japan tourist visa october 2022

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• Japan to Welcome International Visitors Beginning October 11

The Government of Japan announced a policy of resuming entry by individual travelers for tourism purposes beginning on October 11. JNTO looks forward to welcoming individual inbound travelers back to Japan with the long-awaited lifting of entry restrictions. The resumption of individual travel to Japan and visa waivers, and the elimination of the daily arrival cap will allow international visitors to enjoy Japan in more ways than in the past two-and-a-half years.

These measures are long-awaited news for tourists around the world who have been looking forward to visiting Japan. We are eager to welcome you back!

【Remarks by JNTO President SEINO Satoshi】 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. I am incredibly pleased to finally welcome back individual travelers after coping with the pandemic during a wait of two-and-a-half years.

In response to the announcement, JNTO will be doing everything we can to provide you with the latest information on coming to Japan so that many tourists can visit and journey throughout our country.

So you can do more than take in Japan's captivating culture, history, nature, and cuisine, we are also working hard on projects for sustainable tourism, adventure travel, and luxury travel. Japan is a highly attractive country not only for tourism, but also for international conferences and incentive travel. With the relaxed travel measures, Japan is fully prepared to host these events.

Along with reveling in the many ways to take in the allures across Japan, now is a time when international visitors can take advantage of shopping opportunities.

Japan has been busy over the past two-and-a-half years with preparations to welcome back everyone. Come see the new Japan. We eagerly await your arrival!

Reference: Check these resources for more information. - Entry and Quarantine (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) - Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

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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

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

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6 questions travelers need to ask before visiting Japan this year

Oct 5, 2022 • 5 min read

Unrestricted international tourism is returning to Japan on October 11 © Getty Images

On October 11,  Japan will finally open its doors to independent travel following more than two years of some of the world’s toughest border restrictions. The country is also bringing back visa-free entry for visitors from more than 60 countries.

Does that mean it will be as easy to visit now as it was pre-pandemic? Sort of. There are still some pandemic-era rules in place, and you might find that locals are still taking many precautions against the virus compared to other nations. Yet at the same time, there’s much excitement on the ground about the return of international tourism, with Japan gearing up to welcome visitors back with exciting new attractions and events.

Eating on trains, embracing bidets and more tips for your Japan trip

1. Do I need to pack a mask?

Yes. Face masks have been a norm in Japan since before the pandemic. People often wear them year-round to protect their lungs from air pollution and to protect themselves and others from viruses, infections and allergens. While Japan has no official mask mandate in place, you’ll find that many businesses still require people to wear one indoors; you’ll also see people with a mask while on a bus, train or taxi, or in any sort of crowded indoor environment. They’re an everyday item for many, and it wouldn’t hurt to have one in your bag or pocket at all times. If you forget to pack one, it’s easy enough to find a surgical-style disposable face mask in airports and pharmacies all over Japan.

2. Have I checked which entry rules apply to me?

Japan has a color-coded classification entry scheme for all countries, which will continue even after travel rules ease on October 11. The system sets out distinct rules depending on what country you’re entering Japan from. Travelers coming from a “blue” country – a list that currently includes the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, Mexico, Thailand and many EU nations – no longer have to quarantine and have the option to show proof of vaccination or negative test results before traveling. Travelers from “yellow” and “red” countries are subject to additional entry requirements, such as testing upon arrival and quarantine. You can view the complete list of countries and categories  here .

The 10 most spectacular road trips in Japan

3. Have I downloaded the MySOS app?

MySOS is a smartphone app (available for Android and iOS ) that’s used to record your vaccine and health information for entry into Japan. It should help you get through airport security checks more quickly by being a one-stop shop for all of your essential documents. If you’re traveling with kids, their relevant information can be stored in your MySOS app, too.

4. Do I need to apply for a visa?

Japan will reinstate visa-free travel on October 11 for travelers from more than 68 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Singapore, Thailand and more . If a passport holder a country on the visa-waiver list, you won’t need a visa to travel to Japan if you’re staying for less than 90 days.

The ultimate guide to karaoke in Japan

5. Should I reserve restaurants and museums in advance?

Japan has some of the most sophisticated, creative and celebrated restaurants on the planet. And for many travelers, its cuisine is one of Japan's biggest draws. Getting a table at the top spots has always been a challenge in the capital  Tokyo  (whether it's  Kozue for seafood, Tamawarai for soba, or the two-star Michelin Den , you generally need to express your interest well before showing up), and in cities like  Kyoto  and Osaka  – but since the pandemic, most restaurants across the country require advance reservation, a rule that hasn’t gone away even as the government relaxes its response to the pandemic.

Museums also have new entry systems in place as well, and you’ll likely need to book your spot before showing up. Check the website of the museum you wish to visit ahead of your trip to secure your preferred date and time.

8 unique places to stay in Tokyo

6. What new attractions can I add to my Japan itinerary?

Theme Parks

It feels like there’s always something exciting brewing in Japan. While the pandemic may have paused momentum, it’s now full speed ahead for the opening of some much-anticipated new attractions. After the world's first Super Nintendo World opened in Osaka during the pandemic, the next big thing is  Ghibli Park , a theme park based on the works of animation legend Hayao Miyazaki set to open in Aichi Prefecture on November 1. Unlike traditional theme parks, you won’t find rides here: instead, you’ll walk through the dreamy, watercolor-style landscapes and architecture from Ghibli movies like My Neighbor Totoro and Howl's Moving Castle .

Earlier this year, Ishikawa’s New Prefectural Library opened, featuring 300,000 open stacks of books (and the capacity for two million). It’s quickly become a magnet for anyone who loves books, crafts, art and history, and anyone with even a passing interest in cutting-edge architecture. The building’s exterior resembles the pages of a book being turned, while inside you’ll find craftworks by Ishikawa’s master artisans.

Trying the traditional crafts of Ishikawa prefecture

Now that borders are open you can visit a new UNESCO site in northern Japan, open since May 2021. The Jomon Prehistoric Sites  collectively form a Cultural Heritage Site, at which you’ll learn about the culture of the indigenous Jōmon people across 17 archaeological areas. 

Bullet Trains

Japan’s public transport system is among the best in the world, its jewel the high-tech, high-speed bullet-train network, which is continuously expanding. If you want to test a new route on your travels, the Nishi- Kyūshū line opened in September, taking passengers on a 41-mile journey between the famous hot spring town of Takeo Onsen in the northwest and the city of Nagasaki (gateway to the Gotō Islands) in just 23 minutes.

Japan's best food and drink experiences

If you’re in Tokyo, check out Okushibu,   the Japanese nickname for “Deep Shibuya.” This once well-kept secret within the shopping district of Shibuya  has now become a go-to zone for late-night cafe culture, as well as some really unique and creative restaurants. Okushibu runs parallel to the new rooftop Miyashita Park , and you can stay in the heart of the action when the new Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park opens in 2023. Expect a rooftop infinity pool with views across the park – and the city.

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Multiple Entry Visa (for nationals of visa exemption countries/regions)

Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for re-entry cases. Meanwhile, the visa exemption measures for passport holders of countries/regions eligible to visa exemption will be resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

[For entrants until October 10, 2022]

Currently, all foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa before entering the country except for those with re-entry permit. Nationals of visa exemption countries/regions that are currently under temporary suspension will be able to apply for a multiple-entry short-term stay visa for the purposes of business affairs, etc (Note) and for the spouse or child of a Japanese national from September 7.

Target group

• Nationals of visa exemption countries/regions

Types of Visa

Multiple entry short-term stay visa with validity of 1 year and maximum stay of 90 days at a time (business affairs, etc., spouse or child of a Japanese national)

(Note) In some cases, single-entry visa may be issued after examination.

Documents required for application

Business, etc..

• (1) Visa application form
• (2) Passport
• (3) Photograph
• (4) Certificate issued by the ERFS (the one with "Your intention of applying for Multiple Entry Visa" item marked "desired")

Spouse or child of a Japanese national

• (4) Documents certifying that the applicant is a spouse or child of a Japanese national

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All you need to know about entering, leaving and staying in Japan

Any foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, and all visitors must comply with the conditions of their visas.

See below for information about the current visa requirements for Japan.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Enjoy the Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Japan

Japan introduced a new visa program specifically for "digital nomads" -international remote workers who are attracting worldwide attention.

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Japan set to waive some visa requirements in October to boost tourism- Nikkei

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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.

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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.

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Japan will fully reopen to travellers in October — here's what you need to know

According to prime minister fumio kishida, individual tourists can soon visit without tough restrictions.

Tourists will soon be able to explore the alleyways of Kyoto, Japan, without restriction. The country's prime minister announced travel rules will change in October. Photo: Andre Benz / Unsplash

As one of the countries with the most stringent pandemic-related restrictions, Japan is finally opening up to mass tourism again.

After more than two years, tourists will be allowed back from October 11.

Most of the country's entry restrictions will be eased, including a daily passenger cap on visitor numbers.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently announced the update while in New York, saying: “Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the US.”

An official update has yet to be posted by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which governs entry requirements.

Under the proposed rule change, some travellers will once again be able to visit Japan under its visa-exemption service, which was paused during the global pandemic.

Japan has been prising its borders open since June.

It first reopened to those in trial groups and then extended this to organised tour groups . Since September 11, tourists have been able to visit if they booked trips through a travel agent.

But the strict measures have kept the country’s tourist numbers down.

In August, 169,000 people travelled to Japan from overseas, down 93 per cent when compared to pre-pandemic visitor data.

From next month, tourism authorities will be hoping those figures reverse, as individual tourists should once again be able to explore Tokyo’s neon-lined streets, Kyoto’s ancient geishas and Nara’s deer-filled temples.

If you’ve been waiting to visit, here’s what you need to know.

What rules are changing for travellers flying to Japan?

The time has finally come to make those Japan travel dreams a reality as Japan is reinstating pre-COVID-19 exemptions for short-term visitors to enter the country without a visa from Oct. 11th, including individual tourists and group travelers! #VisitJapan pic.twitter.com/gKs3Xhfdrk — Visit Japan (@Visit_Japan) September 22, 2022

If the prime minister’s announcement is followed, then from October 11, individual tourists will once again be able to travel to Japan.

This means that people can book their own flights, accommodation and experiences, without having to go through a travel agent, which was the previous rule.

A daily cap on arriving visitors will also be abolished. It’s currently set at 50,000 per day but will be removed completely on October 11.

And, while the Japan National Tourism Organisation has shared the latest update on Twitter, tourists should wait for official details from authorities before booking trips.

Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Japan?

To visit Japan, travellers must be triple vaccinated with an approved brand, or have a PCR test showing a negative result and be taken no more than 72 hours before flight departure times. All visitors must also sign a pledge to abide by Japanese rules on Covid measures in place in the country.

Can travellers visit Japan from any country?

Japan currently operates a red, yellow and blue traffic light system and there’s been no news on whether this will change.

At present, travellers arriving from the blue list are able to visit without quarantine or tests on arrival. Yellow list travellers only need to do tests on arrival if they do not have a vaccine certificate, while all arrivals from red-listed countries must test on arrival.

Will I still have to book my entire itinerary through an agent or travel with a group?

No, under the proposed new rules, travellers would be able to make their own plans on their own timelines.

This includes booking accommodation, transport and excursions. It also adds flexibility as previously those visiting on a pre-booked trip were not able to add any new activities or excursions to their agenda once it had been approved for travel.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

As part of the changes, Japan is planning to reinstate pre-coronavirus 19 exemptions for short-term visitors to enter the country without a visa from October 11.

The exemption applies to travellers from more than 60 countries who will soon be able to travel freely to Japan for tourism.

Is this a good time to visit Japan?

October is a great time of the year to travel to Japan as the country glows with autumn foliage and the weather cools down after the heat of summer.

This reopening to mass tourism also looks to coincide with the yen slipping to its lowest levels against the dollar in more than two decades, making Japan a more affordable destination for a holiday.

How to Travel in Japan as a Tourist Since June 2022

Updated with september 7’s measures.

Tourists have been allowed again in Japan since June 10, but under very specific conditions.

Given Japan’s poor communication and the last months’ ever-changing requirements, it seems that the gradual tourism resumption framework is somehow unclear or blurred by older measures. We thus summarized what travelers need to know to take a trip in Japan this summer 2022 and after, under the current requirements.

Students, businesspeople and residents’ relatives whose situations fall under other requirements since March are out of the scope of this article that will only focus on tourists.

📝 General requirements

During his visit in London in early May , Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promised the reopening of the borders in line with the other G7 countries for June.

Technically, tourists are indeed allowed entry to Japan, but there are specific requirements as explained below:

🛃 Daily entry cap

Since September 7, the daily entry cap in Japan has been raised to 50,000 (it gradually raised since early 2022 in a trend that is expected to continue).

However, it is not really something to worry about .

The limit is indeed on the number of slots allotted to the airlines landing every day in the archipelago. If you bought a flight  ✈️ to Japan, you may land anyway .

That is to say, provided you can find an affordable flight this summer, given the lengthening of flight duration consequence of the war in Ukraine, the flaring up of the kerosene prices due to the worldwide inflation, the staff shortage…and strikes that may occasionally disturb the beginning of the vacations’ period.

📄 Getting a tourist visa

Since March 2020, touristic trips reciprocity in the visa waiver program agreements with several countries in the world has been suspended by Japan, something that the European Union has been recently holding against the country. Even so, Japan resumed visa issuance for tourism purpose from 2022, June 10.

However, a travel agency based in Japan must act as a sponsor for any touristic trip . The agency must declare each of their travelers beforehand through the Japanese immigration’s ERFS system, in order to get a PDF authorization called " UketsukeZumisho ".

Then, prospective travelers must go - generally in person – to their nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate with the following documents to apply for a visa:

• This filled-in form ;
• An ID photo ;
• Their passport;
• The " UketsukeZumisho " authorization received from the travel agency;
• Cash to pay the visa fee; and,
• A lot of patience (the wait can last several hours even with an appointment).

They must make sure to book their appointment at the embassy leaving enough leeway to complete the whole process.

Naturally, the documents list is non-exhaustive and details for application are to be checked with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your area. Make sure to book your appointment as soon as possible as the earliest date available may be scheduled several weeks later.

Afterwards, the passport stamped with a tourist visa is usually returned in about 5 working days (timelines may vary depending on the area).

🏥 Health insurance

Travelers must subscribe to their own health insurance that must cover medical costs in case of hospitalization due to a severe form of Coronavirus  🦠 .

Many clients who pay at least a part of their reservation with a bank card  💳 (especially the "Gold" or "Premier" holders) may already have such a coverage, but each traveler is advised to check the conditions of their insurance contract.

If not covered, subscribing to a third-party insurance is mandatory and fortunately not that expensive. Kanpai suggests several reliable companies here:

👃 PCR test before departure

In the same way as to travel in many other countries in the world, it is still mandatory for travelers aged 6 years and older to get a negative Covid test before departure , regardless of their vaccination status. The test must be made at the earliest 72 hours before the departure of the flight for Japan .

Important notice : you must fill in this specific certificate and submit it to the Japanese immigration (a physician’s signature or a laboratory stamp are not necessary anymore to validate it).

The PCR test is not required anymore since September 7th to flight to Japan, but only for travelers who received their three vaccine doses (being infected with Covid is not considered being vaccinated). The authorized vaccines are:

• Comirnaty (Pfizer)
• Spikevax (Moderna)
• Vaxzeveria (AstraZeneca)
• Jcovden (Janssen)
• Nuvaxovid (Novavax)
• Covaxin (Bharat Biotech)

💉 No mandatory vaccine or quarantine

Japan includes the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom (98 countries in total) in its blue countries list. Therefore, travelers who stayed in these countries during the 14 days-period prior to their arrival on the archipelago do not need to be vaccinated to enter the country (see the PCR test information above). Moreover, they don’t need to be quarantined .

If your country happened to be downgraded to the yellow countries list (which is not impossible considering the recent BA4/BA5 variants wave, even if Portugal went through it without being demoted from the blue countries), only triple-vaccinated travelers would be exempted of quarantine . For the others, 3 to 7 5 days of isolation in a hotel  🏨 could be required depending on the results of a PCR test after 3 days.

📲 App to download

Each traveler arriving in Japan must have their own smartphone  📱 and download the Japanese government’s app " MySOS " .

The " Fast Track " system has the additional advantage to fill personal information beforehand in MySOS such as:

• Passport number;
• Vaccination certificate, and more importantly;
• A negative test certificate.

It helps save time with the arrival procedures at the airport: Tokyo -Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Nagoya - Chubu , Osaka - Kansai , Fukuoka , and recently Naha ( Okinawa ), Sapporo New Chitose ( Hokkaido ), Sendai, Hiroshima and Takamatsu.

The renting of a Pocket Wi-Fi to be permanently connected to the internet  📶 in Japan is all the more necessary.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Group Individual travel

That is the most confusing point. From May 24 to June 4, the Japanese government conducted test package-group tours from various countries, but this test period is now over.

There is no limit (minimum or maximum) anymore regarding the number of travelers : you can travel alone, in couple, with family or friends, regardless of the number of travelers.

Entering a package group tour is not mandatory ! Some travel agencies may offer this kind of service to compensate for the shortage of guides or to make the cost of the guide more affordable (see below) but it is not a condition required by the Japanese government.

🚶 Planned itinerary

Your trip must, to a certain extent, be planned and organized by a travel agency . While travelers could book their flights and hotels themselves between June 10 and September 7, it is now required to go through a travel agency (staying at relatives’ homes is therefore not possible).

Moreover, the whole country is accessible to sightseeing and there is no longer any prefecture restriction, and you can naturally benefit from the famous JR Pass to travel in Japan at an affordable price.

The itinerary is not planned with compulsory visits or schedules to follow! If a travel agency tries to impose such travel and if it does not suit you, feel free to check other travel agents.

😷 Face mask and sanitary guidelines

While wearing a face mask  😷 outdoor is not recommended anymore in Japan since May 14, most of the Japanese population is still wearing it.

As for tourists, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization and Health Minister's guidelines , the mask must always be worn indoor (unless you can keep your distances and do not need to speak!) and outdoor only if you need to speak to someone standing within a 2 meters radius.

Of course, travelers must respect all the other sanitary recommendations (such as washing hands frequently and keeping social distance). It is also recommended to avoid places that are too crowded and the rush hours in transports and restaurants.

🙇🏻 Mandatory guide (only from June 10 to September 7)

In addition to providing the authorization for requesting a tourist visa (see above), the Japanese travel agency is the guarantor of your abiding to these guidelines.

Consequently, at the resuming of international travel, each "group" (from 1 traveler) had to be permanently escorted by a tour-guide , including during meals. Its means there was no leeway for an autonomous trip , except in the hotel room, toilets  🚽 (naturally), and at the onsen   ♨️ .

The guide had to keep records of the visits, transports and restaurants used every day may the Japanese immigration request a reporting in the event of a Covid case.

Naturally, this responsibility and the large working hours of the guide (without any day-off) generated very expensive rates , usually amounting to several hundred dollars per day.

Considering their very limited number, few guides are still available, especially for the traditional touristic peak season.

🗾 When will these restrictions end?

That is THE question in everybody’s mind… to which nobody can answer yet . It is very difficult to find any logic in the decision-making process when taking into account the choices made over the past 2 years.

July 10th’s parliamentary elections are likely key to the evolution of the situation, but it is unrealistic to expect any easing for the next weeks to come.

Want to know when Japan will reopen its borders to free individual travelers? Subscribe to Kanpai’s Newsletter and get information on real time:

It is highly probable that the system implemented on June 10th, and modified on September 7th, will stay in place for quite some time . Travel restrictions are gradually eased but no one knows when they will be totally lifted, or which ones will remain, especially the visa and planning with a travel agency requirements.

Depending on the evolution of the sanitary, economic and diplomatic conditions as well as domestic and international pressures, an easing can reasonably be envisioned by the end of 2022.

In the week following the implementation of these measures, only 1,300 authorization requests were made to the Japanese immigration. Many agencies have been taken aback and have been gradually organizing the trips for summer and autumn   🍁 .

Later, the number of 252 entries in Japan for sightseeing purpose between June 10 and 30 was disclosed, 7,903 in July, and 10.826 in August . About 20,000 tourism visa applications have been made for September, and nearly 36,000 for October and later. The top 5 of tourist visa applicants includes South Korea, the United States, Thailand, France, and Australia.

Anyone is free to enjoy this possibility to go (again) to Japan after 30 months of complete closure to tourism, or to wait without knowing until when these restrictions will last.

What is certain however, is that those who have the motivation and the budget to travel in the next months will both benefit from a historically low Yen  💴 (and consequently a high purchase power in Japan, that partially compensates the additional cost for the guide) and a travel exclusivity that will not happen again anytime soon!

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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.

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Japan Tourist Visa Rule Update - After October 11th 2022

by GoWithGuide travel specialist: Gowithguide travel specialist O.

Travel Tips

Regarding entry from October 11th, 2022; * Travelers from select countries will no longer be required to obtain tourist visas in order to enter Japan. * Please check the list of countries that will be eligible for visa exemption using the list below:

Japan Exemption of Visa

For other countries, please refer to the embassy/consulate of your country. (Last Updated: October 6th, 2022)

Please visit this updated FAQ page:

FAQ - Obtaining a Japan Tourist Visa

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Now that travel is back open, why not book a tour with one of our Japan guides? The best way to arrange your tour is to contact one of our guides directly. Check out guide profiles from the area pages below. Tokyo Tour Guide Kyoto Tour Guide Osaka Tour Guide

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Hi, my name is Arnold and I love meeting new people. I have been living in Tokyo for over 9 years and I believe I know the place well enough to provide a fun tour. It will be my pleasure to help you enjoy your stay in Japan. I can speak English, Chinese and Japanese, so feel free to talk to me in any language that you feel comfortable with. I was once a tourist myself, so I believe I can provide the best tour experience from a tourist's perspective. Let me know your interests and I will make the best tour for you. Hope to see you soon! 嗨，我的名字是阿諾，我喜歡結識新朋友。我在東京生活了9年多，我相信我足以提供您一個有趣的日本之旅。我很樂意幫助您享受在日本的旅遊，所以如果有任何需求請盡量告訴我。我會說英語，中文和日語，所以請隨意用任何你覺得舒服的語言與我交談。作為一個生活在日本的外國人，我自己也曾經是一名遊客，所以我相信我可以從遊客的角度提供最好的旅遊體驗。請讓我知道您的興趣，我會為您規劃最好的行程。希望能與您早日見面！                                                                                                                                  

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Japan set to lift visa requirements and daily arrival cap from October

Japan is expected to lift its visa requirements for tourists and remove the daily arrival cap from October, as it prepares for year-end visitors.

Earlier this week came news that Japan could lift its remaining restrictions on tourism, with a potential implementation date from October 2022 . This would involve removing the daily arrival cap, scrapping mandatory tourist visas, and allowing independent travel to resume. 

It looks like things are shaping up nicely indeed, with media reports that the daily arrival cap and visa requirement will soon be gone. 

Japan to scrap daily arrival cap and visa requirement

As per a report in Nikkei (paywalled, you can also read it on Straits Times ), Japan is expected to scrap its daily arrival cap and restore its visa waiver programme imminently. 

For context, Japan currently enforces a daily entry cap of 50,000 people , which was recently increased from 20,000. This isn’t a dedicated cap for tourists; it includes all types of travellers, even Japanese nationals. In any case, it’s safe to say that tourists aren’t putting much pressure on this cap, given the onerous requirements imposed on their visits. 

Another major barrier to travel is the mandatory visa requirement for tourists. Before the arrangement was suspended due to COVID-19, Japan allowed nationals from the following 68 countries and regions to visit for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. 

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to announce the removal of the arrival cap and restoration of visa-free travel in the coming days.

What’s not been explicitly stated is whether independent travel will be permitted, but the smart money points to yes. After all, the whole purpose of requiring a visa was so that travellers’ profiles and itineraries could be vetted. This task was outsourced to an approved tour agency, who would issue the ERFS required for a visa application. 

But if visas are no longer necessary, it seems that it would be a lot harder logistically to enforce the tour package rule. Stranger things have happened, I suppose, but I’d be very surprised if independent travel did not resume at the same time as the lifting of visa requirements. 

What are travel requirements expected to look like?

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

Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccinations are not recognised. Travellers who have received such vaccinations are still required to produce a negative pre-departure PCR test result, taken within 72 hours of travel.

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.

Japan looks set to scrap its daily arrival cap and visa requirement in the next few days, which would almost certainly mean that year-end travel is back on the cards. 

The airlines have been expecting this for a while now; Scoot plans to resume daily services to Sapporo from November, and Singapore Airlines is currently due to increase Haneda flights to 2x daily from November as well.

Fingers crossed!

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Checking of vaccination status by the airport airline staff again?

How about Philippines ? why other Asian Countries are Visa Free! why not Philippines too? how about individual travellers that dont need package tour and guide,because we live in Japan before as a resident and have a place to stay and family friends to visit especially in Tokyo that i always do visit almost 3x a year and do 90 days stay,,

Pre-covid, PH were not visa exempted. I doubt that will change

What about children who are not vaccinated?

Just need to do PCR if kids are not fully vaxxed.

Crossing fingers that they also lift the suspension of all short stay visas issued before 2020… I still have one year left on my multiple entry visa (two years eaten by pandemic ban)

what if booster shots are pfizer and moderna but first two shots are sinovac, is pre departure test still required?

per my understanding all 3 must be recognised vaccines.

Can you read? 3 shots of those vaccines. You’ve had 2. What do you think?

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Japan set to resume visa-free tourist travel in October

A view of the domestic departure lobby of Tokyo’s Haneda airport on July 25, 2020. AFP FILE PHOTO

TOKYO – Japan is expected to lift a ban on individual tourist visa requirements and remove a limit on daily arrivals in October, as it aims to benefit from a rebound in global tourism, Nikkei reported Thursday.

Following the change, Japan will not require visas for short-term travelers from the United States and certain other countries, and will scrap the daily entry cap of 50,000 people, the media outlet said.

ST understands that Singapore will be one of the countries where tourists will not be required to have a visa to enter Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to announce the changes in the coming days, the report said.

With the yen languishing near a 24-year low against the dollar, owing to a hawkish US Federal Reserve, the Japanese government could benefit from capitalizing on the increased buying power of tourists by easing travel requirements, the report added.

Japan last week raised the daily ceiling of inbound travelers to 50,000 from 20,000. It eliminated a requirement for pre-departure Covid-19 tests, easing what has been among the most restrictive border measures among major economies.

Before the pandemic, Japan did not require tourist visas for 68 countries and regions.

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