Moreover, how this played out with Japans last announcement is also instructive. The political and economic appetite for fully relaxation now clearly exists, and theres a vocal chorus of politicians in Japanincluding those who were previously in favor of closed borderschampioning reopening. Nov. Dec. Then Covid hit. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Thursday his country will ease COVID-19 border control requirements next month, a key step in fostering a recovery in Japan's tourism sector, which is eager to take advantage of the yen's slide to a 24-year low. It will happen soon. May 6, 2022. Japan reopened its borders to holders of long-term visitor, business or student visas on 1 June 2022, as well as to tourists on authorised package tours. This was a great place to keep up to date on the happenings. KONO Taro (@konotaromp) September 22, 2022 "Finally, Japan will reopen the border,". However, as we have seen time and time again, the patently obvious conclusion often is not the outcome reached by Japan. Yokohama 2023 sees the return of the Yokohama Biennale art festival, timed with the reopening of the Yokohama Museum of Art post-renovation. 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. At best, this helps with winter. Of . Japan reopens: Heres what to look forward to in 2023, Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE), Destination NaJomtien BanAmphur BangSaray *NEW*, *NEW*, Affordable Luxury in Thailand by Centara Hotels, Rising Above the Oridinary by Conrad Bangkok, Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), 5 reasons why traditional travel protection is obsolete, 5 reasons why Cross Hotels & Resorts is APACs hotel operator of choice, Wake up at the magnificent Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions). Thanks for the posts, Tom. Mount Fuji: One of Japan's three sacred mountains and. Regardless, its good to have this removed as it eliminates an element of uncertainty and could have been an issue during peak travel times for the Japanese. Im so excited and happy for everyone! Thanks to everyone in here in the comments for that! Thanks Tom, and everyone! Kihara isnt the only one who has been vocal about fully reopening to tourists recently. The prime minister, Fumio Kishida, said on Thursday that the. First, there is consensus that the daily arrival cap, which is currently set at 50,000, will be eliminated entirely. Finally booked my flights, enjoy your trips everyone! Japan is finally reopening its borders to mass tourism on October 11. So why aren't tourists coming back? At Juwai IQI, we believe China will maintain zero-Covid through at least the rst-quarter of 2023. Intrepid Travel: Japan - Land of the Rising Sun. Updated August 23 2022 Japan has eased border control measures several times in. That may soon change. 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. Except for everyone wearing masks, things seemed mostly back to normal. Updated on Oct 29, 2021 01:32 PM IST While other Asian countries are inching toward reopening, Japan's borders will likely remain shut for some time to come. Thanks again for all the work you put into this. This is would allow a bit of wiggle room for Japans slow and belabored decision-making process that involves a lot of careful consideration and evaluating the situation. If anything has been well-established during the last two-plus years, its that inaction is Japans baseline, and anything that does happen occurs gradually and in stages. Do I need to do a pre-departure Covid test? Ill be sticking around for the future updates and travel guides. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that his top priority was formulating new economic measures and implementing these goals. Japan is Likely to Reopen to Foreign Travelers in Spring 2022 if COVID-19 numbers remain low, according to industry estimates, although the government hasn't set a hard date yet. Im very glad its dead but am also appreciative of what existed while it did. Japan fully reopening in full is all but inevitable at this point. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is. Travelers from most countries can now enter Japan without applying for a visa in advance. ), While presenting the above as a cautionary tale against optimism or over reliance on logic when assessing Japans decisions, thats exactly what Im going to do. "We will lift the ceiling of the number of entrants. Everybody have a great trip! With the yen weak, tourism has the potential to provide an . Tour groups from 98 countries, including Australia, can now visit the country - but only if they wear masks, have . 2023 - Travel Daily. If/when theres another winter resurgence in cases, the reopening can would effectively be kicked down the road for a few more months. Hi Tom, Saturday, 4 March 2023, 15:47 Last update: about 1 hour ago. Passengers from Hong Kong and Macau will be exempt from any on-arrival testing or pre-boarding negative test requirements, broadcaster TBS reported earlier on Monday, citing government sources. This is where there is disagreement among the major outlets. 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. As improbable as it mightve seemed even a week ago, Japan welcoming back international visitors who are not part of tours (guided or unguided) sometime before November is likely. Kiyomizu-dera Temple with cherries in full bloom: f11 photo / Shutterstock.com Situation Summary var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; STAY UPDATED WITH THE LATEST Japan has been busy over the past two-and-a-half years with preparations to welcome back everyone. Japansreclassification of COVID-19 to Class 5 came after a panel of experts under the health ministry agreed on the plan earlier in the day. Instead of blanket testing of travellers from mainland China, Japan will only test selected samples, although travellers will still need to show a negative test before boarding their flights to Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a news conference on Monday. We will review all three restrictions together. obsolete information. I came to your page because this comments section and its provisional community provided something both unique and welcome in a dark time for travellers of Japan. 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. I assume well hear from AndyO soon, admitting he was wrong, like he demanded from so many of us. Subscribers also receive a totally free copy of ourJapan on a BudgeteBook. 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. (It took a few more days for the guidelines to be released, and the clarifying FAQ isstillbeing updated. China reopening most likely late Jan/Feb 2023. 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 . If you cant respect another countrys Covid policies you shouldnt visit and be an entitled tourist. Its entirely possible that Kishida sees this polling and his sagging approval numbers and realizes that its time to move forward. These leaks came after Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara spoke on Fuji TV over the weekend and stated thatJapan will consider easing all three restrictionsthe daily arrival cap, ban on individual tourists, and visa requirements. 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. On the same topic. Please subscribe to our FREE email newsletterand stay tuned if you are curious about how things are on-the-ground for tourists in Japan post-reopening. Who knowsit still may take until early 2023 to fully downgrade the legal status of COVID. Up to 20 per cent of these arrivals will also be required to take a COVID-19 test on arrival at the airport. Thanks to so many of you regular readers and commenters who made the last couple of years easier, shared articles, optimistic/pessimistic updates, and so much more. Cant wait! Second, theres awareness within theKishida administration that the window of opportunity to reopen the border is closing. In today's Face-to-Face interview, Professor Wolfgang Arlt, founder and CEO of the China Outbound . Nevertheless, despite loosening restrictions in September, travelers will still need to . We mention this in part to own past mistakes, but also as a cautionary tale. It thus stands to reason that opening to individual tourists necessarily needs to occurthat raising the entry cap will do nothing in furtherance of their stated goal. That this would be achieved in such an unexpected setting on the comments section of a single article on a white-and-orange travel blog, which came to accumulate nearly 3,000 comments as though it were a 2000s-era forum feels almost too ridiculous to be true. Take a dip in one at the soon-to-open, . The arrivals cap would also be eliminated in this scenario. TOKYO, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Japan will maintain its tight entry restrictions to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus until the end of February, the prime minister said on. On Tuesday, the country. JNTO President SEINO Satoshi commented: The Japanese government has, at last, announced the resumption of individual travel for tourism purposes, visa waivers, and the elimination of the daily arrival cap. Kishidas government has been trying to take advantage of the weak yen and accelerate growth by attracting more foreign visitors. Visit Japan Web App also let me pre fill out for immigration and customs, and just use the QR codes for those as well. The infection situation has been stabilizing in Japan and the government will consult with public health experts before reviewing the country's . Okushibu The nickname given to Deep Shibuya, this secluded strip around Yoyogi and parallel to the new rooftop Miyashita Park, has seen an explosion in late night caf culture, unique eateries and flower shops. Though some things feel different, this nation Ive travelled for the last two months, ing and ing about the forty-seven prefectures as I once did in the 2010s, is certainly the same marvellous place that I fell in love with so long ago. 2023 will also see the opening of Yokohamas first high-end Hilton property in a waterfront development that will also house the K-Arena, one of the worlds largest live music venues, as part of the new Music Terrace. Its now the popular position being advanced publicly by politicians, not just being advocated by Keidanren or Japans business lobby. Updated 7 June 2022. Like a moth to a flame.). As always, Japan is cautious and conservative, with a slow and belabored decision-making process that often embodies analysis paralysis and usually defies logic. sheeesh still cant believe my trip starting october 22nd might actually happen this time (). Lets see where THIS goes. Japan slams the borders shut on Omicron. Best wishes to everyone on your travels!! The National Museum of Scotland is currently hosting an exhibition on contemporary Japanese design until 5th March 2023, and Stonehenge will host an exhibition on stone circles and the prehistoric sites of Jomon Japan from 30 Sep 2022 until August 2023. Want to receive free updates on when Japan will reopen for travel? Bon voyage! While the daily number of arrivals was higher pre-closure, we assumed that 50,000 is the level at which this cap becomes immaterial with China still sidelined. You all made the (repeated) cancellations and premature excitement a bit more bearable. Do I need to be vaccinated to enter Japan? 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) { As governor of Tokyo, that would be tomorrow.. The country's domestic and international business community united on Friday in urging the government to open further, including "rapidly resuming" individual tourist travel and bringing. There are no quarantine requirements, and travel is visa-free for the vast majority of people reading this. Japan reopened its borders to independent foreign travelers and reintroduced visa-free entry from October 11, 2022. . Were preserving this for posterity, but everything that follows is now (thankfully!) js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/28/412454028.js"; Which brings us to a threshold issue:when will Japan reopen?This week, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is in New York to deliver an address at the U.N. General [], Your email address will not be published. The changes were intended to "support smooth international travels, given a low rate of positive test results among entrants", Matsuno said. Well, I visited only recently but it was one of the (very few) level-headed sites that discussed this topic. As countries across Asia reopen to international travelers, Japan one of the continent's most popular destinations remains firmly closed. Thanks for all the updates and helpful info during this stressful and hard time, Tom!! At a news conference in New York City, where he was attending the UN General Assembly meeting, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Visit in Spring or Autumn. World News Reuters Updated: May 30, 2022 2:06 pm IST Critically, this would eliminate the legal requirement of a responsible receiving party for visitors to Japan. Japan Tourism: The decision means Japan will allow in a limited number of foreign tourists on package tours starting June 10. While I hope to see you around here on future updates, I know that probably wont be the case. 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. But whatever winter wave occurs (and onewillhappen), thats unlikely to be an obstacle to reopening progress, as was the case last year. One wildcard is the downgrade of COVIDs legal status. It is finally over. 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. Of course, things could change between now and then, but its likely the border will revert to late 2019 status as of that date. Japan also began allowing unguided tours, meaning ones not accompanied by tour conductors. First, after reopening to guided tour groups, Japan reopened to individual tourists on October 11 of last year. As COVID-19's Omicron variant surges around the world, advanced democracies are generally responding vigorously but with lower levels of restrictions on social life and travel than in 2020 and 2021. However, Japan is now joining the rest of the world as people are ready to move on with life. (This number includes hotels used as government quarantine facilities, not just leisure stays.). We have to carry it out in the not-so-distant future, he said. The country eased border controls . Summary Since October 2022, Japan is fully open, without the requirement for a visa for most visitors. Japan is a highly attractive country not only for tourism, but also for international conferences and incentive travel. Frankly, the miscalculation here by the Kishida administration is thinking that this will have an immediate impact on inbound travel. The downgrade would pave the way for a normalization of social and economic activities in Japan, and should mean that non-residents are able to enter the country without PCR tests or additional paperwork. More likely, the impact wont be fully felt until next years cherry blossom season. Wow, i cant believe it. Japan has chosen a different course. Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs has offered new guidance that were covering inJapan Reopening to Individual Tourists: FAQ, Rules & Guidelines. . Over two years into this, the seasonality of COVID transmission is well-established. The national border is under the management of central government, Koike said. It also will see the opening of the TIAD luxury hotel in the buzzy Sakae/Shin-Sakae entertainment districts, after the opening of the art deco hotel The Tower Hotel Nagoya (2020) on the upper levels of Nagoyas TV tower, with the large beams of the tower as a centrepiece within each room. 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. 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. Along with revelling in the many ways to take in the allures across Japan, now is a time when international visitors can take advantage of shopping opportunities. Im inclined to say Spring 2023, but its easy to envision a worst-case that isnt until summer. The specifics are not consistent among outlets, so lets start with where theyre in agreeance. (February 2023 Update). Independent tourists are not yet granted entry, although they can be expected to be allowed back by Autumn 2022. 2023 when Japan is scheduled to downgrade the categorization of the virus. For general inquiries about border measures for entry into Japan, please contact the following numbers Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's Call Center Open 9 AM to 9 PM, everyday including weekend and holidays. Just booked my accommodation/flights/insurance/rail pass for a 22 day trip to Hiroshima, Fukui, Kanazawa, Nagoya and Osaka! Beloved for its unique mix of vibrant urban culture and natural beauty, the country is lifting its tight regulations on foreign tourists, according to a tweet Thursday from Taro Kono, Japan's . While there are still some covid-related protocols in place, it's likely that the entire pandemic-era regime of border measures will be done away with my some point in 2023. =w=)b. Marufukuro Located in the former HQ of pop culture behemoth Nintendo, this Kyoto hotel is a stylishly renovated property opened in 2022, featuring a suite of exclusive rooms in a richly storied building, with a special whiskey bar and library showcasing the works of Nintendo pre-Super Mario and then through the ages until now. First, theres already the realization that unguided tourslike guided tours before themwill not move the needle on inbound tourism in any meaningful way. We had a nice little community here, and that was greatly appreciated. Were excited about this great (but overdue) news, but also go in knowing that things will be different, in ways both good and bad. And indeed, there was nothing today, either, or even this year so far because at last the Japan we loved, the Japan that rejected us against sense, science and reason, has finally provided a sensible, responsible option for people like us to enter the country, which was all we ever asked for in the first place. Im happy that I soon wont be needing to lurk this site on a daily basis as I have for the last countless months, but will always look back on this unexpected place of community fondly. The Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) loophole has long been used by foreign teenagers who hope to work in the nation's fast-growing child workforce, jobs . Both of these statements are reassuring given the current border closures, and indicate that Japan will unwind its travel ban in months, not years. 2023 Yosemite Firefall Viewing Guide: Best Dates, Reservations Info & Face Masks in Japan: Rules v. Reality (2023), Please subscribe to our FREE email newsletter, Japan Fall Colors Forecast & Autumn Foliage Viewing Guide, Tokyo Disneyland 40th Anniversary 'Dream-Go-Round' Details, New Parade & Japan Reopening Disney Tourist Blog The KKK News. Will be heading back again in a couple of weeks. That's a hardship for the many. This time, instead of Black Ships, the. May 18 - Japan is Reopening for Tourism to 4 Countries on May-end On Tuesday, May 17, government officials announced that Japan will accept some tourists from the U.S., Australia, Thailand, and Singapore on a trial basis starting at the end of this month. We know there are a lot of people overseas who want to come to Japan, Kihara added. Oct 19, 2022 SHARE Not since 1853, when U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry forced Japan to open its borders to trade, has a reopening been so newsworthy. This will save you significant money on accommodations, attractions, temples, groceries, transportation, and even Michelin-rated restaurants! 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. Reopening to individual tourists in October presents minimal (political) risk and maximum (economic) upside. More information can be found here . Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the news in September at a press conference. As of 2022 it features a recently renovated hotel area and local market, as well as a marine leisure area and an exclusive seafood restaurant located on a long pier into the ocean, flanked by infinity pools. 2 days agoJapan on Monday reported 95916 new coronavirus cases. As for you, Tom Id buy you a round at my favourite izakaya if I could! The Tokyo Olympics briefly saw Japan reopen its borders to the world (a year later than planned) in 2021, amid the onset of the pandemic, but just three months after the closing ceremony Prime Minister Fumio Kishida banned all incoming foreign travellers in a bid to prevent the spread of omicron. 01:51 . We eagerly await your arrival!. Or, that this barrier does still exist and Japan will have to create a solution for it (travel insurance?) This is specifically forunguided tour groups or non-escorted visitors on package tours andnotindividual tourists. TOKYO, Japan - Japan plans to ease COVID 19-related border restrictions by lifting its entry ban for foreign nationals from 106 countries including the United States, Britain and France on . Prefer a couple of nights in a location rather than one night stays, possibly use a location as a central point for a couple of stays 3. (With the possible workaround of travel insurance or some other awkward fix.). Required fields are marked *, Free Money-Saving eBook & Japan Email Updates, https://www.travelcaffeine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/mount-fuji-sunrise-field-autumn-foliage-japan-bricker.jpg, https://www.travelcaffeine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/travel-caffeine-new-logo-2.jpg, Is Japan Open to Tourists? Finally, Japan will reopen the border. It now appears that the time is hereor coming very soon. Japans economy has serious issues and inbound tourism was previously a bright spot. Additionally, the Japan National Tourism Organization has set 2024 as its goal for recovering to 2019 international travel levels. 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. 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. Reuters provides business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, the world's media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers. To differentiate the two, Ill also allow for a middle ground possibility of a bifurcated decision with the individual tourist reopening a few weeks after the entry cap elimination. I am so glad that our community died, and that all of us who were trapped in this purgatory for so long have finally been able to resume our travels, adventures and lifestyles. Who is currently allowed to travel to Japan? Under the current COVID-19 border restrictions, foreign tourists need to obtain a short-term visa and prepare their flights, itinerary, accommodation, and car rentals ahead of time through a. The government is planning to submit a bill in October, which could give accommodation operators more authority to impose these types of infection control measures. Thats all we need, more authority (power), given to an already power drunk country, to impose more measures on us tourists. 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. 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. Still, Wanping Aw, CEO of the Tokyo-based travel agency Tokudaw said her company saw a large uptick in business after Japan reopened its borders in June with 50% of enquires and bookings . 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. At that time, it was unclear whether unguided tourists would be allowed to enter. Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. 32 last-minute Valentine's Day 2023 gifts . Thats the sharpest fall on record according to the Japan Tourism Agency. In terms of the latest news, the current vaccine and testing policies are likely to end on May 8, 2023. Economic migrants are sending more teenagers and children into the United States via a much-traveled loophole in President Joe Biden's much-touted border curbs. From September 7, 2022, the country plans to drop pre-departure testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers (including one booster dose). As weve stressed repeatedly, Japans populace has been among the most cautious in the world with regard to COVID-19. -. Japan is open to travel. What follows is based on that research and fixation with the on-the-ground situation in Japan. For now, direct flights from China can only land at the Narita, Haneda, Kansai and Chubu airports. Does that mean it will be as easy to visit now as it was pre-pandemic?