tourist japan visa 2022

本ホームページは「JavaScript」が使われております。 「JavaScript」をONにしてご利用ください。

Embassy of Japan in the United States of America

Visa and Travel Information

• If you need a visa, check how and when you can apply for a visa: General Rules & Processing Time
• If you do NOT need a visa, skip to STEP #6 .

Visa Information

Who needs a visa.

• The Visa Waiver Program applies based on your nationality, NOT on your U.S. residence status (including green card).

Back to Top

General Rules for Visa Application

Application procedure & processing time.

• In general, it takes 5 business days to issue a visa. (ex., If you apply on Monday, you can pick up a visa next Monday. Our holidays are not counted as business days.)
• It may take more than one month depending on the visa. We recommend that you apply for a visa approximately 1.5 months before your departure date. We do NOT have expedited services.

Types of Visas & Application Documents

• Please click on the applicable box below to see application documents on each visa. 
• If you intend to stay in Japan more than 90 days, please click on the "COE Holders" box.
• The online application for a short-term tourism visa ( single entry only, and only for the purpose of tourism ) is available. For further information, please click on the “Short-term Tourism/Business/Study” box below.  

Application drop-off/pick-up & payment Hours

• No appointment required.
• No parking available.
• Please check our holidays before visiting.
• In case of adverse weather conditions, Embassy of Japan follows the guideline of U.S. Federal Government. When the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announces federal agencies in the Washington, D.C. area are "closed" or "delayed", Embassy of Japan along with VISA section will be closed/delayed accordingly.
• The Embassy will NOT accept any applications by mail.

• US citizens are exempt from visa fees. (Some countries and regions are also exempt from visa fees. Please check the Visa Fee Exempt list to find out if your visa fee is waived. )
• Applicants who have applied for a visa online are required to bring a printed copy of “Registration Information Form” to the Embassy for your payment (payment is only acceptable in the afternoon). *Applicants who has applied for evisa (online visa) on or after 10th July are eligible for online payment ( Details / Video ).
• We accept CASH only. We DO NOT accept personal checks and credit cards.

Information on Border Measures

Covid-19 travel guidelines.

• On-arrival surveillance for travelers and returnees with COVID-19 symptoms has been conducted since 12:00 am (JST) on May 8, 2023.
• Insurance Before Entrance
• Guidebook for when you are feeling ill  

Visiting Japan

• After April 29, 2023, pre-registration for quarantine procedures on Visit Japan Web are no longer required, however, you can still use Visit Japan Web to pre-register for "Immigration", "Customs" and "Tax-free Shopping Service" (Optional).   
• For information about traveling with minor(s), please read our FAQ . 

Staying in Japan

• Be aware of traffic rules in Japan
• Nice to Meet You! Let's Be Friends!
• Study in Japan
• Japanese pension law
• Information on Local Call Centers
• It is a CRIME to sell or give a bank account without just cause.
• Roadmap for the Realization of a Society of Harmonious Coexistence with Foreign Nationals
• Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals
• A daily life support portal for foreign nationals
• Guidebook on Living and Working
• New to Japan? Useful pages for foreign nationals

Recommended Information

• Consular Section: Embassy of Japan, 2520 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Office Hours: Application Drop-off/ M-F 9:15am-12:00pm Visa Pick-up/ M-F 1:30pm-4:00pm
• Contact Us: 202-238-6800/ M-F 9:00am-5:00pm
• Japan Visa Information Hotline (Available in English/Vietnamese/Russian/Ukrainian) 1-202-499-1468 Domestic call fee applies, 24hours, 7days/week

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.

• Flights and Airports
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Internet & Phones
• Budget and money
• Japanese Food
• Visit with Kids
• Seasons: spring / summer / autumn / winter
• Weather forecast
• Time in Japan
• Holidays & Festivals
• Natural Disasters
• Customs and Duties
• Works and Closures
• From April 29 to 5 May -- Japanese Golden Week
• May 12 -- Mother's Day in Japan
• June 6 -- Beginning of the rainy season (Tsuyu) in Japan
• June 21 -- Summer starts in Japan
• From July 1 to 31 -- Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto with float processions on July 17 and 24
• July 1 -- Season start for climbing Mount Fuji
• Tokyo : Shinjuku , Shibuya , Harajuku , Asakusa , Akihabara , Odaiba , Ikebukuro , Ueno , Roppongi , Chiyoda , Ryogoku ...
• Around Tokyo: Kamakura , Nikko , Hakone , Mount Fuji , Mount Takao , Yokohama ...
• Kansai: Kyoto , Nara , Osaka , Mount Koya , Himeji , Kobe , Kinosaki , Kumano Kodo , Ise ...
• Japanese Alps: Kanazawa , Matsumoto , Takayama , Shirakawa-go , Nakasendo ...
• West: Hiroshima , Miyajima , Shikoku , Onomichi , Naoshima , Izumo , Kurashiki , Matsue ...
• South: Kyushu , Okinawa , Yakushima ...
• North: Hokkaido , Tohoku ...

• Temples and Shrines
• Gardens and Parks
• Hiking and Trekking
• Observation Decks
• Public Baths (Onsen and Sento)
• Festivals (Matsuri)
• Amusement Parks
• Visit on a Budget / Luxury

Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

• Japan Rail Pass
• English speaking Guides
• Pocket Wi-fi
• Japan Nightlife
• Working in Japan
• Religion and Spirituality
• Arts and History
• Movies / Animated Movies
• Japanese Music
• Studio Ghibli
• Photos / Videos
• Weird Japan
• Translations
• Kana & Kanji
• Japanese Swear Words
• Honorific Suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
• Introducing yourself
• Thank you / Apologize
• Count / Say Your Age
• Say the Date / Tell the Time
• Happy birthday
• Enjoy Your Meal
• Writing your name

Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpai’s community space, our Q&A section Kotaete.

Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan.

Create your Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation history (questions, answers).

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Shopping & Style
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Restaurants & Cafes
• Music & Nightlife
• Neighborhoods
• Los Angeles

Guide to Japan’s reopening for tourism: visa-free travel, valid vaccines, PCR tests and more

Tourist visa, accepted Covid-19 vaccines and other border rules for tourists visiting Japan – effective October 11

After two-plus years of tight border restrictions, Japan finally scrapped its daily entry cap and fully reopened to international tourism on October 11 2022. This means that travellers no longer have to book their trips through a travel agency and visa-free entry is back on. Coming to Japan is a lot simpler now than it was a few months ago, but there are still a couple of things you will need to prepare for your trip. Here’s everything you need to know about Japan’s latest entry requirements.  

No more quarantine

This is a big one. Until October 10, which of the three entry protocols travellers needed to follow depended on whether the country they are arriving from falls into the ‘red’, ‘yellow’ or ‘blue’ category. On October 11, however, Japan ditched this red-yellow-blue country classification system along with the last of its quarantine requirements upon reopening. Tourists coming from countries that were previously deemed to be ‘high-risk’ for Covid-19 are longer required to quarantine. Only travellers who are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms will be administered a PCR test on arrival. More information here (in Japanese only).

Tourists are no longer required to book their trips via travel agencies 

Spontaneous travel is back on as tourists aren't required to book their accommodation and flight tickets through travel agencies as of October 11. This also means tourists no longer have to obtain a certificate through the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS).

Visa-free travel is back on 

While Japan suspended its visa exemption agreements for the majority of the pandemic, the government resumed visa-free travel on October 11. This means that passport holders from any of these 68 countries and regions designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs no longer have to apply for a tourist visa.

No pre-arrival PCR tests for triple-vaccinated travellers 

In September, Japan changed the entry rules to exempt fully-vaccinated (booster dose included) travellers from pre-arrival PCR tests . Non-vaccinated travellers will be required to submit a negative PCR test 72 hours before departing for Japan. 

Travellers are still urged to submit their docs online  

While quarantine is no longer required of most travellers, both Japanese citizens and foreign nationals are urged to expedite immigration procedures by pre-registering their travel documents online. Previously, this was done through the MySOS app , but the pre-registration system was transferred to Visit Japan Web on November 11. Through the Visit Japan Web Fast Track system, you’ll be able to digitally register your Covid-19 vaccine certificate or negative test certificate and fill out the necessary forms prior to your arrival. If you skip this step, you’ll have to fill out all your information at the airport, so you may as well save yourself the hassle and do it ahead of your flight. Once you’ve submitted all the necessary information, you will receive a QR code that you can show to immigration officials upon arrival. For more information on the Fast Track service, visit here .

Accepted Covid-19 vaccines 

Japan has recently expanded its list of valid Covid-19 vaccinations to be in line with those approved for emergency use by the World Health Organisation . So on top of Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Bharat Biotech and Novavax vaccines, Japan now accepts Sinopharm, Sinovac and Convidecia vaccines as of October 11. More information here (in Japanese only).

For the latest border rules, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website .

This article was published on September 27 and updated on November 17.

More from Time Out

Makoto Shinkai’s ‘Suzume no Tojimari’ is a predictable crowd-pleaser

The Serpenti snake on the Bulgari Ginza store is a teamLab light show controlled by you

You can now book an English-language sumo viewing tour in Tokyo

Santa Run is returning to Tokyo this December

Where to get Black Friday deals in Tokyo – online and in-stores

Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo?  Sign up to our newsletter  for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

• Emma Steen Staff Writer, Time Out Tokyo

Share the story

Discover Time Out original video

• Terms of use
• Work for Time Out
• Time Out Group
• Advertising
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies

Time Out Tokyo

• Magazine subscription
• Digital edition
• Buy the guide to Tokyo

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

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.

Explore related stories

Oct 25, 2019 • 6 min read

From blockbusters to Bollywood, here's how that movie makes it onto your plane.

Apr 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 3, 2024 • 17 min read

Apr 2, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 31, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Mar 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Asia Chevron

Japan Chevron

Tokyo Chevron

Japan Will Restart Visa-Free Tourism in October—Here's What to Know for Your Next Visit

By Melinda Joe

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The moment the world has been waiting for has finally arrived: Individual tourists can once again visit Japan freely, with no requirement to be part of an organized group tour or to have a special visa.

Starting October 11, Japan will lift the majority of its strict entry requirements for tourists, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced in a speech on Thursday. The country—a favorite destination among travelers around the world that saw a record number of visitors in 2019 —was one of the slower and more cautious countries to welcome back travelers.

For more than two years, Japan's borders remained closed to tourists. In June, the country first reopened to leisure travelers from 98 countries including the U.S., but officials required a visa for entry and capped daily visitors at 20,000 people (later elevating it to 50,000 daily visitors). Tourists were also required to be part of a tour-operator group and to purchase private insurance that would cover any medical expenses related to COVID-19.

But, as of October 11, all those requirements will fall by the wayside. "We will remove the cap on the number of people entering the country, and will resume accepting individual travel and visa-free travel," Kishida said on Thursday, according to Nikkei Asia . All visitors will need to be vaccinated three times or submit a negative COVID-19 test result before arrival, Japan Times reported. 

The lifting of restrictions is sure to bring a host of first-time visitors to the country. But even returning travelers will find much to discover in the Land of the Rising Sun. Here are the best new hotels, restaurants, and things to do in Japan following the reopening—from Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka , to the northern island of Hokkaido and the southern paradise of Okinawa .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The pool at Four Seasons Otemachi

What's new in Tokyo

Prior to the pandemic, Olympic fever sparked a frenzy of development in Tokyo, adding a host of new hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes. With more venues slated to open this summer and autumn, there’s never been a more exciting time to visit Japan’s capital.

The hottest hotel openings were Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, the Four Seasons Otemachi , and The Tokyo Edition Toranomon . The buzzy vibe at the Kimpton channels Manhattan with design inspired by New York’s art world, and dog-friendly dining at District brasserie. With expansive views of the Imperial Palace, a tranquility pool in the lounge, and Zen-influenced accents in the guest rooms, the Four Seasons Otemachi is an oasis of calm in the financial district—with Michelin-starred French cuisine at Est and sophisticated cocktails at bar Virtus. Over at the Tokyo Edition, the glittering new Gold Bar offers prime people-watching and a drinks list that pays homage to the pre-Prohibition golden age of tipples—and it's worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Despite a tumultuous two years of pandemic-induced dining restrictions, the food scene is thriving with the arrival of a new wave of ambitious, young chefs bringing fresh perspective and international flair to the Japanese capital. British-born Daniel Calvert kicked off the trend with Sezanne , situated in an art-filled space inside the Four Seasons Marunouchi . In its first year, the venue has already racked up a string of accolades—including a Michelin star and the number 17 slot on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants—for impeccable signatures like a layered heirloom tomato tart with burrata cream and Calvert’s French riff on Shanghainese drunken chicken. 

At Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura , head chef Antonio Iacoviello interprets Japanese ingredients through the lens of Italian cuisine (think eggplant Parmigiana-meets-spaghetti aglio e olio, in a smoky dashi of fermented eggplant). Iacoviello’s dazzling presentations match the interior outfitted with antique mirrors and tables set with Gucci cups and plates. A few blocks away at Ginza Yuzan , Japanese-American chef Keiichiro Kurobe (of L.A.’s Hinoki and The Bird fame) offers a taste of California-style multiculturalism with dishes such as claypot-cooked arroz con pollo and egg-filled arancini with umami sauce. Virgilio Martinez’s brand-new Maz Tokyo , led by Santiago Fernandez, explores Peru’s diverse terrain and food culture in inventive combinations like iwana river fish topped with watermelon granita and coconut-herb sauce, and desserts that use every part of the cacao fruit—from the fermented and roasted rind to a sweet-and-tart jelly made from the pulp inside the pod.

Other notable additions include 3110NZ by LDH Kitchen , an art gallery-cum-sushi joint collaboration between gallery Nanzuka Underground and renowned Sushi Saito, set in a futuristic space with glowing recessed lighting cut into the white walls. At Nine by La Cime , chefs Yusuke Takada (of Osaka’s two-Michelin-starred La Cime ) and Toru Tokushima create provocative, seafood-centric tasting menus, and Ippei Hanten a hidden six-seat counter devoted to Cantonese fine dining. After 9:00 p.m., the restaurant transforms into the more casual Ye Hong Kong, serving epic family-style feasts in two private rooms.

Looking to indulge your sweet tooth? Head to Azuki to Kouri , a stylish shaved ice spot specializing in fresh-fruit kakigori, or pick up one of Jerome Quilbeuf’s signature burnt Basque cheesecakes at the chef’s eponymous shop in Ginza’s new Exit Melsa. This summer, Quilbeuf will also roll out a second branch of his popular Spanish gastrobar, Gracia , in a larger space with terrace seating in Ichigaya.

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Former World Barista Champion Hide Izaki creates “the ultimate coffee break” with rare specialty brews, bespoke Japanese ceramics, and seasonal sweets prepared by restaurant Narisawa at Cokuun, which launches in early autumn. The experience marries coffee culture with elements of traditional tea ceremony and takes place inside a pod-like tea room, shaped like an iron pot, with seats for four guests.

A room at the new Ace Hotel Kyoto

The past two years have seen expansion in Kyoto’s luxury hotel space, starting with Kengo Kuma’s lattice-covered Ace Hotel and the elegant Hotel the Mitsui , a 161-room property built on the grounds of the Mitsui family’s centuries-old former residence opposite Nijo Castle. The recently opened The Shinmonzen in the historic Gion district blends the amenities of a Western boutique hotel with the hospitality and aesthetics of a traditional Japanese ryokan . Designed by Tadao Ando with interiors by Remi Tessier, the luxe nine-suite hotel features spacious rooms appointed with hinoki wood bath tubs and boasts an astounding collection of contemporary art. A restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten will launch in late autumn; in the meantime, staying guests can enjoy delightful dinners that make excellent use of organic produce from the mountains north of Kyoto, served in suite, and Provençal-inflected afternoon tea in the lounge overlooking the Shirakawa River.

Opening in August, Maana Kiyomizu offers a unique alternative to a conventional hotel. The handsome complex comprises three suites, a retail shop, and a café within a row of splendidly refurbished machiya townhouses. The light-filled suites come with tea sets, paper lanterns, and textiles from POJ Studio, a collective of artisans crafting modern pieces using traditional techniques.

On the food front, newcomers So Kawahagishi , which serves updated twists on izakaya classics like panko-crusted venison katsu (cutlets) with housemade marmalade, and Suba , a stylish standing soba bar where they make the noodles upstairs, stand out for excellent casual eats and a chilled-out vibe. While Kyoto is best known for traditional fare, creative cuisine is on the rise. Hidden inside the Ritz Carlton’s Italian restaurant Locanda, the six-seat Chef’s Table reflects Katsuhiko Inoue’s experiences working in Spain, South America, and at Tokyo’s Bulgari Il Ristorante Luca Fantin . Inoue prepares genre-blurring dishes beside a table covered with an elaborately constructed miniature moss garden.

A 90-minute drive from Kyoto on the shores of Lake Biwa, Benu alum Coleman Griffin takes inspiration from the landscape to craft innovative terroir-driven tasting menus at Sower , in a minimalist space designed by Teruhiro Yanagihara.

The Living Room bar at W Osaka

Osaka, which captured more than 46 percent of the 4.8 trillion yen spent by visitors to Japan in 2019, was hit hard by the lack of tourists. Although sluggish during the pandemic, development has picked up, meaning there is plenty for taking advantage of Japan reopening. Last year, the city welcomed the W Osaka , a dark monolith designed by Tadao Ando that opens onto an exuberant world of colorful design accented with modern Japanese detailing. The hotel’s six dining outlets—including trendy sushi restaurant Ukiyo; teppanyaki Mydo; and neobistro Oh.lala, overseen by La Cime’s Yusuke Takada—add to the allure.

The arts got a boost with the Nakanoshima Museum of Art , which opened in early February after nearly 30 years of planning. Housed in a boxy, five-story structure with a jet-black exterior (a popular look for new buildings in Osaka), the museum boasts one of Japan’s largest collections—more than 6,000 art pieces by modern masters such as Magritte, Dali, and Japanese artists like painter Jiro Yoshihara.

Osaka will always be the street-food capital of Japan, but new establishments are adding a touch of sophistication to the restaurant scene. Innovative chef Hiroyuki Kosuda worked at famed fusion temple Kahala for 20 years before breaking out on his own this year; with only five seats, his eponymous restaurant has become one of the city’s hardest to book. The brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Noguchi Taro, the specialty at Noguchi Taro Ramen is a steaming bowl of housemade noodles floating in an umami-dense shellfish broth, topped with sliced char siu and a truffle-scented fishcake. Wine enthusiasts will find much to love at Rilo Wine Lounge , a sleek and moody speakeasy-style spot (DM them on Instagram for the pass code) with an eye-watering collection of vintage champagne.

Hot pot at the new Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono

Japan’s ski haven and northernmost island, Hokkaido has been trending as an off-the-beaten-track destination for the past five years. But recent developments are turning it into a hub for luxury travel: Most of the ski resorts are concentrated around Niseko, which encompasses six areas surrounding towering Mount Yotei. In 2020, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono unveiled a sprawling 100-room property with 11 restaurants, a soothing hot spring spa, and its own four-seat ski lifts. Nestled between Mount Yotei and Mount Annapurni on the Shiribetsu River, Raku Suisan ’s 18 ample rooms are equipped with baths filled with alkaline-rich water sourced directly from a natural hot spring. Anchored by a traditional Japanese irori fireplace, the resort’s inviting lounge features a cozy piano bar. Shiguchi is a new complex of five beautifully renovated Japanese farmhouses, each adorned with ceramics, paintings, and sculptures from the private collection of founder Shouya Grigg. Grigg’s photography is also on display, along with an ongoing exhibition of art and artifacts spanning the region’s history, including pottery from the Jomon period and work created by the indigenous Ainu, in the Somoza gallery nearby.

Farther afield in the Tokachi region, on the island’s southeastern side, Memu Earth Hotel ’s five villas are stunning examples of eco-friendly contemporary architecture set amid a wide-open pasture. Each house has a distinctive character; the white-clad Meme House reflects the light and blends into the scenery, while the Horizon House offers 360-degree panoramic views. The resort’s restaurant serves simple but elegant cuisine made with seasonal, local products in a former warehouse designed by architect Toya Ito.

A sandbar in Kerama Islands National Park, Okinawa

Looking for something warmer? With fewer new openings during the pandemic, the pace of life on Okinawa remains leisurely—but changes are afoot in Japan’s tropical paradise. Last summer, luxury group One Suite launched The Grand resort on secluded Kouri Island, accessible by car from the main island. The Grand’s trump card is its 114-meter Ocean View Panorama Suite, equipped with a jacuzzi on the 30-meter terrace and offering sweeping views of the East China Sea. Playful French fine dining is on the menu at the property’s La Bombance, an outpost of the Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. Among the latest of star bartender Shingo Gokan’s ever-growing empire of watering holes, El Lequio exudes an island vibe with its kitschy-cool Tiki-bar décor and line-up of cocktails based on rum, tequila, and mezcal.

Located in Onna village, between the main island’s forested mountains and sea, the restaurant inside the brand-new Yumiha resort incorporates unique local ingredients—kokuto black sugar, shimadofu tofu, and Okinawan honey—into modern French preparations like perfectly roasted Agu pork with a sauce made from awamori, the island’s fiery distilled spirit: Staying guests can sample around 30 kinds (included in the price of accommodation) in the resort’s roomy suites.

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

• Account Details
• Newsletters
• Group Subscription

Japan to allow visa-free individual tourists from Oct. 11

Kishida announces full reopening as weak yen gives visitors extra incentive

TOKYO -- Japan will resume visa-free entry for individual travelers on Oct. 11 , Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Thursday in New York, bringing its border rules close to pre-pandemic norms for the first time in about two and a half years.

"We will remove the cap on the number of people entering the country, and will resume accepting individual travel and visa-free travel," Kishida said.

Japan details October's full tourism reopening: 6 things to know

Japan's reopening poised to deliver vital gdp boost, ana, jal see reservations jump as japan eases covid entry curbs, japan eyes domestic tourism boost as border reopening nears, hong kong scraps quarantine in hotels as business hub reopens, hyatt hotels to open japan hot spring inns to soak up inbound demand, thailand to end covid-19 emergency in bid to jump-start economy, taiwan set to ditch quarantine restrictions for arrivals, bhutan reopens with $200 tourist tax in test for sustainable travel, hong kong on track to ditch dreaded hotel quarantine: sources, yen weakens to 145 as central bank rate decisions hit markets, japan set to announce restart of visa-free tourist travel, japan's tourism reopening will help bring back normalcy, ready for takeoff: virus-bound hong kongers eye flights to anywhere, asian, female and middle-aged equals a happy traveler, giant squid statue defies critics, pays off 22-fold for japan town, bathing and bopping in beppu, japan tourism after covid: industry aims for more sustainable boom, latest on most read in 2022, japan's reopening, war in ukraine -- our 12 most read stories of 2022, tsmc founder morris chang says globalization 'almost dead', analysis: xi no longer described as 'people's leader' in china, sponsored content, about sponsored content this content was commissioned by nikkei's global business bureau..

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

Celebrate our next chapter Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

• Media & Industry
• Meetings & Events
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other
• Wonder Around Japan

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Accessible Tourism
• Hokkaido Great Outdoors
• Scenic World Heritage in Tohoku
• Shikoku’s Nature and Traditions
• Southern Kyushu by Rail

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides
• Tourist Information Center

• Japanese Manners
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine
• Arts & Cultures
• Nature & Outdoor
• Festivals & Events
• Insider Blog
• Things to do
• Local Guides
• Food & drink
• Traditional
• Hokuriku Shinetsu

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

For Travelers Process Map and Checklist

All information here is gathered from the relevant authorities. Due to the regularly changing situation, it is essential for you to always check and follow the latest guidance.

Last updated: Wednesday, May 31st, 2023

Get ready for your dream trip to Japan! Japan is now open to travelers from all countries or regions! Those who enter Japan on or after April 29th 2023 are not be required to present a valid vaccination certificate or a Covid-19 negative test certificate.

Process Map 　-From April 29th 2023-

Checklist for Travelers

Before Departure

At the arrival airport in japan, after arrival, returning home, did this information help you.

out of found this information helpful.

Thank you for your feedback.

Other useful information.

• For Travelers

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

• Subscribe Digital Print

• LDP funds scandal
• Latest News
• Deep Dive Podcast

Today's print edition

Home Delivery

• Crime & Legal
• Science & Health
• More sports
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• SUSTAINABILITY
• EARTH SCIENCE
• Food & Drink
• Style & Design
• TV & Streaming
• Entertainment news

Japan to reopen to independent travelers and lift daily arrival cap, Kishida says

Japan will allow visa-free, independent tourism and abolish its daily arrival cap as of Oct. 11, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday, marking a major policy shift after nearly 2½ years of strict COVID-19 restrictions.

Kishida made the long-awaited announcement during his visit to New York for the U.N. General Assembly .

“I hope many people will utilize them,” Kishida said at a news conference. "I want to support the travel, entertainment and other industries that have been struggling during the coronavirus pandemic."

The decision was hailed by the nation's top two airlines.

"We are extremely happy to see the long-awaited easing of restrictions," Shinichi Inoue, president of All Nippon Airways, the core unit of ANA Holdings, told reporters Friday. "We will increase flights from the end of October to welcome customers from abroad."

"The economic impact of inbound travelers before the COVID-19 pandemic is said to be roughly ¥5 trillion, and we are pinning great hopes that there will be economic effects of similar size," Inoue said, adding that the yen's sharp decline against the dollar "will definitely serve as an incentive" for foreign people to come to Japan.

He said it will lead to stimulating regional economies as well, as there are many people who want to travel to different areas of Japan.

Japan Airlines also welcomed the move, saying in a statement that the company will fully prepare to welcome visitors and contribute to revitalizing the Japanese economy.

Japan has been allowing tourists since June, starting with people on guided tours. On Sept. 7, the government allowed those on nonguided tours who had booked their flights and hotels through registered travel agencies.

But those measures have been unpopular with many foreign tourists who want greater freedom during their trips.

Tourists will need to be vaccinated three times or submit a negative COVID-19 test result ahead of their trip, Kyodo News reported, citing government sources.

A nationwide domestic travel program offering discounts for travel, entry to theme parks, and for sporting events and concerts is also set to start on Oct. 11. People who have been vaccinated three times or submit a negative test result will be eligible for the discounts, according to the report.

The program offers financial assistance of up to ¥11,000 ($77) per person for a one-night stay.

The moves will be welcomed by the nation’s tourism sector , which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

Travel agencies have been urging the government to waive the visa requirement for tourists, which has been a major hurdle for those wishing to come to Japan. In some cases, prospective tourists had to submit their visa application in person to the nearest embassy or consulate, while others did not get their visas in time for their travel plans.

In 2019, a record 31.88 million foreign travelers visited Japan , but the figure plummeted to about 250,000 in 2021 due to the closed borders .

The daily arrival cap has been raised gradually over the past six months, first to 5,000 on March 1 and eventually to the current 50,000.

Timeline of Japan’s COVID-19 border restrictions

Jan. 31, 2020: Japan bans the entry of foreign nationals arriving from China’s Hubei province, the first entry ban imposed due to the coronavirus. The ban was gradually expanded to 24 countries through the end of March.

April 1: Less than a month after the spread of COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Japan halts entries into the country by foreign nationals, including foreign residents of Japan, from 49 countries, including the U.S., the U.K. and South Korea, bringing the total number up to 73 nations.

May 14: Japan expands its entry ban to cover a total of 100 countries and regions.

Aug. 28: The entry ban is expanded further to cover 159 countries and regions.

Sept. 1: Japan lifts ban on re-entry of foreign residents.

Oct. 1: Japan lifts its ban on entry by foreign nationals planning to relocate to the country.

Dec. 28: Japan again implements a ban on the entry of nonresident foreign nationals.

Jan. 14, 2021: Japan suspends a business-track travel program with some countries and mandates that all people arriving in the country quarantine at home for 14 days.

Nov. 8: Japan opens its borders to foreign students, interns and other business travelers.

Nov. 30: Japan bans the entry of nonresident foreign nationals after the discovery of the highly contagious omicron variant.

March 1, 2022: Japan allows foreign nationals arriving for purposes other than tourism to enter the country.

June 1: Japan raises daily arrival cap to 20,000.

June 10: Japan allows entry of foreign tourists on guided tours.

Sept. 7: Pre-arrival PCR tests are dropped for travelers who have received three shots of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Japan also raises the daily arrival cap to 50,000 and allows entry of foreign tourists on nonguided tours.

Oct. 11: Japan to allow entry of visa-free independent tourists and abolish the daily arrival cap.

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.

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

Get more stories like this.

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.

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

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund approved $1.1 billion in funding for Pakistan on Monday, the agency said in a statement, amid discussions for a new loan.

World Chevron

Father of Ingebrigtsen brothers charged with physical abuse

Norwegian police said on Monday they have pressed charges against Gjert Ingebrigtsen, the father of Olympic 1,500 metres champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, for alleged physical abuse.

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.

• Main content

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website uses JavaScript. Please turn on "JavaScript" and use it.

Consular Services

Application for visa for foreign nationals eligible for phased measures toward resuming cross-border travel.

Regarding new entry of foreign nationals into Japan, based on the New Border Measures (34) dated on September 26, 2022, prescribed applications in the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up Systems (ERFS) is no longer required from October 11. In addition, the measure to limit the entry of foreign tourists to those on package tours has been lifted at the same time. (NEW)

Review on restrictions on new entry of foreign nationals into Japan

1. lifting of suspension of visa validity.

The suspension of visas issued prior to December 2, 2021 has been lifted from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022. Those who hold a valid visa, after 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022, can travel with the visa as long as it is valid.

2. Resumption of visa exemption arrangement

The visa exemption measures, which were temporarily suspended due to the border measures, were resumed at 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

Please refer to the following links for information on eligible visa exemption countries/regions and types.

• Visa exemption countries/regions (Short-Term Stay)
• Countries exempting diplomatic and official passport holders from diplomatic and official visa requirements
• Visa handling for United Nations Laissez-Passer holders visiting Japan on UN business while also carrying the passport of their country of nationality

In addition, visa exemption under the APEC Business Travel Card Arrangement has been resumed.

For more information on the APEC Business Travel Card, please refer to the link below.

• APEC・Business・Travel・Card (ABTC) (japanese) .

3. Review on border restrictions on new entry of foreign nationals

Border measures for new entry of foreign nationals have been lifted.

Those who have not been regarded as having special exceptional circumstances are permitted to enter Japan.

The changes regarding entry under the new measures are as follows.

• The receiving organization located in Japan is no longer required to complete the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up Systems (ERFS) for new entry of foreign nationals entering Japan for a short-term stay(less than 90 days) for the purpose of business, employment, or tourism, and for a long-term stay.
• The measures to limit the entry of foreign tourists to those on package tours have been lifted.
• Those who wish to visit acquaintances but have not been permitted and those who need to enter Japan for transit purposes are permitted to enter Japan.
• Inviting person is no longer required to agree to the pledge which has been required to apply for a short-term stay visa for the purpose of visiting families/ acquaintances.

Please refer to our website ( consular services / overseas establishment ) for visa application procedures and required application documents.

Until October 10 2022, all foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit. In principle, visas are issued only to those with "special exceptional circumstances".

Specific cases for entry or re-entry with “special exceptional circumstances” are as follows.

• Entering Japan with re-entry permit(including special re-entry permit)
• Newly entering Japan as spouse or child of Japanese national/ permanent resident
• A foreign national who is to acquire the status of “Diplomat” or “Official”
• A foreign national newly entering Japan under “New Border Measures(29)
• A foreign national who is to acquire the status of residence of “Temporary visitor” for the purpose of visiting a relative/ an acquaintance(a foreign national who has a relationship to him/her equivalent to a relative or necessity to visit Japan)
• In case the case recognized as public benefit for the purpose of entering(for example, Vaccine Development Technician etc.)
• In addition to the above, in case of the need for humanitarian consideration

Related Links

• Border measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Embassies & Consulates