As part of a pilot project to 'test tourism' that began in May 2022, the Japanese government announced new rules on June 7, which tourists must follow whenever entering the island nation.
The latest development, Channel News Asia reports that tourists should wear masks, take out health insurance privately, and must be accompanied by a travel agent guide during their visit to Japan.
According to the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), the first phase of tourists will be allowed from June 10, and travel agencies must ensure that visitors wear masks and adhere to all safety protocols.
Here are more details for those of you visiting Japan!
Shibuya Street / Brinknews
Who Can Enter Japan?
On May 17, 2022, the JTA announced that as part of the pilot project, the country would receive visitors from USA, Australia, Thailand, and Singapore. The list has been expanded to include the UK, Spain, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.
Security Rules and Protocols
The government previously said that visitors would be allowed into the country only if they met all the criteria set by the government. Those planning to travel should take all three shots of the COVID-19 vaccination, purchase their travel insurance and be part of a package tour with a fixed itinerary. However, no specifications have been made regarding the use of masks. Now, in addition to the criteria above, tourists must also wear masks inside and outside the room.
The Channel News Asia report adds that the JTA guidelines state, "Tour guides should frequently remind tour participants of the necessary infection prevention measures, including wearing and removing masks, at each stage of the tour."
Last month, the government conducted a trial tour with around 50 participants, most of whom were travel agents. Of them, only one person tested positive.
Government Considerations
Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that authorities plan to open borders from June like other countries. In a speech in London, Kishida also said that he would first look at the Golden Week post-holiday situation in late April and early May.
According to Bloomberg reporting on May 5, 2022, Kishida said, "Soon after June, based on expert opinion, we will review coronavirus regulations, including border policies, in stages."
Improving Japan's tourism sector
The tourism industry in Japan has been asking the government to relax border restrictions and attract foreign visitors to take advantage of the weak exchange Yen for a long time.
Before the pandemic, tourist visits to the country had grown fivefold between 2011 and 2019. The Bloomberg report also said, "Some tourism-related stocks rose in the news. Japan Airlines rose as much as 4.5 percent, while Japan Airport Terminals jumped 6.8 percent. Travel agency HIS, the sector leader, erased morning losses and rose by 2.7 percent."
PM Kishida has only kept borders open to students and business officials and has held the daily influx of foreign nationals to 10,000, excluding tourists. Now, the government intends to increase the limit to 20,000 and accept tourists.
As a foodie, Trinetra looks for every opportunity to travel and write. Storytelling and slam poetry is his choice. Lazing around the idea includes watching a party, preparing snacks, or looking for the next place to go.
