japan tourism reopen 2022

• Subscribe Digital Print

• LDP funds scandal
• Latest News
• Deep Dive Podcast

Today's print edition

Home Delivery

• Crime & Legal
• Science & Health
• More sports
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• SUSTAINABILITY
• EARTH SCIENCE
• Food & Drink
• Style & Design
• TV & Streaming
• Entertainment news

Japan to reopen to independent travelers and lift daily arrival cap, Kishida says

Japan will allow visa-free, independent tourism and abolish its daily arrival cap as of Oct. 11, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday, marking a major policy shift after nearly 2½ years of strict COVID-19 restrictions.

Kishida made the long-awaited announcement during his visit to New York for the U.N. General Assembly .

“I hope many people will utilize them,” Kishida said at a news conference. "I want to support the travel, entertainment and other industries that have been struggling during the coronavirus pandemic."

The decision was hailed by the nation's top two airlines.

"We are extremely happy to see the long-awaited easing of restrictions," Shinichi Inoue, president of All Nippon Airways, the core unit of ANA Holdings, told reporters Friday. "We will increase flights from the end of October to welcome customers from abroad."

"The economic impact of inbound travelers before the COVID-19 pandemic is said to be roughly ¥5 trillion, and we are pinning great hopes that there will be economic effects of similar size," Inoue said, adding that the yen's sharp decline against the dollar "will definitely serve as an incentive" for foreign people to come to Japan.

He said it will lead to stimulating regional economies as well, as there are many people who want to travel to different areas of Japan.

Japan Airlines also welcomed the move, saying in a statement that the company will fully prepare to welcome visitors and contribute to revitalizing the Japanese economy.

Japan has been allowing tourists since June, starting with people on guided tours. On Sept. 7, the government allowed those on nonguided tours who had booked their flights and hotels through registered travel agencies.

But those measures have been unpopular with many foreign tourists who want greater freedom during their trips.

Tourists will need to be vaccinated three times or submit a negative COVID-19 test result ahead of their trip, Kyodo News reported, citing government sources.

A nationwide domestic travel program offering discounts for travel, entry to theme parks, and for sporting events and concerts is also set to start on Oct. 11. People who have been vaccinated three times or submit a negative test result will be eligible for the discounts, according to the report.

The program offers financial assistance of up to ¥11,000 ($77) per person for a one-night stay.

The moves will be welcomed by the nation’s tourism sector , which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

Travel agencies have been urging the government to waive the visa requirement for tourists, which has been a major hurdle for those wishing to come to Japan. In some cases, prospective tourists had to submit their visa application in person to the nearest embassy or consulate, while others did not get their visas in time for their travel plans.

In 2019, a record 31.88 million foreign travelers visited Japan , but the figure plummeted to about 250,000 in 2021 due to the closed borders .

The daily arrival cap has been raised gradually over the past six months, first to 5,000 on March 1 and eventually to the current 50,000.

Timeline of Japan’s COVID-19 border restrictions

Jan. 31, 2020: Japan bans the entry of foreign nationals arriving from China’s Hubei province, the first entry ban imposed due to the coronavirus. The ban was gradually expanded to 24 countries through the end of March.

April 1: Less than a month after the spread of COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Japan halts entries into the country by foreign nationals, including foreign residents of Japan, from 49 countries, including the U.S., the U.K. and South Korea, bringing the total number up to 73 nations.

May 14: Japan expands its entry ban to cover a total of 100 countries and regions.

Aug. 28: The entry ban is expanded further to cover 159 countries and regions.

Sept. 1: Japan lifts ban on re-entry of foreign residents.

Oct. 1: Japan lifts its ban on entry by foreign nationals planning to relocate to the country.

Dec. 28: Japan again implements a ban on the entry of nonresident foreign nationals.

Jan. 14, 2021: Japan suspends a business-track travel program with some countries and mandates that all people arriving in the country quarantine at home for 14 days.

Nov. 8: Japan opens its borders to foreign students, interns and other business travelers.

Nov. 30: Japan bans the entry of nonresident foreign nationals after the discovery of the highly contagious omicron variant.

March 1, 2022: Japan allows foreign nationals arriving for purposes other than tourism to enter the country.

June 1: Japan raises daily arrival cap to 20,000.

June 10: Japan allows entry of foreign tourists on guided tours.

Sept. 7: Pre-arrival PCR tests are dropped for travelers who have received three shots of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Japan also raises the daily arrival cap to 50,000 and allows entry of foreign tourists on nonguided tours.

Oct. 11: Japan to allow entry of visa-free independent tourists and abolish the daily arrival cap.

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.

• Account Details
• Newsletters
• Group Subscription

Japan details October's full tourism reopening: 6 things to know

All 68 visa exemptions restored; vaccines on WHO emergency list will be accepted

TOKYO -- Japan on Monday provided details of its full-scale tourism reopening, following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's announcement last week.

The country will allow visa-free entry for visitors from 68 countries and regions, as it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, there will be some coronavirus-related hoops to jump through, such as providing proof of vaccination.

Japan's travel and retail sectors buoyed by border reopening plan

Five of the best 'sento' bathhouse experiences in tokyo, an insider's guide to tokyo's koreatown, where to feast on japan's regional flavors -- without leaving tokyo, japan tourism after covid: industry aims for more sustainable boom, japan to allow visa-free individual tourists from oct. 11, japanese whisky reaches new heights ahead of centenary, japan's reopening poised to deliver vital gdp boost, japan eyes domestic tourism boost as border reopening nears, japan is wasting its big chance with group-tour requirement, ana, jal see reservations jump as japan eases covid entry curbs, ana flight bookings quintuple after japan announces reopening, latest on coronavirus, malaysia and singapore put guard up as covid cases surge, china's delayed funeral data clouds extent of december covid surge, japan to shorten quarantine for covid infections to five days, sponsored content, about sponsored content this content was commissioned by nikkei's global business bureau..

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Japan to slowly resume accepting foreign tourists from June 10

Japan will begin accepting foreign tourists in stages starting June 10, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday, as the country continues to ease its COVID-19 border controls after suspending inbound traveler entries for around two years.

The government will initially limit eligible tourism arrivals to guided tours as a means to reduce the potential spread of infections, and will authorize two more airports in addition to five already approved to accept international flights.

"We will continue to assess the situation, and intend to make a step-by-step return to accepting people as in normal times," the prime minister said at an international event in Tokyo.

While the government is poised to double the current cap on daily entries to 20,000 from next Wednesday, it will likely take time to again see the large numbers of foreign visitors seen as a key pillar to Japan's economic growth.

Tours will only be accepted from the "blue" list of 98 countries and regions presenting the lowest risk of infections, which includes the United States, China, Australia and South Korea. Individuals from blue list countries are exempt from testing and isolation measures. The list is subject to review at any time.

Prior to the pandemic, Japan had set a target for 40 million foreign visitors in 2020 when it was originally scheduled to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games later postponed for a year.

Business leaders have called on the government to gradually reopen to inbound tourists, as Japan's diminishing current account surplus has been partly caused by the country's plunging travel balance. It posted a 200 billion yen ($1.6 billion) surplus in 2021, down sharply from the 2.7 trillion yen logged in the pre-pandemic 2019.

The prime minister has made assurances that Japan would ease border controls "in stages" to bring them on par with other Group of Seven nations.

Naha and New Chitose airports, gateways to popular tourist spots in Okinawa and Hokkaido, will resume accepting international flights by the end of June. At present, five airports including Narita, Haneda and Kansai airports can accept planes from abroad.

Since Tuesday, the transport and tourism ministry has been inviting travel company employees from Australia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States for small-scale test tours of Japan.

By running the tours, the ministry aims to improve precautions against COVID-19 and confirm procedures to follow in the event visitors test positive for the coronavirus.

The ministry has compiled guidelines for accommodation facilities and other tourism businesses, and plans to call on inbound visitors to take anti-virus measures such as wearing masks, officials said.

In 2018, Japan welcomed more than 30 million inbound tourists. But the country has closed its borders to foreign tourists since the early stage of the pandemic in 2020.

In February of that year, the number of foreign visitors plunged 58.3 percent from a year earlier, further sliding to a record 99.9 percent drop from April onward.

In response to the emergence of the Omicron variant of the virus, Japan effectively banned the entry of nonresident foreign nationals in November last year.

Despite criticism at home and abroad over the blanket ban on tourists, Japan still managed to top a list of 117 countries and regions in a World Economic Forum 2021 travel and tourism development report released Tuesday.

Topping the list for the first time, Japan ranked highly for its cultural resources and in several infrastructure categories, with the United States ranked second and Spain third.

Related coverage:

7 from U.S. land in Japan for 1st test tours before tourism reopening

FOCUS: Businesses rattled by Japan's reluctance to welcome foreign tourists

May 26, 2022 | KYODO NEWS

Number of young women to halve in 40% of Japan localities by 2050

Apr 24, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Japanese "sugar baby" gets 9 years for scamming men out of 155 million yen

Apr 22, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

12-year-old Japanese dancer wins top prize in youth ballet competition

Apr 21, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Japan eyes cashless tax refunds to stem illicit resale by tourists

Apr 23, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

M6.9 earthquake hits south of Tokyo, no tsunami threat

Apr 27, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

More from Japan

Kyodo News Digest: April 30, 2024

36 minutes ago | KYODO NEWS

Japan's March jobless rate remains unchanged at 2.6%

1 hour ago | KYODO NEWS

Yen sharply rebounds vs dollar amid suspected intervention

2 hours ago | KYODO NEWS

Kyodo News Digest: April 29, 2024

Apr 29, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Japan to trial AI scheme for spotting bears as attacks on humans rise

Another man arrested in case of 2 burnt bodies found outside Tokyo

Japanese firm aims to spread new baseball game for everyone

Kin of Japanese abducted by North Korea departs for U.S. to seek support

Subscribe to get daily news.

To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox, subscribe here. Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription.

* Something went wrong

Please check your inbox for a confirmation email.

If you wish to change your message, press 'Cancel' to go back and edit.

Thank you for reaching out to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Asia Chevron

Japan Chevron

Tokyo Chevron

Japan Will Restart Visa-Free Tourism in October—Here's What to Know for Your Next Visit

By Melinda Joe

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The moment the world has been waiting for has finally arrived: Individual tourists can once again visit Japan freely, with no requirement to be part of an organized group tour or to have a special visa.

Starting October 11, Japan will lift the majority of its strict entry requirements for tourists, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced in a speech on Thursday. The country—a favorite destination among travelers around the world that saw a record number of visitors in 2019 —was one of the slower and more cautious countries to welcome back travelers.

For more than two years, Japan's borders remained closed to tourists. In June, the country first reopened to leisure travelers from 98 countries including the U.S., but officials required a visa for entry and capped daily visitors at 20,000 people (later elevating it to 50,000 daily visitors). Tourists were also required to be part of a tour-operator group and to purchase private insurance that would cover any medical expenses related to COVID-19.

But, as of October 11, all those requirements will fall by the wayside. "We will remove the cap on the number of people entering the country, and will resume accepting individual travel and visa-free travel," Kishida said on Thursday, according to Nikkei Asia . All visitors will need to be vaccinated three times or submit a negative COVID-19 test result before arrival, Japan Times reported. 

The lifting of restrictions is sure to bring a host of first-time visitors to the country. But even returning travelers will find much to discover in the Land of the Rising Sun. Here are the best new hotels, restaurants, and things to do in Japan following the reopening—from Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka , to the northern island of Hokkaido and the southern paradise of Okinawa .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The pool at Four Seasons Otemachi

What's new in Tokyo

Prior to the pandemic, Olympic fever sparked a frenzy of development in Tokyo, adding a host of new hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes. With more venues slated to open this summer and autumn, there’s never been a more exciting time to visit Japan’s capital.

The hottest hotel openings were Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, the Four Seasons Otemachi , and The Tokyo Edition Toranomon . The buzzy vibe at the Kimpton channels Manhattan with design inspired by New York’s art world, and dog-friendly dining at District brasserie. With expansive views of the Imperial Palace, a tranquility pool in the lounge, and Zen-influenced accents in the guest rooms, the Four Seasons Otemachi is an oasis of calm in the financial district—with Michelin-starred French cuisine at Est and sophisticated cocktails at bar Virtus. Over at the Tokyo Edition, the glittering new Gold Bar offers prime people-watching and a drinks list that pays homage to the pre-Prohibition golden age of tipples—and it's worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Despite a tumultuous two years of pandemic-induced dining restrictions, the food scene is thriving with the arrival of a new wave of ambitious, young chefs bringing fresh perspective and international flair to the Japanese capital. British-born Daniel Calvert kicked off the trend with Sezanne , situated in an art-filled space inside the Four Seasons Marunouchi . In its first year, the venue has already racked up a string of accolades—including a Michelin star and the number 17 slot on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants—for impeccable signatures like a layered heirloom tomato tart with burrata cream and Calvert’s French riff on Shanghainese drunken chicken. 

At Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura , head chef Antonio Iacoviello interprets Japanese ingredients through the lens of Italian cuisine (think eggplant Parmigiana-meets-spaghetti aglio e olio, in a smoky dashi of fermented eggplant). Iacoviello’s dazzling presentations match the interior outfitted with antique mirrors and tables set with Gucci cups and plates. A few blocks away at Ginza Yuzan , Japanese-American chef Keiichiro Kurobe (of L.A.’s Hinoki and The Bird fame) offers a taste of California-style multiculturalism with dishes such as claypot-cooked arroz con pollo and egg-filled arancini with umami sauce. Virgilio Martinez’s brand-new Maz Tokyo , led by Santiago Fernandez, explores Peru’s diverse terrain and food culture in inventive combinations like iwana river fish topped with watermelon granita and coconut-herb sauce, and desserts that use every part of the cacao fruit—from the fermented and roasted rind to a sweet-and-tart jelly made from the pulp inside the pod.

Other notable additions include 3110NZ by LDH Kitchen , an art gallery-cum-sushi joint collaboration between gallery Nanzuka Underground and renowned Sushi Saito, set in a futuristic space with glowing recessed lighting cut into the white walls. At Nine by La Cime , chefs Yusuke Takada (of Osaka’s two-Michelin-starred La Cime ) and Toru Tokushima create provocative, seafood-centric tasting menus, and Ippei Hanten a hidden six-seat counter devoted to Cantonese fine dining. After 9:00 p.m., the restaurant transforms into the more casual Ye Hong Kong, serving epic family-style feasts in two private rooms.

Looking to indulge your sweet tooth? Head to Azuki to Kouri , a stylish shaved ice spot specializing in fresh-fruit kakigori, or pick up one of Jerome Quilbeuf’s signature burnt Basque cheesecakes at the chef’s eponymous shop in Ginza’s new Exit Melsa. This summer, Quilbeuf will also roll out a second branch of his popular Spanish gastrobar, Gracia , in a larger space with terrace seating in Ichigaya.

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Former World Barista Champion Hide Izaki creates “the ultimate coffee break” with rare specialty brews, bespoke Japanese ceramics, and seasonal sweets prepared by restaurant Narisawa at Cokuun, which launches in early autumn. The experience marries coffee culture with elements of traditional tea ceremony and takes place inside a pod-like tea room, shaped like an iron pot, with seats for four guests.

A room at the new Ace Hotel Kyoto

The past two years have seen expansion in Kyoto’s luxury hotel space, starting with Kengo Kuma’s lattice-covered Ace Hotel and the elegant Hotel the Mitsui , a 161-room property built on the grounds of the Mitsui family’s centuries-old former residence opposite Nijo Castle. The recently opened The Shinmonzen in the historic Gion district blends the amenities of a Western boutique hotel with the hospitality and aesthetics of a traditional Japanese ryokan . Designed by Tadao Ando with interiors by Remi Tessier, the luxe nine-suite hotel features spacious rooms appointed with hinoki wood bath tubs and boasts an astounding collection of contemporary art. A restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten will launch in late autumn; in the meantime, staying guests can enjoy delightful dinners that make excellent use of organic produce from the mountains north of Kyoto, served in suite, and Provençal-inflected afternoon tea in the lounge overlooking the Shirakawa River.

Opening in August, Maana Kiyomizu offers a unique alternative to a conventional hotel. The handsome complex comprises three suites, a retail shop, and a café within a row of splendidly refurbished machiya townhouses. The light-filled suites come with tea sets, paper lanterns, and textiles from POJ Studio, a collective of artisans crafting modern pieces using traditional techniques.

On the food front, newcomers So Kawahagishi , which serves updated twists on izakaya classics like panko-crusted venison katsu (cutlets) with housemade marmalade, and Suba , a stylish standing soba bar where they make the noodles upstairs, stand out for excellent casual eats and a chilled-out vibe. While Kyoto is best known for traditional fare, creative cuisine is on the rise. Hidden inside the Ritz Carlton’s Italian restaurant Locanda, the six-seat Chef’s Table reflects Katsuhiko Inoue’s experiences working in Spain, South America, and at Tokyo’s Bulgari Il Ristorante Luca Fantin . Inoue prepares genre-blurring dishes beside a table covered with an elaborately constructed miniature moss garden.

A 90-minute drive from Kyoto on the shores of Lake Biwa, Benu alum Coleman Griffin takes inspiration from the landscape to craft innovative terroir-driven tasting menus at Sower , in a minimalist space designed by Teruhiro Yanagihara.

The Living Room bar at W Osaka

Osaka, which captured more than 46 percent of the 4.8 trillion yen spent by visitors to Japan in 2019, was hit hard by the lack of tourists. Although sluggish during the pandemic, development has picked up, meaning there is plenty for taking advantage of Japan reopening. Last year, the city welcomed the W Osaka , a dark monolith designed by Tadao Ando that opens onto an exuberant world of colorful design accented with modern Japanese detailing. The hotel’s six dining outlets—including trendy sushi restaurant Ukiyo; teppanyaki Mydo; and neobistro Oh.lala, overseen by La Cime’s Yusuke Takada—add to the allure.

The arts got a boost with the Nakanoshima Museum of Art , which opened in early February after nearly 30 years of planning. Housed in a boxy, five-story structure with a jet-black exterior (a popular look for new buildings in Osaka), the museum boasts one of Japan’s largest collections—more than 6,000 art pieces by modern masters such as Magritte, Dali, and Japanese artists like painter Jiro Yoshihara.

Osaka will always be the street-food capital of Japan, but new establishments are adding a touch of sophistication to the restaurant scene. Innovative chef Hiroyuki Kosuda worked at famed fusion temple Kahala for 20 years before breaking out on his own this year; with only five seats, his eponymous restaurant has become one of the city’s hardest to book. The brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Noguchi Taro, the specialty at Noguchi Taro Ramen is a steaming bowl of housemade noodles floating in an umami-dense shellfish broth, topped with sliced char siu and a truffle-scented fishcake. Wine enthusiasts will find much to love at Rilo Wine Lounge , a sleek and moody speakeasy-style spot (DM them on Instagram for the pass code) with an eye-watering collection of vintage champagne.

Hot pot at the new Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono

Japan’s ski haven and northernmost island, Hokkaido has been trending as an off-the-beaten-track destination for the past five years. But recent developments are turning it into a hub for luxury travel: Most of the ski resorts are concentrated around Niseko, which encompasses six areas surrounding towering Mount Yotei. In 2020, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono unveiled a sprawling 100-room property with 11 restaurants, a soothing hot spring spa, and its own four-seat ski lifts. Nestled between Mount Yotei and Mount Annapurni on the Shiribetsu River, Raku Suisan ’s 18 ample rooms are equipped with baths filled with alkaline-rich water sourced directly from a natural hot spring. Anchored by a traditional Japanese irori fireplace, the resort’s inviting lounge features a cozy piano bar. Shiguchi is a new complex of five beautifully renovated Japanese farmhouses, each adorned with ceramics, paintings, and sculptures from the private collection of founder Shouya Grigg. Grigg’s photography is also on display, along with an ongoing exhibition of art and artifacts spanning the region’s history, including pottery from the Jomon period and work created by the indigenous Ainu, in the Somoza gallery nearby.

Farther afield in the Tokachi region, on the island’s southeastern side, Memu Earth Hotel ’s five villas are stunning examples of eco-friendly contemporary architecture set amid a wide-open pasture. Each house has a distinctive character; the white-clad Meme House reflects the light and blends into the scenery, while the Horizon House offers 360-degree panoramic views. The resort’s restaurant serves simple but elegant cuisine made with seasonal, local products in a former warehouse designed by architect Toya Ito.

A sandbar in Kerama Islands National Park, Okinawa

Looking for something warmer? With fewer new openings during the pandemic, the pace of life on Okinawa remains leisurely—but changes are afoot in Japan’s tropical paradise. Last summer, luxury group One Suite launched The Grand resort on secluded Kouri Island, accessible by car from the main island. The Grand’s trump card is its 114-meter Ocean View Panorama Suite, equipped with a jacuzzi on the 30-meter terrace and offering sweeping views of the East China Sea. Playful French fine dining is on the menu at the property’s La Bombance, an outpost of the Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. Among the latest of star bartender Shingo Gokan’s ever-growing empire of watering holes, El Lequio exudes an island vibe with its kitschy-cool Tiki-bar décor and line-up of cocktails based on rum, tequila, and mezcal.

Located in Onna village, between the main island’s forested mountains and sea, the restaurant inside the brand-new Yumiha resort incorporates unique local ingredients—kokuto black sugar, shimadofu tofu, and Okinawan honey—into modern French preparations like perfectly roasted Agu pork with a sauce made from awamori, the island’s fiery distilled spirit: Staying guests can sample around 30 kinds (included in the price of accommodation) in the resort’s roomy suites.

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Japan reopens to tourists with shuttered souvenir shops, hotel staff shortage

• Medium Text

TIGHT LABOUR MARKET

Sign up here.

Reporting by Kantaro Komiya, Kentaro Sugiyama, Ritsuko Shimizu, and Tom Bateman; Writing by Rocky Swift; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Thomson Reuters

Kantaro writes about everything from Japan's economic indicators to North Korea's missiles to global regulation on AI companies. His previous stories have been published in the Associated Press, Bloomberg, the Japan Times and Rest of World. A Tokyo native, Kantaro graduated from DePauw University in the United States and was the recipient of the Overseas Press Club Foundation 2020 Scholar Award.

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund approved $1.1 billion in funding for Pakistan on Monday, the agency said in a statement, amid discussions for a new loan.

South Korea's factory output fell in March by the most in 15 months, government data showed on Tuesday, missing market expectations.

World Chevron

Columbia suspends pro-Palestinian protesters after encampment talks stall

Columbia University on Monday began suspending pro-Palestinian activists who refused to dismantle a tent encampment on its New York City campus after the Ivy League school declared a stalemate in talks seeking to end the polarizing protest.

Three law enforcement officers were killed and another four were shot and wounded in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a suspect was found dead, police said on Monday.

Japan reopens to tourists as authorities lift Covid travel restrictions

As Japan throws open its doors to visitors this week after more than two years of pandemic isolation, hopes for a tourism boom face tough headwinds amid shuttered shops and a shortage of hospitality workers.

Issued on: 11/10/2022 - 04:59

From Tuesday,  Japan  will reinstate visa-free travel to dozens of countries, ending some of world's strictest border controls to slow the spread of COVID-19 .

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is counting on  tourism  to help invigorate the economy and reap some benefits from the yen's slide to a 24-year low.

Arata Sawa is among those eager for the return of foreign tourists, who previously comprised up to 90% of the guests at his traditional inn.

"I'm hoping and anticipating that a lot of foreigners will come to Japan, just like before COVID," said Sawa, the third-generation owner of the Sawanoya ryokan in Tokyo.

Just over half a million visitors have come to Japan so far in 2022, compared with a record 31.8 million in 2019. The government had a goal of 40 million in 2020 timed with the Summer Olympics until both were upended by the coronavirus.

Kishida said last week the government is aiming to attract 5 trillion yen ($34.5 billion) in annual tourist spending. But that goal may be too ambitious for a sector that has atrophied during the pandemic. Hotel employment slumped 22% between 2019 and 2021, according to government data.

Spending from overseas visitors will reach only 2.1 trillion yen by 2023 and won't exceed pre-COVID levels until 2025, wrote Nomura Research Institute economist Takahide Kiuchi in a report.

Flag carrier Japan Airlines Co 9201.T has seen inbound bookings triple since the border easing announcement, president Yuji Akasaka said last week, according to the Nikkei newspaper. Even so, international travel demand won't fully recover until around 2025, he added.

Ghost town 

Narita Airport, Japan's biggest international airport some 70 kilometres from Tokyo, remains eerily quiet, with about half of its 260 shops and restaurants shuttered.

"It's like half a ghost town," said 70-year old Maria Satherley from New Zealand, gesturing at the Terminal 1 departure area.

Satherley, whose son lives in the northern island of Hokkaido, said she would like to return with her granddaughter this winter but probably won't because the child is too young to be vaccinated, a prerequisite for tourists entering Japan.

"We're just going to wait till next year," she said.

Amina Collection Co has shut its three souvenir shops at Narita and is unlikely to reopen them until next spring, said president Sawato Shindo.

The company reallocated staff and supplies from the airport to other locations in its 120-shop chain around Japan as it refocused on domestic tourism during the pandemic.

"I don't think there's going to be a sudden return to the pre-pandemic situation," Shindo said. "Restrictions are still pretty strict compared to other countries."

Japan still strongly encourages that people wear masks indoors and refrain from loud talking. The Cabinet on Friday approved changing hotel regulations so that they can refuse guests who do not obey infection controls during an outbreak.

Many service workers found better working conditions and wages in other fields over the past two years, so luring them back may be difficult, said a consultant for tourism companies who asked not to be identified.

"The hospitality industry is very infamous for low wages, so if the government values tourism as a key industry, financial support or subsidies are probably needed," he added.

The Japanese government is starting a domestic travel initiative this month that offers transportation and accommodation discounts, similar to its Go To Travel campaign in 2020 that was cut short following a surge in COVID infections.

Tight labour market 

Almost 73% of hotels nationwide said they were short of regular workers in August, up from about 27% a year earlier, according to market research firm Teikoku Databank.

In Kawaguchiko, a lake town at the foot of Mt. Fuji, inns had difficulty staffing before the pandemic amid Japan's tight labour market and they anticipate a similar bottleneck now, said a trade group staffer who asked not to be identified.

That sentiment was echoed by Akihisa Inaba, general manager at the hot-spring resort Yokikan in Shizuoka, central Japan, who said short staffing during the summer meant workers had to forego time off.

"Naturally, the labour shortage will become more pronounced when inbound travel returns," said Inaba. "So, I'm not so sure we can be overjoyed."

Whether overseas visitors wear face masks and abide by other common infection controls in Japan is another concern. The strict border controls were broadly popular during most of the pandemic, and fears remain about the appearance of new viral variants.

"From the start of the pandemic until now, we've had just a few foreign guests," said Tokyo innkeeper Sawa. "Pretty much all of them wore masks, but I'm really not sure whether the people who visit from here on will do the same."

"My plan is to kindly ask them to wear a mask while inside the building," he added.

Daily newsletter Receive essential international news every morning

Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app

• Coronavirus (Covid-19)

The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

I Visited Japan As Soon As It Fully Reopened to Travelers — Here's What It's Like and How to Plan Your Trip

One travel writer ventured back to Japan after it reopened to foreign travelers on Oct. 11, 2022. Here's what you need to know to plan your trip, and what it feels like on the ground.

Christina Liao

After more than two-and-a-half years, Japan reopened its borders to individual travel on Oct. 11, 2022. Three weeks later, I touched down in the Land of the Rising Sun.

After my first visit to Japan in 2016, I fell completely in love with the country. It’s a destination that has the perfect marriage of culture, food, and dramatic landscapes, and I felt right at home from the moment I landed. After that life-changing trip, I began spending one to three months in Japan every year — until the pandemic hit. 

I was last in Japan in early February 2020, right before COVID-19 really began to rear its head. I was meant to stay longer, but had to return to the United States earlier than expected due to a personal matter that came up back home. I thought to myself, it’s okay, I’ll be back soon . Little did I know that it’d be more than two-and-a-half years until my next visit.

Japan held off reopening for a long time. In June, the country began to slightly loosen restrictions, allowing only escorted tour groups to visit — with a daily cap of 20,000 visitors. By September, non-guided travelers on “package tours” could enter the country. But now, as of Oct. 11, 2022, everyone is welcomed into the island nation and can roam around the destination without hindrance.

Once I received word, I quickly texted my cousin and her boyfriend, and we reconfigured our schedules so that we could leave as soon as possible. After just a matter of days, we booked our flights to arrive in Tokyo on Oct. 30. Just like that, we were going back.

What to Know Before You Go

Japan’s borders have now completely reopened and tourists are allowed to move freely about the country. To enter, you must be fully vaccinated (including your initial vaccination course and a booster) or show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of your departure flight.

Before departure, you’re also required to download the MySOS app . It’ll ask you to fill out a pre-registration form where you’ll have to answer a Fast Track questionnaire and upload photos of your passport and either your vaccination card or COVID-19 test results. The final review process took about an hour to complete, but I’d recommend doing it at least a day before you depart for peace of mind.

How I Got There

I used my American Airlines miles to book a flight on Japan Airlines (both are part of the One World alliance). Award flights started from 70,000 miles for a roundtrip economy ticket, which is 10,000 more points than pre-pandemic rates.

We were able to check in online, but had to wait to obtain our boarding passes at the airport. At the check-in counter, the ticketing agent asked to see our passports and the MySOS app results (explained below). Once we boarded our 12:30 p.m. flight to Narita International Airport, JAL staff informed passengers that masks were required on board. The policy is strictly enforced, so much so that I saw an attendant wake up a passenger to put theirs on.

Our flight was about 75% full and arrived in Japan a few minutes before our scheduled 3:45 p.m. arrival time. Connecting passengers (heading to a second destination within Asia) were asked to stay seated while those staying in Japan deplaned. Many fliers stayed on the plane, which indicated to me that I likely wouldn’t run into too many American tourists on this trip. As we approached the immigration line, there were staff members checking the MySOS app and directing passengers into the appropriate lines dependent on the app’s results. The results of my Fast Track questionnaire were a green letter B. If I'd have gotten a blue letter B, I would have been in the same line, but if I'd gotten a yellow or red letter, I would have ended up in a different line. We were sent straight to a “quarantine booth," which was just a checkpoint (no actual quarantine required), where an agent scanned the MySOS QR code and provided a one-sheet on COVID-19 measurements. We then proceeded through the usual immigration and customs procedures. There were so few people in the airport that it took just 30 minutes.

How the JR Pass Has Changed — and What to Know

The iconic Japan Rail pass , which allows you access to the Shinkansen (bullet trains), has been greatly improved since 2020. While you can still buy them at certain designated sales offices in the United States, there’s now an option to purchase them online, which also allows you to make train reservations ahead of time. If you purchase online, you’ll still need to pick up your actual pass and tickets at a JR office, but it at least allows you to plan ahead (which will come in handy once tourism is back in full force).

In addition to being able to purchase passes online, there are now also dedicated machines at train stations where you can reserve seats with your JR Pass. In the past, you would’ve had to wait in line and speak to an agent in order to do so. Plus, now that they’re issued as a ticket rather than a laminated booklet, you can use the automated turnstiles rather than queue in line to show your pamphlet to a staff member.

Bullet train costs can add up. If you’re planning on visiting multiple destinations, the JR Pass can potentially help you save a lot of money. The rail pass is sold in seven-, 14-, and 21-day increments and provides unlimited rides on JR trains and buses.

What It's Like in Japan Right Now

Here’s the short answer: normal, but much less crowded. Intra-Japan tourism has always been high in the country, but there was a notable lack of Western faces on my trip, with the exception of in Kyoto. There were, however, plenty of Asia-Pacific visitors, and some European visitors. And while masks are not required in most venues, including on trains and public transportation, in a society where it has been the cultural norm to wear them long before the pandemic, they’re highly encouraged. I seldom saw anyone without a mask while on public transportation. 

Once we arrived to The Peninsula Tokyo , we were greeted with warm smiles. The Hong Kong–headquartered hotel chain is lauded for its exemplary service, and it’s no different here in Japan where hospitality, or omotenashi , is highly valued. After checking in, we were quickly taken to our suite that overlooked Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace grounds. Keen to hit the pavement, we walked to the nearby Ginza shopping district and popped into a few clothing and stationery shops. After a couple hours of exploring, we returned to The Peninsula and immediately ordered room service. The property has a partnership with Ippudo, the ramen stalwart that’s beloved for its rich tonkotsu (pork) broth and thin Hakata-style noodles. But aside from eluding long lines and being able to enjoy this unctuous noodle dish from the comfort of our own room, we were able to customize our bowls with 12 neatly presented toppings. Among the accouterments were spicy cod roe, pickled ginger, fried garlic, and, my favorites, a boiled soy egg and Cantonese-style char siu (barbecue pork) made by the hotel’s signature Chinese restaurant, Hei Fung Terrace .

Unfortunately, all three of us had a bad case of jet lag and woke up in the middle of the night. While I contemplated taking a dip in the hotel’s 66-foot heated indoor pool, we decided instead to make use of the in-room yoga mat and foam roller before heading down to the lobby for breakfast. There were plenty of options to choose from that included Western, Chinese, and Japanese fare, as well as a very special “Naturally Peninsula” offering that highlights shojin ryori , or plant-based Buddhist cuisine. 

We spent our time in Tokyo hopping around different pockets of the city, mostly with shopping in mind. My traveling companions are big on characters (Pokémon, One Piece, Doraemon, Gundam), so we gallivanted around Harajuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara, the last of which is particularly well-known for electronics, anime, and video games. Since this was somewhat of a last-minute trip, I knew that it’d be difficult to snag reservations at highly sought-after fine-dining restaurants, so we went the more casual route, noshing on the famous chicken katsu sandwiches at Maisen, picking up bento boxes at depachika (food halls in the basement of department stores) to bring back to our room, and tucking into sushi at Toyosu Market. We also made it to teamLab Planets , an immersive digital art museum with water and garden exhibitions that are a gold mine for social media content. After clocking more than 20,000 steps, we’d return to The Peninsula every night completely exhausted, but thoroughly excited for the Japanese-themed turndown amenity — an added perk for suite guests — one of which included a bottle of the hotel’s own sake accompanied by traditional masu cups and a white chocolate bear donning The Peninsula’s signature uniform. Then, we’d fill the bathtub and enjoy a 15-minute foot soak to relieve our tired hooves before sinking into the plush beds.

Following our three-night stint in Tokyo, we took a five-minute car ride to Tokyo Station and picked up some food for our train to Takayama . Tucked away in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, this quaint city has a beautifully preserved old town lined with boutiques selling sake and souvenirs. For our stay here we decided on a more unique option and chose Temple Hotel Zenkoji , a shukubo (temple lodging) attached to its namesake place of worship. There are only five accommodations at Temple Hotel Zenkoji, and the last one available was the Wind room, the largest at the property. We loved the traditional aesthetic, complete with tatami mat floors and shoji screens, along with the view of the internal garden.

We spent most of our time here on a food expedition sampling different takes on the area’s famed Hida beef. In the old town, we snacked on croquettes from Sukeharu, beef sushi from Hida Kotte Ushi, and A5 skewers from Rokujyuban. We indulged in Takayama-style ramen at the popular Menya Shirakawa; hoba miso, a regional dish where beef and vegetables are mixed with a miso paste and cooked on a dry magnolia leaf over a charcoal grill, and shabu-shabu (hot pot) at Suzuya; and yakiniku at Hidagyu Maruaki. Aside from eating our way through the city, we took some time to explore two morning markets and Hida no Sato, an open-air museum featuring more than 30 traditional homes that have been transplanted from around the Hida region. But one highlight was taking part in the morning prayer service at Temple Hotel Zenkoji, where the managing priest led us through the Heart Sutra and a brief discussion about Buddhism.

From there, we made our way to Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Most of the hotels were fully booked, so we chose a rental down the road from Omicho Market. The sprawling indoor complex is filled with stalls selling fresh produce and seafood, the latter being a highlight of the city thanks to its proximity to the sea. We joined dozens of tourists in sampling a variety of delicacies like horsehair crab, eel, scallops, and palm-sized oysters. Days were spent walking around the area, checking out Higashi Chaya, a geisha district dotted with dessert shops where we picked up some soft serve at Ukeian, and strolled around Nagamachi, a beautifully preserved samurai district. While we had originally planned to visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, we were sidetracked by the Armchair Travel festival that was taking place nearby. Unbeknownst to us when we planned our visit to Kanazawa, it’s a two-day event where vendors from all over Japan showcase their products. With nearly 40 stalls spread across two areas, we spent most of our final afternoon here before heading back to our abode in preparation for an early train to Kyoto.

When we arrived to the Shinmonzen , a new hotel in Kyoto that opened last April, I was instantly blown away. Tucked away on a quiet street in Kyoto’s iconic Gion district, it’s hidden behind black noren curtains with a calligraphic white S that makes the space feel like it's for in-the-know travelers only. Surprisingly, despite blending in with the surrounding historic architecture, the machiya -style building is entirely new and was designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The luxurious boutique property is filled with art and has just nine spacious suites, all of which are individually designed. We stayed in Kinu, which boasted a balcony overlooking Shirakawa River; a Japanese-style bedroom with tatami mat floors and Iwata futons draped in 500-thread-count Pedersoli linens; and a Hinoki cypress tub, which was filled for us every night when we returned to our digs. The amenities were incredibly sumptuous, too, and included a Dyson hair dryer, Marvis dental kits, and Nerolila Botanica skincare. Each room also has a complimentary gourmet minibar that’s stocked with local products and a bottle of rosé from Villa La Coste, the Shinmonzen’s sister property in Provence.

While I was hard-pressed to leave my impeccable digs, Kyoto beckoned. With the Shinmonzen’s exceptional location, popular spots like Hanamikoji-dori, Ninenzaka, Pontocho Alley, and Nishiki Market were all within walking distance. We spent afternoons strolling around and slurped up noodles — both ramen and udon — for all of our meals. On our final day, we hiked through the torii gates at Shinto shrine Fushimi Inari Taisha.

As our time in Japan nears an end, I can’t help but appreciate this country even more. I had been impatiently waiting for the borders to reopen, and it has been surreal finally returning to my favorite destination. I can only imagine how busy next year will be in Japan, but my yearning desire to explore every corner of this fascinating nation has been reignited, and I’m already in the midst of planning another visit.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Japan Has Reopened for Tourism: How to Plan Your Next Trip

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What to know before visiting Japan

Best things to do in japan, best ways to fly to japan on points and miles, japan has reopened for tourism recapped.

Finally. After being closed to tourists for over two and a half years, Japan reopened to visa- and agent-free foreign tourism in October 2022. Americans can visit Japan without applying for a visa, needing to book a group tour or special agent, testing on arrival or having to quarantine. Fully vaccinated travelers don't even have to get a pre-departure test if they show a vaccination card on arrival.

Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. I've spent over 50 nights in Japan over the past six years, visiting eight different cities.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or it's been a while since you've visited, here are my must-knows and must-do's now that Japan has reopened for tourism.

Japanese culture has more layers, rules and norms than any culture I've explored. However, the good news is that you don't need to know too much to start.

Japan is a very cash-based society

Bring your favorite travel credit card with you, but be prepared to pay for a lot of expenses in cash. A vast majority of Japanese consumers prefer to pay with cash, and cash may be the only way to pay at many places, such as vending machines, food stalls and many restaurants.

To reduce your ATM fees, use one of NerdWallet's favorite banks for international travel , such as the Schwab Investor Checking account .

Hotel rooms are tiny

(Photo by JT Genter)

Prepare for culture shock when you open your hotel room door. Japanese hotels can be tiny — even by New York City standards. Hopefully, you won't spend too much time in your room. However, make sure to check the room size when searching for hotel rooms and factor that into your booking decision.

Be considerate

Although the Japanese have plenty of outlets for creative expression, typically, being loud or boisterous in public isn't one of them. 

Be careful not to cut in lines. Don't spit or throw trash on the ground. Try to be thoughtful and considerate of others, even more than you would back home.

Don't tip

The advice for tipping in Japan is rather simple: Don't do it. 

Japanese people who aren't familiar with visitors' tipping culture might be confused or even insulted by your well-meaning gesture. Instead, try to use your words and actions to communicate your appreciation.

Use technology

Technology makes travel so much easier , and that's especially true in Japan. Use your tools throughout your visit to make the trip easier. 

For example, Google Maps is incredibly useful in Japan — including recommending which subway car to board and which subway exit to use. And Google Translate is a critical tool for translating the complex Japanese language.

One of the best things about Japan is that there’s something for everyone. Enjoy exhibits? Japan offers incredibly diverse museums filled with antiquities. Are you a foodie? With fresh tuna from Tsukiji fish market and more types of ramen than you knew existed, Japan is a gastrophile's paradise.

Eat noodles

Honestly, it doesn't matter what kind. Just find a noodle shop — preferably one with a line — and order something from the menu. I've yet to be disappointed when doing this. 

Take a photo before you dig in so you can reference afterward to determine which kind you like best.

After plenty of experimentation, I'm an absolute sucker for tonkotsu ramen, particularly from Ichiran.

Go to a festival

It seems no one has dared to compile a list of all Japanese festivals, but estimates place the number over 100,000 per year. So, you should have no trouble finding one to attend.

Japanese festivals are generally unique, each providing a window into the culture it celebrates. Plus, festivals can be a great way to explore delicious food and interact with locals.

Visit a temple or shrine

Both of Japan's major religions — Shinto and Buddhism — feature ornate temples and shrines. Whether it's the famous Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa or a shrine you stumble across, make sure to visit at least one temple or shrine. 

Pay attention to signs at temples and shrines advising visitors what to do (e.g., remove their shoes) and not do (e.g., take photos).

Ride the Shinkansen

Japan christened the Shinkansen in 1964, and the high-speed rail network still stands as one of the best in the world. Zipping across the Japanese landscape at around 200 mph is something you have to experience to really appreciate. 

And you have plenty of opportunities to do so. Just the Tokaido Shinkansen line — which connects Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka — averages 373 trains per day, carrying an average of almost half a million passengers daily.

Visit an onsen

To really get a taste of Japanese culture, visit an onsen. These public baths are where many Japanese people go to communally bathe in the nude. You won’t find that in many spas in the U.S. Note that many onsens in Japan won't let you bathe if you have tattoos.

Ready to book your trip to Japan? Many travelers are flocking back to Japan as it reopens to tourism, driving up the price of paid flights. But thankfully you can leverage points and miles to cut your out-of-pocket cost.

Here are some of the best sweet spots for booking award flights to Japan:

Use Virgin Atlantic points to book ANA business class from 75,000 to 90,000 points each way between the U.S. and Japan.

Transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to ANA Mileage Club to book business class award flights from 75,000 miles round-trip .

Redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles for Japan Airlines business class for 60,000 miles each way, or splurge for first class for 80,000 miles each way.

Alaska Mileage Plan members can book Japan Airlines flights for 35,000 miles each way in economy, 60,000 miles in business class or 70,000 miles in first class. Plus, you can add a free stopover in Tokyo on your way to another destination in Asia.

Tourists are finally getting a chance to visit Japan after two and a half years of the country keeping its borders closed to tourism. Whether you've never been or can't wait to return, it's important to review the cultural differences between the U.S. and Japan.

Japan may feel intimidating to those who have never visited before. However, I've found from my travels that Japan can be a welcoming place in its own way. It's worth putting in a bit of effort to learn about the culture and things to do to enrich your experience there.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Why Expecting Japan’s Reopening to Tourism Before Summer 2022 at Best is Unrealistic

The Omicron variant could not appear at the worst time at the end of November 2021! Japan’s borders were indeed (shortly) reopened to students and short-term business trips on November 8 and the Japanese government was preparing to test the reopening to groups starting late December / January in anticipation of the resuming of international tourism. At the times, a significant upturn could even be expected as soon as this early spring , for the cherry trees blooming after 2 years of missing the sakura   🌸 .

However, only 17 days later and as soon as the new variant was identified, the recently elected Prime Minister Fumio Kishida slammed shut the country’s borders. Needless to say it was a world-shattering news, especially to students who were anticipating the end of an unfair and wearing 20 months wait.

Japan was eventually hit by the 6th Covid wave in early January, in the biggest blow since the beginning of the pandemics as much as by the number of cases (until it was officially decided to drastically reduce the number of tests!) as the unprecedented death rate. As everywhere in the world, the peak was reached in mid- February and the trend has been going downward ever since. The quasi-state of emergency, both cautious and useless, that was extended in 18 of the most affected prefectures (including Tokyo , Kyoto and Osaka ) finally ended on March 20 and Japan reopened its borders to all visas except tourism on March 1rst .

It is therefore the occasion for Kanpai to make the inventory of the current situation, in view of the resuming of international tourism toward the archipelago.

😠 Domestic criticism and lobbying have already allowed a significant easing of the restrictions

It is certainly what tilted the balance in favor of the reopening. Whereas Japan has been largely criticized overseas for its reluctance to reopen, within the country it was not even a concern until a short time ago. When newspapers or television reports have started to tackle the international students’ problem in the beginning of winter , many Japanese discovered that they were still barred from entering the country !

That’s what spurred a snowball effect: universities and academics spoke up, the Japan Business Federation Keidanren increased its lobbying, and when the public opinion started to (skittishly) consider a gradual reopening, the government had no other choice than to significantly relax the restrictions.

Consequently, all visas except tourists were granted access to Japan again : students, business (short and long term) and even the working holidays visas as long as they have a sponsor, as well as spouses and parents on case by case bases. The nonsensical entry timeline according to the Certificate of Eligibility (required to definitely get a visa) issuance date was also abandoned. Granted visas were even prolonged so that students could serenely prepare their arrival. As for the quarantine , it was reduced to 3 days with a negative PCR test, and it is not required for travelers who received three vaccine doses and come from countries deemed safe (including the U.S.). Lastly, a unique website was set up to centralize all inquiries, so as to avoid contacting multiple ministries, and is expected to provide an answer within 1 to 2 days.

To sum it up, a great, long-awaited improvement !

Limitations are however still in place with a daily cap of 5,000 entries on the Japanese territory. Besides, this maximum includes Japanese nationals returning from overseas, as they could always leave and come back in the country as they pleased (for studying, work, tourism, honey moon…) as well as foreign residents who temporarily left Japan, for example to meet their family in their home countries.

📈 Gradual speeding-up of the reopening

The Keidanren still complained about the insufficient easing, but 2 days only after the long-awaited reopening date, Fumio Kishida quickly announced a new daily cap. It would be raised to 7,000 on March 14, including 1,000 daily entries specifically allotted to students then to 10,000 from April 10 and it is likely that this capacity is bound to increase on a regular basis. Moreover on April 5, Hiroshige Seko (the ruling party's secretary-general) stated that the cap was not significant inasmuch as local contamination was already high.

Such increase will be necessary anyway, as the official estimates evaluated that about 400,000 foreigners were put on hold for 2 years (including 170,000 students), and even if many of them have quite logically given up their project in the meantime, several months will be necessary to absorb them all, knowing that the cap does not concern only foreigners. Therefore, with a 1,000 students quota per day, provided it is met every day, the process would take until August .

On February 25, a few days after the announcement, 160,000 entry requests had already been made. It is therefore easy to imagine that a large part of the 400,000 visas holders will be admitted by the beginning of summer . On April 12, the Minister of Education Shinsuke Suematsu provided an update on the situation: since March 1 and the reopening to visas holders, 30,000 students have arrived in Japan, and the goal of accepting all the remaining awaiting students (about 110,00 according to the government’s figures) by May is likely to be met.

As a comparison, before the Corona crisis, a total of about 150,000 travelers entered in Japan daily!

Another (very) good news: the influential Keidanren continued to pressure and emphasized its demands as soon as March 8, by requesting that the virus be considered endemic and urging the government to draw a crisis recovery plan and reopen the borders to all, including tourists !

In the meantime, test sightseeing cruises are discretely performed in Japan, boarding a handful of foreign tourists to evaluate their contagiousness… They should continue until July – August.

🗳 Domestic hurdles: the possible come back of GoTo Travel and July’s election

Since its premature stop at the end of 2020, the come back of GoTo Travel is an old chestnut that everyone outside Japan wish to not hear about anymore. Indeed, this domestic tourism subsidy campaign is bound to delay the international tourism return on the archipelago:

So, will it resume, or not? And when? The campaign has been continually postponed for more than a year due to the successive Covid waves, and the last installment is no exception: its start expected in early 2022 was foiled by Omicron. In the meantime, GoTo Travel was replaced by local initiatives in which municipalities and prefectures give subsidies to domestic travels, to compensate the wait for the financial income from outside.

Simultaneously, on the political side, Japan is preparing for the House of Councilors election (the Parliament’s upper house) scheduled in July. It is an important milestone for consolidating the new Kishida Cabinet as there will be no other major election before 2025. Thus, it would be surprising that the current Prime Minister announced a reopening with much fanfare by then, as he needs to please a rather elderly and nationalistic electorate, even though covert negotiations are currently happening with the country’s partners.

🇺🇦 Vigilance regarding the war in Ukraine

Many seasoned observers had been considering the possibility for several months, but this early 2022’s « surprise » came up in a world already drained by 2 years of Coronavirus  🦠 pandemic. This conflict, whose length or outcome is hard to prognosticate, is a disaster for Ukraine , and it also has important consequences on the rest of the world, and especially on the transportation industry.

As a matter of fact, since late February, Russia’s airspace has become difficult if not forbidden to flight  ✈️ for many airlines (with European, Japanese and American airlines the most affected due to their countries’ opposition to Vladimir Putin). Flight companies have consequently adapted their offers:

• AirFrance interrupted France-Japan flights on February 28, but they resumed the following day after rerouting on the southern route, which is longer by 2 hours (direct flights duration is now about 12:30 to 13:30 depending on the direction of flight and the winds).
• JAL and ANA were not so prompt and waited until March 3 to cancel all their flights, especially to Paris, and dispatched flights between Haneda and Europe on other routes.

Besides these 3 airlines operating direct flights, the many other airlines serving Japan with a stopover are less impacted (such as Qatar or Etihad). Needless to say that Aeroflot, the already controversial Russian national company is now out of the traveling scope.

For all companies however, the price of the round-trip ticket is likely to take off (!), due to the extended flight duration and especially to the flare up of kerosene cost, another major consequence of the war.

🦠 Health situation: 3rd vaccine dose and potential new Covid variants

Without much surprise, and for various reasons we already explained several times on Kanpai, Japan is late again in its vaccination roll-out: in early March the 3rd dose was injected to only 20% of the population. The precondition for mass tourism to be allowed on the archipelago is an optimal protection, which will not be reached before the end of spring :

Moreover and despite the fact that Omicron affected more people than all the previous variants all-together, including in Japan, the threat of a new Coronavirus type is certainly still pending. As a matter of fact, the strain BA.2 was already on the verge of being predominant in European countries' sequencing and in many other places, including Tokyo (not taking into account other strains such as XD / XE / “Deltacron").

The number of cases seemed to have reached a peak in many countries, sometimes an occasional kickback, and financially exhausted governments are increasingly considering Covid-19 an endemic disease. Is it compatible with a relaxing of the sanitary measures? Only time can tell, but as countries reopened to international tourism, the triple vaccination and negative PCR test are prerequisites to traveling in most of the cases.

An important request of the Japanese tourist industry lobby is also the withdrawal of an additional PCR testing at the landing airport in Japan , a sticking point as this obligation generates long waiting lines (up to 5 hours to exit Narita) that are unsuitable for a come back of mass tourism.

On April 15, Shigeru Omi, overseer of a government panel health experts and top adviser on COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, declared that stopping or closing all social activities or places was not necessary anymore as Omicron's symptoms were less severe than the previous variants’, a statement radically different from what he said for 2 years. According to Omi, the pandemic entered a new phase in Japan and the population got used to living with the virus. He added: " It's hard to gain public understanding and cooperation if we continue to focus on measures just to reduce the number of infected people ." He thinks that the number of cases in Japan will probably continue to rise with the Golden Week , with a peak of severe cases in June when the effects of the booster dose will start to fade in the elderly population, and before a likely decrease.

🇯🇵 Tourists allowed under conditions from this summer?

Fortunately, the trend is to the reopening both on international and domestic levels. However, as we explained in a previous article, Japan will probably be the last to do it... Indeed, the countries that are still closed to tourism are only a quasi-literal handful: China, North-Korea, Libya, Syria, Turkmenistan, Yemen… and Japan . You don’t necessarily want to be part of those "happy few"!

Moreover, on April 8, Fumio Kishida announced in a press conference that there were no schedule for the come back of international tourists in Japan, whereas the country was undergoing the second week of a slight raise in Covid contamination, especially among the 20-30 years old. Kishida also added that the decision would be made regarding reopening to tourism after comparing the various steps endeavored by the other countries in their borders restrictions lift off. As most of the countries in the world have completely reopened, let’s take it is a positive announcement.

Make sure to not miss the announcements on the borders' reopening , subscribe for free to Kanpai’s Newsletter and get information on real time:

Considering all the elements listed above and at the time of writing, here is what we can foresee about the resuming of international tourism in Japan:

• No announcement before July , most likely;
• A reopening in August at best ;
• Entry allowed only from countries deemed safe / green regarding their situation with Covid at a given point in time;
• Possible daily entry caps , however significantly higher than now;
• Entry possible only for travelers who received 3 vaccine doses (Japan does not considerate a Covid infection equivalent to vaccine) and with a negative PCR test made less than 48 or 72 hours before arrival;
• A travel insurance , which is likely to be mandatory ;
• No quarantine (those logistical aspects would not be sustainable anyway), and it is one of the main reasons of a late reopening.

Naturally, the situation can quickly swing a way or the other but we hope that it will continue in the right direction for an easy and fast resuming of tourism travels.

As usual, we will communicate on the next evolution, but what is certain is that we are the closer as can be to the return of international tourists in Japan, even though the wait will certainly last several month!

• Flights and Airports
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Internet & Phones
• Budget and money
• Japanese Food
• Visit with Kids
• Seasons: spring / summer / autumn / winter
• Weather forecast
• Time in Japan
• Holidays & Festivals
• Natural Disasters
• Customs and Duties
• Works and Closures
• From April 29 to 5 May -- Japanese Golden Week
• May 12 -- Mother's Day in Japan
• June 6 -- Beginning of the rainy season (Tsuyu) in Japan
• June 21 -- Summer starts in Japan
• From July 1 to 31 -- Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto with float processions on July 17 and 24
• July 1 -- Season start for climbing Mount Fuji
• Tokyo : Shinjuku , Shibuya , Harajuku , Asakusa , Akihabara , Odaiba , Ikebukuro , Ueno , Roppongi , Chiyoda , Ryogoku ...
• Around Tokyo: Kamakura , Nikko , Hakone , Mount Fuji , Mount Takao , Yokohama ...
• Kansai: Kyoto , Nara , Osaka , Mount Koya , Himeji , Kobe , Kinosaki , Kumano Kodo , Ise ...
• Japanese Alps: Kanazawa , Matsumoto , Takayama , Shirakawa-go , Nakasendo ...
• West: Hiroshima , Miyajima , Shikoku , Onomichi , Naoshima , Izumo , Kurashiki , Matsue ...
• South: Kyushu , Okinawa , Yakushima ...
• North: Hokkaido , Tohoku ...

• Temples and Shrines
• Gardens and Parks
• Hiking and Trekking
• Observation Decks
• Public Baths (Onsen and Sento)
• Festivals (Matsuri)
• Amusement Parks
• Visit on a Budget / Luxury

Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

• Japan Rail Pass
• English speaking Guides
• Pocket Wi-fi
• Japan Nightlife
• Working in Japan
• Religion and Spirituality
• Arts and History
• Movies / Animated Movies
• Japanese Music
• Studio Ghibli
• Photos / Videos
• Weird Japan
• Translations
• Kana & Kanji
• Japanese Swear Words
• Honorific Suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
• Introducing yourself
• Thank you / Apologize
• Count / Say Your Age
• Say the Date / Tell the Time
• Happy birthday
• Enjoy Your Meal
• Writing your name

Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpai’s community space, our Q&A section Kotaete.

Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan.

Create your Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation history (questions, answers).

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Japan prepares to reopen to tourists for first time since 2020

‘Test tourism’ to begin in May in the form of limited package tours as a way of gathering information prior to full reopening

Japan will start conducting “test tourism” in the form of limited package tours in May ahead of a full reopening to tourism.

Though tourism was a major pillar of Japan’s economy, tourists have not been permitted to enter since it adopted strict border controls in 2020 at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Regulations have been loosened slightly to allow students and some business travellers to enter. But, individual tourists remain barred despite calls from industry leaders hoping to restart tourism to take advantage of the yen, which has fallen to 20-year lows.

Japan’s Tourism Agency said it would start allowing small group tours to enter from later this month as “test cases” to gain information for a broader resumption of tourism at an unspecified future date.

Tourists who have been triple-vaccinated and come from the United States, Australia, Thailand and Singapore will be allowed to take part in the tours, which will be strictly planned in conjunction with travel agencies and accompanied at all times by tour conductors, it added.

“This venture will allow us to verify compliance and emergency responses for infection prevention and formulate guidelines for travel agencies and accommodation operators to keep in mind,” it said.

Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, said earlier this month in London that he would bring Japan’s border controls into line with other wealthy democracies in June, but no further details have been given, including when the country will fully open its borders to tourists again.

In 2019, Japan hosted 31.9 million foreign visitors, who spent 4.81tn yen ($37.2bn).

• Coronavirus
• Asia Pacific

Most viewed

• Reward types, points & expiry
• What card do I use for…
• Current Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses
• Credit Card Lounge Benefits
• Credit Card Airport Limo Benefits
• Credit Card Reviews
• Points Transfer Partners
• Singapore Airlines First & Business Class Seat Guide
• Singapore Airlines Book The Cook Wiki
• Singapore Airlines Wi-Fi guide
• The Milelion’s KrisFlyer Guide
• What is the value of a mile?
• Best Rate Guarantees (BRGs) for beginners
• Singapore Staycation Guide
• Trip Report Index
• Credit Cards
• For Great Justice
• General Travel
• Other Loyalty Programs
• Trip Reports

Reports: Japan could announce full tourism reopening this week

Japan could scrap its remaining tourism restrictions by October, with a possible announcement as early as this week. Endgame?

Japan’s much anticipated reopening has come in fits and starts, with the latest concession of allowing tourists on “non-escorted package tours” seeing little uptake.

However, the endgame could be close at hand. Per a report in the Japan Times (citing FNN ), Japan may announce a full reopening to tourists as early as this week, scrapping arrival caps, mandatory visas, and allowing for independent travel.

Japan tourism reopening imminent?

While tourists have been able to visit Japan ever since June this year, would-be visitors have had to navigate three main roadblocks:

• A daily cap on arrivals
• Mandatory visa requirement (all visa waiver agreements have been temporarily suspended)
• The need to purchase a package from an approved tour agency

Even though Japan no longer requires tourists to be constantly escorted by a chaperone, the revised system of “unguided package tours” remains a major deterrent. Let’s face it- travel agencies have their uses, but not everyone wants to use them. Moreover, the complex rules have become a breeding ground for profiteering, with some agencies charging exorbitant fees for the all-important ERFS (which is needed for visa application).

Unsurprisingly, take-up rate has been low. Japan may command a special place in the hearts of many, but there’s just too many hoops to jump through.

That said, things are looking up. The Japan Times reports that the government is planning to make a decision on lifting tourism restrictions as early as this week, with a possible implementation date from October 2022.

This would involve abolishing the daily arrival cap altogether, restoring visa waiver arrangements, and allowing tourists to book their own flights, hotels and activities. In other words, it’s basically be pre-COVID travel once again.

Will any COVID-19 testing be needed?

Japan has scrapped the requirement for a pre-departure COVID-19 test for all vaccinated travellers. As a reminder, Japan defines “fully vaccinated” as individuals who have received at least three jabs of the following vaccines:

• AstraZeneca
• Bharat Biotech
• Pfizer-BioNTech

On-arrival measures depend on an individual’s travel history. Singapore is currently classified as a Blue List country , which does not require on-arrival testing or quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

Visitors from Yellow or Red List countries may be required to take on-arrival tests or quarantine, depending on their vaccination status.

Yellow List

If your 14-day travel history cuts across various categories, the restrictions of the strictest one will apply. You can view the categorisation of countries here.

Flights between Singapore and Japan

Flight capacity between Singapore and Japan is a shadow of its former self, though presumably airlines are waiting for the “real” reopening before adding more services.

Here’s what the schedule looks like for September to Tokyo Narita and Haneda.

Singapore Airlines is also operating flights to Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka.

Scoot plans to resume daily services to Sapporo from November 2022, as previously announced. 

Award costs

If Japan allows for independent travel, frequent flyers will be able to use their miles to book their own flights once again. 

Here’s how much it costs to redeem an award between Singapore and Japan through KrisFlyer.

While Economy Class award space on Singapore Airlines flights to Japan is plentiful, Business Class award space has mostly vanished for the next few months. It is possible to find the odd option on ANA however, if you’re lucky.

For an easy (and free!) way to search for Star Alliance award space, I highly recommend using Awards PNR.

Alternatively, if you have Alaska Mileage Plan miles, then a round-trip Business Class flight on Japan Airlines to Tokyo would cost 50,000 miles . Unfortunately, Japan Airlines does not seem to be releasing award space until April 2023 at the earliest, and even then it’s sporadic. June 2023 might be a better bet. 

Japan could be lifting its remaining restrictions on foreign tourists soon, with October mulled as a possible implementation date. That would certainly be welcome news for people planning year end travel, though I fully expect the price of flights and hotels to spike given all the pent up demand.

Is it really happening this time?

Similar Articles

Hack: skip the immigration lines in kuala lumpur with priority pass, details: changi terminal 2 northern wing reopens, 16 comments.

i was skeptical, but so happy to be proven wrong! jpow after 3 yrs incoming!

singapore’s population will be halved in dec…

Should have chance for me to travel hassle free in Feb 2023, yay!

Why does Japan not recognize Sinovac Covid vaccine. I got 3 Sinovac jabs and one Novavax booster. Do I need to do pre departure PCR test?

bcos you got jabbed with the equivalent of normal saline

also will prevent hordes of chinese from flooding japan

Because the country that relied on Sinovac is still having lockdowns. Shows how effective it is.

Yes, you’d be treated as unvaccinated and will have to take a pre-departure PCR test.

Isn’t it great news? To prevent prcs from flooding to japan..

he’s not wrong tho

It is Japan. we do not question

do not believe japanese announcements until next year feb. japan is moving 6 months late than all developed nations.

China is even worse lewlz

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html

may wanna add that pre-departure pcr tests required for non-vaccinated or those with 2 jabs.

Finally. Those speculative reward redemptions I made for end March 2023, for Cherry Blossoms, are looking pretty good now. And I have not flown JAL in first before, so look forward to that too. Have already emailed the Roykan in Matsumoto that I had to cancel in 2020, and hope to have the accommodation bookings in place very soon too.

Actually there is quite a bit of award space on JAL – just that you have to fly ex-BKK rather than ex-SIN. And a few days in BKK on the way is hardly an imposition!

Third time’s the charm!

CREDIT CARD SIGN UP BONUSES

Featured Deals

© Copyright 2024 The Milelion All Rights Reserved | Web Design by Enchant.sg

Everyone is visiting Japan. An extended currency slump means the tourists will just keep coming.

• Japan's weak currency is boosting tourism, with a record-breaking 3.1 million visitors in March.
• The devalued yen is encouraging tourists to spend more on luxury goods.
• The currency is negatively impacting outbound travel, with more Japanese tourists staying in the country.

Japan is a beloved tourist spot . A weak currency is ensuring that it will remain that way for foreigners.

The country just broke its pre-pandemic tourist record, with 3.1 million foreign visitors in March. The government said it's on track to surpass 2025's target of 32 million annual foreign visitors this year, after 8.6 million tourists visited in the first quarter of 2024.

Japan opened to tourists in October 2022, after over two years of strict, pandemic-induced border restrictions. Pent-up demand, combined with a cheaper currency, has fueled the record number of visitors.

Related stories

Tourists are staying longer and spending more due to the weak yen, which makes it cheaper for foreigners to purchase accommodation, activities, food, and gifts. The yen has fallen nearly 10% year-to-date , compared to the dollar.

Japan's currency has been depreciating largely due to high interest rates in the US, which makes the dollar more attractive to investors. A historic rate hike in Japan last month — the first since 2007 — did little to reverse the downward trend.

Japan is a tourist hot spot because of its status as a culture and entertainment icon, its natural wonders, and its unique cuisine. Tourists from South Korea, China, Taiwan, and the US made up the biggest portion of foreign visitors in March, according to Japan's National Tourism Organization.

Japanese carriers like Japan Airlines and ANA plan to cash in on the tourism boom by running more routes from Asia.

The sharp decline of the yen has also expanded demand for luxury goods. Foreign tourists are taking advantage of the currency discount by snapping up cheaper products in Japan from premium brands such as Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, Chanel, and Prada, Bloomberg reported earlier this month.

While the weak yen creates a sweet spot for foreigners, it is severely hurting Japanese travelers.

The number of outbound travelers was less than half the number of inbound travelers in March, per the National Tourism Organization. Outbound Japanese travel was down 37% last month compared to the same period in 2019, though it ticked up from February, the agency's data shows.

High airfare costs and low buying power is compelling more locals to skip international travel in favor of domestic locations.

Watch: Japanese denim is costly, but it's considered one of the best denims in the world. Here's why.

• Main content