Is Japan Opening for Tourism Soon?

By Anna Duncan

Japan has been a popular tourist destination for years, known for its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern technology. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan closed its borders to international tourists in early 2020. Now, as the world slowly moves towards recovery, many are wondering when Japan will open up for tourism once again.

Current Situation

At present, Japan’s borders remain closed to most international travelers. However, there are some exceptions.

For example, foreign residents of Japan are allowed to re-enter the country as long as they meet certain requirements such as taking a COVID-19 test and undergoing a quarantine period. Additionally, business travelers from certain countries are permitted to enter Japan on a case-by-case basis.

Tourism Restart Plan

In March 2021, the Japanese government announced a “tourism restart plan” which aims to reopen the country to international tourism in stages. The plan is still being developed and details have not yet been finalized.

Stage One: Business Travelers

The first stage of the plan will focus on allowing more business travelers into Japan. The government is considering easing restrictions for business travelers from countries including China, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand.

Stage Two: Tourists with Vaccine Passports

The second stage of the plan will involve allowing tourists who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 into Japan using a vaccine passport. The government has not yet decided which vaccines will be accepted or what the specific requirements will be.

Stage Three: General Tourists

The final stage of the plan will be reopening Japan’s borders to all international tourists. However, no timeline has been given for when this might happen.

Safety Measures

When Japan does reopen for tourism, it is likely that there will be strict safety measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This could include mandatory COVID-19 testing, quarantine periods, and limits on where tourists can go and what they can do during their stay.

Conclusion

While Japan’s borders are still closed to international tourists, the government’s tourism restart plan provides hope that travel to Japan may be possible in the near future. However, it is important to remember that the situation is constantly changing and there are no guarantees as to when exactly Japan will open up for tourism again. In the meantime, it’s important to stay informed about any updates and continue following local health guidelines.