japanese restrictions on travel

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Planning a Trip to Japan?

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Japan is now open to travelers from all countries or regions. For more information, please check "COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan" page.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Measures by the government.

Last updated: Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Table of Contents

Measures by the government of japan.

1. Areas subjected to entry ban

2. Denial of the re-entry from designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures

3. Quarantine measures

4. Suspension of visa validity

5. Suspension of visa exemption measures

6. Restrictions on airports/ports for arrival

7. Visit Japan Web

All coronavirus-related information on this website is gathered from the government ministries and authorities responsible for handling COVID-19 restrictions and measures. Due to the regularly changing situation and the constant updating of information, it is essential that you always check for updates and follow the latest guidance from the relevant ministries and official bodies.

Information about entry into Japan

1. Denial of permission to entry

The denial of landing that had been placed on all countries/regions was lifted on September 4, 2022.

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section1

2. Denial of re-entry from certain countries/regions among designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures

Currently, there are no subject countries/regions.

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section2  

3. Quarantine measures (New)

From April 29, 2023, regarding all travelers and returnees (NEW)

(1) Travelers and returnees will no longer be required to submit either a certificate of negative result of COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure, or a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate of three doses or equivalent. (2) Currently implemented measures including provisional random sampling tests for all travelers and returnees arriving from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) by direct flights, will be replaced with testing on arrival required only by those who show symptoms of COVID-19 (a measure applied to all travelers and returnees).

For more detail, please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Border Measures page (open in a new window).

For more detail, please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

4. Lifting of the suspension of visa validity

Single entry visas and multiple entry visas issued by Embassies, Consulate-Generals and Consulates of Japan in all countries/regions and whose validity had been temporarily suspended were resumed again on October 11, 2022.

Validity of visas already issued under “Business Track” or “Residence Track” and visas issued based on “New border measures (4)” (referred in Note 2 of Article 1), for the time being, has been suspended from January 21, 2021, based on the announcement of the Government of Japan dated January 13, 2021.

Border Measures page .

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section8 

5. Lifting of the suspension of visa exemption measures

The visa exemption arrangements which had been temporarily suspended under the border measures were resumed on October 11, 2022.

For countries/regions applicable to the visa exemption arrangements, please visit the link below:  

The effect of Pre-Clearances (i.e. visa exemptions) granted by the Japanese Government to APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) issued by the following countries was also resumed on October 11, 2022. For more information on the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), please refer to the link below:

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)(Japanese)

  https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/apec/btc/index.html

https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/apec/btc/index.html

6.Restrictions on airport/ports for arrival

Airports/ports that suspended international flights/cruises have started to lift the suspension as their preparations are completed.

For details, please check the following page. https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section10

Visit Japan Web  is a convenient way to register information for immigration, customs and Tax-free shopping service before you enter Japan. After the registration, QR codes are generated.

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• Coronavirus (COVID-19) / Measures by the Government

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Japan Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Japan

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Recommended in public spaces.

Entry details & exceptions

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Can I travel to Japan from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Japan.

Can I travel to Japan if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Japan without restrictions.

Can I travel to Japan without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Japan without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Japan?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Japan.

Can I travel to Japan without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Japan?

Mask usage in Japan is recommended in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Japan?

Restaurants in Japan are open. Bars in Japan are .

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Japan plans to ease COVID-19 border controls in early September

The Associated Press

People wearing face masks are seen at an arrival lobby of Haneda airport in Tokyo on Aug. 23, 2022, amid the coronavirus pandemic. AP hide caption

People wearing face masks are seen at an arrival lobby of Haneda airport in Tokyo on Aug. 23, 2022, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday announced plans to ease border controls from early September by eliminating requirements for pre-departure COVID-19 tests for travelers who have received at least three vaccine doses, and he will also consider increasing daily entry caps as soon as next month.

Japan, which has imposed some of the toughest border measures for the coronavirus, currently requires negative PCR test results within 72 hours of departure for all entrants, a practice that has been criticized as cumbersome.

Kishida, after holding virtual meetings with government ministers and medical advisors earlier Wednesday, told reporters in an online news conference that entrants who have received at least one booster vaccine can waive the pre-entry test beginning Sept. 7.

Japan eases foreign tourism ban and allows guided package tours

"We plan to gradually ease border controls to allow entry procedures to be as smooth as those of other Group of Seven countries," Kishida said from his official residence, where he has been on duty while isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

Kishida said his government also plans to increase the daily cap for incoming travelers, currently set at 20,000, "as soon as possible." Media reports say the government is considering more than doubling the daily cap to 50,000 as early as next month.

"Our fight against the virus is not easy, but we should not be too afraid and instead take into consideration the characteristics of the omicron variant," Kishida said. "We will speed up our responses while balancing the infection measures and social and economic activities as much as possible."

Kishida said Japan plans to shorten the self-isolation period for COVID-19 patients from the current 10 days for those with symptoms and one week for those without symptoms. Officials are finalizing those details, he said.

In June, Japan partially opened its borders to foreign tourists for the first time in two years but only allowing those who agree to join package tours with guides. The number of entrants has dwindled under those restrictions.

Business organizations in and outside Japan have called for the country to ease its border controls to support the economy, especially the tourism industry, which has been badly hurt by the pandemic. But many Japanese are wary of further easing border measures because the country has been struggling with a seventh wave of infections.

Clinics have been flooded with patients with mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat and coughs, amid a lack of testing and test kits at pharmacies and online.

• border controls

Unveiling the Latest Japan Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Are you planning a trip to Japan? Before you pack your bags and book your tickets, it’s important to be aware of the latest Japan travel restrictions. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to several changes in travel regulations, and it’s crucial to stay updated with the guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

Understanding the Current Japan Travel Restrictions

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Japan has implemented a series of travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions vary based on the country of departure, vaccination status, and the prevailing COVID-19 situation. To understand the current travel restrictions, let’s take a closer look at the guidelines:

• Entry Bans: Japan has imposed entry bans on travelers from certain countries with high infection rates. It’s important to check the list of restricted countries before planning your trip.
• Visa Requirements: In addition to the regular visa requirements, travelers may also need to apply for a special visa or permission to enter Japan during the pandemic. Make sure to check the specific visa requirements based on your situation.
• COVID-19 Testing: All travelers entering Japan are required to undergo COVID-19 testing before departure and upon arrival. The specific testing requirements may vary based on vaccination status and the country of departure.
• Quarantine Measures: Travelers may be required to undergo a quarantine period upon arrival in Japan. The duration of quarantine may vary based on several factors, including vaccination status and the country of departure.

Traveling to Japan during the pandemic requires careful planning and adherence to important guidelines. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Check Travel Advisories: Stay updated with the latest travel advisories and restrictions issued by the Japanese government and your home country.
• Get Vaccinated: Vaccination is a crucial step in ensuring your safety while traveling. Make sure to get fully vaccinated before your trip to Japan.
• Follow Hygiene Practices: Practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands, wearing a mask, and maintaining social distancing.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on travel restrictions, entry requirements, and quarantine measures. Stay in touch with your airline and accommodation providers for any changes or cancellations.

Japan travel restrictions have been put in place to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions have significantly impacted the tourism industry and travelers alike. Let’s explore the comprehensive overview of Japan travel restrictions:

The travel restrictions imposed by Japan have had a significant impact on the tourism industry. The country, known for its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and natural beauty, has seen a decline in international tourists. This has led to several challenges for the tourism sector, including:

• Loss of Revenue: The decline in international tourists has resulted in a significant loss of revenue for the tourism industry in Japan.
• Job Losses: The decrease in tourism activities has led to job losses in various sectors, including hospitality, travel agencies, and tour operators.
• Economic Impact: The overall economy of Japan has been affected due to the reduced spending by tourists.
• Recovery Efforts: The government and tourism organizations are implementing initiatives to promote domestic tourism and attract international visitors once the travel restrictions are lifted.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest travel restrictions. The situation is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to be aware of any changes that may affect your travel plans. Here are some reliable sources to stay informed:

• Japanese Embassy/Consulate: Check the official website of the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information on travel restrictions.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan provides regular updates on travel advisories and restrictions.
• Local Travel Agencies: Consult with local travel agencies that specialize in Japan travel for the latest information and guidance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a new normal in the travel industry, and Japan is no exception. Travel restrictions have changed the way we plan and experience our trips. Here are some ways in which Japan travel restrictions have changed:

• Increased Documentation: Travelers now need to provide additional documentation, such as vaccination certificates and negative COVID-19 test results.
• Health Protocols: Japan has implemented strict health protocols, including mandatory mask-wearing and temperature checks at airports and public places.
• Reduced Tourist Activities: Some tourist activities and attractions may have limited access or operating hours due to COVID-19 restrictions.
• Focus on Domestic Tourism: With international travel restrictions in place, there has been a shift towards promoting domestic tourism and exploring local destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Japan Travel Restrictions

A: Japan has implemented entry bans for travelers from certain countries with high infection rates. It’s important to check the official list of restricted countries before planning your trip.

A: Depending on the situation, travelers may need to apply for a special visa or permission to enter Japan during the pandemic. It’s recommended to check the specific visa requirements based on your circumstances.

A: Yes, all travelers entering Japan are required to undergo COVID-19 testing before departure and upon arrival. The specific testing requirements may vary based on vaccination status and the country of departure.

A: Yes, travelers may be required to undergo a quarantine period upon arrival in Japan. The duration of quarantine may vary based on several factors, including vaccination status and the country of departure.

Expert Advice on Japan Travel Restrictions

When it comes to navigating Japan travel restrictions, it’s always wise to seek expert advice. Here are some recommendations from travel experts:

Regularly check official sources and reliable travel websites for the latest updates on Japan travel restrictions. Keep yourself informed about entry bans, testing requirements, and quarantine measures.

Given the uncertainties surrounding travel during the pandemic, it’s important to plan your trip well in advance. Make flexible bookings and consider travel insurance to protect your investment.

Adhere to the safety guidelines provided by the Japanese government and health authorities. Practice good hygiene, wear masks, and maintain social distancing to protect yourself and others.

If you have any specific concerns or questions about Japan travel restrictions, consult with travel experts or local travel agencies. They can provide personalized advice based on your circumstances.

By staying informed, following guidelines, and seeking expert advice, you can navigate the latest Japan travel restrictions confidently and enjoy your trip to this fascinating country.

Izumi Kenta

Hi, I’m Izumi Kenta from Japan. By profession, I worked as a tourist guide and interpreter in Japan. Besides this profession, I’m a hobbyist blogger. I love to talk about different things about Japan and share them with a wider audience who wants to know about my country. To share my thoughts, I’ve created this site Visitjapan and brought some Japanese travel enthusiasts and tourists worldwide to share their experiences.

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Consular Services

Measures for cross-border travel.

1. Border Measures

2. contact information for inquiries.

• 3. Old measures (Archive)

Vaccination certificates and pre-departure tests are no longer required to enter Japan. Travelers and returnees with COVID-19 symptoms will no longer be subjected to on-arrival testing. Travelers with a positive COVID-19 test result will not be treated at designated facilities.

Genomic Surveillance of Infectious Diseases has begun from 12:00 a.m. (JST) on May 8.

• For information on Visa, please refer to Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
• For procedures upon arrival at the airport and the status of residence: Contact: Immigration Service Agency of Japan TEL (Main): 03-3580-4111
• For general inquiries regarding border measures for entry into Japan; Contact: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare TEL: 03-5253-1111 (Japanese only)
• For inquiries regarding flight information; Contact: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Civil Aviation Bureau, Director for Crisis Management Office TEL: 03-5253-8700

3. Old measures Old measures is moved to the archive below.

• Old measures (Archive)

Japan travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Japan travel in 2024 with official Japan travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Since travel restrictions can vary by citizenship, we will be focusing our post on rules that affect U.S. citizens.

Last update: April 6, 2024. Originally published: July 2022.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

*  Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist  *

April 2024: “Tourism is really popular in Japan these days, and crowds can be difficult to avoid. T here are no more travel restrictions for Japan, so it’s a much simpler arrival process than last year. However, we still highly recommend filling out the Immigration and Customs form online for quicker arrival (see instructions below).  We showed our passports and QR code at immigration and customs, did fingerprints, and had no questions asked. Wifi in both Tokyo airports can be frustratingly slow, so it’s important to screenshot/download the QR code before departure so you can access it offline. Just as it was pre-Covid, there is a percentage of Japanese people who wear masks out and about in public.” – Michelle & Jedd, Intentional Travelers

At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Japan so you can get a sense of what it’s really like.

Table of Contents

Is Japan open for travel? Can I travel to Japan right now?

As of October 2022 , Japan is open for tourism for independent travelers. Visa-free travel for selected countries, including the US, has been resumed.

Tourists with U.S. passports can stay in Japan visa-free for up to three months. Find details and rules for entering Japan from other countries here . 

Japan travel restrictions have been eased but travelers are asked to follow guidelines with regard to masks, social distancing, dining etiquette, and more.

As of April 2023 , a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test are no longer required for all travelers arriving in Japan.

To facilitate the arrival process, it’s highly recommended to submit your information online through Visit Japan Web before travel.

Steps for Traveling to Japan: What to Know (2024)

For a smoother arrival, travelers to Japan can pre-register for airport Immigration and Customs   to receive the QR codes used for “Fast Track” at major airports across Japan.

We completed the Japan entry process in late March 2023 and again in early April 2024. It was admittedly a bit confusing, so I thought I’d share our experience and tips, as the process is still the same (apart from step 2).

1. Register at Visit Japan Web  

While the Fast Track/Quarantine procedures are no longer mandatory to complete in advance, I was glad I followed advice to pre-register through the Visit Japan Web site. 

The latest they say you can register is at least 6 hours ahead of your flight to Japan .

2. Submit your Covid documents in advance – NO LONGER REQUIRED

3. Register for immigration QR code

Returning to the main registration dashboard on the website, select the next module “Disembarkation Card for Foreginer,” which says it’s required for landing in Japan.

Some details pre-populated from from my profile. I selected Tourism for purpose of visit. Then there are three ways to report length of stay: year, month, day; as well as a few questions about any criminal background in Japan.

Once completed, a button “Display QR code” appears below the appropriate section.

Take a screenshot of the Immigration QR code and save it to your phone . It will have a yellow line above it.

If you don’t have the QR code , there are immigration cards available to fill out at standing desks located before entering the lines. Some people got all the way up to the immigration agent and were asked to step aside to fill out a card, which are also available next to each immigration stall.

The immigration line at Narita moved steadily but took about 25 minutes since several flights had arrived at once.

When I showed the QR code, the immigration officer simply took a headshot picture and fingerprint scans, then stuck a “landing permission” stamp in my passport for 90 days. No questions asked.

4. Register for Customs QR code

Returning again to the main dashboard, finally select “Preparation for customs declaration.” This registration allows travelers to go through an electronic declaration gate, which wasn’t super clear once we were at the airport.

I entered my flight origination (Hanoi) and number of family members with me (1). Then there’s the usual customs questions – type of goods, prohibited items, monetary funds, alcohol, cigarettes, souvenirs over 200,000y.

Again, take a screenshot of the Customs QR code and save it to your phone . It will have a blue line above it.

At Narita, the customs line for QR codes are labeled “electronic declaration” in blue. There are also kiosks that allow QR code, card, and duty free, as well as those that are for physical customs card only. The lines weren’t too long so it didn’t matter much which line we chose.

The customs officer had us scan our QR code and we could see our entered data displayed on an over-sized tablet-like device at the desk. No questions asked, we proceeded to exit the airport.

5. Sign up for travel insurance

It’s recommended to obtain insurance to cover medical costs related to COVID-19 in Japan. For travel insurance that covers Covid, we use Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing.

Quarantine rules in Japan: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Japan, provided that they are not suspected of having Covid-19. See details here . 

Residents report that quarantine rules for testing positive may no longer be enforced anymore.

Previously, foreign tourists who tested positive for Covid while in Japan had to contact a local consultation center . A 7-10 days quarantine at a government-designated accommodation facility was required with all costs covered by the visitor.

The quarantine period could end within 7-10 days depending on the symptoms and/or negative COVID-19 test result. See details here .

Can I travel to Japan in April? Can I travel to Japan this Spring?

Travel to Japan in April is open . See details above and check back for updates.

Is it safe to fly to NRT Narita or HND Haneda International Airport ? Health screenings and body temperature checks are no longer in place at the airport. Wearing of masks is no longer required on flights or in the airports, though masking is still widely practiced.

Stringent cleaning and seating limits are implemented.

What is it like to fly to Japan right now? All Nippon Airways reports that masks are now optional. Additional procedures are in place at Immigration – please see details above.

Do Americans have to quarantine when traveling to Japan? No . See quarantine details above.

Does Japan check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Health screening procedures such as temperature checks and simple symptom questionnaires are typically not in place at ports of entry anymore.

Does Japan require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? A negative test is no longer required to enter Japan as of April 2023.

Does Japan require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? A proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required to enter Japan as of April 2023.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. A negative Covid test, quarantine, or proof of vaccination are no longer required to enter Japan.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Japan? No. A booster shot is no longer required to enter Japan.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers? PCR and/or antigen tests are available for travelers in Japan. Travelers should contact the local consultation center  to determine the location of testing facilities within Japan. A non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities can be found here .

Test results are available within 24 to 72 hours but many labs can return results in a matter of hours. PCR test costs vary from ¥2,500 to ¥16,500.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Japan who get the virus? Japan hospitals and clinics are open. Foreign visitors are required to secure a medical insurance which that will cover medical costs in case they contract COVID-19 in Japan.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Japan ?  Businesses and restaurants in Japan are open. Some businesses may require their own mask rules or capacity limits.

What public gatherings are allowed in Japan? Public gatherings are allowed in Japan subject to safety guidelines.

Are face masks required in Japan? As of March 2023, wearing of face masks in Japan is recommended but no longer required. 

Face masks are almost universally worn in public, especially in urban areas, indoors and on public transportation. The Consulate website states that failure to adhere to mask-wearing norms reflects poorly on foreign visitors.

Are buses running in Japan? Trains, buses and taxis are running as usual in Japan.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Japan?

Japan managed impressively well compared to most countries in the early days of the pandemic. Although Japan has been previously in a State of Emergency, the lockdowns were less disruptive on Japanese daily life.

However, Japan’s inbound tourism business lay dormant for years. Japan finally began easing restrictions in 2022 and reopened to travelers in June with strict entry requirements. 

Japan finally eased entry requirements for travelers in October 2022 making it easier for travelers to visit the country. Visa-free travel has also been resumed for select countries.

Vaccination in Japan started later than some other countries. Around 80% of the population has been vaccinated and 64% had received a booster shot.

Tourism is now back with record numbers of visitors, however, staffing shortages have not fully recovered.

For the current situation in Japan, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Japan; and COVID-19 testing in Japan, please see the Japan Ministry of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Japan?

😷 Face Masks -Face coverings are recommended and widely used in public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Japan locals and recent travelers say about visiting Japan now?

What is it like to visit Japan right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

January 2024 – Brandon of Zimminaroundtheworld , expat living in Japan: “Japan is seeing an increase in tourism now that the country is open to visitors. Many visitors are traveling to Tokyo and Kyoto but some towns and cities like Nikko, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Naha are also seeing rises in tourism. 

Currently there are no travel restrictions within Japan unless it is due to environmental catastrophes like the earthquake that occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture recently. Access to healthcare in Japan is easily available and affordable. Although foreigners can sometimes pay up to 200% more for healthcare it is still cheap.

Many attractions and famous sites around Japan especially in Kyoto and Tokyo are crowded with lines that are longer then expected. In general, restaurants in Japan are smaller and can only able to accommodate up to ten people or fewer and the space can feel cramped. Like anywhere else, keep an open mind and be flexible and there will be no problems while traveling around Japan.”

September 2023 – Jackie Szeto of Life of Doing , American traveler: “My husband and I traveled to Tokyo and Nikko, Japan for vacation in September 2023. Expect large crowds at major attractions, restaurants, and trains in major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Visiting other destinations such as Nikko is a nice change of pace with fewer crowds, especially on the weekdays. 

It’s recommended to complete the Immigration and Customs declaration on the Visit Japan Web to expedite arrival, but it’s not required. When landing at international airports, the QR codes for Immigration and Customs are still accepted. Otherwise, all COVID protocols have been dropped in the cities. Antibacterial hand sanitizer is still provided at entrances of hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. Some people still wear masks in crowded areas and on trains, but most go mask-free.”

May 2023 – Sophie Pham of Delightful Travel Notes , traveler: “My husband and I were traveling in Japan for 11 days from May 11-21, 2023 for our vacation. I found that Japan had already welcomed visitors with open arms, free of earlier restrictions. The return of both domestic travelers and international tourists created a lively atmosphere, and crowds could be seen in a lot of places.

In May, it took us 45 minutes to clear immigration at Kansai International Airport after landing at around 7:45am.

All attractions and food venues were fully open, with no social distancing measures or mandatory mask rules, although some restaurant servers, locals, and taxi drivers still chose to wear masks. Some famous restaurants had long lines again, and popular attractions like Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Senso-ji-ji could get crowded during the day. If there’s a particular popular restaurant you want to try, it may be best to make your dinner reservation in advance, especially for weekend. Overall, everything is lively again and we had a great time.”

March 2023 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers, American visitor: “We enjoyed a two day layover in Japan. The online procedures and QR codes were a bit confusing but I highly recommended doing them in advance of travel to make your arrival smoother.”

February 2023 – Joel, US traveler: “For the most part the Japanese are wearing masks. I’d say mask wearing is at about 99%. Despite the crowds in the city and packed trains and subways, it honestly feels way safer than generally any place in America where mask wearing is far from the majority. ANA enforces a mask wearing requirement whereas United is pretty much a free for all.

One key thing that is good to know is at the ticketing counter they need to know your return flight info when initially checking in. We had all the other Japan travel docs as far as the gov mandated requirements but this one kinda caught us off guard. The immigration line may seem staggering but it moves. ” 

January 2023 – Lizzie of Wanderlust & Life , UK traveler: “I flew to Tokyo in January 2023 for 3 days as part of a stopover between Australia and the UK. For us it felt like the country is so happy to welcome tourists again. We were slightly worried about visiting or entry restrictions changing last minute but the airline kept us up to date and apart from filling out a lot of forms on arrival it felt quite normal being there. 

As Japan only opened recently there weren’t as many tourists as we were expecting which was a plus really. We were made to feel so welcome in the country.

Masks are mandatory indoors and everyone seemed to be following this. The vast majority of people were also wearing masks outdoors too. Sanitiser is readily available in restaurants and tourist attractions. We didn’t encounter any contact tracing or even requests to show covid passes. The only frustration we had was that we flew JAL and we had to wear masks our whole flight which was about 14 hours in one go and this was enforced by cabin crew.”

November 2022 – Darryl H., New Zealand traveler:  “My visit to Japan involved a return to the sort of measures that, in my home country of New Zealand, had been abandoned some time ago. The first action on arriving at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, with my mask firmly in place, was to allow officials to check and confirm I had complied with mandatory online registration of evidence of my vaccination status. Once this had been done, the arrivals process was pretty much standard.

During my 10-day stay, I experienced no restrictions on my movements or activities. The differences were in the roles of masks, sanitiser and – in some instances – distancing. The wearing of masks indoors and on public transport is close to one hundred percent, whether or not they are demanded. Outdoors, in most situations, they appear to be worn by at least 98 percent of people, although in some areas later in the evening there is an obvious relaxation in standards – especially among younger people. While most tourists appear happy to comply with the standards followed by locals, the proportion of non-mask use by non-Japanese is clearly larger than by Japanese. At no stage did I see any visitor reproached for this.

There is sanitiser on hand (pun intended) everywhere. It is probably accessed by about a third of people. There are many locals who are fastidious about sanitising.

While I observed no enforced distancing on public transport or in the street, it is definitely in place in cafes and other eateries. Most places I visited had plastic partitioning between patrons, and crosses to discourage the use of every second seat. Groups or couples are, of course, welcome to sit together.

The buffet breakfast in my hotel illustrates all three of the above differences. When I arrived at breakfast each morning, masked of course, the attendant ensured that I first sanitised my hands and then put on plastic gloves. Only then could I approach the serving implements and food. I would then sit on one of two seats (the second having a cross on it), both of which were partitioned off from the next pair of seats. Seats with another seat opposite were separated by another plastic partition. If I wanted to return to the buffet for more food, I first had to remask and re-glove. Once I forgot the gloves, and was politely turned back before I could touch the serving implements.

It is not uncommon for Japanese hospitality venues to give high priority to cleanliness, but there seems to be super-high priority now. Where in New Zealand I might expect a quick wipe over of a table between customers, in Tokyo it now appears to be a thorough and sometimes deep clean.

The precautions in no way reduced my pleasure in revisiting Tokyo. And they increased at least my perception of being protected.”

September 2022 – Jackson, American visitor: “Traveling to Japan reminded me of the COVID situation in Hawaii a year ago. People go about their day with a medical mask. Every store front has hand sanitizers and thermo cameras. COIVD testing and vaccination clinics are common place. Despite these COVID precautions, Japanese residents and businesses continue to welcome visitors with refreshing grace and hospitality. Japan’s  omotenashi , beautiful scenery, and extraordinary delicacies are worth exploring and appreciating, but can tempt visitors into overlooking the uncertainty that underlines Japan. I hope visitors will take the time to learn about the challenges of the Japanese people and reciprocate Japan’s hospitality with a gracious thank you.”

Aug 21 2022 – Y., American Japanese dual citizen: “ I returned from visiting family in Japan two days ago. Travel is still tough. The plane was empty – only 20 passengers on a big airplane. My pre-travel Covid test was 10 minutes earlier than the required 72 hours so I was turned away at the airport. I scrambled to find a last minute PCR test with rapid results and rush back to the airport.”

August 2022 – Christine, American visitor: “Japan isn’t currently open to tourists. I was there for a school conference, and had to get a conference visa. One has to get a visa for Japan in advance and you can only get one with an EFRS form filled out from someone in Japan.

I had to have a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of departure time. There’s eased quarantine procedures, which depend on the countries you’ve been to in the previous 2 weeks. And you have to have the MySOS app on your phone because they might check up on you. It also expedites your entry because you can upload all the necessary forms/COVID test/questionnaire ahead of time.

Everyone wears a mask everywhere, and they’re available for cheap at convenience stores. Because I was on a university’s campus most of the time, I had to report my temperature and if I was having any symptoms to the University every day.”

July 2022 – Brandon of https://zimminaroundtheworld.com , Expat in Japan: “Currently Japan is only doing guided tours for international tourism. Travel entry for normal tourism is not an option at the moment. I recently took a trip around central Japan and visited a variety of cities and saw hardly any tourists. It’s nice to get great photos of popular attractions without crowds of people in the photos. But at the same time, it is taking a toll on the economy. I’ve seen shops and restaurants struggle to survive here and locals begging for tourism to come back.

Masks have been worn in Japan even before Covid. To this day, the majority of the population wears masks and obeys the rules, this includes both foreigners and locals. I wear a mask when leaving my apartment and only take it off when social distancing can be achieved or while eating at a restaurant. The positive aspect about Covid is that there are no long lines to enter attractions or eating establishments. I feel public transportation is safe here as the Japanese are very good and sanitizing everything.”

Planning a trip to Japan?

Check out our other Japan travel resources: – Great Things To Do Around Iwakuni, Japan

If you have questions or updates about travel to Japan during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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Hi Great article ! I noticed you have been vaccinated once with JJ (same here) . You mentioned the requirements for boosters but it sounds like you haven’t had a booster? I tried to sort through the link page but couldn’t find any further info. So my question is I’m planning to travel after May 8th with 1 JJ vaccination, I’m Canadian, but will be coming from Indonesia. Thanks for any insight you might have

Hi and thanks for visiting our blog. While we had the single JJ vaccination, we also had boosters. I mentioned it because the Japan entry form allows you to essentially count JJ as two shots out of the three that are required. In other words, at least one booster is currently required for entry to Japan. That said, vaccine documentation will no longer be required after May 8 so you shouldn’t have to worry about it.

I am travelling to the US from Australia via Japan in September. I fly with JAL, from Melbourne (MEL) arriving at Haneda International Airport (HND), but need to fly out of Narita International Airport (NRT) to New York (JFK).

I would like to know if I will be allowed to travel, via Japan, in September.

Australia is in Blue Category and I have had 3rd dose of Covid vaccination.

I look forward to your reply soon.

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say what will be possible in September, as we do expect the rules to change over time. Currently, foreign travelers are limited to package tours and may not use public transit. To find out if any exceptions can be made for transit between airports, you can try the Japan visitor hotline .

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Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

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Travel Advisory January 8, 2024

Japan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Japan – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Japan.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Japan.

If you decide to travel to Japan: 

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow Embassy Tokyo’s American Citizen Services section on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Japan.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Duration of intended period of stay. Please note you cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared as lost or stolen even if you subsequently locate it

One page required for entry stamp

Amounts equivalent to ¥1,000,000 or above subject to declaration

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Tokyo  1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 Japan Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-3-3224-5856 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe 2-11-5, Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543, Japan Telephone: 81-6-6315-5900 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-6-6315-5914 Our  Navigator Assistant  will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Naha 2-1-1 Toyama, Urasoe City, Okinawa, Japan Telephone: 81-98-876-4211 Emergency Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-98-876-4243 Our  Navigator Assistant  will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Sapporo Kita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821, Japan Telephone: 81-11-641-1115 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-11-641-1115 Fax: 81-11-643-1283 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. All assistance at the Consulate General Sapporo is by appointment only.

U.S. Consulate Fukuoka 5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0052, Japan Telephone: 81-92-751-9331 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-92-713-9222 [email protected] Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. Routine services are provided by appointment only.

U.S. Consulate Nagoya Nagoya International Center Bldg. 6th floor, 1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0001, Japan Telephone: 81-52-581-4501 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-52-581-3190 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. Emergency services are provided by U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe. 

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Japan for information on U.S-Japan relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Embassy of Japan  website for the most current visa information.

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

Entry & Exit:

• You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.
• You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
• "Visa free" entry status may not be changed to another visa status without departing and then re-entering Japan with the appropriate visa, such as a spouse, work, or study visa.
• Visit the Embassy of Japan website for the most current information on all visa categories.
• Japanese immigration officers may deny you entry if you appear to have no visible means of support. 
• All foreign nationals are required to provide fingerprint scans and to be photographed at the port of entry. Exceptions to this requirement include diplomatic and official visa holders, minors, and individuals covered under SOFA Article IX.2. For further information about landing procedures, please visit the  Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website . 
• Make sure your passport is valid. Note you cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared as lost or stolen even if you subsequently locate it. Japanese authorities will likely deny you entry into Japan if you attempt to do so. If you have reported your passport lost or stolen, you must apply for a new passport before travel.

Transiting Japan: 

• Ensure that your passport and visa are valid and up-to-date before you leave the United States. Passport services are not available at the airport.
• Airlines in Japan may deny you boarding for transit if you do not have the required travel documents for an onward destination in another country or if your passport does not have six months of validity remaining. For the entry requirements of the country you are traveling to, visit the  State Department's Country Specific Information  website.

Military/SOFA Travelers:  While active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with proper Department of Defense (DoD) identification and travel orders, all SOFA family members, civilian employees, and contractors must have valid passports to enter Japan. Please consult the  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide  before leaving the United States.

See  the Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website  for various immigration procedures.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Japan. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

For police services in Japan, dial 110. For fire or ambulance services, dial 119.

Crime:  Crime against U.S. citizens in Japan is generally low and usually involves personal disputes, theft, or vandalism. In addition:

• Robberies committed after a victim has been drugged from a spiked drink can occur, especially in nightlife districts.
• Sexual assaults are not often reported, but they do occur, and victims may be randomly targeted.  Victim's assistance resources or shelters are difficult for foreigners to access.
• Hate-related violent crimes rarely occur, although some U.S. citizens have reported being the target of discrimination because of their nationality or their race.
• Pick pocketing can occur in crowded shopping areas, on trains, and at airports.
• Police reports must be filed before leaving Japan, as Japanese police will not accept reports filed from overseas. 
• In instances involving credit card theft or fraud, Japanese police often provide a report number rather than a police report.  You can provide this report number to your credit card company to confirm the incident with the police.

Entertainment and Nightlife Districts in Tokyo: 

• Exercise caution in all entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan, especially Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. 
• Incidents involving U.S. citizens in these areas include physical and sexual assaults, drug overdoses, theft of purses, wallets, cash and credit cards at bars or clubs, and drugs slipped into drinks. 
• Drink spiking at bars and entertainment venues, especially in areas such as Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, near Shinjuku, has led to robbery, physical and sexual assaults, and credit card fraud.  Some victims regain consciousness in the bar or club; other victims may awaken on the street or other unfamiliar locations.
• U.S. citizens have reported being threatened with gun or knife violence in such venues so that they will pay exorbitant bar tabs or withdraw money.  U.S. citizens have also reported being beaten when they have refused to pay or hand over money.
• There have been reports of U.S. citizens being forcibly taken to ATMs and robbed, or made to withdraw funds after being unable to pay exorbitant bar tabs.
• Please be aware that Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, and other entertainment and nightlife districts have also been the scenes of violence between criminal syndicates. 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams. 

Police reports must be filed at the nearest police station prior to departure from Japan. The Japanese police cannot accept reports filed from overseas. Report crimes to the local police at 110 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 03-3224-5000 (011-81-3-3224-5000 from overseas).  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care;
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• provide a list of local attorneys;
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home; and/or
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Contacting Police, Fire and Ambulance Services:  You can reach the police throughout Japan by dialing 110. Fire and ambulance services can be contacted by dialing 119.  Note that English-speaking dispatchers may not be available. Please review advice on  “Calling for Help” on our  website . If you need assistance, you should be able to describe your address/location in Japanese or find someone who can do so, since few police officers speak English.

Domestic Violence:  Victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, but are difficult for foreigners to access. These types of resources are also generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships.

Tourism:  The Victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, but are difficult for foreigners to access. These types of resources are also generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships.

See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to Japanese law while you are in Japan. If you violate Japanese laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. If you are arrested in Japan,  even for a minor offense , you may be held in detention without bail for several months or more during the investigation and legal proceedings.

Some offences are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of Japanese law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

The vast majority of arrests of U.S. citizens in Japan are for drug-related offenses. Japanese authorities aggressively pursue drug smugglers and users, including recreational users with sophisticated detection equipment, "sniffing" dogs, blood tests, “stop and frisk” tactics, and other methods. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking a drug that is illegal in Japan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines. Please note that some drugs which may be legal in certain jurisdictions outside of Japan, including marijuana and synthetic drugs, remain illegal in Japan. This also applies to certain prescription drugs that doctors in the United States may prescribe.  Japanese law makes no distinction between medical and recreational marijuana; therefore, having a prescription for medical marijuana will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Even possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal medical or recreational use can result in a long jail sentence and fine. Japanese customs officials carefully screen incoming packages, and individuals who are mailed drugs can be arrested and prosecuted as drug traffickers.   

Confiscation of Prescription Drugs and Other Medication:  It is important to note that some medications that are routinely prescribed in the United States, including Adderall and marijuana, are strictly prohibited in Japan. The Japanese government decides which medications may be imported legally into Japan. The Embassy and Consulates of Japan in the United States have limited information available and do not have a comprehensive list of specific medications or ingredients. Please see more  information on importing medicines  into Japan.

You must carry your U.S. passport or Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Kado) with you at all times. In Japan, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport or Japanese residence card to show your identity and status in Japan (e.g., as a visitor, student, worker, or permanent resident).

It is illegal to work in Japan while in tourist or visa-waiver status. Overstaying your visa or working illegally may lead to fines of several thousands of dollars, and in some cases, re-entry bans as long as 10 years, or indefinitely for drug offenders. For additional information, please see  Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act  and contact the  Japanese Embassy  or nearest Japanese Consulate in the United States for more information.

Driving under the influence of alcohol could also land you immediately in jail. The blood-alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03%. Punishments can be up to 10,000 USD in fines and up to five years in prison.

Possession of a gun or ammunition is a crime in Japan. Carrying a knife with a locking blade, or a folding blade that is longer than 5.5 cm (a little more than two inches), is illegal in Japan. U.S. citizens and U.S. military personnel have been arrested and detained for more than 10 days for carrying pocket knives that are legal in the United States but illegal in Japan. The possession of lock-picking tools is illegal in Japan.

Establishing a Business : Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

A  list of English-speaking lawyers  located throughout Japan is available on our  website .

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See the Department of State’s webpage  and the Embassy’s  website  for additional information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice’s website for more information .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI+ events in Japan.

Laws governing rape, sexual commerce, and other activity involving sexual relations do not apply to same-sex sexual activity. This leads to lower penalties for perpetrators of same-sex rape and sexual assault and greater legal ambiguity surrounding same-sex prostitution.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Japan prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. Japanese disability laws require the public sector to provide reasonable accommodations and the private sector to make best efforts in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other services; however, there are no penalties for noncompliance. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.

Although Japan’s accessibility laws mandate that new construction projects for public use include provisions for persons with disabilities, older buildings are not likely to have been retrofitted for accessibility. At major train stations, airports, and hotels, travelers with disabilities should encounter few accessibility problems. Note that many smaller stations are inaccessible to those who cannot climb stairs. Information on travel in Japan for travelers with disabilities is available at  Accessible Japan .

Travelers with disabilities can learn more about resources available in country from the Japan National Tourism Organization’s  traveling with a disability page .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Conditions at Prisons and Detention Facilities:  Japanese prisons and detention facilities maintain internal order through a regime of very strict discipline.  U.S. citizen prisoners often complain of stark, austere living conditions and psychological isolation.  Heating in winter can be inadequate in some facilities, food portions can be significantly smaller than what many may be accustomed to, and access to specialized medical care, particularly mental health care, at detention facilities and prisons is sometimes limited. Additional  information on arrests in Japan  is available on our embassy website.

Customs Regulations:  Please contact the Japanese Embassy or nearest Japanese consulate in the United States, or  visit the Japanese Customs website  for specific information regarding import restrictions and customs requirements.

Japanese customs authorities encourage the use of an Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission (ATA) Carnet in order to temporarily import professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and trade fairs into Japan.  For additional information, please call (212) 354-4480, or  email the U.S. CIB  for details.

Pets:  The Japanese  Animal Quarantine Service  (AQS) sets procedures for importing pets. At a minimum, the process will take seven to eight months, though the process can take up to a year before a pet may enter Japan. Advance planning is critical. You can find more information about  importing a pet into Japan  or information about  exporting a pet from Japan  on our  Embassy website.

Employment Issues:  U.S. citizens should not come to Japan to work without having the proper employment visa arranged ahead of time. Teaching English, even privately, and serving as hosts/hostesses are both considered "work" in Japan and are illegal without the proper visa.

Some U.S.-based employment agencies and Japanese employers do not fully or correctly represent the true nature of employment terms and conditions. A minimum requirement for effectively seeking the protection of Japanese labor law is a written and signed work contract. If there is no signed contract, Japanese authorities are not able to act on behalf of foreign workers. If you are coming to Japan to work, carefully review your contract and the history and reputation of your Japanese employer before traveling to Japan. Complaints against U.S.-based employment agencies or recruiters may be directed to the  Better Business Bureau  or the Office of the Attorney General in the relevant state(s).

Disaster Preparedness : Japan is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and landslides. See the  Embassy’s  webpage for recommendations and steps you can take to prepare for an emergency. The Japan Tourism Organization’s  Safety Tips app  and  NHK World app  provide Japanese government emergency “J-Alerts” to your cell phone in English through push notifications. “J-Alerts” can provide early warning emergency alerts on earthquakes predicted in a specific area, sometimes seconds before an earthquake hits. 

Radiation: Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant : The Government of Japan continues to closely monitor the conditions at and around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. You should comply with all travel restrictions and cautions put into place by the Government of Japan for areas surrounding the plant. For more information, contact the  Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority .

For police service in Japan, dial 110. For fire or ambulance, dial 119.

Ambulance services are widely available but receiving hospitals may decline to accept inbound patients unless they can provide proof of funds to pay for services.

COVID-19 Testing:

• Travelers should contact Japanese local health providers to determine the location of testing facilities within Japan. A non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities can be found here on the Embassy website.

COVID-19 Vaccines:

• The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Japan.
• Review the Government of Japan’s  English language website  on COVID-19 vaccinations in Japan.
• Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States. 

The Department of State does not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Some care providers in Japan only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of  Japan’s Ministry of Health website to ensure the medication is legal in Japan; possession, use, or importation of a prescription drug that is illegal in Japan may result in arrest and criminal prosecution. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so if you need ongoing prescription medicine, you should arrive with a sufficient supply for your stay in Japan or enough until you are able to see a local care provider.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Japan has a national health insurance system which is available only to those foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation. Medical caregivers in Japan may require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before they will treat a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan.

U.S.-style and standard psychological and psychiatric care can be difficult to locate outside of major urban centers in Japan and generally is not available outside of Japan's major cities. Extended psychiatric care can be very difficult to obtain.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Driving in Japan can be complicated and expensive. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls can be very high, and city traffic is often very congested. A 20-mile trip in the Tokyo area may take two hours. There is virtually no legal roadside or curbside parking; however, traffic is commonly blocked or partially blocked by those illegally parked curbside. In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains. Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States.

Traffic Laws : Japanese law provides that all drivers in Japan are held liable in the event of an accident, and assesses fault in an accident on all parties. Japanese compulsory insurance (JCI) is mandatory for all automobile owners and drivers in Japan. Most short-term visitors choose not to drive in Japan. Turning right or left on red lights is not permitted in Japan, and all passengers are required to fasten their seat belts.

Japan has a national 0.03 percent blood-alcohol-level standard for driving, and drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, speeding, or blatantly careless driving resulting in injury, you are subject to up to 15 years in prison. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws in Japan. You can find further information in English on the  NPA English website . Information about roadside assistance, rules of the road, and obtaining a Japanese driver's license is available in English from the  Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) web site . See  the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website for car rental and driving in Japan.

Emergency Assistance : For roadside assistance, please contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) at 03-5730-0111 in Tokyo, 072-645-0111 in Osaka, 011-857-8139 in Sapporo, 092-841-5000 in Fukuoka, or 098-877-9163 in Okinawa.

International Driving Permits (IDPs):  An international driving permit (IDP) issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is required of short-term visitors who drive in Japan. You must obtain an IDP issued in your country of residence prior to arriving in Japan. The U.S. Embassy andU.S. consulates do not issue IDPs. IDPs issued via the Internet and/or by other organizations are not valid in Japan. 

Foreign residents in Japan who use an IDP may be fined or arrested. In practice, the term “resident” involves more than simply visa status or length of stay in Japan and is determined by the police. In short, a driver license from country outside Japan is not a substitute for a valid Japanese license for foreign residents. See the U.S. Embassy’s  website  for more information on driving in Japan.

Aviation Safety Oversight : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Japan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Japan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel : Mariners planning travel to Japan should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts  in the Alerts section of the Embassy’s messages. Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website portal  select “broadcast warnings.”

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Japan . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Japan Travel Restrictions – Everything to Know

Travel restrictions are common during pandemics. While tourists are primarily at risk, this can be a major inconvenience to people in other industries and countries. Such is the case for Japan right now. This article will give you all the details you need to know about travel restrictions to Japan.

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What are the current Japanese travel restrictions?

U.S. citizens are currently permitted to enter Japan for tourism purposes. As of October 11, 2022, visa-free travel was resumed and U.S. passport holders no longer need a visa to stay up to three months. However, travelers must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket and cannot work during the 90-day visa-free entry.

Upon arrival in Japan, travelers will be required to complete documentation and may be required to download several smartphone applications. If a traveler does not have a smartphone, most international airports offer an option for travelers to rent one upon arrival.

Starting November 1, 2022, travelers to Japan may pre-register for airport Immigration, Customs, and Vaccination review, and use “Fast Track” at major airports across Japan using Visit Japan Web.

The Japanese government requires all travelers to take a PCR test prior to travel. Additionally, travelers from mainland China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) or who were in mainland China within seven days of their arrival in Japan will be tested upon arrival.

Furthermore, travelers who need to bring more than the MLHW’s approved quantity of medication or medical devices should obtain a “Yakkan Shoumei” (importation certificate) prior to traveling and present it with the prescription to a customs officer upon arrival in Japan.

During their stay in Japan, travelers must agree to follow COVID protocols including social distancing and wearing face masks in confined spaces.

All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among designated countries/regions are requested to stay at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station for 6, 3, or 10 days depending on the country/region of origin.

Additionally, travelers must stay for the remaining period of 7 days after entry into Japan at places such as their own residence and take two additional COVID-19 tests on the third and sixth days after entering the country.

For comprehensive information regarding the current travel restrictions, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs webpage or contact the Japanese immigration Information Centers.

💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.

Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.

Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.

Restrictions on Bringing items into or out of Japan

When traveling to or from Japan, it is important to be aware of the items that are restricted or prohibited.

Japan strictly prohibits entry and/or exit of certain items such as narcotics and related utensils, firearms, firearm parts and ammunition, explosives and gunpowder, precursor materials for chemical weapons, germs that are likely to be used for bioterrorism, counterfeit goods or imitation coins or currency, obscene materials, or goods that violate intellectual property rights.

Items related to health such as medical products, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and chemicals must also be evaluated by Japanese Customs before being imported.

In addition, one must also be mindful of plants and animals that require inspection by a plant or animal quarantine officer prior to Customs examination.

Furthermore, Japan also restricts items such as firearms (pistols, etc.), ammunition (bullets) thereof, and pistol parts; explosives (dynamite, gunpowder, etc.); books, drawings, carvings and other items that harm public security and customs; child pornography; as well as heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis, stimulants, psychotropic substances, and other narcotic drugs (excluding those designated by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Ordinance).

It is important to note that false declaration or failure to declare any restricted items may be subject to a penalty in the laws and regulations concerned. Therefore, it is highly recommended to double-check what is allowed to be brought into Japan or taken out of Japan before packing your luggage.

For more information, one can refer to the websites of Japan Customs, Animal Quarantine Station, Plant Quarantine Station, Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, and the U.S. Embassy for detailed guidelines.

Visiting specific places

Visiting certain parts of Japan may be restricted due to safety concerns. Japan is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

The northeast is more likely to encounter earthquakes, and Okinawa, Hokkaido, and Kyushuu are more prone to typhoons. Generally, visitors should check the government’s international travel advisory before booking any travel plans.

Additionally, there are a few places in the world that are off-limits to tourists, such as Lascaux Caves in France , North Sentinel Island in India , Surtsey Island in Iceland , Ise Grand Shrine in Japan, North Brother Island in the USA, Dulce Base in the USA, and Heard Island in Australia .

Fortunately, Japan is an extremely safe country, and since October 11, 2022, U.S. citizens no longer need a visa to stay up to three months.

The Japanese government has implemented several measures to prevent the spread of novel coronaviruses such as Electronic Customs Declaration Gates (e-Gates), contact information for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and smartphone applications.

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in tourist landmarks and crowded areas, but not nearly as common as in major Western countries. Women traveling alone are generally safe, though they should remain aware of the existence of chikan, which means molesters or gropers.

Most of Japan is safe to visit, with some cities being even safer than others. Kyoto, Sapporo, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Kawasaki, Nagoya, and Yokohama are considered some of the safest cities in Japan.

Ultimately, visitors should always remain vigilant and follow their common sense when traveling in Japan.

• Do I Need Travel Insurance for Japan
• What Documents Do I Need To Travel to Japan
• Should I Exchange Money Before I Travel to Japan
• How To Travel Japan on a Budget
• Best Travel Insurance for Japan: Complete Guide

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What Guests Wore to the Japan State Dinner at the White House

From Lauren Sánchez's revealing corset dress to the First Lady's sparkling Oscar de la Renta gown, take a look at the fashion on display at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Last night, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted their fifth state dinner, welcoming Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. "Well, we are the same, Japan and the United States," Biden said in his remarks last night. "We may be divided by distance, but generation after generation are brought together by the same hope, the same values, the same commitment to democracy and faith."

Here, see what all the guests wore to the state dinner:

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden

The First Lady wore a sparkling, ombre Oscar de la Renta gown, while President Biden kept it simple in a black suit.

Read more: Dr. Jill Biden's Best Fashion Moments

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and First Lady Yuko Kishida

Japan's First Lady, Yuko Kishida, opted for a bold purple gown.

Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen

Actor Robert De Niro arrived with his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, who chose an elegant white column gown for the event.

Naomi Biden and Peter Neal

Biden's granddaughter Naomi Biden wore a Bernadette gown. She was joined by her husband, Peter Neal , in a classic tuxedo. (The two wed at the White House in November 2022.)

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos

Sánchez opted for a revealing red Rasario dress, while Bezos wore a tuxedo.

Kristi Yamaguchi

Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi looked lovely in a navy, floral gown designed by Jason Wu.

Ashley Biden and Finnegan Biden

Jill and Joe's daughter, Ashley Biden , chose to wear a Reem Accra gown, and their granddaughter, Finnegan Biden , arrived in a red off-the-shoulder gown.

Maia Harumi Shibutani and Alex Hideo Shibutani

Olympic figure skating siblings Maia and Alex looked elegant with Maia in a blue Ralph Lauren off-the-shoulder gown and Alex in a tuxedo.

Bill and Hillary Clinton

Former First Lady Hillary Clinton wore a pink and purple caftan, and former President Bill Clinton wore a tuxedo.

Lilas Ikuta

Singer-songwriter Lilas Ikuta looked stylish in a black dress.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff

Vice President Kamala Harris attended the dinner in a black, long-sleeve gown by Valentino. She was joined by her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.

William Burns and Sarah Burns

William Burns, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, brought his daughter Sarah Burns for the dinner.

Japanese musician and record producer Ayase looked cool with an oversized bowtie.

Antony Blinken and Evan M. Ryan

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his wife, White House cabinet secretary Evan M. Ryan, were among the guests. Ryan wore a spring ready Carolina Herrera pink and orange color block gown.

Alejandro and Tanya Mayorkas

Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, attended with his wife Tanya Mayorkas. Tanya appeared to wear a lace Tadashi Shoji gown .

John and Mae Podesta

John Podesta, the Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation, and his wife, Mae, who wore a strapless Amara gown.

Rahm Emanuel and Amy Rule

US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, was back in D.C. for the State Dinner, joined by his wife Amy Rule. Amy's light pink dress appears to be by Japanese brand CFCL—their Pottery long sleeve puff dress.

Jerome Powell and Elissa Leonard

Powell, the Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States, walked in hand-in-hand with his wife Elissa Leonard. Barbiecore is still in: Check out Elissa's pink shoes!

Tim Cook and Lisa Jackson

Tim Cook, Apple CEO, chose a classic tux, whereas Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, wore a printed purple dress.

Senator Mazie Hirono and Leighton Kim Oshima

Japanese-American senator from Hawaii, Mazie Hirono, wore a black pantsuit, and smiled wide as she entered the State Dinner with her husband, Leighton Kim Oshima.

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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1.5 billion more passengers flew last year than in 2022. These are the 10 busiest airports in the world.

• New data on the world's busiest airports in 2023 reveals the latest trends in global travel. 
• 8.5 billion passengers traveled by plane last year, almost marking a return to pre-pandemic levels.   
• Airports in Asia and the Middle East became busier, but the US has once again clinched the top spot. 

International travel is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, according to the just-released list of the world's busiest airports in 2023.

8.5 billion passengers traveled globally by plane last year — up from 7 billion passengers in 2022 .

The rise in air travel marks a recovery to 93.8% of levels in 2019 before the world shut down, according to preliminary data published by the Airports Council International (ACI), a trade association that includes 2,600 airports worldwide.

Increasing travel to airports in Asia and the Middle East was one of the key trends to emerge from the data, with Dubai International Airport jumping from the fifth to the second busiest airport in the world.

Airports in India, Japan, and Turkey also made it into the top 10 and were some of the biggest movers in terms of annual gains in passenger numbers.

As the world's largest domestic market for flights , US airports still make up five of the busiest airports in the world, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport retaining its No. 1 position.

Despite tough global economic conditions, there was "a growing inclination towards travel," Luis Felipe de Oliveira, the ACI's world director general, said in a press release.

"Airports continue to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability amidst the challenges posed by the ever-evolving landscape of global travel," said Oliveira.

Here's a closer look at the top 10 busiest airports in the world.

10. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India

Passengers: 72.2 million

2022 ranking: 9th

Delhi's main airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport, saw a 21.4% increase in year-on-year traffic. While it has dropped a place this year, Delhi has grown significantly as a transport hub since 2019, when it sat at number 19 in the rankings.

9. Chicago O’Hare International Airport, USA

Passengers: 73.9 million

2022 ranking: 4th

Travel through Chicago O'Hare jumped by 8.1% throughout 2023. O'Hare is a hub airport for domestic travel, particularly for United and American Airlines flights. It is also a focus city for low-cost rivals Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

8. Los Angeles International Airport, USA

Passengers: 75.1 million

2022 ranking: 6th

Travel through LAX was up 13.8% in 2023, however, compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, passengers at the West Coast airport decreased by 14.8% — the largest decrease of any airport in the top ten rankings. LAX is a hub for a number of carriers, including Alaska Airlines, United, American, and Delta. But domestic travel at the airport shrunk dramatically as airlines cut the number of flights following a series of meltdowns in 2022.

7. Istanbul Airport, Turkey

Passengers: 76 million

2022 ranking: 7th

Passenger numbers at Turkey's Istanbul airport have increased by 18.3%, making it the only transit hub to keep level with its previous ranking in the top 10. Notably, traffic through the airport has jumped by 45.7% since 2019.

6. Denver International Airport, USA

Passengers: 77.8 million

2022 ranking: 3rd

Denver Airport has dropped down several places on the list but still shows strong signs of growth in terms of passengers. In the last year traffic through the Colorado airport was up 12.3%, and it has also grown 12.8% from pre-pandemic levels.

5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan

Passengers: 78.7 million

2022 ranking: 16th

Japan's Tokyo Haneda Airport saw the largest increase in traffic by far, with passenger numbers surging by 55.1%. Some of that jump can be explained by a lag in tourism as Japan only reopened its borders in late 2022. Despite the jump, Tokyo Haneda is still 7.9% under its 2019 level of traffic. This January the airport made headlines after a fatal collision involving a Japan Airlines plane and a coastguard vehicle killed five people.

4. London Heathrow, UK

Passengers: 79.2 million

2022 ranking: 8th

Travel through the UK's largest airport shot up by 218% in 2022 and has once again made strong gains throughout 2023, jumping by a slightly more modest 28.5%. The airport has credited travel from the Asia-Pacific region as a major factor in its increased passenger numbers. It hopes to supersede its pre-pandemic level of traffic in 2024 and hit a record 81.4 million passengers, the airport said in a report published in December.

3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, USA

Passengers: 81.8 million

2022 ranking: 2nd

Dallas/Fort Worth airport , known as DFW, is American Airlines' busiest hub and the departure city for many of the airline's international flights. Last year traffic through the airport jumped by 11.4%.

2. Dubai International Airport, UAE

Passengers: 87 million

2022 ranking: 5th

Dubai took the number 2 ranking in the list for the first time, thanks to a significant 31.7% increase in passenger numbers. Dubai's new position reflects the heavy investment that has gone into the aviation industry and boosting tourism in the region.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA

Passengers: 104.7 million

2022 ranking: 1st

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport comes in at No. 1 as the busiest airport in the world, a position it has held for more than two decades. In 2023, the Atlanta airport saw an 11.7% increase in passenger numbers.

Here's a look at what it takes to be an air traffic controller at the world's busiest airport.

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For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on

If you were to exit the main train station in Kotohira earlier this month, you would have been greeted by thousands of colorful nobori (banners) lining the streets that lead to the town’s famed Konpira Shrine.

“From the first performance, (Somesho Yoshinoya) has been creating a kabuki nobori that heralds the arrival of spring in Kotohira along with the cherry blossoms,” Ohno says, proudly noting that each nobori is made by hand using a regional dyeing technique called Sanuki norizume .

For a fortnight each spring since 1985, Kotohira, a small town of roughly 8,000 people in the Nakatado district of Kagawa Prefecture, has welcomed kabuki’s most renowned actors to perform at the Konpira Grand Theater. Built in 1835 and christened an Important Cultural Property in 1970, it is Japan’s oldest surviving complete kabuki theater. This year’s pageantry comes after an especially long winter, figuratively speaking. For the past five years, the theater has been unable to hold its spring performances due to COVID-19 restrictions and seismic retrofitting.

For Ohno and many others in town, the five-year absence of the Shikoku Konpira Kabuki Oshibai (“ ōshibai ” means “grand play”) was financially challenging. Yet, they’ve come out the other side of the pandemic with a strengthened commitment to protecting, continuing and sharing the town’s cultural heritage, of which traditional arts like kabuki and nobori play an integral role.

Even nature seemed primed for a triumphant return as the cherry trees burst forth with peak blossoms timed perfectly for the start of the event on April 4 — an auspicious sign of new beginnings and a return to the natural rhythms of the past.

Let us entertain you

Even without kabuki, Kotohira draws its fair share of tourists. Many of them are wanderers trekking along the Shikoku henro , a 1,200-kilometer pilgrimage that involves some 88 “official” temple stops and 20 bekkaku (exceptional) temples.

The largest draw, however, is Konpira Shrine (also known as Kotohira-gu or simply, Konpira-san), which venerates the Buddhist deity Konpira Gongen. It is noteworthy for its arduous climb up a 1,368-step staircase built into the slope of the sacred Mount Zozu. Those who cannot make it up the staircase use dogs, called “ konpira-inu ,” to take their prayers to the main hall (mercifully located only 785 steps up).

But as far back as the artistically ebullient Genroku Period (1688-1703), Kotohira has gladly played the role of welcoming host. In fact, its reputation for “entertaining” guests led, in part, to the initial ban on women as kabuki actors in 1629, as prostitutes and geisha also worked as actors.

In an ironic twist of fate in 1835, it was that community of geisha — women who could still not become actors themselves over 200 years later — who would raise the necessary funds (nearly half a million dollars in today’s money) to construct Konpira Grand Theater, known more colloquially as Kanamaruza. They’re said to have done this by clipping the incense that marked the time, thereby systematically shortchanging customers. It was a mitzvah to the community, meant to finally replace the ramshackle kabuki houses in use at the time, which were often dangerous fire hazards.

While noh theater is the purview of the elite, kabuki was long viewed as the bawdy entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes — a sort of vaudeville for the Edo Period (1603-1868), rather than the staid, inscrutable image many have of the art form today.

“While I think we are in a blessed environment with Kanamaruza and Konpira-san, I also feel that the town as a whole needs to think about creating an environment in which kabuki can be maintained and continued,” says Ohno, who is concerned about losing traditional art forms like kabuki and Sanuki norizome, just as shipbuilding, once a major industry of this landlocked town, was eventually left in the past.

Despite his heavy workload making banners and other products, Ohno volunteers at Kanamaruza during the entirety of the two-week ōshibai.

While artisans like Ohno rely on maintaining cultural heritage and traditions to make a living, so, too, do commercial enterprises in Kotohira. After weathering the pandemic, many entrepreneurs here see real value and opportunities in promoting traditional arts like kabuki to international visitors and young artists.

Taijiro Kusunoki is the CEO of Kotobus , a regional transportation provider. He is betting on Kotohira’s cultural history to attract tourists. Travel agency JTB reports an estimated 33.1 million inbound travelers are expected to come to Japan in 2024, though most of them will limit their exploring to the urban centers of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.

Kotohira may not yet offer the contemporary cool of nearby Naoshima island — home to Yayoi Kusama’s famous pumpkin sculpture and numerous other art installations — but it is easily accessible by train from Takamatsu Airport or by bus for those traveling in the region.

In response to the projected rebound of tourism and new initiatives like Japan’s digital nomad visa, Kusunoki recently opened an affordable hostel and co-working space in downtown Kotohira called Kotori . He is also planning to start an art residency and open studio spaces in a formerly abandoned shopping center — all in hopes of attracting younger artists to the region. Kusunoki thinks these affordable, youth-focused accommodations and offerings will help shed the stuffy image of temple towns and kabuki culture that many young Japanese people still hold by making the arts and Kotohira more accessible.

“Konpira kabuki has returned this spring, and it feels like the coronavirus period has finally come to an end. I really think this is the start of a new era,” Kusunoki says. “Before coronavirus, there were not many Westerners here. But now at least it seems like the number has increased.”

And now, the main events

The day before the opening performances of this year’s Shikoku Konpira Kabuki Oshibai, Kotohira is packed with thousands of kabuki lovers and hundreds of volunteers in colorful happi coats. The fans have come to catch a glimpse of some major stars from the genre — Matsumoto Koshiro X (formerly Ichikawa Somegoro VII) and his 19-year-old son, dubbed the “Prince of Kabuki,” Ichikawa Somegoro VIII — who are in town to take part in a parade before hitting the stage.

Kabuki is by tradition hereditary, with sons following in their father’s footsteps. Stage names are also inherited and retired, which can be quite confusing for those trying to keep track.

Seven other renowned headliners have joined the father-and-son team; they are escorted through the streets in rickshaws lined with red velvet as part of a traditional Shinto parade known as an “ o-neri .” In addition to the rickshaw-riding actors and portable shrines, Awa odori dancers in their colorful costumes — some sporting folded amigasa straw hats — flash their decorative uchiwa (fans) as they march down the streets, adding to the feeling of a summer festival taking part in early spring.

The parade culminates with a gathering inside the open-air courtyard of Kotohira Brewery under the shade of an impressive 900-year-old camphor tree. There the actors take the stage, making short speeches of appreciation and admiration for the history of the theater and hospitality of their hosts, before the traditional kagami biraki (literally “mirror opening”): The guests of honor strike the lid of a wooden Kinryo sake barrel with wooden hammers, toasting to a successful ōshibai.

The following day, the Konpira Grand Theater welcomes the actors, theater staff and, most importantly, legions of kabuki fans through its hallowed doors for the first time in five years. Five years is, strictly speaking, a long time for a kabuki theater. The average lifespan of a premodern Japanese theater has been estimated to have been only about 10 years, as most were shabbily built. That makes the long history and immaculate upkeep of Kanamaruza all the more unlikely and impressive.

In the courtyard, kabuki-goers, some in elaborate kimonos, mill around chatting excitedly and buying souvenirs, drinks and traditional snacks from the many shops in tents erected for the occasion. Tickets to the first show sold out fast, and the second looks to be full as well despite ticket prices ranging from ¥4,000 to ¥20,000 ($30 to $130).

To enter the theater, guests must first bend down and pass through a low door known as a nezumi kido (mouse door). Those familiar with the entranceways in Japanese tea houses will recognize this trick. But unlike the role they play in tea ceremony, these doors are not meant to symbolically humble all those who enter. They once acted as a form of crowd control — a bottleneck to keep the rabble of the past from entering without a ticket. ​​

Back then, upper classes entered through separate doors, though they were still at the front of the theater. VIPs entered through ōkido (big doors) to the right, while those associated with the local temple, Kamemitsu-in, entered through the go-yō kido (literally, “honorable-use doors”) to the left. Nowadays, all but the actors enter through the nezumi kido. A subtle reflection, perhaps, of the flattening of Japanese society since the time of the theater’s construction.

When Kanamaruza was remodeled in 1976, it was unique in maintaining a traditional masuseki seating style — four people separated into boxes by the same wooden guardrails you would see at sumo matches — as other theaters were moving to plush, cinema-style seating. The masuseki formation has since been altered again, dividing the boxes with long wooden benches, like a high school gymnasium, allowing more spectators to attend.

This new linear arrangement allows for thrilling entrees by the actors, who bring their performances off the stage and into the crowd, shuffling along the horizontal planks and pathways. The entire building thus becomes an intimate performance space used by the actors, musicians and stagehands in which the audience can be both viewer and, occasionally, extra.

Once inside, the confines of Kanamaruza offer a folksy, authentic intimacy rare in modern entertainment venues. Many newer theater spaces, in Japan and abroad, are largely devoid of character and alienating-ly modern. Entering Kanamaruza feels like traveling back to a more familiar time, when the required formalities of theatergoing were second nature to the common folk.

Removing your shoes, volunteers in navy blue uniforms and red-and-green obi quickly offer dustbags, attending to each visitor who passes through. Overhead are the names of the great actors of past and present, emblazoned on wooden kanban (placards) that hang alongside hand-painted signs reading “ ōiri ” (full house) in kanji.

Guests are greeted and instructed or led beyond the vintage cloakroom and humble souvenir area to their seats to start the show.

An ode to the lived experience

Attempting to explain the intricacies and symbolism that lie behind a kabuki performance defeats the purpose for most viewers. Much like an opera, kabuki is a sensory experience more than a literal or didactic one. Just as we might not understand every euphemism and reference in a Shakespeare play, yet, still fully enjoy it, kabuki (for all but the most rabid of fans) can be enjoyed for the sheer intensity of the sensory experience.

Even the show titles can bewilder: “Igagoe Dochu Sugoroku: Numazu (Act 1) Hagoromo (Act 2),” why bother? Kanamaruza’s comeback performance was a simple-to-understand “Romeo and Juliet” love story set in ancient Japan, with some added comic relief and action scenes provided by Matsumoto Koshiro as the swashbuckling rapscallion Beniya Chobei.

That’s not important. What is important is the craft of the players and the interplay between performer and spectator — the one-of-a-kind lived experience.

In kabuki, the story merely provides a structure for the spectacle: the costuming, the musicianship, the boisterous acting and powerful voices. Kanamaruza allows for close proximity to all of these things and more, awakening the senses in a way no 4K OLED home entertainment system ever could.

Digital media is an abstraction of reality. It heightens some of our senses at the expense of others, creating a technological border between the creation and the viewer.

Kabuki is a poetic invocation of reality. In which every vibrant costume, every pluck of a shamisen, every clap of hyōshigi wooden blocks, every cry or acrobatic move of the actors on the stage, every whiff of tatami and creak of wood under foot, blends together to become a raw and visceral whole. Many of us have forgotten that intercourse with reality in our algorithm-driven dopamine quests on Netflix and Spotify. Our substitution of communal, lived experiences for solitary simulacrum during these years of lockdowns and isolation has, in some ways, numbed our desire to participate in the real. Like literature and poetry, kabuki leaves space for our own interpretation in ways Marvel blockbusters, which explain every motivation in dialogue and exposition, fill in for us.

Watching a kabuki performance, the viewer is compelled to feel empathy for both the character and the performer. The vacillation between the reality of the performance and the fantasy world of the story allows an uncommon tension to build in us. We find ourselves asking questions: Will this young woman find the treasure she needs to save her lover before he is honor-bound to kill himself? Will the onnagata (male actor playing the female role) pull off the difficult costume change with the aid of his kurogo (stage assistants dressed in black)? Did that stagehand just miss his cue?

Our empathy is activated for both the fictional and the real experiences we’re witnessing at the same time. That’s the unique power of the theater. The human investment of time and attention. The interplay between performer and audience. It’s that human element that keeps kabuki relevant, and as we veer further into artificiality in our waking lives, it’s the imperfect humanity of creativity that makes this art form, and others like it, more precious than ever before.

After the performance, the audience began to exit the theater in an elated state. Women in kimono snapped selfies as they shuffled along the wooden floors. Once outside, almost no one seemed in a rush to leave the grounds. Our temporary community of shared experience mingled in the courtyard. Some bought beers and others souvenirs. A few stuck up conversations with strangers, introducing one another, asking for opinions and sharing their own. An unseasonably warm sun shone over the tiled roof of Kanamaruza. It wasn’t hard to imagine that the ōshibai of the past were probably much the same. A scene of continuity and traditions of the past here in the present — and the promise of a brighter future ahead.

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Middle East Crisis Biden’s Message to Iran Over Impending Attack: ‘Don’t’

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• A couple clearing the rubble from a home in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza. Associated Press
• Smoke billowing following a strike in the Nuseirat neighborhood in central Gaza on Friday. Mohammed Saber/EPA, via Shutterstock
• A bullet-riddled car after a raid by Israeli forces in the Faraa neighborhood of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Zain Jaafar/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Protesters in Tel Aviv calling for a deal and the release of hostages held in Gaza. Hannah Mckay/Reuters
• Palestinians looking over damage in the Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City. -/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Armed men at the funeral of a militant killed by Israeli forces, in Tubas, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Raneen Sawafta/Reuters
• Palestinians leaving Nuseirat in central Gaza during an Israeli military operation on Friday. Mohammed Saber/EPA, via Shutterstock
• A makeshift camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza, on Thursday. Mohammed Abed/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men and boys protesting against the prospect of Israeli army conscription, in Jerusalem. Menahem Kahana/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• A memorial in Tel Aviv for hostages kidnapped in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Hannah Mckay/Reuters

President Biden vows to stand by Israel despite recent disagreements.

President Biden told reporters on Friday that he expected Iran to launch an attack on Israel “sooner than later” as a response to Israel’s killing of several top Iranian generals in a bombing in Syria two weeks ago.

Mr. Biden said he needed to be careful not to reveal classified information being collected by intelligence and military officials as they braced for an attack they believed was imminent. And he had a blunt, succinct answer when he was asked what his message to Iran was.

“Don’t,” he said.

Officials in the United States and other nations are engaged in a furious diplomatic effort to try to prevent a response from Iran that could spiral into a wider war. But Mr. Biden and his top aides have made it clear that their disagreement with Israel over the war in the Gaza Strip would not prevent the United States from defending Israel against attacks from other adversaries.

“We are devoted to the defense of Israel,” Mr. Biden told reporters at the White House after a speech to the National Action Network. “We will support Israel and help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed.”

He did not specify what actions the United States might take.

John F. Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said earlier on Friday that the administration was taking the threat of an attack seriously.

“We are certainly mindful of a very public — and what we consider to be a very credible — threat made by Iran in terms of potential attacks on Israel,” he said. “We are in constant communication with our Israeli counterparts about making sure that they can defend themselves against those kinds of attacks.”

Mr. Kirby said the U.S. military was making adjustments to its force deployments in the Middle East to be ready in case an attack occurred, but he declined to be specific about those changes.

“We’re also clearly — it would be imprudent if we didn’t — taking a look at our own posture in the region, to make sure that we’re more properly prepared as well,” he said.

— Michael D. Shear

The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

— Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

U.S. and Iranian officials predict Iran will strike Israel but not U.S. forces in the next few days.

Iran is expected to mount an attack soon on Israel, but not on the United States or its military forces, when Tehran retaliates for an Israeli bombing in Damascus, Syria, that killed several senior Iranian commanders, U.S. and Iranian officials said on Friday.

American intelligence analysts and officials think Iran will strike multiple targets inside Israel within the next few days, three U.S. officials said, speaking on anonymity to talk about sensitive matters they were not authorized to discuss publicly. Officials did not indicate what form the attack would take, what kinds of targets would be involved and the precise timing — information that is very closely guarded among senior Iranians.

The United States, Israel’s pre-eminent ally, has military forces in several places across the Middle East, but Iran likely will not target them to avoid inciting a direct conflict with the United States, according to Iranian officials, who similarly insisted on remaining anonymous, and the American officials.

In the first months of the war between Israel and Hamas, Iran-backed militias regularly attacked U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and Jordan. But after a drone strike killed three Americans in Jordan in January, and the United States launched retaliatory strikes , Iran stopped the attacks by its proxies, fearing a more powerful U.S. response. Despite the clashes and hostile rhetoric, both Iranian and U.S. leaders have made it clear they want to avoid all-out war.

Iran has publicly and repeatedly vowed revenge for the April 1 strike on its embassy complex in Damascus that killed three generals and four other officers of its elite Quds Force, the foreign military and intelligence arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. But analysts say Iranian leaders want to calibrate their response so it is big enough to impress, at home and abroad, that Iran is not impotent in the face of conflict, but not so big that it spirals into a full-fledged war with Israel or draws an American attack.

How Israel would respond to an Iranian attack on its soil is unclear. The Israeli military “continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas,” Herzi Halevi, chief of the Israeli general staff, said in a statement on Friday. He added, “Our forces are prepared and ready at all times and for any scenario.”

A strategist for the Revolutionary Guards, one of the Iranian officials who spoke anonymously, said Iran wants to take advantage of the widening rift between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and President Biden over Israel’s conduct of the war against Hamas — and not unite them in hostility to Iran.

The Biden administration has not only criticized the level of death and destruction wrought by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, it has also voiced fears that increased clashes across Israel’s northern borders, primarily with Iranian proxies like Hezbollah, could escalate into a broader regional war.

Iran believes it can generate international support for a retaliatory strike by focusing attention on the attack against its embassy complex, a rare breach of the norms of war, and arguing that it was merely defending itself, the Iranian officials said.

International law generally treats embassies and consulates as being exempt from attack. But Israeli officials have argued that the building they destroyed was diplomatic only in name, and was used as a Revolutionary Guards base, as evidenced by the high-level commanders who were meeting there when they were killed.

Richard Pérez-Peña contributed reporting.

— Eric Schmitt and Farnaz Fassihi

An Iranian attack is likely to be measured, but a miscalculation risks a broader war, military analysts say.

Israeli forces were on high alert on Friday in anticipation of a retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies, which analysts and officials warned could spur an Israeli reaction and potentially provoke a broader conflict in the region.

Iran is expected to launch an attack as soon as this weekend in retaliation for an April 1 airstrike, in which warplanes struck an Iranian Embassy building in Damascus, killing three generals and other commanders, U.S. and Iranian officials said on Friday.

Military analysts said neither Israel nor Iran appeared interested in provoking a full-blown war that could draw in the United States, but that a miscalculation about either side’s red lines could result in an escalation in hostilities.

An Iranian response was inevitable given the high profile of one of the generals killed in Syria, Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a top commander in Iran’s Quds Force, the analysts said.

“For every wise player, there comes a moment when the cost-benefit calculation shifts and all strategies are reset,” said Mahdi Mohammadi, the chief adviser to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s Parliament. “For Iran, that moment was the attack in Damascus.”

Israel expects Iran to strike in a way that allows it to save face, but is measured enough to not arouse an even fiercer counterstrike, analysts say. The Iranians “don’t want a total war,” said Amos Gilead, a retired Israeli general. “So they might attack targets that would enable them to declare that they’ve achieved a great victory.”

Iran and Israel do not maintain any direct, formal channels of communication, making the chances for each side to misread the other’s intentions far greater, said Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli military intelligence officer.

American intelligence analysts and officials think Iran will strike multiple targets inside Israel within the next few days, said three U.S. officials who requested anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.

Where those strikes are aimed, from where they will be launched, who might carry them out and the damage they are expected to inflict remain secret to all but the highest levels of the Iranian government and military.

But Iran’s answer to those questions will determine the size and scope of Israel’s response, said Mr. Citrinowicz, a fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv.

The country’s leaders most likely hope to use their strike to restore some semblance of deterrence following the killing of General Zahedi in Syria, he said. (Israel has not publicly taken responsibility for that attack, but several Israeli officials confirmed the country’s involvement to The New York Times.)

Such an Iranian response, Mr. Citrinowicz said, could mean an attack from Iranian territory rather than through its proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and Iraq .

Israel has warned that an attack launched from inside Iran on targets inside Israel would be considered an escalation that required a reaction.

Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, said on Thursday such an attack would be “clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Last week, in anticipation of an Iranian strike, the Israeli military announced that additional reserve units had been called up to reinforce Israel’s air defense system and that combat soldiers expecting leave had been ordered to remain deployed.

Should Iran launch an attack from its own soil, said Mr. Citrinowicz, Israel’s air defenses would detect drones or cruise missiles long before they reached their targets, giving Israeli forces a chance to destroy them.

A more daunting scenario, he said, would be surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, which would arrive in a matter of minutes. Israel has developed some defenses — such as the Arrow system — to intercept longer-range missiles.

“If we manage to intercept most of what’s incoming, that would be excellent — it would moderate our need to respond offensively,” Mr. Citrinowicz said.

Farnaz Fassihi contributed reporting.

— Aaron Boxerman

Police shut down a Pro-Palestinian conference in Berlin, citing a risk of antisemitic statements.

German police stop pro-palestinian conference, the german police shut down a pro-palestinian conference in berlin, citing the risk that one of the speakers invited might make antisemitic comments or incite violence..

[shouting] “I’m just trying to —” Crowd: “Shame on you. Shame on you.” “Free, free, free Palestine.” Crowd: “Free, free, free Palestine.” “Free, free, free Palestine.” Crowd: “Free free, free Palestine.”

The German police shut down a pro-Palestinian conference in Berlin on Friday and denied entry to the country to a prominent British-Palestinian doctor who had planned to attend it.

Hundreds of police swarmed a gathering of some 250 people attending the “Palestine Conference” and banned the three-day event from continuing, citing the risk that one of the speakers invited might make antisemitic comments or incite violence.

“There is a risk that a speaker who has already made antisemitic or violence-glorifying public statements in the past will be invited to speak again,” the police wrote on social media.

In addition, Ghassan Abu Sitta, a well-known British-Palestinian plastic surgeon who worked in Gaza during the first weeks of Israel’s bombardment last year, said the authorities refused to allow him to enter Germany.

Dr. Abu Sitta had given testimony before the International Court of Justice in a genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel. He said the German authorities held him for hours at the airport before refusing to let him enter the country.

“The German government has forcibly prevented me from entering the country,” Dr. Abu Sitta wrote on social media. “Silencing a witness to genocide before the I.C.J. adds to Germany’s complicity in the ongoing massacre.”

Although leaders of Germany, the largest exporter of military aid to Israel after the United States, have begun to cautiously voice concern over Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza, there is still widespread suppression of criticism of Israel, a policy that has generated controversy over concerns that it restricts free speech.

Germany’s government has long held that its support of Israel’s existence is an ironclad part of its foreign policy, and that support is seen in Berlin as part of the country’s atonement for the Holocaust. That has led the authorities to take a restrictive stance toward criticisms of Israel, even though some of those expressing those views, including some of the organizers of the Palestine Conference, are Jewish.

Videos of the police shutting down the conference included one of officers dragging out a man wearing a kipa, or skullcap, in the colors of the Palestinian flag, shouting “Free Palestine.”

In Berlin, police have often preemptively shut down demonstrations and events criticizing Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, citing concerns over antisemitism or violence.

On Friday, the city’s mayor, Kai Wegner, said he found it “intolerable” that such a conference was happening in Berlin. “We have made it clear that hatred of Israel has no place in Berlin,” he wrote on social media.

According to its website , the Palestine Conference planned to bring together Palestinian activists and speakers for panels on topics such as how to end German military support for Israel and the suppression of pro-Palestine speech. It also called for “the right of return of Palestinian refugees and end the Zionist settler colonialism.”

Among the speakers on the program was Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister. On social media, he described the event as one in which “Jews, Palestinians and other peace activists were discussing universal human rights across Israel-Palestine.”

— Erika Solomon

The E.U. imposes sanctions on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad for sexual violence on Oct. 7.

The countries of the European Union on Friday imposed sanctions on military and special forces units of Hamas and the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad for committing “widespread sexual and gender-based violence” during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

The European Council said in its decision that it levied sanctions on the fighters from the extremist groups — the Al-Quds Brigades and Nukhba Force of Hamas, and the Al-Quds Brigades of Palestinian Islamic Jihad — for inflicting sexual violence on Oct. 7 “in a systematic manner, using it as a weapon of war.”

The fighters will be barred from traveling to European Union countries and will be subject to an asset freeze.

Josep Borrell Fontelles, the European Union’s top diplomat, said in a statement that he would hold the perpetrators accountable.

Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, applauded the council’s decision and said it reinforced that those who inflict sexual violence will “pay the price.”

The European Union joined the United Nations in denouncing the sexual violence that some women and children faced during the Oct. 7 attacks. In early March, after deploying a team of experts to Israel and the West Bank, the United Nations said it had “clear and convincing information” that women and children held captive in Gaza were subjected to sexual violence, including rape, sexualized torture and inhumane treatment. The U.N. report also found that Palestinians detained by Israel had been sexually abused.

Later in March, The New York Times interviewed Amit Soussana , a former hostage, who publicly described for the first time the sexual abuse she faced while in Hamas captivity. Hamas leaders have denied the accusations and the conclusions of the U.N. report, saying that while it was essential to investigate the claims of sexual violence, it would be impossible to do so in “the current circumstances.”

— Gaya Gupta

Israel says it opened a new aid corridor to northern Gaza.

The Israeli military said on Friday it had begun allowing humanitarian aid trucks to enter northern Gaza through a new crossing, in an apparent response to international pressure to do more to alleviate the hunger and deprivation produced by more than six months of war.

The military did not specify the location of the new crossing, and it remained unclear how many trucks had crossed, what aid agency they belonged to and when the crossing might be open for wider use.

The convoy that Israel says entered on Thursday was not coordinated with the United Nations, whose agencies handle much of the relief effort in Gaza, according to a U.N. official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Jamie McGoldrick, a top U.N. relief official in Jerusalem, said that U.N. officials planned to head to the crossing on Saturday to examine it. He said the crossing would be a significant improvement “if it can go to scale and is not temporary.”

Israel has come under increasing international pressure to allow more aid to enter Gaza. After Israeli strikes killed seven aid workers last week , President Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel by phone that the United States could withhold military support for Israel unless it did more to protect civilians and ensure adequate supplies for Palestinian civilians.

More than a million Gazans are facing “catastrophic levels of food insecurity” and over 50,000 Gazan children are acutely malnourished, the United Nations’ Office of Humanitarian Affairs reported this week . Aid agencies say the desperation is gravest in northern Gaza, where chaos and lawlessness have followed the withdrawal of most Israeli troops, and where relief groups have struggled to bring supplies from the two main border crossings in the south.

Aid officials have lobbied the Israeli government for months to open more entry points to bring aid directly into northern Gaza to avoid perilous roads across the territory where they fear their trucks will be either looted or bombarded.

In announcing the new crossing, the Israeli military said that Israeli inspectors had checked the trucks at Kerem Shalom, across the border from southern Gaza, before they headed to the new entry point, according to the Israeli military.

In mid-March, the Israeli authorities opened a military access road, known as Crossing 96, into northern Gaza. But Israel ultimately did not allow U.N. agencies to use the route consistently to bring in trucks, saying it was often needed for military use, Mr. McGoldrick said.

“Until we get a consistent flow inside Gaza, we’re never going to have the desperation reduced,” he said in an interview.

Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, pledged on Wednesday to “flood Gaza with aid” and said he expected to ultimately see 500 relief trucks entering the enclave on a daily basis. (U.N. figures show that an average of about 110 aid trucks have entered Gaza daily since the war began Oct. 7.) Mr. Gallant said Israel would soon open the port of Ashdod, an Israeli city north of Gaza, to accept aid shipments, without providing a time frame.

— Aaron Boxerman reporting from Jerusalem

The relief organization Anera says it is resuming operations in Gaza.

An aid group that had suspended its operations in Gaza after Israeli strikes killed seven humanitarian workers has said it is resuming work in the territory.

The Israeli authorities this week told the group, Anera, that the country’s military would take “certain measures” to protect aid workers in Gaza, the group’s chief executive, Sean Carroll, said in a statement on Thursday. The longstanding U.S.-based nonprofit, also known by its full name, American Near East Refugee Aid, said it was fully resuming its work in Gaza, distributing meals, hygiene kits and tents and providing medical treatment.

“Our ability to help people in Gaza relies on our heroic staff and hundreds of volunteers,” Mr. Carroll said in the statement, saying the group was “cautiously hopeful” that Israel’s assurances would mean that its workers would be safe.

Anera had partnered in Gaza with World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by the Spanish chef José Andrés, to distribute meals, but it suspended operations after an Israeli drone strike on April 1 killed seven of World Central Kitchen’s workers. The Israel military later said officers mistakenly believed the aid workers’ cars were carrying gunmen.

In an email response to questions from The New York Times, Mr. Carroll said that the Israeli authorities had assured him that “there will be no firing at humanitarian missions under any circumstances.” A strike near a humanitarian mission would occur only “in the case of a suspected armed militant in the area” and only with the authorization of “a senior officer,” Mr. Carroll said he was told.

More than six months of Israeli bombardment in Gaza have taken a devastating toll on Palestinians and aid workers. At least 224 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza since the current conflict broke out on Oct. 7, the U.N. Security Council said in a statement Thursday. That toll is at least three times higher than in a single conflict in a given year, the Security Council said.

With Israel’s blockade and heavy bombardment of the territory, Gaza’s 2.2 million civilians have become ever more dependent on aid organizations to meet even a fraction of their basic needs. At the same time, aid groups say the constant risk of strikes, crumbling roads and infrastructure and staggering levels of need make their work immensely challenging .

In a sign of the continuing peril for aid workers, UNICEF said on Thursday that one of its vehicles had been hit with live ammunition while waiting to enter northern Gaza this week. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said separately that a staff member died on Thursday after having been wounded in March during the evacuation of a hospital in Khan Younis.

The seven workers with the relief organization World Central Kitchen were killed on April 1 while leaving a warehouse in central Gaza. The team was part of the group’s efforts to distribute hundreds of tons of food aid, sent in by ship through a makeshift jetty the organization built on the Mediterranean coast, to a population among whom famine is beginning to set in .

They were killed when at least one Israeli drone struck three vehicles in their convoy in rapid succession, which Israel’s military later said was the result of a “grave mistake.”

Anera said it also lost one of its workers on March 8 in an Israeli airstrike, even though the location of his shelter had been shared with the Israeli authorities. Mousa Shawwa, 41, a logistics coordinator, had been a member of its staff for nearly 15 years and was wearing a vest with its logo when he was killed, according to the organization.

World Central Kitchen, which also suspended its work in Gaza after the deaths of its staff members, has not announced plans to restart operations.

— Victoria Kim

An Argentine court rules that Iran was behind attacks on the Israeli Embassy and a Jewish center.

A high court in Argentina ruled on Thursday that Iran was the mastermind of the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people, potentially paving the way for relatives of victims to make claims against the country in international tribunals.

While Argentine investigators have long believed that Iranian operatives and high-ranking officials played key roles in the attacks, the decision this week by Argentina’s second-highest tribunal goes further by holding the Iranian state itself responsible.

The ruling also characterized Iran as a terrorist state at a moment when tensions are running particularly high between Iran and Israel. Iran has repeatedly said it will launch an attack against Israel in retaliation for a recent bombing in Syria that killed several top Iranian commanders.

“The 1994 attack in Buenos Aires was organized, planned, financed and executed under the direction of the authorities of the Islamic State of Iran, within the framework of Islamic Jihad,” said the ruling by the three-member court that declared the attack a crime against humanity.

The court said the attack itself was carried out by Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group.

The judges said Tehran was also to blame for the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires that killed 22 people. The attacks were carried out in retaliation for the Argentine government’s decision to cancel contracts to provide nuclear material to Iran, according to the ruling.

Iran has steadfastly denied any involvement in the attacks.

The “verdict reaffirms what the Argentine justice system has been asserting through numerous rulings for decades,” the Argentine Jewish Mutual Aid Association, whose building was the target of the attack, said in a statement.

“It’s the position we’ve always upheld,” said Jorge Knoblovits, the head of an association that represents more than 100 Jewish organizations in Argentina. “The Islamic Republic of Iran was the one responsible for all of this.”

The court ruling said a state can be held responsible for financing and planning a terrorist attack even if it was carried out by nonstate actors.

The ruling opens the door for relatives of victims to pursue claims against Iran in international tribunals, Mr. Knoblovits said, though it was unclear if a case could be brought before the International Court of Justice, the U.N.’s highest judicial body, or elsewhere.

“We’re currently analyzing that,” he said.

The ruling is the latest twist in an investigation that has been mired by accusations of coverups and plagued by controversy.

In 2015, a special prosecutor was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head shortly after he accused then-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and other top officials of conspiring with Iran to cover up its involvement in the community-center attack. The former president has repeatedly denied the accusations.

The government of right-wing President Javier Milei, who came into office in December and is a strong ally of Israel, hailed Thursday’s ruling, saying it “brought an end to decades of delays and coverups.”

— Daniel Politi Reporting from Buenos Aires

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See 15 photos of cherry blossoms in full bloom around the world.

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TORONTO, ON - April 15 The first of the cherry blossoms have bloomed outside of the Robarts ... [+] Library at University of Toronto near the corner of St. George and Harbord. April 15 2024 Richard Lautens/Toronto Star (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

For a couple of fleeting weeks each spring, cherry blossom trees bloom, painting countrysides and city streets pink and white.

Japan is a bucket list destination for those who want to see cherry blossom trees at peak bloom. The country’s “hanami” (flower viewing) tradition dates back centuries.

But cherry blossoms usher in spring in destinations around the world, their billowy blooms seen in the foreground of castles, parks, and even the Eiffel Tower.

Ahead, see 15 photos of peak cherry blossom blooms from around the world, many of which show the joy they bring to people.

Toronto, Ontario

TORONTO, ON - April 15 The first of the cherry blossoms have bloomed outside of the Robarts ... [+] Library at UofT near the corner of St. George and Harbord. (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

The Consulate General of Japan gifted the University of Toronto with 70 sakura trees in the early 2005. The trees outside of the Robarts Library are a springtime showpiece and popular spot for photos.

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Apple watch series 10 to boast welcome upgrade report claims, wwe raw results winners and grades on april 15 2024, lviv, ukraine.

LVIV, UKRAINE – APRIL 13: A woman poses for the camera near a blooming cherry blossom tree in the ... [+] John Paul II Park on April 13, 2024 in Lviv, Ukraine. Much warmer-than-normal weather caused the onset of meteorological spring in Ukraine much earlier than usual. (Photo by Stanislav Ivanov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Springtime in Ukraine brings famous cherry blossom and magnolia blooms. In addition to Lviv, both Uzhhorod and Kyiv are famous for their Sakura blooms.

Bad Langensalza, Germany

13 April 2024, Thuringia, Bad Langensalza: A woman in a summer kimono yukata smells cherry blossoms ... [+] at the traditional Japanese cherry blossom festival "Hanami". Photo: Michael Reichel/dpa (Photo by Michael Reichel/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Each April, the Japanese Garden hosts a cherry blossom festival that draws thousands of visitors. The garden also has tranquil ponds, Bonsai trees, tea ceremonies, and more.

Dresden, Germany

12 April 2024, Saxony, Dresden: An ornamental cherry blossoms in front of the Archive of the ... [+] Avant-Garde - Egidio Marzona (ADA). (Photo by Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Cherry blossoms blooming in front of the Archive of the Avant-Garde, a treasure trove of artwork, furniture, architectural plans from the 20th century artistic movements.

Berlin, Germany

People walk under cherry blossom trees in Berlin, Germany, April 9, 2024. (Photo by Ren ... [+] Pengfei/Xinhua via Getty Images)

In 1990, out of joy over the reunification of Germany, the Japanese television station TV-Asahi called for a fundraising campaign to collect money for the planting of Japanese cherry trees in Germany. Enough donations were collected for over 9,000 trees, and the area is bursting with cherry blossoms, including several planted on the Berlin Wall Trail, which is considered the TV-Asahi Cherry Blossom Alley.

Paris, France

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 08: Kanzan (also known as Kwanzan and Sekiyama) cherry blossom is seen at ... [+] Trocadero garden (Jardins du Trocadero) with the Eiffel Tower in the background in Paris, France on April 08, 2024. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Springtime in Paris: Cherry blossoms bloom with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

New York City, New York

Cherry blossoms are pictured at Central Park in New York, the United States, on April 6, 2024. ... [+] (Photo by Li Rui/Xinhua via Getty Images)

New York City’s Central Park has two types of cherry trees. The Yoshino cherry trees typically bloom in early to mid-April and the Kwanzan cherry trees follow in early May.

Bonn, Germany

BONN, GERMANY - APRIL 07: Visitors enjoy the cherry blossom season in the old town of Bonn on April ... [+] 07, 2024 in Bonn, Germany. The cherry blossom season which lasts only a couple of weeks, attracts thousands of tourists and visitors who flock to the streets of the old town to enjoy and take pictures with it. (Photo by Hesham Elsherif/Anadolu via Getty Images)

So many cherry blossoms bloom in Bonn that Heerstrasse is known as Cherry Blossom Avenue. The pink blooms over the cobblestone streets makes for magical photos.

Tokyo, Japan

A family is taking a picture of their infant under the cherry blossoms in full bloom at Ueno Park in ... [+] Tokyo, Japan, on April 7. (Photo by Yusuke Harada/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In a city bursting with cherry blossoms, Ueno Park is a popular spot to see the blooms. With more than 1,000 cherry trees, the park hosts a festival each year, with the celebration that continues into the evening when lanterns illuminate the cherry blossom trees.

Ueno Park , cherry blossom season .Most popular park for viewing blossom trees and celebrating.

Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 3: Ducks swim above a walking path completely submerged in flood waters along ... [+] the Tidal Basin, April 3, 2024, in Washington, DC. Heavy rain has added to already flood-prone areas along the Tidal Basin. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

The National Park Service is cutting down about 150 cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C. this spring because it needs to raise its seawall along the Tidal Basin. The Prime Minister of Japan has pledged to gift 250 trees to Washington, D.C. to replace the ones that are being uprooted.

Hangzhou, China

HANGZHOU, CHINA - APRIL 05: Aerial view of blooming cherry blossoms at Longjing tea garden on April ... [+] 5, 2024 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China. (Photo by Ding Junhao/VCG via Getty Images)

Pops of pink dot the manicured greens at Longjing tea garden in Hangzhou, China.

Kunming, China

KUNMING, CHINA - MARCH 11: Visitors flock to Yuantong mountain to enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms ... [+] and begonia flowers on March 11, 2024 in Kunming, Yunnan Province of China. (Photo by Liu Ranyang/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)

Kunming is known as the “city of flowers.” The region is home to more than five dozen varieties of cherry blossom trees.

Nanjing, China

NANJING, CHINA - MARCH 16, 2024 - Visitors enjoy cherry blossoms at the Zhongshan Botanical Garden ... [+] in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, March 16, 2024. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Cherry blossoms were in full bloom in mid-March at Zhongshan Botanical Garden, the first botanical garden in China that opened nearly a century ago.

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