Japan has now finally opened its borders for travellers on June 10, 2022. While groups are allowed to enter the destination, individual travellers yet do not have an entry permit. Check out the comprehensive post-covid travel guide to Japan and enjoy a wonderful vacation.
Japan is a culturally-rich island country lying in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Also known as the “Land of the rising sun”, Japan features nearly 7000 islands, out of which only 416 are inhabited. There are five main islands that captivate vacationers from all across the world, namely Honshū, Hokkaidō, Shikoku, Okinawa Island, and Kyūshū. While being home to beguiling national parks, futuristic skyscrapers, lofty mountains, and sacred shrines, Japan truly deserves to be on your travel bucket list. From the urbanity of Tokyo to the calmness of Okayama, each element of the country is worth experiencing.
Japan banned the entry of most foreign visitors for the last two years as a measure to control the spread of Covid-19. Moreover, no spectators were allowed to attend the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. However, the country relieved the travel ban for business travellers and foreign residents earlier in 2022. Now when Japan is welcoming vacationers, this detailed post-covid travel guide to Japan is all that you need to leaf through.
Japan Travel Advisory during Covid-19
Although Japan has now opened its doors to international travellers after the gradual decrease in Covid-19 cases, the government ministries and authorities have now imposed new restrictions and measures to ensure the safety of travellers as well as locals. Read the below details to know more about the updated guidelines.
- Individuals of 2 years or older should properly wear a well-fitted mask in public spaces.
- Japan has imposed restrictions while classifying countries or regions as Red, Yellow and Blue. Please click here for detailed information.
- Japan is accepting daily arrivals of 20,000.
- The borders are open only for those on group tours and not individual tourists.
- Travellers with a valid vaccination certificate of the doses do not require to go undergo an on-arrival test or home quarantine.
- On-arrival test and 7-day home quarantine or 3-day home quarantine along with a negative Covid-19 test report is mandatory for travellers who do not obtain a valid vaccination certificate.
- Travellers need to apply for a visa, except those who have a re-entry permit. The visa approval procedure may take longer than usual, so plan your holiday accordingly.
- Visas issued by December 2, 2021, are no longer valid, except for those issued for the holders of the status of residence as spouse or child of a Japanese national, spouse or child of a permanent resident” or diplomat.
The vaccination will only be valid if certain criteria are met including:
- The vaccination certificate must be issued by a local government or a medical institution.
- The certificate must clearly indicate that you have received two doses from vaccines including Comirnaty/Pfizer, Vaxzevria/AstraZeneca, Spikevax/Moderna, JACOVDEN/Janssen, COVAXIN/Bharat Biotech, Nuvaxovid/Novavax.
- One dose of JACOVDEN/Janssen is considered equivalent to two doses.
- A mix-and-match of the above vaccines is also considered valid.
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Best Time to Visit
Although Japan is a year-round destination, it receives a huge influx of travellers, especially during Spring i.e. from March to May and Autumn i.e. from September to November. The less rainfall, clear skies, and delightful weather make your outdoor experience quite memorable. The temperature during these months ranges between 7ºC to 20ºC.
How to Reach
The only and the best way to reach Japan is by air. There are numerous connecting as well as direct flights operating from India to Japan. While the direct flight connectivity is only from Delhi, connecting flights are available from major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, etc. The distance between the countries is around 5,968 km and it takes around 5-6 hours to complete the journey. The major airports in Japan are Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport, and Narita International Airport.
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Getting Around
The transportation infrastructure of this island nation is quite extensive. There are several means of transportation in Japan and you can pick any while considering factors like the comfort level, the place you are travelling to, and the duration as well. If you wish to travel between cities, then there’s no better option than the hi-tech Shinkansen trains. For the ones seeking a low-cost alternative to cover long distances, a bus is a great option. Ferries are also a prime form of transportation in Japan to hop on from one island to another. Furthermore, other options like monorail, subway, taxis and even bicycles are also ideal for exploring the tourist attractions.
Places to Visit in Japan during Covid
If you want to witness the best of Japan, you must visit places like Tokyo, Kyoto,
Nara, Mt. Fuji, Hokkaido, and Ishigaki. While Tokyo is famous for its high-rise buildings, Disneyland, and Michelin-starred restaurants, Kyoto takes pride in its bamboo forests, palaces, and over 1600 Buddhist temples coupled with 400 Shinto shrines. Mount Fuji, an active volcano and Japan’s highest mountain is a sacred mountain that captivates several photographers and painters from all across the world.
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Things to do in Japan during Covid
Showcasing a perfect amalgamation of traditional and modernism, Japan has a lot to offer when it comes to art, architecture, adventure, music, food, and nature. Here are some of the best experiences you can enjoy especially during Covid times:
- Climb Mt. Fuji which opens from July to early September
- Attend the famous cherry blossom festival that begins around the late Mach and lasts till April
- Watch a Sumo show in Ryogoku
- Explore Japan’s significant history at Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
- Witness the city with a bird’s-eye-view in a 369 ft. tall Tempozan Ferris Wheel
- Witness the charming Geisha and Kabuki dance performances
Accommodation
As of now, there are no restrictions relating to hotels or other accommodation options. Most hotels are now welcoming travellers while paying heed to the sanitisation process and other safety measures. However, it is advisable to pick the hotel that has fully-vaccinated staff, the best hygiene, and post-covid facilities. Don’t forget to carry all your required documents in order to enjoy a smooth stay.
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Restaurants
After the country’s gradual relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, restaurants and cafes are now opening. However, while abiding by protocols and taking strict measures, the restaurants/cafes now have a limit on the number of guests and also on the timings. If you are heading out to have a meal, choose a hotel/cafe that is well-ventilated, has an adequate distance between seats and is not crowded.
What to Pack
Post-Covid travel to Japan requires you to plan your vacation wisely and while doing so, you need to give special attention to what you are packing. Now when you have gone through the detailed post-covid travel guide to Japan, get all the deets on the essentials you need to carry:
- A pocket-friendly and personal sanitiser along with a disinfectant.
- A couple of disposable masks and gloves.
- A mini first-aid kit having all the necessary or general medications.
- Electrical adapter and power bank.
- Appropriate clothes according to the season.
- Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a packet of tissues.
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Post-Covid Travel Guide to Japan: Essential Checklist
Before you head to Japan, have a look at this travel checklist that will help you enjoy a smooth arrival:
- Since Japan is welcoming only vacationers on an approved group tour, ensure to book one well in time.
- Keep your vaccination certificate handy as you would require it to complete the documentation process.
- Make sure to check all the required documents before your flight.
- Carry a hard copy as well as a soft copy of all the required documents.
- The visa application procedures have changed from June 1, 2022. Please check the official. website to learn about the updated procedure.
- Apply for a visa as soon as you plan a trip to Japan and submit all the required documents.
- Cooperate with the authorities upon arrival at the airport.
- Abide by all the japan quarantine rules for foreigners.
Further Travel Tips
Now when you are all set to fly to this spectacular country after going through the detailed post-covid travel guide to Japan, read on some import travel tips quickly:
- Wear a good-quality mask at all times when in a crowd
- Maintain required social distance
- Don’t forget to keep a sanitiser, extra mask, and disposable gloves in your bag
- Avoid public gatherings if possible
- Choose restaurants/cafes that have a proper sanitisation system
- Keep a check on your health every day
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Now when the travel ban in Japan is lifted, it is time to plan a fun-filled vacation to this spectacular country. With this post-covid travel guide to Japan, your journey will surely turn out to be an easeful one. So, check out the best Japan tour packages at TravelTriangle and gear up for a marvellous experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Post-covid Travel Guide to Japan
Can I visit Japan owing to the current Covid situation?
Yes, Japan is now welcoming vacationers while imposing several strict guidelines. While you plan to travel to this country, make sure to complete your double vaccination with the verified vaccines issued by the Japanese authorities. Also, abide by all the government protocols like wearing a mask when in public, maintaining a required social distance, and more.
What is the ideal month for a Japan trip?
You can plan a holiday to Japan during the peak months that are between March to May and Autumn and September to November. The scenery of Japan becomes impeccable during these months with captivating cherry blossoms and bright red leaves.
Which are the valid vaccines to enter Japan?
As per the latest guidelines, the only valid vaccines to enter the country are Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Janssen, COVAXIN, and Novavax.
Which are the best places to visit in Japan?
Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Mt. Fuji, Hokkaido, Ishigaki, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Osaka, Yakushima, Hakuba, Kamakura, Nagano, Kawaguchi, Takayama, Shibuya, and Naoshima are some of the most popular places in Japan that offers you to witness the best of Japan.
Do I need a vis to enter Japan?
Yes, you need a visa if you are travelling from India to Japan. Since the visa process takes longer time than usual during the Covid situation, it is advisable to apply for the same well in advance.
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