japan travel guidelines 2022

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Travelling To Japan In 2022: Visa Procedures, Apps To Download & What To Expect After You Land

Travelling to Japan in 2022

Months after Japan first began to welcome travellers, the country is finally further easing its border control. With effect from 7th September , Japan will be doing away with several strict regulations that discouraged international visitors from entering the country. 

However, before you hop on the next plane to Japan, note that there are limitations that come with the good news. Whether you’re poised to make the big move as a student or are simply looking to make a long-awaited trip to the country , read on for our ultimate guide on travelling to Japan in the 2022 pandemic era.

For more guides, check out:

• How to rent an apartment in Japan
• Anime speech habits to avoid using in real life
• Shopping etiquette to look out for 

For tourists

1. non-guided packaged tours now allowed.

Previously, in order to enter Japan, international travellers had to be part of a pre-booked and guided tour led by a tour conductor. On 31st August, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced that with effect from 7th September, non-guided packaged tours will be allowed.  

In other words, travellers will still have to book travel packages from authorised tour agencies, and adhere to the planned itinerary. This means that solo or free-and-easy travel is still not allowed, though visitors will no longer be tagged by a tour guide.  

The daily cap of new entrants is also slated to be raised from 20,000 to 50,000 – more than double the current limit.

2. Pre-flight negative PCR test no longer required

Previously, de pending on the country you’re from, you may or may not have been subject to quarantine. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , countries or regions are classified as red, yellow, or blue. Passengers from the red group are required to do a pre-flight and post-arrival PCR test, on top of a 3-day quarantine as a designated facility.

However, from 7th September, individuals vaccinated with 3 doses of the approved vaccine, including a booster shot, will no longer need to test negative on a PCR test 72 hours prior to their flight.

3. International flights at Naha and New Chitose Airport to resume

Besides the above, international flights are also slated to be resumed at Naha Airport and New Chitose Airport, gateways to Okinawa and Hokkaido respectively.

Currently, international flights can only land in 5 major airports, which includes Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita Airport, as well as Osaka’s Kansai Airport.

4. Travellers must be sponsored by Japanese travel agencies

Once the packaged tours are open for booking, travellers will have to be sponsored by Japanese travel agencies or similar organisations. In other words, the agencies will act as your sponsor and are responsible for your being in the country . 

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare , the travel agencies undertaking the guided tour will have to register for the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) on behalf of the participants. 

Once successfully registered, a certificate will be sent to sponsors, and the certificate can be submitted to the relevant embassy for visa application, if there is a need for one. 

For international students and business travellers

Applying for your visa, 1. getting a certificate of eligibility (coe).

A Certificate of Eligibility , or COE for short, is your first step to entering the country. In a nutshell, it’s a document provided by the Regional Immigration Bureau , which certifies that the applicant has met all the requirements needed to reside in the country.

All paperwork and application procedures should be handled by your sponsor, which can be your employer, school, or relative. An important point to note is that your COE is not a replacement for a visa , but a required document that should be submitted to your local Japanese embassy during your visa application.

2. Registering for the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS)

With effect from 1st March 2022, restrictions on new foreign entries have been revised. The new border measures now require an additional document on top of the COE – a certificate for completion of registration to the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS).

Like the COE, sponsors will be required to register the entrants’ information online . Once successfully registered, the certificate will be sent to sponsors , and foreign applicants can proceed to submit the certificate for visa processing.

3. Visa application

After gathering all the necessary certificates from your sponsor, it’s time to head to your local Japanese embassy. The list of required documents depends on factors such as your nationality, purpose of travel, and type of visa. 

But in general, bring along your passport, a completed application form , photograph in the specified dimensions, your COE, and your ERFS registration certificate . Due to the pandemic, your local embassy may require visitors to book an appointment in advance, so call ahead before going. 

Once the application is submitted, it should take a few business days . A gain, the duration varies , and you may return to pick up your visa once it’s issued. 

4. Enter Japan before your COE expires

In principle, a COE is only valid within 90 days of its issue . Applicants have to enter Japan before the deadline, otherwise it becomes invalid.

But due to the ever-changing border restrictions, Japan has extended the validity period. For COEs issued between 1st January 2020 to 31st January 2022 , they expire on 31st July 2022 . T hose issued from 1st February 2022 to 31st July 2022 are valid for six months .

Other preflight procedures

1. getting a yunyu kakunin-sho for your medication.

Formerly known as Yakkan Shōmei (薬監証明), a Yunyu Kakuninsho (輸入確認証) is a permit for medicine importation. Travellers can only bring along more than one month’s supply of prescription medications, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices , if they’ve obtained a certified yunyu kakuninsho beforehand .

In the application document , detail the prescription item and quantity , then attach a doctor’s note and your flight itinerary . Email the PDF file to the relevant authorities of the airport at which you will be landing. Depending on the volume of applications that are being processed, it can take up to a few business days, so make sure to factor in enough time before your flight.

After you receive a certified permit, bring along a hard copy of it and declare your medication during customs clearance.

2. Download and register on the MySOS app

In order to expedite arrival procedures, the Fast Track was implemented at major airports such as Kansai International Airport and Narita International Airport. New foreign entrants can complete parts of the immigration procedure in advance by installing the MySOS app.

To register the necessary documents, you must first fill out the questionnaire and written pledge. The app will then prompt you to submit your vaccination certificate and a negative test result for COVID-19.

T he screen will remain yellow while your documents are being reviewed. After they are verified and good to do, your screen should turn green , and you can flash the page upon arrival in Japan. 

The whole process is relatively smooth, with each step of verification taking only around 20 minutes. That said, the preflight Fast Track application has to be completed at least 16 hours in advance before your arrival.

3. Prepare your vaccination certificate

Like many countries, Japan requires travellers to be vaccinated. Prepare a valid vaccination certificate that’s issued by the government in your country. The document should detail your name, passport number, manufacturer of vaccines, vaccination dates, and at least two doses of approved vaccinations.

Before you get on the plane, the airline will do a quick scan before allowing you onto the plane, so bring along a hardcopy of the certificate. 

4. Prepare a copy of your Written Pledge

In compliance with border measures, new entrants are to submit a signed copy of the Written Pledge . The two-page document outlines measures you will be required to observe , which includes providing updates on your location, complying with requests from relevant officials, staying at home, and more.

Those refusing to sign will be assigned to a quarantine location to self-isolate, and any violation of the clauses may result in deportation.

Upon arrival, submit the signed copy of your pledge to the airport quarantine station when prompted.

5. Money matters

With the sharp fall in the value of Japanese yen recently, we recommend changing just a minimal amount of the local currency in advance. 

Multi-currency digital wallets such as YouTrip and Revolut allow you to make in-app currency exchange s without having to worry about lugging a huge amount of cash around. While smaller mom-and-pop shops m ay not take cashless payments, the cards can be used at most convenience stores, chain shopping malls, and supermarkets.  

What to expect after landing

1. be prepared to show your mysos app.

Once you touch down, you’ll be guided through rounds of checks, going from station to station. Get the green screen on your MySOS app ready as it will be the first thing the q uarantine staff will check.

After they’ve verified your pre-registration, you’ll be handed a piece of document – they call it “Health Card” – attached to a small slip of yellow paper printed with a checklist.

2. Declaring your travel history

And so begins the process of getting in line and going through several stations. Besides collecting the questionnaire for COVID-19 related measures, which should be given to you on the plane to fill out, the staff will also ask about your travel history and a series of other questions. Be clear about where you’ve been in the preceding 14 days before entry.

3. Collecting saliva sample s for the COVID-19 test

Next, to conduct a PCR test, new arrivals will be given an empty plastic tube that’s labelled with a number, as well as a funnel. Proceed to the booths and spit several times into the tube to ensure that enough sa liva is collected.

If you’re having some trouble, look at pictures of lemons within the space as it’ll help stimulate saliva production. To make sure that your saliva sample is clear and free from food residue, refrain from eating or drinking – not even water – 30 minutes before landing .

4. Having your application settings checked

Once the spit tests have been done and dusted, and you’ve passed your saliva sample to the personnel, you’re just a few steps away from officially s etting foot in Japan. 

The next procedure is a short one – you ’ll be guided by a staff member to ensure that your location and notification settings for the MySOS app are switched on .

5. Waiting for the test results

After walking back and forth within the airport, all you’ve got to do now is wait for your test results in the waiting area. Remember the saliva sample tube that was labelled with a number? When the results are out, your assigned number will be displayed on numerous monitors in the area.

Head over to the counter – the staff will hand you a pink slip of paper if you’ve tested negative and are good to go . The whole process can take at least one to two hours, but that’s a rough estimate as waiting time varies depending on the crowd size.

6. Going through immigration and getting your zairyū card

We never thought this day would come after two years of border closures, but here we are, just one stamp on our passport away from the land of next-level convenience stores .

From here on out , it’s pretty much standard procedure. The custom official will scan your passport and look through the standard disembarkation card and customs form. 

If there are no problems, you’ll be issued your zairyū card (在留カード; residence card) , an identity card that’s issued to foreign residents who plan to live in Japan for more than three months. With that done, you are now well on your way. 

7. Factoring enough time for domestic transit

For travellers who are making a connecting flight in Japan, it’s imperative to factor in enough time to catch the domestic transfer. All international arrivals have to go through immigration procedures at the landing airport before you can pick up your luggage, get out of the international terminal, and commute to domestic terminals to catch your next flight. 

To play it safe, make sure there’s at least four to six hours between your flights. Alternatively, if you’ve missed your flight, rescheduling to the next available one is also an option.

8. Transportation

Under renewed border regulations, travellers who are fully vaccinated (three doses) or entering Japan from a designated country are allowed to use public transport within 24 hours to commute from the airport to their accommodation after the COVID-19 test has been t aken. 

That said , the government strongly urges all to take the shortest route possible and practice social distancing.

9. Wearing a mask

Even though mask mandates were never officially issued in Japan, you’d be hard-pressed to find a local who doesn’t have half their face covered. Wearing a mask is still a norm in the country , and with the number of COVID-19 cases rising recently, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Mask up, even if you’re in open spaces or outdoors.

10. Quarantine, if necessary

As determined by the Japanese government, citizens from countries that are deemed to have the Omicron variant under control can avoid self-quarantine. Depending on your vaccination status and departing country, the quarantine period can last from three to seven days . Arrival counts as day zero, which means quarantine will take place over the three subsequent days. 

Even if you’ve managed to escape being cooped up in a room, do your due diligence and avoid the 3Cs – closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings – for your first few days in the country. 

On a side note, if you test positive at the airport, you will be asked to recuperate at a designated quarantine facility.

Guide to travelling to Japan in 2022

Judging by the trend so far, it looks like Japan is playing it safe and easing regulations in stages. Though self-guided tours are still banned for now, it is a positive sign that the country is gradually opening up to tourists and foreign arrivals.

This article will be updated periodically when there are new regulations , so keep your eyes peeled for the latest news on this space. 

For more travel tips, check out: 

• Strange laws in Japan
• Best art museums in Japan
• Guide to Japan shrines
• Travel tips for first-time travellers
• Ways to get around in Japan

This article was updated on 31st August 2022 by Xiu Ting Wong. Cover image adapted from (clockwise from top left): Volodymyr Hryshchenko , JC Gellidon , Kentaro Toma and Sho K

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Coronavirus in Japan: Travel Updates

Last updated: Oct 15th 2022

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

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

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

Table of contents

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

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

Travel Updates

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Borders set to Reopen to Independent Travel

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

Borders open for Tour Groups

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

Temporarily Closed Places in Japan: A-Z Directory

Mazda Museum

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

Naeba Ski Resort

Robot Restaurant

Temporarily closed until further notice due to coronavirus measures

Toei Animation Museum

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

Cancelled events

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

The World Health Organization's advice  is as follows:

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

Should I wear a mask?

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

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

Do I need travel insurance?

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

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

What should I do if concerned by coronavirus in Japan?

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

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

What should I do if I feel sick?

If you are feeling unwell, please consult the following:

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

Can tourists enter Japan?

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

Official Japan travel advisories

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

Official resources

Let us know how we can help.

6 questions travelers need to ask before visiting Japan this year

Oct 5, 2022 • 5 min read

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

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

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

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

1. Do I need to pack a mask?

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

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

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

The 10 most spectacular road trips in Japan

3. Have I downloaded the MySOS app?

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

4. Do I need to apply for a visa?

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

The ultimate guide to karaoke in Japan

5. Should I reserve restaurants and museums in advance?

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

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

8 unique places to stay in Tokyo

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

Theme Parks

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

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

Trying the traditional crafts of Ishikawa prefecture

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

Bullet Trains

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

Japan's best food and drink experiences

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

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Japan Reopens to Visa-free Individual Tourism From October 11, 2022!

More than 2 years and a half!

The Japanese archipelago was closed to foreign tourists during more than 30 months / nearly 1,000 days: an unheard-of situation, especially for such a long time, that frustrated travelers and weakened many tour operators and travel agencies.

However, the wait is closing to the end: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on September 22 from New York that visa-free individual tourism in Japan will resume from October 11, 2022 . As usual, the country took its time to act; it is one of the latest countries in the world to reopen its borders to tourism, and the very last (and late) of the G7.

Let’s review all the aspects involved by this long-awaited good news!

🎌 When will Japanese borders will reopen to visa-free tourism?

Traveling in Japan without constraint as a tourist is possible from October 11, 2022 .

The Japanese government has been working on a borders reopening schedule since April 27 to help revive the economy. The reopening to tourism was very slow and gradual, but there are not any constraint anymore and anyone can travel freely to Japan.

Who can travel to Japan?

Anyone, regardless of citizenship , can go to Japan.

Most of people in the world regardless their citizenship can be admitted in Japan, but only nationals from the blue countries list can do so without constraint. This list is quite large, with 128 countries, including Canada and the United States for example.

For the other colors (yellow and red), some restrictions still apply, such as vaccination / PCR test before traveling, and quarantine upon arrival.

🛂 Is a visa required to enter the Japanese territory

No, getting a tourism visa is not mandatory anymore from October 11, 2022 : a valid passport is enough for any stay shorter than 3 months with touristic purpose.

Tourist visa had been reintroduced on June 2022 and it was necessary to get sponsorship by a travel agent.

From October 11, the visa waiver system between Japan and 68 other countries in the world is restored. From this date on, it will be possible again to stay up to 90 days in Japan, without tedious paperwork at the Embassy or the Consulate: you will just have your passport stamped upon arrival in Japan.

💉 Is Covid vaccine required?

No, being vaccinated against Covid is not mandatory to enter in Japan.

Regardless of the number of vaccine doses you received, you are likely to be admitted in Japan. However, if you got your 3 shots, you will be exempted from doing a PCR test before flying.

Note that having been infected by Covid does not count as a vaccine dose!

Vaccines recognized in Japan are:

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

👩‍🔬 Is a Covid PCR test mandatory?

A negative PCR test shortly before arrival is required only for travelers who did not get three vaccine doses.

The Japanese immigration asks travelers to prove they don’t have Covid-19 . Travelers must submit this completed form after doing a PCR test (with a swab in the nose) within 72 hours / 3 days before departure and getting a negative result. However, people who received 3 vaccine shots don’t need to do a PCR test.

PCR testing upon arrival in Japan has been scrapped since June 2022, greatly improving the procedures for leaving the airport.

Only Chinese citizens or people who transited by China in the 7 days prior their trip to Japan must do a Covid test upon arrival in the archipelago (and a 7-days quarantine if the test comes out positive).

🧒 What about PCR tests / vaccines for minor children?

Minor children don’t need to be vaccinated , and in some cases can be exempted of PCR test.

In mid-September, the Japanese Ministry of Health provided information about babies / children / teenagers traveling to Japan:

• If the underage child enters in Japan with a parent who got their 3 doses, then the child is also considered being fully vaccinated, even if they are not. The negative PCR test before flying is therefore not required.
• If a child under 6 years old enters in Japan with a parent who did not get their 3 shots, but do have a negative PCR test, then the child is also considered having a negative PCR test, even if they haven’t done it.

In every other cases, the underage child must either prove that they have received 3 vaccine doses, or provide a negative PCR test made less than 72 hours prior to departure to Japan.

🏨 Is there a quarantine for tourists arriving in Japan?

No, there is no mandatory quarantine or self-isolation after landing in Japan.

It is therefore possible to:

• Stay a few days to visit Tokyo before going to Hakone , Kyoto or in any other prefecture in Japan,
• Take the Shinkansen bullet train directly after landing thanks to the JR Pass, or,
• Just make a stopover at the airport to hop on a domestic flight.

In short, tourists are free as birds as soon as arrival!

🔢 Is there a daily cap for travelers?

No, there is no more entry daily cap in Japan.

Since March 2020, Japan has implemented a daily cap for overseas visitors, that reached 50,000 in September. From October 11, there will be no daily entry cap in the archipelago.

For reference, in 2019, the last "norma" year before Covid, the Japanese territory welcomed on average ~140,000 daily entries, including ~87,000 foreign visitors (~80% were from Asia : ~25% China, ~19% South Korea and ~14% Taiwan).

🧍 Is it mandatory to take part to a package group tour?

No , package group tours were just part of a single test in spring   🌸 2022.

This test was conducted only for a few days overlapping the end of May and early June 2022.

📋 Is a travel insurance mandatory?

Yes , but most of travelers already have one.

Travelers must be covered by their own health insurance. This service is offered to Visa or Mastercard clients with purchases in connection to the trip (flights tickets, accommodation…) made with a bank card  💳 , especially if it is a "Gold" / "Premier".

Naturally, you may want to purchase a cancellation insurance:

📱 Do I need to install a specific app to enter in Japan?

No , this obligation was lifted in October 2022.

During Covid, the Japanese government required overseas visitors to install on their smartphone  📱 :

• MySOS to register information regarding vaccine / PCR test prior to arrival and save time at the airport in Japan ("fast track" system);
• COCOA for contact cases tracing, but the app was discontinued in September 2022.

It is however recommended to register through Visit Japan Webto save time upon arrival in Japan.

As many Wi-Fi hot-spots have disappeared due to the Covid period, it is all the more useful to book a Pocket Wi-Fi in advance to make sure to always have an unlimited high-speed access to the internet  📶 during your trip:

🤒 Is there a body temperature check upon arrival in Japan?

No , this mesure was discontinued before the first easing to tourists at the end of spring.

A health center for foreign tourists is based in Tokyo, and is the reference if a question or problem arised (fever, Coronavirus  🦠 symptoms...)

😷 Is masking mandatory in Japan?

Generally no , but some places may require their visitors to do so.

On a legal basis, wearing a face mask  😷 is not mandatory in Japan. However, in the wake of the reopening, the government allowed hotels  🏨 to refuse customers who would not wear a mask at their premises.

Regardless, wearing a face covering is akin to a social duty in the archipelago. Many Japanese wear one permanently, even in the outdoors. Thus, the Japanese government published a document to sum up all the situations where wearing a mask was a necessity. In addition, many places ( temples , shops, etc.) require that people wear a mask on their grounds.

Therefore, wearing a face mask as often as possible is not required but socially desirable, especially when indoor.

🗾 Are there prefectures or places that are off-limits?

No , Japan’s whole territory is opened to travelers.

There is no geographical restriction for traveling in Japan, and the Japan Rail pass is still a convenient asset:

🏥 Is it safe to travel in Japan in 2022 and 2023 with the Coronavirus?

Yes, Japan is one of the countries that best resisted against the Coronavirus . It is way safer to travel in Japan than in many other places in the world.

The spreading was contained since the beginning of the pandemic. With only 34 deceased for 100,000 inhabitants, the Japanese succeeded in protecting themselves thanks to basic precautionary measures:

• The widespread use of sanitary face masks;
• The natural social distancing; and,
• An unparalleled civic-minded attitude.

Moreover, Japan benefits from a solid and modern health system that can treat with great care the severe forms of Covid, as well as any other disease.

From May 8, 2023, the Coronavirus will be downgraded from Category II to a Category V disease, like the seasonal flu. Which likely means:

• No more PCR Test required to enter Japan;
• No more indoor face mask mandate;
• No more sudden border closure.

❌ Are there places still closed in Tokyo or anywhere else?

No, everything is open as Japan has been resuming usual activities for a long time.

While there has been no lock-down in Japan, some museums or themed parks did close for a few weeks in spring 2020. Events (conventions, matsuri, sports competitions) may have been canceled, aired on line only, or postponed. We have a list of places closed at the moment, but most closures are not related to Covid anymore.

Now, the only difference with 2019 and the previous years are:

• Wearing a face mask is sometimes mandatory to enter some places;
• Staff may (seldom) take people’s temperature with a no-touch thermometer at the entrance of shops;
• Hand sanitizer is often freely available.

But this measures are certainly not specific to Japan.

🙇🏻 Are Japanese people welcoming to foreigners?

Yes, Japanese people have an unparalleled hospitality culture .

In Japanese, there is the concept of omotenashi and it encompasses the idea of welcoming the other in a broader sense. Moreover, the tourism industry has greatly suffered since March 2020, as well as the Japanese economy, all the more with the recent inflation.

Many Japanese are eager to welcome back tourism on their country.

💣 What is the impact of the war in Ukraine on the trip to Japan?

Direct flights last 2 more hours.

Since February 2022 and the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, Russia’s airspace is off-limits to airways flying to Japan. Flights must travel by the southern route, which lengthen the flight  ✈️ duration for a total 14~15 hours for a direct flight (with Air France, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways).

Japanese airways’ suspended connections with Europe (except for London), resumed in early may. Other companies, like Qatar, Emirates, Etihad, are not impacted as they were already using the southern route.

💴 Is it more costly to travel to Japan after Covid?

Yes, unfortunately , due to several factors.

The budget for a trip to Japan increased due to:

• More expensive flight tickets, due to kerosene costs, longer routes and the rule of supply / demand;
• Accommodation also rose their prices to compensate the low revenues since March 2020.

However, the Yen  💴 has been very weak for a few months compared to Euro and Dollar, which results in unexpected advantages for international travelers in Japan on services such as:

• The must-have to order before departure: transportation Passes and Pocket Wi-Fi;
• Private guides: airport guidance and / or bilingual private tours in cities or on excursions;
• Tickets and admissions to temples, museums and other places to visit;
• Restaurants;

Now is the good moment to buy Yens before going to Japan.

⚠️ How to postpone an already booked travel?

If your travel was scheduled by October 2022 included, you may need to postpone it .

Do not wait to secure new holiday dates as many travelers are in the same situation:

• If you booked everything by yourself: you must contact each service provider (airway, accommodation, guide, etc.) to modify every items in your plan, with modification fees to pay;
• If you booked a full travel with a travel agent: just contact them to change the dates and the agency will take care of all the modifications for you, usually without additional fee (unless you want to lengthen the trip, upgrade or add services).

✈️ How to plan a post-Covid travel to Japan?

It is possible to organize a trip to Japan alone or with a specialized travel agency .

If you have time but a limited budget, you can prepare your travel in Japan by yourself, especially if you use our many articles on Kanpai.

However, the experience from the last 2 years and a half has proved that travelers who prepared their holidays alone had a harder time to postpone or cancel their trip.

While it might be a little bit more expensive, reaching out to a Japan-specialized travel agency offers a greatly enjoyable peace of mind as you hire an expert of the destination who will take care of everything:

• Understanding your needs;
• Organizing and booking according to what you want;
• Postponing if necessary, with no additional charge; and,
• Support if any problem arises.

It also helps supporting the tourism industry, that was one of the hardest hit by Covid on economic level, but also the local economy as any good Japan-specialized travel agency is working with sister companies in the archipelago.

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Japan to ease border controls to allow entry for up to 10,000 nontourists per day

Japan will raise its daily limit on arrivals from overseas to around 10,000 from April 10, up from the current 7,000, the top government spokesman said Friday, as the country gradually relaxes its coronavirus border controls.

"Japan plans to increase international movements of people in stages by taking into account the infection situation at home and abroad and border control measures that other major nations have taken," Matsuno said at a news conference.

Japan effectively imposed an entry ban on nonresident foreign nationals in late November to limit the inflow of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, drawing criticism from students, academics and business circles that the measure was too strict.

In recent weeks, the country has been relaxing what Prime Minister Fumio Kisida called the "most stringent" border controls among the Group of Seven nations. The daily entry limit was raised by 2,000 to the current 7,000 in mid-March, ahead of the start of the new Japanese school and business year in April.

COVID-19 travel restrictions have prevented foreign students from traveling to Japan, with around 150,000 said to be waiting as of March 1. So far, over 10,000 of them have arrived in Japan, Matsuno said.

The government has prioritized foreign students by allocating empty seats on weekday flights to facilitate their entry into Japan.

Also on Friday, Japan eased its coronavirus travel warning for 106 nations, including the United States and India, and is no longer recommending that Japanese nationals avoid traveling to these areas.

The Foreign Ministry lowered its travel advisories to Level 2 for those countries, also including Britain, France and Germany, from the second-highest Level 3.

Level 2 means that Japanese citizens are asked to refrain from nonessential travel to the countries, while Level 3 means that people should avoid all travel to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, 56 nations and regions remained under the Level 3 warning, including 40 in the Middle East and Africa, 10 in Europe and six in Latin America.

"Although the situations are different among nations and areas, the number of new COVID-19 infections and deaths has been on a decreasing trend globally, and risks of dying and developing serious symptoms have been reduced on the back of progress in vaccinations," Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a news conference.

Hayashi also cited gradual easing of restrictions on economic activities and traveling overseas in many countries.

The ministry left unchanged Level 2 advisories for 39 nations and regions. Among them are China, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia, for which the warning was lowered from Level 3 to Level 2 in October 2020.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

Japan’s New Travel Rules: Masks, Insurance, Guides

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Tourists will soon be able to admire Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo skyline, but with restrictions.

J apan’s much-anticipated reopening to travelers will begin this month — but ever so slowly, ever so carefully. When the first international visitors arrive, beginning this Friday, June 10, they will be required to wear masks, take out medical insurance to cover expenses in the event they contract Covid-19, and be chaperoned by tour guides throughout their trip.

During the first phase of the reopening, travelers coming from 98 countries, including the United States, will be allowed entry, but they must be booked on package tours, officials from the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) announced at a press conference on Tuesday. Guides will ensure that visitors wear their masks and those who refuse may be sent home.

While on a trip to London in early May, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had announced that his country would reopen to international tourists in June. “We will further relax controls, so that in June it will be possible to enter the country as smoothly as other G7 nations,” he said.

Kishida has long credited his country’s strict entry policies with helping Japan weather the pandemic better than many other nations. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Japan has recorded fewer than 31,000 deaths due to Covid-19, at a rate of 24.3 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to Johns Hopkins University data . Comparatively, over one million Americans have died from Covid-19, at a rate of 306.1 deaths per 100,000 residents.

In 2019, Japan welcomed nearly 32 million foreign visitors who spent $36 billion. But, largely due to Japan’s strict pandemic border measures, the number of foreign visitors plummeted to just 250,000 last year, according to the JTA.

Despite Prime Minister Kishida’s ultimate aim of aligning with the G7 countries, Japan’s new travel guidelines will not resemble protocols in other wealthy nations, which, by and large, have scuppered most Covid-related restrictions and allow travelers to move about independently.

In contrast, Japanese travel agencies will set tour routes to avoid crowded areas and select hotels and attractions with strict antivirus measures. At the time of booking, they will be required to outline the rules and only accept customers who agree to comply.

“Understanding of the guidelines and compliance will lead to the smooth resumption of inbound tourism and its expansion,” Tetsuo Saito, Japan’s minister of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, told reporters at Tuesday’s news conference.

Last month, Japan eased its mask guidance. Masks are now only necessary outdoors in crowded places, and continue to be required in most indoor spaces and on public transport, according to the health ministry.

Japanese tour guides will also monitor travelers’ health while they are in Japan. Any traveler who tests positive for Covid-19 while in the country will be transferred to a medical institution. Travelers will also be asked to report back if they test positive within a week after returning home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently has Japan on a Level 3 travel health notice , meaning that the destination has a “high” risk of Covid-19 spread. Notably, the United States and most other nations in the world are also at Level 3.

To visit countries at Level 3, the CDC recommends that travelers be “up to date” with Covid-19 vaccines – meaning fully vaccinated at boosted – before traveling. Three out of four (75.1%) Americans age 12 and over are fully vaccinated, according to CDC data , but less than half of Americans eligible for a booster shot have received one.

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Table of Contents

Jnto official sns accounts, information about noto peninsula earthquake, guide for when you are feeling ill, covid-19: practical information, warnings and advisories, safe travel portal site, safety tips for travelers, major urban railways, other railways, national airlines and lccs, mandatory registration for unmanned aircraft, a message from kono taro, minister for consumer affairs and food safety, request for discontinuation of use of red mold rice materials by kobayashi pharmaceutical.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) provides useful information on weather warnings/advisories and latest news of transportation services during your stay in Japan.

X (Twitter) @JapanSafeTravel

Follow @JapanSafeTravel    Log in to view the latest posts.

Weibo/微博 @安心访日JapanSafeTravel

Public transportation operation status in the hokuriku region and surrounding areas.

For the latest operation status, please check the information provided by each transportation operator.

[Shinkansen]

[Local trains]

• Noto Railway (Nanao Station – Anamizu Station)
• Noto Airport (Ishikawa Pref.)
• Komatsu Airport (Ishikawa Pref.)
• Niigata Airport (Niigata Pref.)
• Toyama Airport (Toyama Pref.)

Niigata Port (Niigata City, Niigata Pref.)  

Intercity buses

- Kanazawa- Nagoya/Takayama/Niigata/Toyama

Emergency Disaster Support： FREE over-the-phone interpreting service

（BRIDGE MULTILINGUAL SOLUTINS, inc.）

• Free interpreting service for non-Japanese speakers who were affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Noto region
• This service is available 24/7 in any language mainly in English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish.

03-5366-6076 (From Japan only)

Opening Status of Tourist Facilities

Visit Kanazawa

Fukui Prefecture

Accommodations, sightseeing spots, tourist facilities, etc. in Fukui prefecture are operating and open for business as usual.

Please check the following websites before visiting just in case.

Enjoy Fukui

Tsuruga Guide

JNTO operates a visitor hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call for tourist information or assistance in the case of accidents and emergencies including COVID-19. Support is available in English, Chinese and Korean.

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

JNTO operates a dedicated website to provide useful information such as entry procedures, required documents, emergency tips, travel etiquette, FAQs, and so on.

Languages: English / 한국어 / 简体中文 / 繁體中文(臺灣) / 繁體中文(香港) / Tiếng Việt / Bahasa Indonesia

NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) is Japan's only public broadcaster. NHK WORLD-JAPAN is NHK's international service delivering the latest information about Japan through TV, radio and the Internet.

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Tourist Information Centers throughout Japan certified by JNTO can offer basic travel tips and up-to-date information on popular tourist attractions to comprehensive advice tailored to your specific needs.  

Please check the website below to find the information centers nearby.

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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 May? Can I travel to Japan this Summer?

Travel to Japan in May 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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Consular Services

Border measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (covid-19).

Information about entering into Japan

• New entry of foreign nationals Visa exemption arrangements have been resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022. Please refer to 5. Lift of the suspension of visa exemption measures for more details. Suspension of visa validity under the border measures has been also lifted from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022. Please refer to 4. Lift of the suspension of visa validity below for further information.
• (1) All 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 random sampling test which are provisional measures for all travelers and returnees arriving from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) by direct flights, will be replaced to the testing on arrival required to those who show symptoms, which is the same measure applied to all other travelers and returnees.

1. Denial of permission to entry

2. denial of the re-entry from certain countries/regions among designated countries/regions in response to covid-19 variants of special treatment on border measures, 3. quarantine measures (new), 4. lifting of the suspension of visa validity, 5. lifting of the suspension of visa exemption measures, 6. restrictions on airport/ports for arrival.

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

Currently, there are no subject countries/regions.

Starting from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022, based on the New Border Measures (34), for all cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions where the B.1.1.529 Omicron variant becomes dominant (all countries/regions except for those where COVID-19 variants other than the Omicron variant become dominant, based on the New Border Measures (27) (February 24, 2022)), on-arrival test at the quarantine station, self-quarantine in places such as their own residence or accommodations, and refraining from use of public transportation are no longer required in principle. In addition, all returnees and entrants will now be required to provide either a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (3 doses) of vaccines on the Emergency Use List of World Health Organization (WHO) or a certificate of negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to departing from the original country/region. (NEW)

<Until October 10, 2022>

Based on New Border Measures (9) (March 5, 2022), all cross-border travelers and returnees continue to be required, for the time being, to submit a certificate of negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departing from the original country/region.

Those who do not submit a certificate of negative test result will be denied entry into Japan in accordance with the Quarantine Act. Airline companies will reject boarding those without one.

Please consult with Embassies or Consulates or Consular Office of Japan in case it is truly difficult to obtain the certificate of negative test result.

From 0:00 am (JST) on April 29, 2023, about all travelers and returnees (NEW)

Taking such elements as knowledge of COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures, epidemic situation in each country/region, risk assessment of current situation of inflow of the COVID-19 to Japan, and efficacy of the vaccination among others into account, and judged from a comprehensive risk assessment of inflow of coronavirus from each country/region, the following additional measures will be implemented as designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures according to separate designation based on this measure;

• (i) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions are requested, for the time being, to stay for 10 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station). In addition, those who obtain negative results of all COVID-19 tests conducted on the third, sixth and tenth days from the entry into Japan, may leave the facilities.
• (ⅱ) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions, are requested, for the time being, to stay for 6 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station). In addition, those who obtain negative results of both COVID-19 tests conducted on the third and sixth days from the entry into Japan, may leave from facilities secured by the Quarantine Station, but are still required to stay for the remaining period of 7 days after the entry into Japan at places such as their own residence.
• (iii) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions are requested, for the time being, to stay for 3 days at specific facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station (limited to the accommodations facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station). If the test result (PCR test) at the facility on the third day after the entry is negative, home quarantine after leaving the facility is no longer required. Meanwhile, those who have obtained a valid vaccination certificate will be allowed to have 7-day home quarantine instead, and if they submit a negative result of a voluntary test (PCR test or Quantitative Antigen test) on or after the third day from the entry into Japan, home quarantine is no longer required only after the MHLW(Health Monitoring Center for Overseas Entrants) confirms the test result via MySOS app.
• (Note 1) Subject countries and regions of the measures will be designated and confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The designation is duly announced.
• (Note 2) The above-mentioned quarantine measures will be applied to those entering Japan who have stayed within 14 days in the designated countries and regions.

With regard to countries/regions other than countries/regions based on the designation mentioned in (2) above, taking such elements as knowledge of COVID-19, epidemic situation in each country/region, risk assessment of current situation of inflow of COVID-19 to Japan, and efficacy of the vaccination among others into account, and judged from a comprehensive assessment of the risk of inflow of the coronavirus from each country/region, all cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions judged with high risk of inflow of COVID-19 are requested, for the time being, to stay 3 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station) as “designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus infection other than COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures” according to the separate designation based on this measure. In addition, those who obtain a negative result of COVID-19 test conducted on the third day from the entry into Japan, may leave the facilities, but are still required to stay for the remaining period of 7 days after the entry into Japan at places such as own residence

• (Note 1) Subject countries and regions of the measures will be designated and confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The designation is duly announced.

Single entry visa and multiple entry visa which have been issued by Embassies, Consulate-Generals and Consulates of Japan in all countries/regions and whose validity have been temporarily suspended have been resumed again from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

As for 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, validity of those visas have been suspended from 0:00 am (JST) on January 21, 2021 based on the announcement of the Government of Japan dated on January 13, 2021.

Currently, validity of visas listed below are suspended

• (1) Single and multiple-entry visas issued by March 8th, 2020 by Japanese Embassies or Consulates General in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and Republic of Korea

The visa exemption arrangements which have been temporarily suspended under the border measures have been resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

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

• Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay)
• Visa Exemptions for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
• Visa Exemption Arrangement for United Nations Laissez-Passer Holders

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 has been also resumed from 0:00 am (JST) 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)

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

Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit. Please note that due to the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa approval procedure may take longer than usual. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

Foreign nationals who are entitled to enter Japan as those with special exceptional circumstances are required to apply for an appropriate visa at Embassies or Consulates or Consular Office of Japan (for Taiwan, Taipei Kaohsiung offices of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association)(hereinafter referred as “Japan’s overseas establishments”) in your country/region.

Please see this page for the information about the visa application .

Please note that the certificate of negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departing from the country/region where travelers stay is required for foreign nationals to enter Japan, with special exceptional circumstances, in addition to obtaining a valid visa.

Related Links

• Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel

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

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

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

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

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

Related stories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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