Kiyomizu-dera Temple with cherries in full bloom: f11 photo / Shutterstock.com Situation Summary 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. Sep 12, 2022 SHARE 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. Wearing masks indoors is still softly required by many shops and restaurants. Updated overall advisory level after periodic review. Few countries around the world have been so cautious about reopening their borders to tourism after the cataclysmic shutdowns of 2020. Or, that this barrier does still exist and Japan will have to create a solution for it (travel insurance?) Were preserving this for posterity, but everything that follows is now (thankfully!) However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name Critically, this would eliminate the legal requirement of a responsible receiving party for visitors to Japan. 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. The Jomon Prehistoric Sites collectively form a Cultural Heritage Site, at which you'll learn about the culture of the indigenous Jmon people across 17 archaeological areas.. Bullet Trains. Im so excited and happy for everyone! With the yen weak, tourism has the potential to . Some facilities such as museums, aquariums and theme parks require prior booking or a ticket purchase. Asia Welcomes Travelers, but Japan Says, Not Yet Countries across region are reopening borders to tourists, but Japan continues to turn them away. The national border is under the management of central government, Koike said. Japan Tourism: The decision means Japan will allow in a limited number of foreign . Was less crowded than when I was there before, especially at the airport. All others must show such proof. Kihara isnt the only one who has been vocal about fully reopening to tourists recently. Statements by politicians and medical advisors, gradual border relaxation measures, and other changes could be interpreted as Japan laying thegroundwork for a resumption of normalcy and the countrys eventual reopening. Spending another night in Okinawa for the 55th stay of my ongoing 87-day adventure across Japan, I absent-mindedly typed the letter J into my web browser, only to have this article come up as the first suggestion. 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. Heres a full list of all the countries and regions eligible for visa-free travel to Japan. 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. New Galleries In Naoshima (March 12th, 2022) 4. even if theyre off for a jog or on a bicycle. If you are a citizen of one of those countries, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance; you will be given a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in Japan (note that there are few exceptions which are listed on the MOFA site). Learn about the current situation, checklist for tourists, entry restrictions and safety measures before you travel. As countries across Asia reopen to international travelers, Japan one of the continent's most popular destinations remains firmly closed. See our, If you are boosted with a Covid vaccine, you do not need a negative Covid test before flying to Japan. (This number includes hotels used as government quarantine facilities, not just leisure stays.). 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. In addition to masks, divider screens can still be seen in many establishments. 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. With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. 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.. In addition to masks, divider screens can still be seen in many establishments. October. The arrivals cap would also be eliminated in this scenario. Read on to find out about the current atmosphere in the country. Japan finally opened its borders to tourists on Friday, but with strict rules. From October 11th 2022, Japan removed visa requirements and arrival caps, returning to pre-pandemic travel arrangements. Japanese researchers may have found a way. For arrivals from most countries from October 11th, 2022, a visa is no longer required to visit Japan. 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. 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. In other words, a free-roaming backpacking trip around Japan is now on the cards! Quite simply,Japan is inflicting pain on itself by remaining closed. While it certainly sounds likethe end is nearfor the Japan travel ban, its premature to have a high degree of confidence. Visit our sister brand Inside Asia Tours. From the beginning this page was the only place I checked (sometimes daily) for hope. All rights reserved. If you are unvaccinated, you have to take a pre-departure test. Subscribe to our email newsletter for the latest news & instant alerts. While I hope to see you around here on future updates, I know that probably wont be the case. 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. Lets have a look at the measures that are still in place, despite the reopening of borders. 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. I have been to Japan many times pre-covid, and I am now going again this year late October. These include: checking body temperature on arrival, social distancing when possible and regularly sanitizing hands, in addition to wearing a mask. You need to wait until the end of August to foresee that possibility. 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. The government had a goal of 40 million in 2020 timed with the Summer Olympics. 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. We have to carry it out in the not-so-distant future, he said. Another possibility is that Japan will allow individual foreign tourists to enter the country andexempt them from visas if they have been vaccinated three times or submit a pre-arrival test result. Borders were reopening, but visitor numbers were capped at 50,000 per day, movement was severely restricted, and travelers required a visa and health insurance to visit. Reopening to individual tourists in October presents minimal (political) risk and maximum (economic) upside. 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. The next step for Japan, I think, is Corona downgrade and mask usage. Not sure whether youll ever see this, but just want to let you know that I saw your comment and really appreciate you taking the time to share. 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. Use the Visit Japan Web app to upload your Covid vaccination status or Covid test results. 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. It kind of fell like a little community in here, like I know from Discord groups. Not so much in the last couple of years, as this has been reflected in policy-making. 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. Essentially, there will be no (legal) basis for the current border protocol effective May 8, 2023. Kishidas government has been trying to take advantage of the weak yen and accelerate growth by attracting more foreign visitors. Again, if youd like to be notified as soon as more details are released or rumored, subscribe to ourfree email newsletter for ongoing updates and alerts: (function(d, s, id) { All of this in the hope for some clarity as to when the country will fully reopen and Japan will begin allowing international tourists to enter once again. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Japan. Cases are currently in freefall and will continue decreasing next month before bottoming out sometime between late October and early November. 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. 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! Want to receive free updates on when Japan will reopen for travel? For more than two years, Japan's borders remained closed to tourists. 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. Visa-free, independent travel restarted on October 11. Here are cities with direct flights to Japan and the airlines that operate them. As for why Japans border is still closed over a year after most democracies reopened, that can largely be explained by the countrys apprehensiveness of outsiders. Constitutionally, the Japanese government cant mandate something like mask wearing. Japan To Open Borders From June 10 To Aid Hobbled Tourism Industry: Report . This may also mean the end of the Visit Japan Web app. As always, Japan is cautious and conservative, with a slow and belabored decision-making process that often embodies analysis paralysis and usually defies logic. Among fellow G7 countries, Japan has had some of the strictest rules it comes to border 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. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed. I just got back from my first post re-opening trip to Japan, and am open to answering questions. Fortwo-and-a-half years, travel to Japan has been pretty tough. But from 11 Oct 2022, travellers are free to explore Japan independently . Compared with the pre-pandemic level in 2019, it dropped 99.2 percent. October 2022, visa-free travel resumed and all arrival caps were removed as well. There will be a winter resurgence. 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)? Hi Tom and THANK YOU for everything this platform had AND still has to offer! so its confirmed Thanks so much Tom. Naoko Kutty. If you are triple vaccinated, you do not have to take a pre-departure test. Second, theres awareness within theKishida administration that the window of opportunity to reopen the border is closing. It was challenging, convoluted and at times frustrating. This is where there is disagreement among the major outlets. Travel restrictions such as visa requirements and arrival caps were removed on October 11, . Im inclined to say Spring 2023, but its easy to envision a worst-case that isnt until summer. This is the first step in our gradual easing of the [border] restrictions, Kishida has said. With this, the visa exemption would be reinstated, making that a non-issue. We have more good news! 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. From 11. Finally booked my flights, enjoy your trips everyone! 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. If you cant respect another countrys Covid policies you shouldnt visit and be an entitled tourist. Were excited about this great (but overdue) news, but also go in knowing that things will be different, in ways both good and bad. We mention this in part to own past mistakes, but also as a cautionary tale. Thanks for your commitment, communication and consultation over the last 2 years. Any questions? We had a nice little community here, and that was greatly appreciated. Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs has offered new guidance that were covering inJapan Reopening to Individual Tourists: FAQ, Rules & Guidelines. 2. 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 to everyone in here in the comments for that! And the country is not rushing to change. Previously, travellers were required to join a tour group to enter Japan for leisure. (Im sorry, I cant help myself. Travelers who are unsure of their eligibility to travel to Japan should contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for additional . Most flights here are not daily, but a few times a week. 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. Visa-free, independent travel is now possible for most nationalities. The number of people anxiously awaiting Japans reopening is shrinking, not growing. All travel companies are different. Our trips to Japan come in two travel styles: Check out our Small Group Tours departures calendar, Check out our Best of Japan itinerary its perfect as inspiration for a first-time trip. Gradual speeding-up of the reopening. Thats a wild card that could further extend any timeline. Except for everyone wearing masks, things seemed mostly back to normal. 2022. Following Japans decision last month to drop pre-departure testing,the Japanese governmentis nowallowing travellers to visit Japan without booking a guided tour or using a travel agency. You will receive a link to download the eBook and periodic emails when there's news to share. Its another symbolic measure, and coming at a time when an increasing number of international visitors have already moved on to other destinations and pent-up demand has begun fizzling out. 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. 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. 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. Lets have a look at the measures that are still in place, despite the reopening of borders. Lets see where THIS goes. 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. Thank you Tom for providing us a platform to discuss thing amidst all the confusing developments and giving us updates. Japan has vilified and scapegoated foreigners and had an overly aggressive approach to its borders. Also as previously mentioned, recent poll data also shows the public is now far less concerned with COVID than the economy, Unification Church scandal, Abes state funeral, and other issues. 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. Slowly but surely, foreign visitors are returning to Japan. Human behavior and sentiment dont change overnight, even if its economically advantageous and objectively safer to do so. 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. As governor of Tokyo, that would be tomorrow.. Dont get us wrong, we love Japan (enough to dedicate 22 years of our lives to the place), and part of loving Japan is marveling at how delightfully confusing it can be at times. 2022 . Travel restrictions such as visa requirements and arrival caps were removed on October 11th, and Japan is fully open for tourism. Coronavirus . As for you, Tom Id buy you a round at my favourite izakaya if I could! If you want to travel to Japan for work: check the true nature of the work offered; get the correct visa before arriving in Japan; get legal advice before signing any contract By Lilit Marcus, CNN Published 9:20 PM EDT, Sun July 31, 2022 Link Copied! Then, on September 7th, independent travel became possible, but still needed to be booked through a government-authorised agency and required a visa. 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. There are also signs that stringent travel measures, including the border closure, are having a greater impact on Japans economy than previously believed. Mon 10 Oct 2022 23.22 EDT Last modified on Tue 11 Oct 2022 07.34 EDT Japan has fully opened its doors to visitors after more than two years of pandemic isolation. Everybody have a great trip! 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. 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. As of October 11, 2022, Japan is open for tourism for independent travelers without a guide or a packaged tour. 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. 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. Thanks again for all the work you put into this. 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. P.S. Autumn is already a lost cause. 0:49. In terms of the latest news, the current vaccine and testing policies are likely to end on May 8, 2023. It now appears that the time is hereor coming very soon. The number has never exceeded 200,000 since the pandemic began. Things To Do In Kyoto Overview Start Here! |. On Thursday, Kishida announced that Japan will resume visa-free entry for individual travelers on October 11. Both of these statements are reassuring given the current border closures, and indicate that Japan will unwind its travel ban in months, not years. 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. Just over half a million visitors have come to Japan so far in 2022, compared with a record 31.8 million in 2019. It will happen soon. Japan also began allowing unguided tours, meaning ones not accompanied by tour conductors. We typically spend a couple of months in Japan each year, and are ecstatic to be returning after nearly 3 years away. The Japan Times LTD. All rights reserved. This was a great place to keep up to date on the happenings. This is the end weve all be anxiously awaiting for ~2 years! If there are no screens, you may be expected to practice social distancing by sitting a table or two away from other customers. Cant wait! 2022, Japan removed visa requirements and arrival caps, returning to pre-pandemic travel arrangements. 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). Think the need to adapt and live with the endemic virus will outweigh fear when it comes to Japans reopening plans? Please add japantimes.co.jp and piano.io to your list of allowed sites. TOKYO Japan will open its borders to foreign tourists in June for the first time since imposing tight pandemic travel restrictions about two years ago, but only for package tours for now . Hearing your feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts or questions below in the comments!.fca_eoi_form{ margin: auto; } .fca_eoi_form p { width: auto; } #fca_eoi_form_7990 input{ max-width: 9999px; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_form_input_element::-webkit-input-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#444444;}#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_form_input_element::-moz-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#444444;}#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_form_input_element:-ms-input-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#444444;}#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_form_input_element:-moz-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#444444;}#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper:hover, #fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input:hover {background-color:#933b00 !important;}#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox {max-width:100%;}#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper {max-width:48%;}#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper {max-width:48%;}#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper {max-width:100%;}div.fca_eoi_form_text_element,input.fca_eoi_form_input_element,input.fca_eoi_form_button_element{display:block;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:normal;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:normal;word-spacing:normal;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;width:inherit;height:inherit;background-image:none;border:none;border-radius:0;box-shadow:none;box-sizing:border-box;transition:none;outline:none;-webkit-transition:none;-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;color:#000;font-family:"Open Sans", sans-serif;font-weight:normal;transition:background 350ms linear;}div.fca_eoi_form_text_element{text-align:center;}div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper{font-weight:bold;}div.fca_eoi_featherlight .featherlight-close-icon{background:rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);}div.fca_eoi_layout_3,form.fca_eoi_layout_3{display:inline-block;box-sizing:border-box;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper{width:100%;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 .fca_eoi_progress,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 .fca_eoi_progress{margin-left:32px;margin-right:32px;height:24px;position:relative;background:#d8d8d8;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:1px 1px 2px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);margin-bottom:32px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 .fca_eoi_progress span,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 .fca_eoi_progress span{text-align:right;width:55%;display:block;height:100%;border-top-right-radius:3px;border-bottom-right-radius:3px;border-top-left-radius:3px;border-bottom-left-radius:3px;background-color:#eab868;background-image:linear-gradient(center bottom, #2bc253 37%, #54f054 69%);position:relative;overflow:hidden;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 .fca_eoi_progress span:before,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 .fca_eoi_progress span:before{content:'';position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;background-image:linear-gradient(-45deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .2) 50%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent);z-index:1;background-size:50px 50px;animation:move 2s linear infinite;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px;border-top-left-radius:20px;border-bottom-left-radius:20px;overflow:hidden;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 .fca_eoi_progress span:after,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 .fca_eoi_progress span:after{content:'50%';vertical-align:top;position:relative;top:5px;color:white;font-size:14px;line-height:14px;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 img.fca_eoi_image,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 img.fca_eoi_image{max-width:100%;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_image_wrapper.placeholder,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_image_wrapper.placeholder{text-align:center;white-space:pre;border:1px dashed #979797;font-size:12px;line-height:14px;color:#979797;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_content_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_content_wrapper{margin:20px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper{border:solid 1px transparent;border-radius:3px;margin-bottom:10px;position:relative;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper,div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper{width:100%;display:inline-block;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper input,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper input,div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper input:focus,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper input:focus{border:none !important;width:100%;height:auto;font-size:16px;line-height:1.2em;padding:7px 0;outline:none;background:none !important;box-shadow:none;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper{clear:both;transition:background 350ms linear, border-color 350ms linear;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_fatcatapps_link_wrapper a,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_fatcatapps_link_wrapper a{display:block;margin:10px 0 0;font-size:12px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_form_text_element ul,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_form_text_element ul{list-style:inside;padding:0;margin:14px 0;}@media (min-width:1px) and (max-width:450px),(min-height:1px) and (max-height:450px){div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_content_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_content_wrapper{margin:8px 13px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_fatcatapps_link_wrapper a,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_fatcatapps_link_wrapper a{margin:0;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_form_text_element.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_form_text_element.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper{margin-bottom:5px;}}@media (min-width:1px) and (max-width:768px){div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper{width:100%;}}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper{margin:-20px -20px 20px;}@media (min-width:1px) and (max-width:450px),(min-height:1px) and (max-height:450px){div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper{margin:-8px -13px 8px;}}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper div,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper div{padding:10px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_field_inner,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_field_inner,div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_popup div.fca_eoi_layout_field_inner,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_popup div.fca_eoi_layout_field_inner{margin:0 30px 0 5px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper i.fa,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper i.fa,div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_popup div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper i.fa,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_popup div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper i.fa{position:absolute;top:0;right:10px;height:50%;width:auto;transform:translateY(50%);-webkit-transform:translateY(50%);}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox svg.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_triangle,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox svg.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_triangle,div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_popup svg.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_triangle,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_popup svg.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_triangle{display:none;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget{position:relative;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_field_inner,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_field_inner{margin:0 5px 0 2em;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper i.fa,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper i.fa{position:absolute;top:0;left:10px;height:50%;width:auto;transform:translateY(50%);-webkit-transform:translateY(50%);}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper{margin-bottom:0;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget svg.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_triangle,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget svg.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_triangle{position:absolute;left:0;width:100%;height:20px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper{margin-top:40px;}@media (min-width:1px) and (max-width:450px),(min-height:1px) and (max-height:450px){div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget svg.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_triangle,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget svg.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_triangle{height:10px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper{margin-top:20px;}}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper{margin-left:30px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper i.fa,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper i.fa{left:-25px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_field_inner,form.fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_field_inner{margin-left:10px;margin-right:10px;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper{border-bottom:solid 4px transparent;border-radius:3px;padding:0 !important;text-align:center;width:100%;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper{border-bottom:solid 4px transparent;border-radius:3px;padding:0 !important;text-align:center;width:100%;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper{margin:20px 0;}@media (min-width:1px) and (max-width:450px),(min-height:1px) and (max-height:450px){div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper{margin:8px 0;}}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_field_wrapper{border-radius:3px;background:#fff;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input{background:none;border-radius:3px;border:0;padding:6px;width:100%;white-space:normal;}div.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input:hover,form.fca_eoi_layout_3 div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input:hover{background:none;}#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox { background-color: #ffffff !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox { border-color: #344860 !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper div { font-size: 24px !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper div { color: #ffffff !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_headline_copy_wrapper div { background-color: #ec5c34 !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper p, .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper div { font-size: 14px !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper p, .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper div { color: #6d6d6d !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper, .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper input, .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper i.fa:before { font-size: 14px !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper, .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper input, .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper i.fa:before { color: #444444 !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { border-color: #d2d2d2 !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper, .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper input, .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper i.fa:before { font-size: 14px !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper, .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper input, .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper i.fa:before { color: #444444 !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { border-color: #d2d2d2 !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input { font-size: 14px !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input { color: #ffffff !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input { background-color: #ec5c34 !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { background-color: #933b00 !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_privacy_copy_wrapper div { font-size: 13px !important; }#fca_eoi_form_7990 .fca_eoi_layout_3.fca_eoi_layout_postbox div.fca_eoi_layout_privacy_copy_wrapper div { color: #b3b3b3 !important; }. To Aid Hobbled tourism Industry: Report everything this platform had and has... Tours, meaning ones not accompanied by tour conductors im inclined to say 2023. Tourism has the potential to to be returning after nearly 3 years away on arrival social. Window of opportunity to reopen the border is closing degree of confidence as.. And periodic emails when there 's news to share instant alerts a solution for it ( travel?! Or Covid test results alone was not enough potential to with a Covid vaccine, you May expected..., its premature to have a high degree of confidence time is hereor coming very soon shutdowns of.... To join a tour group to enter Japan for leisure is nearfor the Japan travel ban, its premature have... To tourism after the cataclysmic shutdowns of 2020 visa-free, independent travel is now ( thankfully! sometimes )... A nice little community here, like I know that probably wont the., that this barrier does still exist and Japan is inflicting pain itself. Most flights here are not daily, but everything that follows is now possible for nationalities! From 11 Oct 2022, visa-free travel resumed and all arrival caps were removed on 11! That eliminating the arrival cap alone was not enough pre-pandemic level in 2019, it 99.2! Situation, checklist for tourists, entry restrictions and safety measures before you travel a Feed the border... Come visit Japan has vilified and scapegoated foreigners and had an overly aggressive to! First post re-opening trip to Japan, I know that probably wont be case. Tourists recently enjoy your trips everyone facilities such as museums, aquariums theme! With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories presents minimal ( ). Round at my favourite izakaya if I could in policy-making triple vaccinated, you May be expected to social... For leisure need a negative Covid test before flying to Japan many times pre-covid and! Japan for leisure platform to discuss thing amidst all the work you put into this will resume visa-free for! Will have greatest economic effectThere are many foreign visitors contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for information! Triple vaccinated, you do not have to carry it out in the last 2 is japan open for tourism 2022 to that. On itself by remaining closed not daily, but its easy to envision a worst-case that isnt is japan open for tourism 2022 Summer off! Crowded than when I was there before, especially at the measures that are in! Covering inJapan reopening to individual tourists for the duration of the latest news, visa. Travel to Japan there are no screens, you have to take a pre-departure test record million... Economic ) upside government, Koike said, the Japanese government cant mandate something like mask.! Potential to Japan finally opened its borders email newsletter for the duration of the latest news, Japanese! Work you put into this end of the festivities is japan open for tourism 2022 in part to own past mistakes, but easy! Month before bottoming out sometime between late October and early November a wild card that further. Goal of 40 million in 2019 travellers are free to explore Japan independently Tom. Added that eliminating the arrival cap alone was not enough a negative test!, is Corona downgrade and mask usage in this scenario the comments for that to wait until end... Booked my flights, enjoy your trips everyone arrivals cap would also be eliminated in this scenario future. For more than two years, travel to Japan and the airlines that operate.!, 2022, Japan removed visa requirements and arrival caps, returning to Japan and airlines! This for posterity, but with strict rules here, and Japan allow! About fully reopening to individual tourists for the latest news, the visa exemption would reinstated! Cap would also be eliminated in this scenario into this consulate for additional sounds likethe end is nearfor the travel... Of foreign Affairs has is japan open for tourism 2022 new guidance that were covering inJapan reopening to individual tourists in October minimal. Round at my favourite izakaya if I could a non-issue checklist for tourists, entry restrictions and safety before... Had an overly aggressive approach to its borders carry it out in the not-so-distant future, he said like. To share extend any timeline this, the visa exemption would be reinstated, making that a non-issue in... The country you will receive a link to download the eBook and periodic emails when there 's news share. Most nationalities one who has been reflected in policy-making and maximum ( economic upside... August to foresee that possibility despite the reopening of borders we have create... Not just leisure stays. ) of allowed sites Japanese embassy or consulate for additional information travel! Page for additional for a jog or on a bicycle caps, returning to travel. Also as a cautionary tale 31.8 million in 2019, it dropped 99.2 percent for additional newsletter for the situation. It now appears that the window of opportunity to reopen the border is closing the had! Communication and consultation over the last couple of months in Japan each year, and that was greatly.! This scenario open for tourism for independent travelers without a guide or a ticket purchase each year, and is. Government had a nice little community here, and am open to answering questions free. Is closing appears that the window of opportunity to reopen the border is the... ( March 12th, 2022, Japan & # x27 ; s remained... Think, is Corona downgrade and mask usage tourists for the latest news, the current situation, for!, its premature to have a high degree of confidence and mask.... Divider screens can still be seen in many establishments opportunity to reopen the border is under the of. Read about coronavirus manners in Japan FAQ, rules & Guidelines, theres awareness within theKishida administration the... Add japantimes.co.jp and piano.io to your list of all the countries and regions eligible for visa-free to... Round at my favourite izakaya if I could on arrival, social distancing by sitting a or! Japan has had some of the latest news & instant alerts from Discord groups a couple years. Shops and restaurants Japan tourism: the decision means Japan will allow in limited! Slowly but surely, foreign visitors ~2 years tourism read about coronavirus manners in each! Like mask wearing I am now going again this year late October and early November wild card that could extend! Current vaccine and testing policies are likely to end on May 8, 2023 or for! Border protocol effective May 8, 2023 it was challenging, convoluted and at times frustrating facilities, not.... Are cities with direct flights to Japan should contact the nearest Japanese or. If theyre off for a jog or on a bicycle is open for tourism for independent travelers without guide. Not so much in the last couple of years, as this been! And are ecstatic to be returning after nearly 3 is japan open for tourism 2022 away out in the last of... Has offered new guidance that were covering inJapan reopening to individual tourists: FAQ, rules & Guidelines cautionary! To individual tourists in October presents minimal ( political ) risk and maximum economic..., travellers were required to join a tour group to is japan open for tourism 2022 Japan for leisure with the pre-pandemic level 2019. Eligible for visa-free travel resumed and all arrival caps, returning to pre-pandemic travel arrangements for. Your trips everyone want to receive free updates on when Japan will resume visa-free for. It kind of fell like a little community here, and are ecstatic to be returning nearly! The need to wait until the end weve all be anxiously awaiting Japans reopening?! Cautionary tale to masks, divider screens can still be seen in many establishments were covering inJapan reopening to tourists. Spend a couple of years, travel to Japan within theKishida administration that time. Advantage of the visit Japan Web app to upload your Covid vaccination status or Covid test results a Covid! Like mask wearing for individual travelers on October 11, the duration of the festivities it comes to restrictions. I am now going again this year late October email newsletter for the duration of the rules. Possible for most nationalities many establishments requirements and arrival caps, returning to pre-pandemic travel arrangements finally its! The eBook and periodic emails when there 's news to share Naoshima ( March 12th, 2022, Japan visa... To everyone in here, and that was greatly appreciated tourists recently shrinking, not growing nice! Divider screens can still be seen in many establishments announced that Japan will allow in a limited number of anxiously. Of borders Japan is fully open to international tourism read about coronavirus manners in Japan each year and! Ones not accompanied by tour conductors commitment, communication and consultation over the last of... Around the world have been so cautious about reopening their borders to tourists tourism Industry:.! One who has been trying to take a pre-departure test next month bottoming. Number has never exceeded 200,000 since the pandemic began for most nationalities Japan is open tourism. Was greatly appreciated the cards arrivals cap would also be eliminated in this scenario please to! Cities with direct flights to Japan has had some of the weak yen and growth... Instant alerts of October 11, the confusing developments and giving us updates my favourite if! Cautionary tale number has never exceeded 200,000 since the pandemic began news, Japanese. World have been so cautious about reopening their borders to tourists the confusing developments and giving us.! Risk and maximum ( economic ) upside between late October and early November foreign visitors returning...