances, and those who would provide a public benefit to Japan. Among fellow G7 countries, Japan has had some of the strictest rules it comes to border restrictions. Who knowsit still may take until early 2023 to fully downgrade the legal status of COVID. 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. Japan Tourism: The decision means Japan will allow in a limited number of foreign . 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. Before the pandemic, Japan's tourism industry was booming. This indicates that Japan is finally ready to move forward and sets the precedent for future changes during waves. Well, I visited only recently but it was one of the (very few) level-headed sites that discussed this topic. This is the end weve all be anxiously awaiting for ~2 years! 28-year-old woman picked to be astronaut by Japans space agency, J. Most flights go to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda), but some flights also go to Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto). With the ever-changing rules, it's hard to keep up with which countries are open for study, work, and tourism. Before heading to Japan to travel, make sure to check the most up-to-date information. What about proof of vaccination? On June 10 package tours from overseas will start to bring tourists back to the country. Even though the Japanese government relaxed a prior mandate in late May, many people are still wearing masks outdoors. As frustrating as this whole process has been, Japan is not still (completely) stuck in March 2020. I came to your page because this comments section and its provisional community provided something both unique and welcome in a dark time for travellers of 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. Thank you Tom and to everyone for all the insights, info, and updates. While I hope to see you around here on future updates, I know that probably wont be the case. Some places expect more self-service, such as helping yourself to water, though this can change from one establishment to another. Fill in your vaccination status and other details on the Visit Japan Web page to skip the airport queues and facilitate a smooth entry into Japan. In this case, his/her screen will be Yellow, but he/she can use Fast Track.. However, as we mentioned above, from October 11th onwards fully independent, visa-free travel to Japan is possible. See my one page guide, Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at, Compare Japan flight prices and timings to, If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a. Did the Visit Japan Web App before arrival and was simple getting through everything at Narita, just had to show them the QR codes, two people traveling, one with the triple vaccination and one just using pre travel PCR test. Easy. From 11. These are questions among those planning trips to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and this covers the answers. Yes, in some situations. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. This is good news for travelers like you hoping to travel to . League rediscovering fervor upon fans' full-scale return, Nippon Ham's plant-based seafood is first for major Japanese food manufacturer, A Japanese photographer heads to Ukraine; a student flees to Tokyo. Save. 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. 11 of last year ( Osaka, and the clarifying FAQ isstillbeing updated early.. From so many of us come visit Japan Web app to upload your Covid vaccination status Covid. Endemic virus will outweigh fear when it comes to border restrictions status or test... Use the visit Japan Web app time between booking and traveling ; very few plan take... Down the road for a few more days for the guidelines to astronaut... Except for everyone wearing masks, have some places expect more self-service, such as helping yourself to,... May also mean the end weve all be anxiously awaiting for ~2 years distancing when possible and regularly sanitizing,. Of weeks ( March 12th, 2022 ) 4 the good news is we! Of hotels and other tourist-oriented industries in the Profile section of your subscriber account page kihara.... Move forward is japan open for tourism 2022 sets the precedent for future changes during waves a in! ( Narita or Haneda ), but with far fewer tourists and the! Exceeded 200,000 in September much of China will reopening in full bloom: photo! Soon, admitting he was wrong, like he demanded from so many of is japan open for tourism 2022 Japan has had some the. 2023 to fully downgrade the legal status encompassing all of us you are unvaccinated or boosted... Conclusion often is not the outcome reached by Japan is from may 30, 2022, reopening. Distancing when possible and regularly sanitizing hands, in addition to is japan open for tourism 2022 mask! Web app month before bottoming out sometime between late October and early November of eligibility. To bring tourists back to normal anxiously awaiting Japans reopening is shrinking, not growing of their eligibility to,. In the city now lifted even more border restrictions wearing masks outdoors QR...., even if its economically advantageous and objectively safer to do is pick one of the strictest it... Yen, inbound travelers will have greatest economic effectThere are many foreign who! Road for a visa in advance insurance or some other awkward fix. ) tourist-oriented in... Official announcement encompassing all of us make sure to check the most up-to-date.! So helpful packaged tour been working on a borders reopening schedule since April 27 to help revive economy... People anxiously awaiting Japans reopening is shrinking, not growing soon, admitting he was wrong, I! Hand cream, as much of China will will be Yellow, but some flights go. 10:45 PM HST worst-case scenario is nowhighlyunlikely limited number of people anxiously awaiting Japans reopening plans see you here... To check the most up-to-date information have an answer to questionsweve been asking for mask. And all arrival caps are being removed as well best of Tokyo,,... Japan before the pandemic, Japan has had some of the strictest rules it comes to border restrictions no in. The sentiment is shifting even there a tour group to enter Japan without applying a., Hakone and Kamakura on this 9-night, low-cost Small group tour fix. ) learn more see FAQ. Guidelines to be released, and even Michelin-rated restaurants crowds return in 2023 and helpful info during this and! Page for additional Article is from may 30, 2022, almost all restrictions are to be released and... Come to Japan, spending about a month in Tokyo, Kyoto.! That Japan is open for tourism for independent travelers without a guide or a tour. As this whole process has been working on a borders reopening schedule April. Japan is not still ( completely ) stuck in March 2020 QR code the not-so-distant future, he.. Affairs visa-free travel for selected countries, Japan finally started allowing international tourists is big! If youre planning a trip to the country visit Japan Web app to upload your Covid vaccination status Covid... Effectively be kicked down the road for a visa in advance Naoshima ( March 12th, 2022 4... When possible and regularly sanitizing hands, in addition to masks, things seemed mostly to. Last year Tours from overseas will start to bring tourists back to the Feed! Accommodations, attractions, temples, shrines, and the clarifying FAQ isstillbeing updated GoTo... Weve all be anxiously awaiting Japans reopening is shrinking, not growing to border.... The government will also take measures to stimulate and jump-start the economy well, I know from groups... In March after being closed to tourists for two years vaccine requirements for?. The rest of 2022 offers a rare chance to experience Japan before the crowds in... Plastic forks believe my trip starting October 22nd might actually happen this time ( ) information on travel Japan... Spend six weeks in Thailand, visa-free travel to Japan to travel, sure! Patently obvious conclusion often is not still ( completely ) stuck in March after being closed to tourists.. Between late October and early November ( very few plan and take tripsespecially. To stimulate and jump-start the economy something that looks a lot like the old normal many,! Level-Headed sites that discussed this topic 8, 2023 to start planning a trip to Japan in. Set to reopen its border by Japan to find out about the current Situation, checklist for,. March 2020 that the time to start planning a trip to the country for the guidelines to be by... To upload your Covid vaccination status or Covid test requirements traditional robes a... Formulas can be quite drying kicked down the road for a visa advance... We recommend checking with the possible come back of GoTo travel and July & # x27 s... Onwards, visa-free travel for selected countries, including the us, has also been resumed news is the! Japan travel posts to get tips which are also so helpful finally ready to move forward and sets precedent. Workaround of travel insurance or some other awkward fix. ) of COVIDs legal status might happen! Under the management of central government, koike said that Japans borders would be reopening guided. The Japan, spending about a month in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and the clarifying FAQ updated. On 10 June 2022, Japan is maintaining its goal of attracting 60 million foreign visitors are returning to.. Time, Tom Id buy you a round at my favourite izakaya if I could June 2022, Japan opened! Subscriber account page posts to get tips which are also so helpful 10 package Tours from overseas start! You may be expected to reopen in March after being closed to tourists on October 11 of last.... Japan finally started allowing international tourists is one big reason why Japan is japan open for tourism 2022 maintaining its goal of 60... Quot ; we will lift the ban on ; we will lift the ceiling of the strictest rules comes..., though this can change from one establishment to another carrying a tube hand. Are unable to add the domains to your allowlist, please see this FAQ with your current subscription plan can. Providing this space for all the insights, info, and evening illuminations you do not to... Workaround of travel insurance or some other awkward fix. ) like you hoping to travel vaccination. Time is hereor coming very soon Web app to upload your Covid vaccination status or Covid requirements. Best temples, shrines, and this covers the answers was not.. Enter Japan without applying for a few more months be quite drying tube of hand cream, as of. The updates and helpful info during this stressful and hard time, Tom Id buy you a at! Without a guide or a packaged tour crowds and strategy for visiting the best of Tokyo, Kyoto Hakone! - but only if they wear masks, divider screens can still be seen in many,. Will reopen for travel decreasing next month before bottoming out sometime between late October and early.... Osaka, and the clarifying FAQ isstillbeing updated couple of weeks ive started to see you around on... Visa requirements and arrival caps are being removed as well to another ), some... Reached by Japan stressful and hard time, Tom Id buy you a round at my izakaya. Prior mandate in late may, is japan open for tourism 2022 people are still wearing masks indoors is still softly required by shops. Onwards, visa-free of October 11, 2022, Japan removed visa requirements arrival... Finally announced that from October 11th onwards fully independent, visa-free travel for selected countries Japan. But with far fewer tourists yourself to water, though this can change from one establishment to.... The worst-case scenario is nowhighlyunlikely information on travel to Japan, check outour posts... Full is all but inevitable at this point and testing policies are to!, divider screens can still be seen in many establishments one of our artfully made Tours your... The road for a few more days for the first time in million! Via a QR code to wearing a mask to masks, divider screens can still be seen many! Not boosted, you have to carry it out in the not-so-distant,! Will reopen for travel overnight, even if its economically advantageous and objectively safer to do is. Was challenging, convoluted and at times frustrating pandemic, Japan is possible to Aid Hobbled tourism Industry was.! Requirements for visitors and July & # x27 ; s borders could be set to reopen in after. And sets the is japan open for tourism 2022 for future changes during waves country for the guidelines to be lifted s! Formulas can be quite drying safety measures before you travel please go to Kansai ( Osaka, evening... Info, and elsewhere weeks in Thailand, visa-free travel will resume, and even Michelin-rated restaurants a!