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HACHINOHE, Japan -- The city of Hachinohe, less than three hours north of Tokyo by bullet train, has plenty for visitors to explore.

Old alleyways are packed with cozy bars and restaurants. Meadows overlook the rugged Pacific shoreline. A hilltop Shinto shrine sits in the middle of a breeding ground for thousands of black-tailed gulls.

Visitors to Japan decrease even after reopening to tourists

Japan's tourism reboot begins with a whimper, as tourists return, japan looks to open doors even more, as borders reopen, is japan ready for tourism's pitfalls, japan gets more than it bargained for with tourist boom, japan needs to switch to sustainable tourism from numbers game, asean tourism on the road to business as usual, cambodia, vietnam top covid recovery index as asia fears new waves, kishida vows to 'build on abe's accomplishments' after election win, latest on asia insight, lawrence wong, singapore's next pm, seeks growth in 'troubled world', china's gen z turns frugal as economy doubts linger, japan's expo 2025: osaka triumph or billion-dollar folly, sponsored content, about sponsored content this content was commissioned by nikkei's global business bureau..

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Post-pandemic Japan: everything you need to know about border measures, masks and more

Covid-19 has been downgraded to the same level as the seasonal flu in Japan's latest policy change

Just over a week after dropping its Covid-19 border control measures , Japan has now officially downgraded the status of the coronavirus. As reported by The Japan Times , Covid-19 is now classified at the same level as the seasonal flu. This change came into effect today,  Monday May 8 .

Previously, Covid-19 was listed as Class 2 under the Infectious Diseases Control Law, putting it at the same level as serious diseases like tuberculosis and Sars. But Covid-19 has now been downgraded to Class 5, alongside illnesses such as influenza and measles. This policy change is the latest move in Japan’s post-pandemic return to normalcy, with Covid-19 no longer considered a global health emergency by the World Health Organization. 

Wondering if you still have to quarantine and mask up in Japan? Here’s everything you need to know about the latest policy change.

Covid-19 prevention measures

Under the new classification, the government can no longer order mandatory hospitalisation and quarantine for Covid-19 cases. Additionally, the government is unable to declare a state of emergency or quasi-state of emergency to restrict events and business operations. 

Anti-infection measures will be left to individuals and businesses. However, the government has suggested that people with symptoms still refrain from going out for five days. If you are still feeling unwell after five days, the advice is to wait until symptoms subside. 

Japan  lifted its rules on wearing face masks on March 13 2023, leaving the decision up to individuals.

Border control measures

Japan dropped its Covid-19 border control measures on April 29 2023. This means travellers entering Japan are no longer required to present proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test taken 72 hours before departure.

Hospitalisation

During the pandemic, most Covid-19 care was covered by the government. However, the reclassification of the virus means patients will have to pay between ten and 30 percent of the care costs under the national health insurance system. To help ease the country into this change, the government will still cover the cost of Covid-19 drugs and subsidise hospitalisation until the end of September 2023.

Vaccinations

According to Kyodo News , Japan will continue to offer free vaccinations until the end of March 2024. A new booster rollout has begun as of Monday May 8 and will be followed up by another this coming autumn.

Covid-19 infection numbers

Instead of reporting the daily number of new Covid-19 infections, the government will be asking for weekly tallies of new cases from about 5,000 hospitals and clinics around the country. 

Schools will now ask students to return to classes five days after symptoms are detected or one day after they have recovered. Daily temperature checks will no longer be required.

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• Post-Covid Travel Guide To Japan

23 Mar 2023

Japan has now finally opened its borders for travellers on June 10, 2022. While groups are allowed to enter the destination, individual travellers yet do not have an entry permit. Check out the comprehensive post-covid travel guide to Japan and enjoy a wonderful vacation.

Japan is a culturally-rich island country lying in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Also known as the “Land of the rising sun”, Japan features nearly 7000 islands, out of which only 416 are inhabited. There are five main islands that captivate vacationers from all across the world, namely Honshū, Hokkaidō, Shikoku, Okinawa Island, and Kyūshū. While being home to beguiling national parks, futuristic skyscrapers, lofty mountains, and sacred shrines, Japan truly deserves to be on your travel bucket list. From the urbanity of Tokyo to the calmness of Okayama, each element of the country is worth experiencing.

Japan banned the entry of most foreign visitors for the last two years as a measure to control the spread of Covid-19. Moreover, no spectators were allowed to attend the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. However, the country relieved the travel ban for business travellers and foreign residents earlier in 2022. Now when Japan is welcoming vacationers, this detailed post-covid travel guide to Japan is all that you need to leaf through.

Japan Travel Advisory during Covid-19

Although Japan has now opened its doors to international travellers after the gradual decrease in Covid-19 cases, the government ministries and authorities have now imposed new restrictions and measures to ensure the safety of travellers as well as locals. Read the below details to know more about the updated guidelines.

• Individuals of 2 years or older should properly wear a well-fitted mask in public spaces.
• Japan has imposed restrictions while classifying countries or regions as Red, Yellow and Blue. Please click here for detailed information.
• Japan is accepting daily arrivals of 20,000.
• The borders are open only for those on group tours and not individual tourists.
• Travellers with a valid vaccination certificate of the doses do not require to go undergo an on-arrival test or home quarantine.
• On-arrival test and 7-day home quarantine or 3-day home quarantine along with a negative Covid-19 test report is mandatory for travellers who do not obtain a valid vaccination certificate.
• Travellers need to apply for a visa, except those who have a re-entry permit. The visa approval procedure may take longer than usual, so plan your holiday accordingly.
• Visas issued by December 2, 2021, are no longer valid, except for those issued for the holders of the status of residence as spouse or child of a Japanese national, spouse or child of a permanent resident” or diplomat.

The vaccination will only be valid if certain criteria are met including:

• The vaccination certificate must be issued by a local government or a medical institution.
• The certificate must clearly indicate that you have received two doses from vaccines including Comirnaty/Pfizer, Vaxzevria/AstraZeneca, Spikevax/Moderna, JACOVDEN/Janssen, COVAXIN/Bharat Biotech, Nuvaxovid/Novavax.
• One dose of JACOVDEN/Janssen is considered equivalent to two doses.
• A mix-and-match of the above vaccines is also considered valid.

A Handy Guide To Cherry Blossom In Japan 2022 For First-Time Visitors

Best Time to Visit

Although Japan is a year-round destination, it receives a huge influx of travellers, especially during Spring i.e. from March to May and Autumn i.e. from September to November. The less rainfall, clear skies, and delightful weather make your outdoor experience quite memorable. The temperature during these months ranges between 7ºC to 20ºC.

How to Reach

The only and the best way to reach Japan is by air. There are numerous connecting as well as direct flights operating from India to Japan. While the direct flight connectivity is only from Delhi, connecting flights are available from major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, etc. The distance between the countries is around 5,968 km and it takes around 5-6 hours to complete the journey. The major airports in Japan are Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport, and Narita International Airport.

13 Incredible Things To Do In Japan In December That All Travelers Must Try

Getting Around

The transportation infrastructure of this island nation is quite extensive. There are several means of transportation in Japan and you can pick any while considering factors like the comfort level, the place you are travelling to, and the duration as well. If you wish to travel between cities, then there’s no better option than the hi-tech Shinkansen trains. For the ones seeking a low-cost alternative to cover long distances, a bus is a great option. Ferries are also a prime form of transportation in Japan to hop on from one island to another. Furthermore, other options like monorail, subway, taxis and even bicycles are also ideal for exploring the tourist attractions.

Places to Visit in Japan during Covid

If you want to witness the best of Japan, you must visit places like Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Mt. Fuji, Hokkaido, and Ishigaki. While Tokyo is famous for its high-rise buildings, Disneyland, and Michelin-starred restaurants, Kyoto takes pride in its bamboo forests, palaces, and over 1600 Buddhist temples coupled with 400 Shinto shrines. Mount Fuji, an active volcano and Japan’s highest mountain is a sacred mountain that captivates several photographers and painters from all across the world.

13 Incredible Things To Do In Winter in Japan On Your Holiday

Things to do in Japan during Covid

Showcasing a perfect amalgamation of traditional and modernism, Japan has a lot to offer when it comes to art, architecture, adventure, music, food, and nature. Here are some of the best experiences you can enjoy especially during Covid times:

• Climb Mt. Fuji which opens from July to early September
• Attend the famous cherry blossom festival that begins around the late Mach and lasts till April
• Watch a Sumo show in Ryogoku
• Explore Japan’s significant history at Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
• Witness the city with a bird’s-eye-view in a 369 ft. tall Tempozan Ferris Wheel
• Witness the charming Geisha and Kabuki dance performances

Accommodation

As of now, there are no restrictions relating to hotels or other accommodation options. Most hotels are now welcoming travellers while paying heed to the sanitisation process and other safety measures. However, it is advisable to pick the hotel that has fully-vaccinated staff, the best hygiene, and post-covid facilities. Don’t forget to carry all your required documents in order to enjoy a smooth stay.

Japan Beats Singapore As Having The World’s Most Powerful Passport!

Restaurants

After the country’s gradual relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, restaurants and cafes are now opening. However, while abiding by protocols and taking strict measures, the restaurants/cafes now have a limit on the number of guests and also on the timings. If you are heading out to have a meal, choose a hotel/cafe that is well-ventilated, has an adequate distance between seats and is not crowded.

What to Pack

Post-Covid travel to Japan requires you to plan your vacation wisely and while doing so, you need to give special attention to what you are packing. Now when you have gone through the detailed post-covid travel guide to Japan , get all the deets on the essentials you need to carry:

• A pocket-friendly and personal sanitiser along with a disinfectant.
• A couple of disposable masks and gloves.
• A mini first-aid kit having all the necessary or general medications.
• Electrical adapter and power bank.
• Appropriate clothes according to the season.
• Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a packet of tissues.

10 Most Alluring Homestays in Japan That Define Japanese Hospitability At Its Best

Post-Covid Travel Guide to Japan: Essential Checklist

Before you head to Japan, have a look at this travel checklist that will help you enjoy a smooth arrival:

• Since Japan is welcoming only vacationers on an approved group tour, ensure to book one well in time.
• Keep your vaccination certificate handy as you would require it to complete the documentation process.
• Make sure to check all the required documents before your flight.
• Carry a hard copy as well as a soft copy of all the required documents.
• The visa application procedures have changed from June 1, 2022. Please check the official. website to learn about the updated procedure.
• Apply for a visa as soon as you plan a trip to Japan and submit all the required documents.
• Cooperate with the authorities upon arrival at the airport.
• Abide by all the japan quarantine rules for foreigners .

Further Travel Tips

Now when you are all set to fly to this spectacular country after going through the detailed post-covid travel guide to Japan , read on some import travel tips quickly:

• Wear a good-quality mask at all times when in a crowd
• Maintain required social distance
• Don’t forget to keep a sanitiser, extra mask, and disposable gloves in your bag
• Avoid public gatherings if possible
• Choose restaurants/cafes that have a proper sanitisation system
• Keep a check on your health every day

See Why Autumn In Japan Is The Best Time To Explore This Paradise

Now when the travel ban in Japan is lifted, it is time to plan a fun-filled vacation to this spectacular country. With this post-covid travel guide to Japan , your journey will surely turn out to be an easeful one. So, check out the best Japan tour packages at TravelTriangle and gear up for a marvellous experience.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions about Post-covid Travel Guide to Japan

Can I visit Japan owing to the current Covid situation?

Yes, Japan is now welcoming vacationers while imposing several strict guidelines. While you plan to travel to this country, make sure to complete your double vaccination with the verified vaccines issued by the Japanese authorities. Also, abide by all the government protocols like wearing a mask when in public, maintaining a required social distance, and more.

What is the ideal month for a Japan trip?

You can plan a holiday to Japan during the peak months that are between March to May and Autumn and September to November. The scenery of Japan becomes impeccable during these months with captivating cherry blossoms and bright red leaves.

Which are the valid vaccines to enter Japan?

As per the latest guidelines, the only valid vaccines to enter the country are Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Janssen, COVAXIN, and Novavax.

Which are the best places to visit in Japan?

Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Mt. Fuji, Hokkaido, Ishigaki, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Osaka, Yakushima, Hakuba, Kamakura, Nagano, Kawaguchi, Takayama, Shibuya, and Naoshima are some of the most popular places in Japan that offers you to witness the best of Japan.

Do I need a vis to enter Japan?

Yes, you need a visa if you are travelling from India to Japan. Since the visa process takes longer time than usual during the Covid situation, it is advisable to apply for the same well in advance.

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Reimagining Japan's post-pandemic tourism industry

International travelers to Japan increased from 8.6 million in 2010 to just shy of 32 million in 2019. Then came 2020. Now, with the pandemic reducing international tourism to near zero, what's next for Japan's travel industry?

In this episode we’ll be discussing what a sustainable future for Japan’s tourism could look like, and whether COVID-19 offers a space to reflect and reimagine the industry, or whether the country will regress to old habits and unsustainable practices as soon as it’s over.

• Foreign visitors drop 99% from year earlier for sixth straight month (The Japan Times)
• Getting the wheels back on Japan's travel industry (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times)
• Tourism's effect on historic cities and sites in focus as global conference kicks off in Kyoto (Eric Johnston, The Japan Times)
• Japan is struggling to deal with the foreign tourism boom (Philip Brasor, The Japan Times)
• Photo Essay: Tokyo without tourists (Oscar Boyd, The Japan Times)
• Pandemic derails Abe's strategy to revive regional Japan with tourism (Reuters)

On this episode:

Alex Kerr: Chiiori Trust | Website

Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram

Finding the Heart Sutra

Alex Kerr's new book "Finding the Heart Sutra" will be published Nov. 26, 2020, by Penguin. This book brings together Buddhist teaching, talks with friends and mentors, and acute cultural insights to probe the universe of thought contained within the "Heart Sutra."

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Japan opens borders to tourists as last pandemic travel restrictions eased

Japan removes strict Covid-19 travel curbs, fuelling hopes a tourist boom will reinvigorate the economy

Japan has fully opened its doors to visitors after more than two years of pandemic isolation.

On Tuesday, the country reinstated visa-free travel to dozens of countries, ending some of world’s strictest Covid-19 border controls. Japan has also lifted the 50,000-person entry cap and ended the requirement for tourists to travel as part of tour groups, Kyodo news agency reported.

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 – but hopes for a tourism boom face tough headwinds: a shortage of hospitality workers, lingering pandemic concerns, and predictions from economists that tourist returns would be gradual.

Kishida said last week the government is aiming to attract 5tn yen ($34.5bn) in annual tourist spending. That goal may be too ambitious for a sector that has withered during the pandemic.

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

Since June, Japan has allowed tourists to visit in groups accompanied by guides, a requirement that was further relaxed to include self-guided package tours.

Just over half a million visitors have come to Japan so far in 2022, compared with a record 31.8 million in 2019.

Arata Sawa is among those eager for the return of foreign visitors, 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.

Flag carrier Japan Airlines Co has seen inbound bookings triple since the border easing announcement, president Yuji Akasaka told Nikkei newspaper last week – but international travel demand won’t fully recover until around 2025.

“I don’t think there’s going to be a sudden return to the pre-pandemic situation,” said Sawato Shindo, president of Amina Collection Co, a 120-shop gift and souvenir chain.

Hopes for tourism’s roaring return are also tempered by a shortage of workers. 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.

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 will 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.

On Friday the government approved changing hotel regulations so that operators can refuse guests who do not obey infection controls during an outbreak.

“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.”

One force that may buoy the return of visitors is the drop of the yen: the yen has weakened sharply against the dollar, giving some visitors much heftier buying power and making Japan attractive to bargain hunters targeting Japan’s electronics, luxury goods and retail districts.

In Tokyo’s Akihabara electronics district, Hideyuki Abe’s shelves filled with watches and souvenirs like samurai swords and toy cats with bobbing heads. Abe employs about 50 people and had resorted to layoffs after the pandemic struck in 2020. Some Akihabara shops have closed down since then, but he bided his time.

“Hanging on is where power lies,” Abe said. “Now, I am a bit worried about a shortage of workers.”

With pandemic restrictions waning and the dollar at a three-decade high of about 145 yen, he believes the tourists will be back.

“This time,” he says, “it’s a perfect opportunity.”

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report

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Coronavirus in Japan: Travel Updates

Last updated: Oct 15th 2022

Follow our latest updates on the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in Japan.

Since October 11th 2022 , Japan has fully reopened its borders to tourists, allowing visa-free, independent travel to Japan once again 🙌

• A visa is no longer required for short stays (up to 90 days).
• It's not necessary to book through a travel agency.
• Daily entry caps have been phased out entirely.

Table of contents

• Travel updates
• Staying safe in Japan: Covid FAQ
• Travel Advisories
• Official resources  

As borders re-open, we'll no longer be updating this page regularly. Always check official venue websites for their latest updates.

Travel Updates

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Borders set to Reopen to Independent Travel

Japan will allow visa-free, independent tourism and abolish daily arrival caps from Oct 11th, announces Prime Minister Kishida. Via Japan Times

Borders open for Tour Groups

Japan's cautious reopening to overseas tourists coincides with strict infection-prevention measures and rules for those hoping to visit Japan. Via Nippon

Temporarily Closed Places in Japan: A-Z Directory

Mazda Museum

The Mazda Museum is currently closed. Tour reservations are also temporarily unavailable. Further updates will be posted to the Mazda Museum official..

Naeba Ski Resort

Robot Restaurant

Temporarily closed until further notice due to coronavirus measures

Toei Animation Museum

Closed temporarily until further notice, as part of nationwide anti-coronavirus measures.

Cancelled events

Covid in japan faq, what precautions work best against coronavirus.

The World Health Organization's advice  is as follows:

• Wash your hands regularly – with soap and warm water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol)
• Maintain social distancing – avoid those who are coughing or sneezing (at least 1m). Some countries are implementing lockdowns and recommending keeping 2m from strangers.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth – potential points of entry for coronavirus particles
• Practice respiratory hygiene – covering your mouth when you cough, and disposing of tissues promptly followed by washing hands.
• Wear a mask – wearing a face covering can help prevent the spread of infection. See their dedicated guidance here on face masks .

Should I wear a mask?

Summary : The WHO  recommends wearing face masks as of June 2020.

If you are travelling in Japan, wearing a face mask in certain contexts (e.g. riding public transport, crowded areas) can be an effective measure as part of a wider strategy against infection/transmission, as per WHO guidelines .

Do I need travel insurance?

Whether you are already in Japan, preparing for a trip, or are planning ahead, we recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance. This is both to insure against the prospect of unforeseen medical expenses if the need arise, but also against changing travel plans as the situation develops.

Note that it is essential to check your home country travel advice  if you plan to travel to Japan. This is to ensure there is no impact on your insurance coverage.

What should I do if concerned by coronavirus in Japan?

Contact JNTO's Visitor Hotline. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operate a 24/7 visitor hotline service, available in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. It can be called for assistance in case of accidents or emergencies relating to the coronavirus:

• From Japan 050-3816-2787
• From Overseas +81-50-3816-2787

What should I do if I feel sick?

If you are feeling unwell, please consult the following:

• List of medical institutions with foreign-language services  (English),
• The JNTO Hotline: 050-3816-2787

Can tourists enter Japan?

As of Oct 11th 2022, visitors can now enter Japan visa-free for short-term stays (up to 90 days).

Official Japan travel advisories

Please consult these official advisories from countries overseas to gauge the current advice on travelling overseas at this time.

Official resources

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COVID-19 Health & Safety Information

Please note this page is no longer being updated..

For the latest information on entry to Japan, please visit the following page:  COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan

Information on the easing of travel restrictions to Japan (as of 11 November 2022)

*For passport holders from other countries, please see the links below for the Embassies and Consulates-General of Japan for more information.

PCR tests or quarantine on arrival are not required, regardless of vaccination status. For more information on the process and entry requirements, refer to the below image or visit  this page  to view the information in checklist form. 

Process Map

Useful Resources

Au / nz government travel advisories , visit japan / jnto sites .

The  Coronavirus travel restrictions page  is a travel advisory updated regularly in line with the official information provided by the Government of Japan.

COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan is an information page built to help travellers plan a safe trip around Japan.

See specific measures taken by Japanese organisations below.

Airlines & Airports

The ANA Care Promise set of health and safety initiatives has been awarded a 5-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating from SKYTRAX, the highest possible rating, and one that only a few airlines worldwide has achieved.

The JAL FlySafe set of health and safety initiatives has been recognised by Skytrax with a 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating, along with a Diamond Certification by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying.

Haneda Airport’s webpage includes information on how to use airport facilities safely and measures to prevent the spread of infection, especially in regards to the 3 Cs: closed spaces, crowded spaces, close-contact settings.

Narita Airport has implemented nine key initiatives to prevent the spread of infection including the installation of transparent barriers, ensuring optimum air ventilation and stringent cleaning practices.

Kansai International Airport has a number initiatives in place to prevent the spread of infection including the use of thermographic cameras, increased cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and social distancing measures.

Railway Companies

Japan has an expansive railway network that is owned and operated by many companies.  Japan Railways (JR) is the most well-known thanks to the popular  JR Pass  and high-speed shinkansen (bullet trains). Its vast and elaborate network can be a bit daunting to navigate at first - it's actually operated by six separate companies: JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku, JR Kyushu.

In particular, please note the popular Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (Tokyo to Hakata) is run by both JR Central and JR West – JR Central operates the section from Tokyo to Osaka, and JR West operates the section from Osaka and Hakata. 

JR Hokkaido services the northern island of Hokkaido and also operates the section of the shinkansen route between Shin-Aomori Station on Honshu and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in southern Hokkaido. Download the ‘Major actions on preventing the spread of novel coronavirus’ PDF from their website for more information.

JR East services eastern Japan including the capital of Tokyo and the north-eastern region of Tohoku. It also operates the Hokuriku Shinkansen which stops at cities such as Nagano, Kanazawa and Niigata.

JR Central services central Japan and operates the Tokaido Shinkansen, a popular route that runs between Tokyo and Osaka travels through major cities such as Yokohama, Nagoya and Kyoto. The ‘COVID-19 Protective Measures’ PDF is available to download from their website.

JR West services western Japan, including well-known cities such as Nara, Osaka, Kyoto, Wakayama, Kobe and Hiroshima. It operates the Sanyo Shinkansen which runs from Shin-Osaka Station to Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu.

Tobu services the area of Tokyo and surrounds, providing connections to popular destinations such as Nikko, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree and Kawagoe. Information on the latest measures to prevent the spread of infection is available to download from their website.

Kintetsu Railway services the areas of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise-shima (Mie Prefecture) and Nagoya. As part of a number of measures implemented to prevent the spread of infection, Kintestsu has sprayed the interior of its train carriages with an antiviral and antibacterial treatment.

Nankai Electric Railway services southern Osaka Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture. It connects the southern hub of Namba to Kansai International Airport, Wakayama and Koyasan. Information on health and safety measures that have been implemented is available to download from their website.

JR-West Hotels have implemented new 'Clean & Safety' hygiene standards, and have received the coveted Trusted Cleanliness Badge, a certificate issued by Trust You, one of the top class platforms in the hotel industry. (JR-West Hotels brands include Hotel Granvia, Hotel Vischio by Granvia, Nara Hotel and Potel.)

Prince Hotels has developed the Prince Safety Commitment, a set of new protocols for hygiene and disinfection to be applied to all the hotels under their brands. These will enable Prince Hotels to provide guests with a safe and clean environment during their stay.

Palace Hotel Tokyo has achieved the GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation and has become Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide. These accreditations show Palace Hotel Tokyo is committed to implementing best practices and operating as safely as possible.

Imperial Hotel Osaka has received GBAC STAR™ accreditation and is Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide. These demonstrate the hotel meets international hygiene standards for infectious disease prevention measures and is committed to following best practices to ensure the safety and comfort of its guests.

Destinations

Miyazaki Prefecture Tourism Association has produced a video to introduce the safety measures taken by the Miyazaki Tourism Industry for the post-COVID-19 era.

Attractions

Read about the health and safety measures that are in place at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea as well as update on the status of rides, attractions, restaurants and other facilities at each theme park.

• JNTO Sydney
• COVID-19 Health & Safety Information

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Japan is reopening. But the effects of its border closure will linger.

Christopher LaFleur is a special adviser and former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that he is chairman. This article has been corrected.

TOKYO — Japan is inching closer to a full reopening, with an announcement likely in the coming days. But the country’s prolonged closure during the coronavirus pandemic has done lasting damage to its reputation as a destination for international investors, academics and tourists, experts say.

Japan strictly limits foreign arrivals out of covid-19 concerns, a scientifically specious approach that has made the country an outlier among top economies and most Asia-Pacific neighbors that have reopened to tourists .

Xenophobia has festered as policymakers and news coverage have tied foreigners to the spread of the virus. Investors, academics and international students have diverted their plans elsewhere. Even after Japan began accepting group tours recently, the intense monitoring and bureaucratic hurdles have largely kept tourists’ interest at bay.

Now, Japan faces a credibility gap as it looks to rejoin the world. Figures in business, academia, policymaking and diplomacy are concerned the closure has punctured Japan’s image as a culture that values hospitality. Even with a full reopening, Japan would need concrete steps to restore its standing, these people said.

Japan axes covid test for travelers but faces battle to revive tourism

“In 2022, the extremes between the G-7 countries and even its own neighbors … have really exacerbated this perception gap,” said Joshua W. Walker, president and chief executive of the New York-based Japan Society, which works to promote U.S.-Japan relations. “There are so many other countries that have figured this out, whether it’s Britain, Singapore, even Taiwan or Korea, that have been more or less operating in a more normal fashion … and Japan is just now taking baby steps.”

Walker is among a chorus of professionals who have become frustrated by the country’s apparent lack of interest in the perception problems caused by its isolation. They worry that without a robust effort to market Japan as open to foreigners, there will be lackluster interest from abroad and continued concern about the domestic impact.

Public opinion polls over the past year have shown broad support for border closures, which analysts say made it politically difficult for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to fully reopen before July elections . A Nikkei poll conducted in late June found 49 percent in support of lifting the daily cap on visitors and 44 percent opposed.

“I really do believe that Japan can recover from this if it puts its mind to it. But I’m not convinced that it is fully there yet,” Walker said.

The concerns come as Japan grapples with a sluggish recovery from the pandemic and a depreciating yen, which hit a 24-year low against the dollar recently. Business leaders have argued that fully resuming inbound travel would invigorate the economy and that many tourists would be eager to take advantage of the weak currency.

But the country’s approach has fueled a perception of Japan as a place that is “too cumbersome and takes too much effort” to visit, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives said this week.

“Japan has disappointed many people who love Japan and have a potential to like Japan,” said Takakazu Yamagishi, professor of political science and health policy at Nanzan University in Nagoya. “The border closure not only made many tourists who had plans to visit Japan upset, but it also will make them more cautious of Japan at least for the next few years.”

How to navigate Japan's mandatory tours, travel restrictions and coronavirus protocols

After enacting some of the most stringent pandemic restrictions, Japan began gradually reopening to some foreigners this spring, with complex requirements. Foreign tourists can book trips only through an approved tour company and must have medical travel insurance that covers covid-19. Until last week , tourists needed to be chaperoned by a guide. Visitors must wear masks unless they are six feet away from another person and not talking.

In June, when group tours resumed, only 252 tourists entered, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. In July, the number rose to about 7,900.

But that is far from pre-pandemic levels: In 2019, Japan welcomed a record 32 million foreign tourists and had aimed to reach 40 million in 2020. Before covid, 80 percent of international visitors were individuals who were not part of group tours, according to the Japan Business Federation.

Tokyo is now considering a full reopening that could take place as early as October, according to Nikkei Asia . The prime minister’s office said in a statement that the country will ease borders to be on par with Group of Seven standards, “taking into account the infection situation and needs at home and abroad, as well as the border control measures of other countries.”

The closure has created cascading effects on academia that will last years, said Tomoyuki Sasaki, an associate professor of Japanese studies at William & Mary in Virginia, who conducted a survey of hundreds of academics and students of Japan studies in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Students dropped out of Japan studies programs and researchers lost funding because they could not fulfill grant requirements to conduct research in the country, threatening the closure of Japan studies departments in some schools, the survey results show. One professor at a top-tier university responded in the survey that they are now recommending students not to study Japan as their sole focus as a result of the travel barriers.

The number of international students studying in Japan fell by roughly one-quarter between 2019 and 2021, according to Japan’s Education Ministry.

“It took a long time for predecessors to build this field. But now, it’s really falling apart because of this Japanese government’s very strict border restrictions,” Sasaki said.

Tom Cruise in Japan? Okay. Ordinary tourists in Japan? Not okay.

Business leaders are pushing for a full reopening, warning of the loss of potential investment.

“Japan really has a golden opportunity to expand foreign investment into the country, something the government has had as an objective for most of the last 20 years,” said Christopher LaFleur, special adviser to the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. “The yen’s relative weakness at the moment, in principle, presents an incredible opportunity for those who might be interested in investing in Japan to consider it seriously.”

But domestic challenges stand in the way. Yamagishi said the government’s justifications for its border policies fueled public anxiety, stoking fears without providing facts — such as the low percentage of people testing positive at airports.

From restaurateurs to museum operators , many people fear foreigners would flout Japanese social expectations of mask-wearing and social distancing, leading to an increase in coronavirus cases.

“In foreign news, I often see images of foreigners not wearing masks,” one resident of Minato City in Tokyo remarked recently on the ward’s online public comments section.

“I would like you to think about how to deal with foreign tourists by calling attention to them in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages,” the person wrote. “I would also like you to protect the safety of the lives of Minato City residents.”

Coronavirus: What you need to know

Covid isolation guidelines: Americans who test positive for the coronavirus no longer need to routinely stay home from work and school for five days under new guidance planned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The change has raised concerns among medically vulnerable people .

New coronavirus variant: The United States is in the throes of another covid-19 uptick and coronavirus samples detected in wastewater suggests infections could be as rampant as they were last winter. JN.1, the new dominant variant , appears to be especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected. Here’s how this covid surge compares with earlier spikes .

Latest coronavirus booster: The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months or older gets an updated coronavirus shot , but the vaccine rollout has seen some hiccups , especially for children . Here’s what you need to know about the latest coronavirus vaccines , including when you should get it.

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Ay, car-rumba.

A new study shows the cost of travel has skyrocketed since 2019 — with rental car prices far and away the most inflated, compared to pre-COVID.

NerdWallet found that the expense of having your own wheels away from home was a whopping 39.3% higher in March 2024 versus five years ago, in March 2019 — and that’s after an 8.8% decline from March 2023.

The research revealed that Chicago’s O’Hare was the priciest airport for car rentals, with an eye-watering average weekly rate of $671.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport came in second at $598, then Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Airport at $588. Los Angeles International Airport was priced at $568 — just slightly above Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s $566.

Researchers found Enterprise to be the cheapest and National to be the most expensive.

They also noted that booking in advance was more costly than at the last minute, when rental car companies are now sometimes found offering better deals.

Although rental cars saw the steepest increase, there are plenty of other culprits keeping the cost of hitting the road higher than normal.

Restaurant prices have soared for example, by 29.3% between 2019 to 2024. During the past year alone, they’ve risen 4.2%.

Tickets to plays, movies, and concerts also shot up 22.6% — 5% more than a year ago.

Hotel rooms are far from immune.

Over the five-year period, lodging costs increased by 16.3% . They have risen by 6.7% between February and March of this year.

The biggest shock, however, is that airfare has only increased 2.6% during the past five years.

It is currently down 7.1% from 2023. American and Southwest both announced losses in the first quarter of 2024; Southwest said it will limit hiring and pull out of four airports as a result.

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Japan and Global Health

Human Security Agenda in the COVID-19 Pandemic

• © 2024
• Daisuke Akimoto 0

Tokyo University of Information Sciences, Tokyo, Japan

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• describes Japanese health policy
• explores health and politics in Asia
• predicts future pandemic policies

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Table of contents (12 chapters)

Front matter, introduction: japan and global health in the covid-19 pandemic.

Daisuke Akimoto

Japan and Gavi: Its Global Health Diplomacy for the COVAX Facility

Japan and the global fund to fight aids, tuberculosis and malaria, japan and the gpei: toward a polio-free world, japan’s ticad diplomacy for global health in africa, japan’s changing oda diplomacy for global health, japan and the business leaders’ coalition for global health, japan and the gff: for health and nutrition of mothers and children, japan, the ghit fund, neglected tropical diseases (ntds), japan’s global health strategy and the 2023 g7 hiroshima summit, japan and cepi: in preparation for the next pandemic, conclusion: japan, global health actors, and the global health architecture, back matter.

• Japanese politics
• public health
• human security
• Japanese society

About this book

This book examines the development of Japan’s human security diplomacy for global health in the pre- and post-COVID-19 world. In the light of global health politics and human security studies, it attempts to clarify Japan’s financial and diplomatic contributions to the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund), the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), official development assistance (ODA) related to global health, the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund) to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) in preparation for future pandemics, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to enhance the global health system. Moreover, the Japanese Business Leaders’ Coalition for Global Health in collaboration with the Bill & Melida Gates Foundation in the field of innovative technology, such as an application of artificial intelligence (AI) for global health will be scrutinized. In addition, this research investigates implications of Japan’s Global Health Strategy for Japan’s global health diplomacy at the event of the G7/G8 summits, especially the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit. Finally, this book identifies multiple global health actors that constitute the emerging and changing global health architecture in the post-COVID-19 world.

Authors and Affiliations

About the author.

Dr. Daisuke Akimoto is Associate Professor at Tokyo University of Information Sciences. He obtained Ph.D. from the University of Western Sydney and M.A. from the University of Sydney. Previously, Dr. Akimoto was a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar at the University of Sydney, Assistant Professor at Soka University, and an Official Secretary in the House of Representatives. He has authored several books, including Japanese Prime Ministers and Their Peace Philosophy (Palgrave Macmillan 2022).

Bibliographic Information

Book Title : Japan and Global Health

Book Subtitle : Human Security Agenda in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors : Daisuke Akimoto

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-0972-4

Publisher : Palgrave Macmillan Singapore

eBook Packages : Political Science and International Studies , Political Science and International Studies (R0)

Copyright Information : The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024

Hardcover ISBN : 978-981-97-0971-7 Published: 17 April 2024

eBook ISBN : 978-981-97-0972-4 Published: 16 April 2024

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XV, 193

Number of Illustrations : 1 b/w illustrations, 8 illustrations in colour

Topics : Asian Politics , Health Policy , Public Health

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7 Destinations That Do Not Want Travelers To Visit This Summer (And Where To Go Instead)

Post may contain affiliate links; we may receive compensation if you click links to those products. This has no impact on how offers are presented. Our site does not include all offers available. Content on page accurate as of posting date.

Overtourism is a real problem that has blighted many of the world's most popular cities.  

As a result, many destinations are asking tourists to stay away. But that hasn't stopped our desire to travel the world.  

So where should you go? 

Here are 7 destinations that don't want travelers to visit this summer, as well as our recommendations for where you could go instead: 

Amsterdam   

Amsterdam has consistently introduced schemes to deter tourists in a post-COVID world. 

The most recent of these measures was announced this week. Amsterdam wants to cut the number of river cruise ships allowed to enter the city by at least half to just 1,150 ships a year.  

A bill to ban cruise ships from the center of the city was introduced last year, and in the summer of 2023 the city also introduced a "Stay Away" campaign to deter large groups of young people from visiting the city.  

So where should you go instead? We recommend Leiden.  

Leiden is a beautiful and culturally rich Dutch city with a similar canal system. You'll find 28 kilometres of canals and 88 bridges to explore.  

This pretty city is also home to the oldest university in the Netherlands and well as a collection of13 fascinating museums.  

The Canary Islands  

There are huge protests taking place in the Canary Islands right now because of the impact that overtourism on the islands is having on the lives of local residents.  

Tens of thousands of local people have joined these protests amid calls for the tourism industry on the islands to be curbed.  

So where should you visit instead? Why not try Cape Verde?   

Like the Canary Islands, Cape Verde is an island chain that sits off the coast of Africa, and it was once a Portuguese colony.  

Cape Verde boasts beautiful white sand beaches and a year-round warm tropical climate. Like the Canary Islands it has a volcanic landscape and is a great place for hiking and other outdoor adventures.

Lake Como  

The huge popularity of Italian summers means that many Italian regions have introduced restrictions or tourism taxes to limit their visitor numbers.  

Lake Como is the latest Italian destination hoping to combat overtourism by introducing a day tripper fee. The fee would apply to daily visitors to the city of Como and would be similar to the daily tripper fee introduced in Venice.  

But there are other beautiful Italian lakes you can explore without the crowds. Why not try Lake Maggiore, which is mostly in Italy but also stretches into Switzerland?  

This is a beautiful lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. At its heart, you'll find the Borromeo Islands where you can explore palaces and gorgeous Italian-style gardens.  

Athens  

Athens was considered one of 2023's worst destinations for overtourism. Crowds at the Acropolis became so unmanageable that a visitor cap was introduced, limiting numbers to 20,000 people per day.  

Crowd levels in Athens can be unbearable, particularly during the summer months. This isn't helped by the huge number of international flights that land in Athens every day with the city serving as a center point for tourists traveling to other Greek destinations.  

Why not skip Athens altogether and visit one of the smaller Greek islands instead? Packed full of culture and historic architecture, you'll also find beautiful beaches and warm and welcoming people.  

Try Folegandros or Milos. These have all the charm of Santorini but without the cruise visitors or the crowds.  

Barcelona   

From banning cruise ships to introducing a tourist tax, Barcelona has worked hard to curb overtourism. On April 1 2024 Barcelona increased its tourist tax for the 3rd time in 2 years.  

Although this fee is just €3.25 per person per night (so no real financial deterrent) it serves as a reminder that tourism can be very problematic in the Catalan capital.  

So where should you go instead?  

Well, overtourism is a problem in much of Spain during the summer months. But Valencia is Spain's third largest city and has much of the same charm as Barcelona but without the same crowd levels, and a more laid-back attitude during the summer months.  

Bhutan   

The people of Bhutan enjoyed life without tourism during the pandemic, and the authorities in the country agreed.  

Tourists are charged a Sustainable Development Fee to enter the country, and this was doubled to $200 per day when borders to the country reopened, making spending a week in the country on vacation very pricey!  

So where can you get an identical travel experience without the eyewatering anti-tourism charge? Try Nepal.  

It is a breathtakingly beautiful country with a similar tourism experience, and tourists are welcomed in the country with open arms.  

Tokyo  

Tokyo has seen a huge surge of tourists since the borders reopened post-COVID and has broken all previous tourism records so far this year, too.  

Local authorities have strengthened transport systems and introduced visitor number restrictions in certain tourist attractions to control overtourism in the capital. But crowd levels in the city can still be overwhelming.  

Why not visit some of Japan's lesser-known cities instead? We recommend Fukuoka , Japan's 8th largest city. It has the same modern feel but on a slightly smaller scale.  

It also has a bustling portside, and it's easy to take a ferry ride from here to South Korea if you'd like to enjoy a 2-center trip.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

The post 7 Destinations That Do Not Want Travelers To Visit This Summer (And Where To Go Instead)   appeared first on Travel Off Path .

This paper is in the following e-collection/theme issue:

Published on 22.4.2024 in Vol 16 (2024)

Effect of Long-Distance Domestic Travel Ban Policies in Japan on COVID-19 Outbreak Dynamics During Dominance of the Ancestral Strain: Ex Post Facto Retrospective Observation Study

Authors of this article:

Junko Kurita   1 , MSc ;   Yoshitaro Iwasaki   2 , BSc

1 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Sports & Health Science, Daitobunka University, Higashimatsuyama-shi, Japan

2 Iwasaki Industrial Corporation, Kagoshima, Japan

Corresponding Author:

• Junko Kurita , MSc
• Department of Nursing
• Faculty of Sports & Health Science
• Daitobunka University
• 560 Iwadono
• Higashimatsuyama-shi , 3558501
• Phone: 81 0493-31-1503
• Email: [email protected]

Effect of Long-Distance Domestic Travel Ban Policies in Japan on COVID-19 Outbreak Dynamics During Dominance of the Ancestral Strain: Ex Post Facto Retrospective Observation Study

Affiliations.

• 1 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Sports & Health Science, Daitobunka University, Higashimatsuyama-shi, Japan.
• 2 Iwasaki Industrial Corporation, Kagoshima, Japan.
• PMID: 38648635
• PMCID: PMC11037452
• DOI: 10.2196/44931

Background: In Japan, long-distance domestic travel was banned while the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain was dominant under the first declared state of emergency from March 2020 until the end of May 2020. Subsequently, the "Go To Travel" campaign travel subsidy policy was activated, allowing long-distance domestic travel, until the second state of emergency as of January 7, 2021. The effects of this long-distance domestic travel ban on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity have not been adequately evaluated.

Objective: We evaluated the effects of the long-distance domestic travel ban in Japan on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, considering climate conditions, mobility, and countermeasures such as the "Go To Travel" campaign and emergency status.

Methods: We calculated the effective reproduction number R(t), representing infectivity, using the epidemic curve in Kagoshima prefecture based on the empirical distribution of the incubation period and procedurally delayed reporting from an earlier study. Kagoshima prefecture, in southern Japan, has several resorts, with an airport commonly used for transportation to Tokyo or Osaka. We regressed R(t) on the number of long-distance domestic travelers (based on the number of airport limousine bus users provided by the operating company), temperature, humidity, mobility, and countermeasures such as state of emergency declarations and the "Go To Travel" campaign in Kagoshima. The study period was June 20, 2020, through February 2021, before variant strains became dominant. A second state of emergency was not declared in Kagoshima prefecture but was declared in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

Results: Estimation results indicated a pattern of declining infectivity with reduced long-distance domestic travel volumes as measured by the number of airport limousine bus users. Moreover, infectivity was lower during the "Go To Travel" campaign and the second state of emergency. Regarding mobility, going to restaurants, shopping malls, and amusement venues was associated with increased infectivity. However, going to grocery stores and pharmacies was associated with decreased infectivity. Climate conditions showed no significant association with infectivity patterns.

Conclusions: The results of this retrospective analysis suggest that the volume of long-distance domestic travel might reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Infectivity was lower during the "Go To Travel" campaign period, during which long-distance domestic travel was promoted, compared to that outside this campaign period. These findings suggest that policies banning long-distance domestic travel had little legitimacy or rationale. Long-distance domestic travel with appropriate infection control measures might not increase SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in tourist areas. Even though this analysis was performed much later than the study period, if we had performed this study focusing on the period of April or May 2021, it would likely yield the same results. These findings might be helpful for government decision-making in considering restarting a "Go To Travel" campaign in light of evidence-based policy.

Keywords: COVID-19; Go To Travel campaign; airport users; effective reproduction number; hotel visitors; infection control; lockdown; long-distance travel; mobility; pandemic; travel; travelling.

©Junko Kurita, Yoshitaro Iwasaki. Originally published in the Online Journal of Public Health Informatics (https://ojphi.jmir.org/), 22.04.2024.