Again, if youd like to be notified as soon as more details are released or rumored, subscribe to ourfree email newsletter for ongoing updates and alerts: (function(d, s, id) { TOKYO, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Japan will maintain its tight entry restrictions to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus until the end of February, the prime minister said on. To say it one last time cheers, Tom. New Zealand is finally open for business. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is. It remains unknown when independent travelers will be able to enter the. Just booked my accommodation/flights/insurance/rail pass for a 22 day trip to Hiroshima, Fukui, Kanazawa, Nagoya and Osaka! Thanks to so many of you regular readers and commenters who made the last couple of years easier, shared articles, optimistic/pessimistic updates, and so much more. Thanks again for all the work you put into this. Multiple media outlets, including NHK, Kyodo, Nikkei, and Fuji TV are all reporting thatJapansgovernment is planning to further relax restrictions and border measures with an eye to implementing the revisions by the start of October. All of this in the hope for some clarity as to when the country will fully reopen and Japan will begin allowing international tourists to enter once again. [1/2]Passengers on a plane from Chinas capital Beijing arrive at Narita international airport in Narita, east of Tokyo, Japan January 8, 2023. Against that economic backdrop, lets take a look at the latest changes to Japans reopening plans. Fly into one airport and out of another Plan to do 4 nights in Singapore on way back to Australia The number of people anxiously awaiting Japans reopening is shrinking, not growing. Japan and South Korea imposed stricter border control on travellers from China after COVID cases surged there when it lifted its strict zero-COVID policy late last year. If youre planning a trip to the Japan, check outour other posts about Japanfor ideas on other things to do! While the daily number of arrivals was higher pre-closure, we assumed that 50,000 is the level at which this cap becomes immaterial with China still sidelined. Bon voyage! That theres more upside than downside risk in reopening and encouraging more economic activity. Another possibility is that Japan will allow individual foreign tourists to enter the country andexempt them from visas if they have been vaccinated three times or submit a pre-arrival test result. Japan is a highly attractive country not only for tourism, but also for international conferences and incentive travel. Your email address will not be published. PP PRITESH C PATEL 10 months ago How about Sept, Oct? From the beginning this page was the only place I checked (sometimes daily) for hope. =w=)b. The country is also bringing back visa-free entry for visitors from more than 60 countries. Be part of our community of seasoned travel and hospitality industry professionals from all over the world. 216. I didnt comment here as much as many, but I sure did check this articles comments several times every day for the pastI dont know how long. Tourism is a big industry in Tokyo, as well as in all Japan, so this is the time to greet more foreign tourists by using this advantage of the depreciation of the yen, she said. We are eager to revisit our favorite places, see friends in Japan for the first time in over two years, and continue creating this sites wealth of free planning resources. Ill be sticking around for the future updates and travel guides. Instead of blanket testing of travellers from mainland China, Japan will only test selected samples, although travellers will still need to show a negative test before boarding their flights to Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a news conference on Monday. Summary Since October 2022, Japan is fully open, without the requirement for a visa for most visitors. This follows on from the opening of high-end luxury Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo (2020) and in the run-up to the Adventure Travel World Summit due to be held here in the autumn of 2023. Then theres the middle ground or base case. Thanks, [] to individual tourists for the duration of the festivities. Economic migrants are sending more teenagers and children into the United States via a much-traveled loophole in President Joe Biden's much-touted border curbs. The arrivals cap would also be eliminated in this scenario. This is. Kihara isnt the only one who has been vocal about fully reopening to tourists recently. Im inclined to say Spring 2023, but its easy to envision a worst-case that isnt until summer. For now, direct flights from China can only land at the Narita, Haneda, Kansai and Chubu airports. Japan will further ease in June border controls implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and bring them on par with other Group of Seven nations, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday. Toranomon-Azabudai A futuristic development project by Heatherwick opening in 2023 in the well-heeled area of south-west Tokyo by the same name, the Toranomon-Azabudai Project will foreground green spaces, a new temple, retail spaces designed by Sou Fujimoto, Japans tallest high-rise building, two Aman properties and the new permanent location for teamLab exhibitions in Tokyo from 2023. The Japanese government recently eased its COVID-19 entry restrictions, meaning tourists can now visit without being on a guided tour. Well keep watching the news and keep you posted if/when there are further developments about Japan reopening and allowing entry to travelers from the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond. The specifics are not consistent among outlets, so lets start with where theyre in agreeance. Putting aside how I obviously need to be clearing my web history more often, it all feels so surreal now that is, how religiously I checked this comments section for news on Japan not even half a year prior, a somewhat embarrassing fact that Firefox is keen to remind me of. As for you, Tom Id buy you a round at my favourite izakaya if I could! Travelers from most countries can now enter Japan without applying for a visa in advance. From Sept. 22nd, In a Reuters report published on The Japan Times, the government may allow hotels to refuse entry to guests who do not wear masks and follow other anti-virus measures.This new measure is still in its infancy. China retaliated by suspending the issuing of short-term visas in South Korea and Japan. }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-adqosrqps")); If youre planning a visit to Japan, our recommendation at this point is to target sometime in November at the earliest. Updated August 23 2022 Japan has eased border control measures several times in. In response to the announcement, JNTO will be doing everything we can to provide you with the latest information on coming to Japan so that many tourists can visit and journey throughout our country. ), While presenting the above as a cautionary tale against optimism or over reliance on logic when assessing Japans decisions, thats exactly what Im going to do. Some events and . Quite simply,Japan is inflicting pain on itself by remaining closed. Starting Tuesday October 11, Japan will drop its 50,000 entry cap and will allow independent tourists to visit Japan visa-free. As of 2022 it features a recently renovated hotel area and local market, as well as a marine leisure area and an exclusive seafood restaurant located on a long pier into the ocean, flanked by infinity pools. It has been well over two years since coronavirus initially shut down global travel. 2023 GPlusMedia Inc. national Japan to increase daily border cap to 5,000 people from Nov 26. There will be a winter resurgence. 28 Feb 2023 0. Think the need to adapt and live with the endemic virus will outweigh fear when it comes to Japans reopening plans? From Tuesday, Japan will reinstate visa-free travel to dozens of countries, ending some of world's strictest border controls to slow the spread of COVID-19 . The recent lockdowns in Shanghai and Guangdong are unmistakable signs that China will not be backing down from its zero-Covid policy, at least for the rest of 2022. May all our trips be everything we dreamt of and more. Thank you Tom for providing us a platform to discuss thing amidst all the confusing developments and giving us updates. Its another symbolic measure, and coming at a time when an increasing number of international visitors have already moved on to other destinations and pent-up demand has begun fizzling out. So why aren't tourists coming back? Those two posts cover essentially everything you need to know about visiting Japan as of 2023. 2023 when Japan is scheduled to downgrade the categorization of the virus. Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day. Essentially, there will be no (legal) basis for the current border protocol effective May 8, 2023. -. What are testing, face mask, and vaccine requirements for visitors? As always, Japan is cautious and conservative, with a slow and belabored decision-making process that often embodies analysis paralysis and usually defies logic. As COVID-19's Omicron variant surges around the world, advanced democracies are generally responding vigorously but with lower levels of restrictions on social life and travel than in 2020 and 2021. Japan is Likely to Reopen to Foreign Travelers in Spring 2022 if COVID-19 numbers remain low, according to industry estimates, although the government hasn't set a hard date yet. Lets say that happens in early November. 32 last-minute Valentine's Day 2023 gifts . Ive missed it so much. Toranomon-Azabudai- A futuristic development project by Heatherwick opening in 2023 in the well-heeled area of south-west Tokyo by the same name, the Toranomon-Azabudai Project will foreground. Thatll help you prepare for arrival, and potentially save time at the airport. These leaks came after Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara spoke on Fuji TV over the weekend and stated thatJapan will consider easing all three restrictionsthe daily arrival cap, ban on individual tourists, and visa requirements. By Lilit Marcus, CNN Published 9:20 PM EDT, Sun July 31, 2022 Link Copied! This is now the same as the best-case scenario. 01:51 . It aint over till its over.pls see my recent post which I HOPE isnt accurate and just some fake news, but Reuters is pretty accurate. Zenbo Seinei A new meditation experience centre above the canopies of the Hyogo prefecture next to Kyoto and Osaka, designed by award-winning architect Shigeru Ban. . The political and economic appetite for fully relaxation now clearly exists, and theres a vocal chorus of politicians in Japanincluding those who were previously in favor of closed borderschampioning reopening. The next step for Japan, I think, is Corona downgrade and mask usage. I wish you all the best with your upcoming tripsthanks again for everything. The downgrade would pave the way for a normalization of social and economic activities in Japan, and should mean that non-residents are able to enter the country without PCR tests or additional paperwork. Beloved for its unique mix of vibrant urban culture and natural beauty, the country is lifting its tight regulations on foreign tourists, according to a tweet Thursday from Taro Kono, Japan's . These measures are long-awaited news for tourists around the world who have been looking forward to visiting Japan. I assume well hear from AndyO soon, admitting he was wrong, like he demanded from so many of us. Thanks for the updates Tom and thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and opinions over the past 2 years. We mention this in part to own past mistakes, but also as a cautionary tale. Marufukuro Located in the former HQ of pop culture behemoth Nintendo, this Kyoto hotel is a stylishly renovated property opened in 2022, featuring a suite of exclusive rooms in a richly storied building, with a special whiskey bar and library showcasing the works of Nintendo pre-Super Mario and then through the ages until now. WHO urges countries to keep borders open as world races to contain Covid variant. Its pretty clear the government is focused on moving forward. This is the end weve all be anxiously awaiting for ~2 years! As improbable as it mightve seemed even a week ago, Japan welcoming back international visitors who are not part of tours (guided or unguided) sometime before November is likely. Can you write one last update about the boarder being opened. The big one for most of you is likely going to beJapan Face Mask Rules v. Reality in 2023. Everybody have a great trip! Japan reopens: Heres what to look forward to in 2023, Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE), Destination NaJomtien BanAmphur BangSaray *NEW*, *NEW*, Affordable Luxury in Thailand by Centara Hotels, Rising Above the Oridinary by Conrad Bangkok, Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), 5 reasons why traditional travel protection is obsolete, 5 reasons why Cross Hotels & Resorts is APACs hotel operator of choice, Wake up at the magnificent Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions). Its now the popular position being advanced publicly by politicians, not just being advocated by Keidanren or Japans business lobby. They can be reached by phone from 10:00 to 17:00, Monday through Friday, at 0120-296-004. This is sad fact, though. Like a moth to a flame.). In short, the early October reopening is not just our most optimistic viewits now what we expect to happen. Read on to find out more! Yokohama 2023 sees the return of the Yokohama Biennale art festival, timed with the reopening of the Yokohama Museum of Art post-renovation. It also will see the opening of the TIAD luxury hotel in the buzzy Sakae/Shin-Sakae entertainment districts, after the opening of the art deco hotel The Tower Hotel Nagoya (2020) on the upper levels of Nagoyas TV tower, with the large beams of the tower as a centrepiece within each room. Tour groups from 98 countries, including Australia, can now visit the country - but only if they wear masks, have . (This number includes hotels used as government quarantine facilities, not just leisure stays.). 2023 Yosemite Firefall Viewing Guide: Best Dates, Reservations Info & Face Masks in Japan: Rules v. Reality (2023), Please subscribe to our FREE email newsletter, Japan Fall Colors Forecast & Autumn Foliage Viewing Guide, Tokyo Disneyland 40th Anniversary 'Dream-Go-Round' Details, New Parade & Japan Reopening Disney Tourist Blog The KKK News. I already moved on to read your other Japan travel posts to get tips which are also so helpful! Does that mean it will be as easy to visit now as it was pre-pandemic? Do you or anyone here know if we need this after Oct. 11? Its been our perspective that this was a necessary prerequisite towelcoming individual tourists as there would no longer be a need for a responsible receiving party to monitor travelers and act as a liaison for infected individuals. The country eased border controls . Update: As of October 11, 2022, Japan will reopen to individual visitors on a visa-free basis. The country is also about to increase the daily cap of tourists allowed to enter Japan from 20,000 to 50,000. This is a necessary prerequisite for further reopening and the resumption of more inbound international flights, but this alone was not an obstacle dissuading most international visitors. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon. The new Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park opens here with a rooftop infinity pool and views over the park, in 2023. Japans economy has serious issues and inbound tourism was previously a bright spot. Think those will stick around for several months, or are simply theater to shift public opinion? Japan fully reopened its borders to tourists on October 11, 2022. 2023 will also see the opening of Yokohamas first high-end Hilton property in a waterfront development that will also house the K-Arena, one of the worlds largest live music venues, as part of the new Music Terrace. Two years after their Euro 2008 triumph, Spain went to South Africa determined to make history-but they would have to overcome defensive tactics, lunging tackles and intense media scrutiny. Over two years into this, the seasonality of COVID transmission is well-established. TOKYO, Japan - Japan plans to ease COVID 19-related border restrictions by lifting its entry ban for foreign nationals from 106 countries including the United States, Britain and France on . That's a hardship for the many. What we had here was a weird little community of sorts, and a really nice one considering the circumstances. js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/28/412454028.js"; I was there for 11 days, mostly in Tokyo, and also to the bullet train to Sanjo (near Niigata) for a couple of days, and also a day trip to Mount Fuji with a driver/guide. P.S. Explore Japan's lesser-known destinations over 13 adventure-packed days, sipping sake in Takayama and marvelling at the iconic floating torii gate . On August 23, specifics of the September relaxation measures were leaked to the same media outlets. This is something weve pointed out in our best and worst case scenarios in prior updates, but theres only a limited amount of time between waves. More information can be found here . Nov. Dec. Then Covid hit. For my own peace of mind, could you please confirm that MYSOS form completion will no longer be a necessary requirement for entry into Japan from October 11th when the travel restrictions are lifted? Its entirely possible that Kishida sees this polling and his sagging approval numbers and realizes that its time to move forward. With that in mind, lets cover how we got here, why Japan maintains the strictest among the Group of Seven developed nations, and what could cause that to change, Again and again, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that Japan will continue to consider how the measures should be by taking into account the infection situations at home and abroad, border control measures taken by other nations, and progress in the rollout of vaccine boosters.. "We will lift the ceiling of the number of entrants. Okushibu The nickname given to Deep Shibuya, this secluded strip around Yoyogi and parallel to the new rooftop Miyashita Park, has seen an explosion in late night caf culture, unique eateries and flower shops. The good news is that we now have an answer to questionsweve been asking for nearly two years! The government will also take measures to stimulate and jump-start the economy. One of the last closed-border hold-outs is now allowing entry for Australian tourists, with visitors from the rest of the world to follow on May 1. One wildcard is the downgrade of COVIDs legal status. Hi Tom, Do I need to be vaccinated to enter Japan? and executives subscribed to our daily newsletter. For more than two years, the nation was effectively impossible visit Japan. Both of these statements are reassuring given the current border closures, and indicate that Japan will unwind its travel ban in months, not years. . Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) looks forward to welcoming individual inbound travellers back to Japan with the long-awaited lifting of entry restrictions. . Will Japan open borders in 2023? Thats the sharpest fall on record according to the Japan Tourism Agency. With the yen weak, tourism has the potential to provide an . Call 81 3 3201 3331. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. We know there are a lot of people overseas who want to come to Japan, Kihara added. May 18 - Japan is Reopening for Tourism to 4 Countries on May-end On Tuesday, May 17, government officials announced that Japan will accept some tourists from the U.S., Australia, Thailand, and Singapore on a trial basis starting at the end of this month. Currently, citizens of 68 countries and regions will be allowed to . obsolete information. Japan is open to travel. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Thanks for your commitment, communication and consultation over the last 2 years. Reuters provides business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, the world's media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; The most comprehensive solution to manage all your complex and ever-expanding tax and compliance needs. Yes, Japan's borders are now open to all international tourist travel.. Japan has completely removed the entry cap on daily foreign arrivals.. Additionally, all visa exemptions have now been reinstated.This means that citizens of around 70 countries, including the United States and all European Union nations, can once again visit Japan for 90 days without a visa . While it certainly sounds likethe end is nearfor the Japan travel ban, its premature to have a high degree of confidence. Of course, things could change between now and then, but its likely the border will revert to late 2019 status as of that date. It thus stands to reason that opening to individual tourists necessarily needs to occurthat raising the entry cap will do nothing in furtherance of their stated goal. (February 2023 Update). Japan reopened its borders to overseas visitors on package tours Friday in a move that will potentially boost the economy over time, though the initial spending impact is likely to be limited. Recently, Japan reopened to limited numbers of fully vaccinated foreign business travelers and students, and raised its daily limit of these arrivals from 3500 to 5000. The provisional measures from March 1, 2023. .