What to expect when Japan reopens to travellers
As of October 11, it will be much easier to visit Japan—and more affordable.
In 2019, the year before Japan sealed its borders, the country lured nearly 32 million tourists, a record high. Two and a half years later, it’s one of the last countries to lift pandemic-related travel restrictions. Beginning October 11, international tourists are finally free to roam the country on their own, without having to book a package tour. A few other notable changes:
1. Go Blue
The country’s border measures are colour-coded and tourists travelling to Japan from countries on the “blue list,” such as the U.S., Canada, Australia and some European Union nations, no longer have to quarantine or submit to on-site testing at the airport. Proof of vaccination is not required but it eliminates the need to produce a negative Covid-test result 72 hours before departure. Japan’s national tourism organisation offers a checklist for travellers and next-steps upon entry. You should also consider downloading the MySOS app, which should help speed you through the airport document checks.
2. To Mask or Not to Mask?
Wearing a mask during allergy and flu seasons was a way of life in Japan long before the pandemic. Now masks are commonplace year round. Though Japan has no mask mandate, many places of business request you wear one indoors, and overwhelmingly people continue to cover up outdoors when travelling in a taxi and in crowded gatherings such as public transit. The general etiquette when dining is to remove your mask and place it in an envelope provided by the restaurant that is kept at your side, or put it away in your pocket or purse. You’ll find no shortage of mask colours or styles for sale throughout the country.
3. Rate of Return
A historically weaker yen means you can stretch that dollar a lot more than before, perhaps adding a few extra days to the itinerary. Stores, restaurants and tourist attractions are open for business, and travel within the country on the bullet train remains as efficient as ever.
4. Health Check
If you feel unwell or have tested positive for Covid-19, you cannot typically show up at the nearest emergency care centre because not all hospitals or clinics are equipped to handle patients who are showing symptoms. But this handy site can tell you where you can go to seek medical help. Be sure to have travel and health insurance.
Plan a trip to Japan
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
The new way to explore the ‘Paris of South America’
Buenos Aires is an eminently walkable city, especially if you stop for refreshments en route from barrio to barrio.
Which is the world’s happiest city?
The latest rankings have been announced and you might be surprised at the result. In fact, you could feel a little sad.