japan travel october 2022

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

More than 2 years and a half!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who can travel to Japan?

Anyone, regardless of citizenship , can go to Japan.

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

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

🛂 Is a visa required to enter the Japanese territory

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

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

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

💉 Is Covid vaccine required?

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

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

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

Vaccines recognized in Japan are:

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

👩‍🔬 Is a Covid PCR test mandatory?

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

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

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

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

🧒 What about PCR tests / vaccines for minor children?

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

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

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

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

🏨 Is there a quarantine for tourists arriving in Japan?

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

It is therefore possible to:

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

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

🔢 Is there a daily cap for travelers?

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

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

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

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

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

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

📋 Is a travel insurance mandatory?

Yes , but most of travelers already have one.

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

Naturally, you may want to purchase a cancellation insurance:

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

No , this obligation was lifted in October 2022.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

😷 Is masking mandatory in Japan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But this measures are certainly not specific to Japan.

🙇🏻 Are Japanese people welcoming to foreigners?

Yes, Japanese people have an unparalleled hospitality culture .

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

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

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

Direct flights last 2 more hours.

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

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

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

Yes, unfortunately , due to several factors.

The budget for a trip to Japan increased due to:

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

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

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

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

⚠️ How to postpone an already booked travel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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6 questions travelers need to ask before visiting Japan this year

Oct 5, 2022 • 5 min read

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

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

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

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

1. Do I need to pack a mask?

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

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

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

The 10 most spectacular road trips in Japan

3. Have I downloaded the MySOS app?

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

4. Do I need to apply for a visa?

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

The ultimate guide to karaoke in Japan

5. Should I reserve restaurants and museums in advance?

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

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

8 unique places to stay in Tokyo

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

Theme Parks

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

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

Trying the traditional crafts of Ishikawa prefecture

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

Bullet Trains

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

Japan's best food and drink experiences

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

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It’s official: Japan is open to travel!

Japan is finally open to independent travellers – and has now lifted even more border restrictions

For two-and-a-half years, travel to Japan has been pretty tough. Few countries around the world have been so cautious about reopening their borders to tourism after the cataclysmic shutdowns of 2020. But we’re over the moon to announce that travel to Japan has now returned to something that looks a lot like the old normal. Here’s what you need to know.

What are the latest Japan travel restrictions?

Following Japan’s decision last month to drop pre-departure testing , the Japanese government is now allowing travellers to visit Japan without booking a guided tour or using a travel agency.  

In other words, a free-roaming backpacking trip around Japan is now on the cards! The country has also dropped its daily cap of 50,000 arrivals and its list of permitted countries, with visitors from all countries and regions now being accepted. Here’s a full list of all the countries and regions eligible for visa-free travel to Japan . 

Visa-free travel has also been reinstated for travellers from dozens of countries (see which ones here ), though there are still several border measures in place. If you’ve received three vaccine doses, you don’t need to take a pre-travel Covid test. However, if you’ve received any fewer jabs than three, you’ll need to show a negative test taken within 72 hours of departure for Japan. 

The Japanese government is now looking to capitalise on huge demand from travellers to visit without booking through an agency , especially as the weak yen means that travel to Japan is currently cheaper than it has been for many years. 

While Japan is keeping in place its quarantine system for arrivals from a list of at-risk countries, no countries are actually currently on that list. So, it seems the country is finally on the road to properly welcoming travellers again – and that’s something that we can all get very excited about.

Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Get planning with our guide to Japan’s 15 best hotels .

Plus:   you’ll soon be able to spend six weeks in Thailand, visa-free .

• James Manning Content Director, EMEA

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Japan aims to remove daily arrival cap in October to spur tourism

Japan is aiming to remove its cap on daily arrivals by the end of October, government sources said Monday, as it looks to revive the world's third-largest economy hit hard by the absence of tourists amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's administration, facing pressure from business circles to loosen strict COVID-19 travel regulations, is likely to judge how to ease its border control measures as early as next week, the sources said.

In addition to lifting the entry cap, currently set at 50,000, the government is also expected to discuss whether to allow foreign tourists to travel without a tour guide, according to the sources.

Japan has drawn criticism at home and abroad for failing to keep pace with other Group of Seven major industrialized nations, including Britain, France and the United States, in opening its borders, as well as requiring those who do visit to obtain visas and asking them to wear masks at all times during their trip.

For domestic tourism, the government is meanwhile considering restarting its nationwide subsidy program as early as late September as the number of new COVID-19 cases is trending downward, according to the sources.

The program expanding the scope of the domestic tourism campaign introduced by each Japanese prefecture may last until the end of this year, offering up to 11,000 yen ($77) per head for a one-night stay in financial assistance, the sources said.

The expected start date will be decided by each prefecture, and it is possible that the nationwide program will not begin at the same time across the country.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must prove that they have been vaccinated at least three times or present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, according to the sources.

Earlier in the day, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the government will consider how to alleviate COVID-19 restrictions while "maintaining a balance between preventing the spread of infection" and promoting "social and economic activities."

Matsuno's remarks came a day after Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara said in a television appearance that the government is reviewing its border control policy of keeping daily entries below 50,000 and will remove it in the not-so-distant future.

As Japan's economy has shown few signs of a robust recovery, Kishida's government has been trying to accelerate growth by inviting more foreign visitors, who now stand to benefit from the Japanese yen's rapid depreciation.

Matsuno said at a press conference that the government will continue to make appropriate decisions based on the infection situation, as well as the needs of travelers and border steps implemented by other major economies.

Last Wednesday, Japan increased its entry cap from 20,000 to 50,000. Now, incoming travelers who have been vaccinated at least three times do not need to take coronavirus tests within 72 hours of departure and show proof they are not infected.

The cap on overseas arrivals, including Japanese nationals, had been raised in stages since March, although the country has been battling its seventh wave of infections triggered by the highly contagious Omicron variant.

In 2021, only 245,900 foreign visitors entered Japan, the lowest figure since comparable data became available in 1964, delivering a significant blow to the nation's travel industry which had been heavily reliant on inbound tourists before the pandemic began in early 2020.

Japan's economy in the April-June period recovered to its pre-pandemic size, with an annualized 3.5 percent growth from a quarter earlier, but analysts said the outlook remains gloomy as a resurgence of infections and rising costs could weigh on consumer spending.

The yen has hit a fresh 24-year low against the U.S. dollar recently. A weaker yen boosts the buying power of foreign travelers to Japan, with the value of their currencies, such as the dollar and the euro, becoming higher against the Japanese unit.

A falling yen also usually props up exports by making Japanese products cheaper abroad and jacks up the value of overseas revenues in yen terms while pushing up import prices. Japan depends on imports for more than 90 percent of its energy needs.

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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.

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Japan to reopen to tourists after more than two years of Covid border restrictions

PM says relaxation will take effect from 11 October as Hong Kong scraps hotel quarantine measures for visitors

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Japan has announced it will lift tough Covid restrictions on foreign tourists, reopening the borders after two and a half years.

The prime minister, Fumio Kishida, said on Thursday that the pandemic had interrupted the free flow of people, goods and capital that had helped the nation flourish.

“But from 11 October, Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the US, as well as resume visa-free travel and individual travel,” Kishida said at the New York Stock Exchange. He is in the city for the United Nations general assembly.

Japan, along with China, has continued to impose tough restrictions on visitors while much of the world has moved on from the pandemic. But unlike China, it never imposed a strict lockdown during the crisis.

Tourists who come to Japan will benefit from a weak yen, which has plummeted so low against the dollar that the finance ministry intervened in the currency market on Thursday for the first time since 1998.

The return of the visa-waiver program suspended in March 2020 will restore the ease of access that saw a record 31.9 million foreign visitors to the country in 2019.

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

The cautious approach to reopening had been deliberate, said James Brady, the Japan analysis lead at US-based consultancy Teneo.

Kishida “took office a year ago knowing that perceived mishandling of the pandemic had been a key factor in undermining public confidence” in his predecessor’s government, Brady said.

“He has been extremely careful not to repeat those mistakes.”

Japan has recorded about 42,600 coronavirus deaths in total – a vastly lower rate than many other countries – and 90% of residents aged 65 and over have had three vaccine shots.

There is no law requiring people to wear masks, but they are still near-ubiquitous in public places such as trains and shops, with many Japanese willing to sport masks when ill even before the pandemic.

While the return of mass tourism should give a “slight bump” to Japan’s economy, the benefits were likely to be limited by China’s zero-Covid policy, Brady said.

“Much of the economic benefit pre-pandemic came from high numbers of Chinese visitors coming and spending lots of money on tech products, cosmetics.”

But “currently, Chinese citizens face their own travel restrictions at home and won’t be travelling to Japan in large numbers”, Brady said.

There is pent-up demand for travel to the country, however, according to Olivier Ponti, vice-president of insights for travel analytics firm ForwardKeys.

“Searches for travel to Japan reached their highest point this year at the end of August,” he said. And while flight bookings were just 16% of 2019 levels in early September, “we’d expect bookings to jump” when the visa rules are scrapped.

Liz Ortiguera, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, said demand from Europe might still be subdued “due to the increase in the cost of living in Europe caused by the Russian-Ukraine crisis plus the rising fuel costs driving up air travel costs”.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong announced on Friday it would end mandatory hotel quarantine, scrapping some of the world’s toughest travel restrictions that have battered the economy and kept the finance hub internationally isolated.

The long-awaited move will bring relief to residents and businesses who have been clamouring for the Asian business hub to rejoin the rest of the world in resuming unhindered travel and living alongside the coronavirus.

For the past two and a half years, Hong Kong has adhered to a version of China’s strict zero-Covid rules, deepening a brain drain as rival business hubs reopen.

The announcement leaves mainland China as the only major economy still requiring a lengthy quarantine for international arrivals.

The chief executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, said the current three days of hotel quarantine would be reduced to zero for those arriving into Hong Kong from overseas and Taiwan.

Travellers will be subject to PCR tests on arrival and will be unable to visit restaurants and bars for the first three days under a system authorities have dubbed “0+3”.

“Under this arrangement, the quarantine hotel system will be cancelled,” Lee told reporters.

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Japan set to lift visa requirements and daily arrival cap from October

Japan is expected to lift its visa requirements for tourists and remove the daily arrival cap from October, as it prepares for year-end visitors.

Earlier this week came news that Japan could lift its remaining restrictions on tourism, with a potential implementation date from October 2022 . This would involve removing the daily arrival cap, scrapping mandatory tourist visas, and allowing independent travel to resume. 

It looks like things are shaping up nicely indeed, with media reports that the daily arrival cap and visa requirement will soon be gone. 

Japan to scrap daily arrival cap and visa requirement

As per a report in Nikkei (paywalled, you can also read it on Straits Times ), Japan is expected to scrap its daily arrival cap and restore its visa waiver programme imminently. 

For context, Japan currently enforces a daily entry cap of 50,000 people , which was recently increased from 20,000. This isn’t a dedicated cap for tourists; it includes all types of travellers, even Japanese nationals. In any case, it’s safe to say that tourists aren’t putting much pressure on this cap, given the onerous requirements imposed on their visits. 

Another major barrier to travel is the mandatory visa requirement for tourists. Before the arrangement was suspended due to COVID-19, Japan allowed nationals from the following 68 countries and regions to visit for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. 

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to announce the removal of the arrival cap and restoration of visa-free travel in the coming days.

What’s not been explicitly stated is whether independent travel will be permitted, but the smart money points to yes. After all, the whole purpose of requiring a visa was so that travellers’ profiles and itineraries could be vetted. This task was outsourced to an approved tour agency, who would issue the ERFS required for a visa application. 

But if visas are no longer necessary, it seems that it would be a lot harder logistically to enforce the tour package rule. Stranger things have happened, I suppose, but I’d be very surprised if independent travel did not resume at the same time as the lifting of visa requirements. 

What are travel requirements expected to look like?

Japan has scrapped the requirement for a pre-departure COVID-19 test for all vaccinated travellers. As a reminder, Japan defines “fully vaccinated” as individuals who have received at least three jabs of the following vaccines:

• AstraZeneca
• Bharat Biotech
• Pfizer-BioNTech

Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccinations are not recognised. Travellers who have received such vaccinations are still required to produce a negative pre-departure PCR test result, taken within 72 hours of travel.

On-arrival measures depend on an individual’s travel history. Singapore is currently classified as a Blue List country , which does not require on-arrival testing or quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

Visitors from Yellow or Red List countries may be required to take on-arrival tests or quarantine, depending on their vaccination status.

Yellow List

If your 14-day travel history cuts across various categories, the restrictions of the strictest one will apply. You can view the categorisation of countries here.

Japan looks set to scrap its daily arrival cap and visa requirement in the next few days, which would almost certainly mean that year-end travel is back on the cards. 

The airlines have been expecting this for a while now; Scoot plans to resume daily services to Sapporo from November, and Singapore Airlines is currently due to increase Haneda flights to 2x daily from November as well.

Fingers crossed!

Similar Articles

Hack: skip the immigration lines in kuala lumpur with priority pass, details: changi terminal 2 northern wing reopens, 11 comments.

Checking of vaccination status by the airport airline staff again?

How about Philippines ? why other Asian Countries are Visa Free! why not Philippines too? how about individual travellers that dont need package tour and guide,because we live in Japan before as a resident and have a place to stay and family friends to visit especially in Tokyo that i always do visit almost 3x a year and do 90 days stay,,

Pre-covid, PH were not visa exempted. I doubt that will change

What about children who are not vaccinated?

Just need to do PCR if kids are not fully vaxxed.

Crossing fingers that they also lift the suspension of all short stay visas issued before 2020… I still have one year left on my multiple entry visa (two years eaten by pandemic ban)

what if booster shots are pfizer and moderna but first two shots are sinovac, is pre departure test still required?

per my understanding all 3 must be recognised vaccines.

Can you read? 3 shots of those vaccines. You’ve had 2. What do you think?

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• Visiting Japan In October 2024: A Guide To Festivals, Places To Visit And More

23 Mar 2023

Visiting Japan in October can be one of the most beautiful and fulfilling experiences of your life. The onset of autumn coats the country in fiery reds, oranges and golds. Japan’s weather in October is moderate and pleasant which helps you to enjoy the beauty around you comfortably. Add to this, the various traditional festivals, cheaper travel options and a number of tourist attractions in cities like Tokyo, Hokkaido, and Kyoto. The festivals are scattered across the country that make visiting Japan in October a worthwhile endeavour to look forward to. This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need to visit Japan in October.

Japan Weather In October

October is one of the most pleasant months to visit Japan. As the typhoon season ends, the weather in Japan in October is moderate (neither hot nor humid) and comfortable. Average daytime temperature in October hovers around 15 °C. Chances of rain drastically reduce and the hot and humid summer days of September give way to a warm and fuzzy October.

Why You Should Visit Japan In October

Image Source Trees just begin to turn colours in the higher elevations and you can see the gradual changing of colours as you travel from north to south in the month of October. Compared to Sakura season also known as “cherry blossom” season, there are fewer crowds. As a result, airfare and accommodation is cheaper to attract more tourists. Japan also has an extensive railway network and buying a Japan Rail Pass ticket will give you access to unlimited rail travel for a certain period. Also, there are various things you can witness in Japan in October as listed below:

• Pumpkin Filled Taiyaki
• Onsen Baths in Picturesque Settings
• Comfortable Weather
• Koyo (Fall Foliage)

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Traditional Festivals In Japan In October

The month of October is one of the most fun months to be in Japan. Check out these awesome traditional festivals which you can be a part of while visiting Japan in October.

1. Hokkaido Food Festival

Image Source Autumn in Japan ushers in the season to celebrate the new harvest and locals call it “Autumn’s Appetite”, to celebrate and try out the different kinds of seasonal food and ingredients. A number of food events are held in October, and one of the biggest is the Hokkaido Food Festival. This is an outdoor food event held in the first week of October for 4 days in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. It features around 100 vendors and over 400 delicacies from Hokkaido. Here, you can find a lavish spread, from seafood to regional Ramen.

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2. Niihama Taiko Festival

Image Source The Niihama Taiko festival is held in mid-October on Shikoku Island. It consists of 47 floats which are shaped like giant taiko drums. Various teams from the local neighbourhood, consisting of 150 men bounce the 2 ton floats wildly in the area to show their team spirit. This festival is attended by around 250,000 spectators who gather around these teams and support and egg them on as the float teams try to knock over the opposite team’s floats by charging and ramming into them.

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3. Nagasaki Kunchi

Image Source Held in the city of Nagasaki, this festival dates back to 1634. The event is heavily influenced by European and Chinese culture. The entire city of Nagasaki takes part in this festival with around 60 teams representing the various city districts. These teams perform a unique dance on a rotating schedule of 7 years, so it remains fresh to even the regular viewer. If you wish to attend this festival, you need to buy tickets months in advance as they sell out several weeks before the event begins. Some performances are staged at various locations across the city and you can watch them freely as they don’t require tickets.

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5 Places To Visit In Japan in October

If you are wondering about the places to visit in Japan in October, then worry not. Here is a list of top 5 places to visit that should definitely be a part of your itinerary.

1. Mount Takao, Hachioji

Image Source If you’re visiting Japan in October, then you must include Mt Takao in your itinerary. Mt Takao is about an hour’s train journey away from the Tokyo metropolis. As you leave the busy skyline of the city and make your way into the hilly landscape, you are welcomed by the most breathtaking sight of the maple-covered sierra. Mt Takao is host to its very own Mt Takao Autumn Leaves Festival. It plays host to events like Taiko drum shows, workshops and parades. Other attractions include gorgeous hiking trails and a number of food joints to satisfy your appetite.

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2. Lake Daigenta, Niigata

One of the top places to visit in Japan in October is Lake Daigenta which is situated near the Yuzawa Ski Park. Here, you can see the colourful autumn leaves get reflected on its pristine surface. You can also circle the lake in a suspension bridge that surrounds it. Other options to explore the area include hiking or getting a rowboat, if that’s what floats your boat. There are various campsites available around the area to soak in the beauty. By the end of it, you’ll find it tough to tear yourself away from the landscape.

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3. Rikugien Garden, Tokyo

Image Source Located in the heart of Tokyo is Rikugien Garden. It’s a popular destination throughout the year but if you’re visiting Japan in October, this park is at its peak during the autumn season. It will take you an easy couple of hours to explore this Tokugawa Shogun era garden by foot. Landscaped in an Edo-Period strolling garden style, it’s densely populated with maple trees that transform from green to shades of red and orange during autumn. Make sure to include this Garden in your plans when you visit.

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4. Iya Valley, Tokushima

Image Source For the more adventurous traveller, another secret autumn hotspot to visit in Japan in October is the Iya Valley located on the island of Shikoku in the Tokushima province. It’s not the easiest spot to reach, but the journey is well worth it. Tucked between towering mountains and rocky gorges, the Iya Valley area is at its most vivid as October rolls into early November. You can cross the twisty vine bridges that hang in this remote valley as you make your way to Mt Tsurugi for those unbe-leaf-able views.

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5. Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido

Image Source One must-visit to add to your Japan itinerary is the Daisetsuzan National Park located in Hokkaido, the second largest main island of Japan. This national park is Hokkaido’s largest and one of the most beautiful in the country. Typically, this area hits its peak in early October. The park is so huge that the most effective way to explore it is if you join a ropeway tour. You can also visit the Asahidake Onsen, a hot spring resort that sits at the foot of Hokkaido’s highest peak, Mt Asahidake.

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5 Things To Do In Japan In October

There is no end to the crazy things which you can indulge in while visiting Japan in October. We have picked some of the best things to do to make your vacation memorable.

1. Witness Spectacular Sights

Image Source For anyone travelling to Japan in October, witnessing the spectacular autumn leaves must be at the top of their list of things to do. Autumn leaves peak in October in the northern regions of Tohuku and the main island of Hokkaido. Some of the other spots for viewing autumn leaves are Nikko, Nagano, Tokyo and Kyoto. You can take a Golden Route itinerary in early October to see a change in the autumn tint as you travel from north towards the south of the island.

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2. Hiking At Various Locations

Image Source For the more adventurous souls, October is considered to be the best time of the year for outdoor activities. The weather during this time is moderate, and especially on the mountains, it’s the best time to see autumn leaves since most of them are closed down for public from November. There are various hiking spots around Tokyo for visitors to enjoy on a day-trip. Some of the best hiking spots around Tokyo include Kamikochi, Mt Oyama and Mt Takao-which is the closest nature from Central Tokyo.

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3. Visit The Temples Of Nara

Image Source Get spiritual and roam the ancient temple grounds of Todaji Temple and Kauga Grand Shrine as autumn sets in. Fall foliage peaks in late October in places like Mt Wakakusa drawing huge crowds.

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4. Walk Back In Time In Kanazawa

Image Source Unlike other cities, Kanazawa has been preserved since the Edo period. Here, you can explore old neighbourhoods, ninja temples and the Kanazawa Castle against the fiery backdrop of red Japanese maples.

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5. Visit The Fuji Five Lakes Area

Image Source The sacred Mount Fuji and its surrounding lakes are perfectly enveloped in fall foliage in October. The Fuji Five Lakes area has a number of attractions like onsen resorts, the Fuji Q Highland amusement park and a number of museums making it a must visit destination to explore.

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So, there you have the things and activities that line up for you in Japan In October. Plan a beautiful trip to Japan today and get ready to experience all of the above. And since its fall, the pleasant weather is going to impress you thoroughly. While you are on it, do share your lovely experience to this beautiful country with us.

Disclaimer:  TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Japan In October

Is October a good time to visit Japan?

October is one of the best times to visit Japan for several reasons. The weather is pleasant during this time and compared to Sakura season, there are fewer crowds, the result of which airfare and accomodation is cheaper.

How many days are enough for Japan?

7 to 10 days is an ideal time to spend in Japan. You can easily cover all the sightseeing places in the stipulated time.

Is Japan safe for tourists?

Japan is an absolutely safe country for tourists. Although some areas are best to avoid late at night.

What can I wear in Japan in October?

It is advised to wear lightweight tops/t shirts during the daytime. However, at night it gets a little colder so don’t forget to pack warm clothes.

What is Japan famous for?

Japan is famous for its traditional arts, calligraphy. The country is also home to more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Itinerary for October - Japan Forum

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Sat Oct 19: Arrive in NRT at 2pm

-get to hotel (most likely in Shinjuku ), see how we feel

-possibly go out and explore around our hotel for dinner and at night if we have energy

Sun Oct 20 - Tues Oct 22: Tokyo : (3 full days)

Things we want to do in Tokyo:

-Tsukiji Market

- Ueno Park

-Senoji Temple

-Team Lab Borderless

-Meiji Shrine

- Shibuya : shibuya crossing, hachiko dog statue, Shibuya Sky

-explore Harajuku

-Tokyo Metropolitan building

Wed Oct 23: Tokyo to Kyoto via Shinkansen

-Sannenzaka Path and Ninensaka

-Kiyomizu temple

Thurs Oct 24: Kyoto

- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

-Arashiyama Monkey Park

-Fushimi Inari Taishi

-Nishiki Market

Fri Oct 25: Nara day trip

-feed the deer at Nara Park

-Todai-ji Temple

-Kasaguga Taisha Shrine

Sat Oct 26: Osaka day trip

- Osaka castle

-possible Aquarium if we have time

Sun Oct 27: Kyoto to Hakone

-stay in onsen (prefer private onsen with bath in room since my husband has tattoos and we would like to hang out together instead of being separated in male/female baths

-recommendations welcome!

Mon Oct 28: Hakone

-Hakone ropeway

-Hakone shrine

Tues Oct 29: Hakone to Tokyo

-check into hotel in Tokyo, probably closer to airport

-do any last minute shopping

Wed Oct 29: depart :(

I am concerned because Kyoto may be extra crowded due to the Jidai Matsuri festival on Oct 22 (the day before we arrive in Kyoto). Also, is this too little of time in Kyoto? We may spend a little time around Kyoto in the morning before we leave for Hakone or we can come back from our day trips and explore more around Kyoto.. We could do Hakone in the middle of the trip but it sounds so nice to relax at the end of the trip and splurge for a private onsen before we leave. But we don't want to spend a crazy amount for an onsen so if anyone has recommendations of affordable private onsens, that would be great!

We don't have our return flights booked yet but we were originally planning to leave Monday, then Tuesday when we wanted to add on Hakone. Now thinking why not take an extra day off work and stay til Wed so we can stay two nights in Hakone. We were also thinking of Kawaguchiko instead of Hakone but it seems like Hakone is easier to get to from Kyoto and the odds of seeing Mt. Fuji in October aren't great.

Does this seem like enough days in each location? We are both early 30's, like to walk a lot, and are pretty good at waking up early and starting our day. We are going into this trip expecting to do a lot and walk a lot. I listed things that are the priority to see each day, we will add on other things if time and our energy permits!

5 replies to this topic

Ryokans in Hakone. Just for reference. If you see a place that looks interesting, go directly to their hotel website. Prices are per person, including dinner and breakfast.

https://www.ryokan.or.jp/english/search/area/C750

https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/ryokan-search-results/Hakone/

Again, just for reference, take a look at Suimeiso. https://www.suimeisou.com/english/

https://mynihonblog.com/2020/06/14/when-is-mount-fuji-visible/

It didn't show great chances of seeing Mt Fuji so I didn't want to plan our whole trip around seeing Mt. Fuji

I was looking at the Japanican website for Hakone. The rooms I was looking at state a per night price and showed that it sleeps 2 people. Is that per night price per person? I was trying to look but it showed that it sleeps 2 people and when I go to book it only shows the per night price so I thought that was the price for 2 people. But I haven't actually put in a credit card and booked it..

Wow. Those prices sure are cheap! I haven't seen prices like that since "during Covid"! I picked one of the hotels and went to their official website. The cheapest rooms I could find were double the price as on japanican. I have never heard of a ryokan that doesn't charge per person. Maybe it's a new thing for tourists??? Color me uncertain. Hope someone can help you!

Now I'm wondering if the Japanican website is incorrect and that they will actually charge me more when I arrive.. I'll have to do more research!

Just FYI. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2029.html

Ryokan prices these days have skyrocketed with the price increase of food, commodities and wages for the workers. Basic lodges would be ¥15,000-ish. Expect to pay ¥25,000+ to ¥40,000+ per person per night for a "good" place.

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