Showing posts with label japan Travel news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label japan Travel news. Show all posts
Thursday, May 21, 2026
A World-Class Fountain Attraction Comes To Odaiba
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Inside Tokyo Disneyland’s Massive $461 Milllion Space Mountain Overhaul
If you’ve visited Tokyo Disneyland recently, you may have noticed a giant, construction-walled void where a legendary landmark once stood. The original Space Mountain, a cornerstone of the park since its 1983 opening, is officially a memory—but what’s coming in its place is nothing short of a galactic revolution.
The Oriental Land Company (OLC) has officially upped the ante, confirming a staggering ¥70.5 billion (~$461 million) investment for a ground-up rebuild of the attraction and its surrounding plaza.
A Total Transformation (2024–2027)
Unlike typical theme park renovations that swap out track or add digital screens, OLC opted for the "total replacement" strategy:
Complete Demolition: Following its permanent closure on July 31, 2024, the original show building was entirely dismantled to make way for a brand-new structure.
Next-Gen Coaster: While it remains an indoor roller coaster, the "Space Mountain (2027)" project will feature enhanced performance, cutting-edge special effects, and a more emotional storyline that connects guests to Planet Earth.
The "Earthrise" Rumor: While OLC still officially lists the project by its year, internal rumors and trademarks suggest the new title may be "Space Mountain Earthrise".
The Tomorrowland Plaza: Harmony with Nature
The $461 million price tag isn’t just for the ride. A massive new Tomorrowland Plaza is being constructed to replace the previous concrete expanse.
Day & Night Atmosphere: By day, the plaza will be a lush space where "humans and nature are in harmony". By night, it will transform into a "spectacular world of light and soundscapes".
Modern Aesthetic: Concept art reveals a sleek, curved silhouette for the new mountain, drawing design inspiration from the futuristic, organic lines seen in Shanghai Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.
Bonus Content: Sugar Rush is Coming!
The Space Mountain rebuild is the centerpiece of a wider Tomorrowland revitalisation. In Spring 2027, a brand-new Wreck-It Ralph interactive shooting attraction will debut, replacing Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.
The Mission: Guests will team up with Ralph and Vanellope to save the Sugar Rush video game from "Sugar Bugs" created by King Candy.
Investment: This project represents an additional ¥29.5 billion (~$193 million), bringing the total Tomorrowland investment to over $650 million.
Are you planning a trip for the 2027 grand opening? You can stay updated on construction progress and official opening dates through the Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website at: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/tdl.html
The Oriental Land Company (OLC) has officially upped the ante, confirming a staggering ¥70.5 billion (~$461 million) investment for a ground-up rebuild of the attraction and its surrounding plaza.
A Total Transformation (2024–2027)
Unlike typical theme park renovations that swap out track or add digital screens, OLC opted for the "total replacement" strategy:
Complete Demolition: Following its permanent closure on July 31, 2024, the original show building was entirely dismantled to make way for a brand-new structure.
Next-Gen Coaster: While it remains an indoor roller coaster, the "Space Mountain (2027)" project will feature enhanced performance, cutting-edge special effects, and a more emotional storyline that connects guests to Planet Earth.
The "Earthrise" Rumor: While OLC still officially lists the project by its year, internal rumors and trademarks suggest the new title may be "Space Mountain Earthrise".
The Tomorrowland Plaza: Harmony with Nature
The $461 million price tag isn’t just for the ride. A massive new Tomorrowland Plaza is being constructed to replace the previous concrete expanse.
Day & Night Atmosphere: By day, the plaza will be a lush space where "humans and nature are in harmony". By night, it will transform into a "spectacular world of light and soundscapes".
Modern Aesthetic: Concept art reveals a sleek, curved silhouette for the new mountain, drawing design inspiration from the futuristic, organic lines seen in Shanghai Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.
Bonus Content: Sugar Rush is Coming!
The Space Mountain rebuild is the centerpiece of a wider Tomorrowland revitalisation. In Spring 2027, a brand-new Wreck-It Ralph interactive shooting attraction will debut, replacing Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.
The Mission: Guests will team up with Ralph and Vanellope to save the Sugar Rush video game from "Sugar Bugs" created by King Candy.
Investment: This project represents an additional ¥29.5 billion (~$193 million), bringing the total Tomorrowland investment to over $650 million.
Are you planning a trip for the 2027 grand opening? You can stay updated on construction progress and official opening dates through the Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website at: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/tdl.html
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Kyoto Japan To Charge 'Tourist Tax' Upwards Of $65 Per Night
Japan's ancient capital implements highest accommodation tax in country to manage overtourism crowds.
Locals in Kyoto neighborhoods have complained of overcrowding and disrespectful tourist behavior. (Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images)
Japan’s ancient capital is taking drastic steps to rein in overtourism.
Starting in March 2026, Kyoto will introduce the highest accommodation tax in Japan, charging visitors more to stay in the city’s hotels, inns and guesthouses.
Under the new system, tourists at high-end hotels could pay up to ¥10,000 (about $65) per person, per night, in tourism taxes: a tenfold increase from current rates.
Budget travelers will also see jumps from about ¥200 to ¥400 (about $1.30 to $2.60), while mid-range rooms will jump from ¥500 to ¥1,000 (about $3.30 to $6.50) per person.
City officials say the extra funds are expected to more than double Kyoto’s tourism tax revenue and will go toward managing crowds, preserving cultural sites, and easing strain on local infrastructure.
When applying to hike the fee, Kyoto travel authorities insisted that tourists should bear the cost of maintaining the very attractions that draw them into the city.
While tourism drives Kyoto’s economy, many residents say the city has become nearly unlivable in peak seasons. Narrow streets clogged with selfie-snapping visitors, and popular districts like Gion, known for its traditional tea houses and geisha, have attempted to crack down on tourists after incidents of trespassing and aggressive photography. Japanese media reports these efforts have been unsuccessful.
The new tax aims to fund enforcement and reduce friction between visitors and locals, but critics warn it may not go far enough. Japan welcomed more than 35 million foreign tourists in 2024, and officials hope to reach 60 million by 2030.
Kyoto isn’t alone in feeling the squeeze. Fox News Digital previously reported that Mount Fuji, another of Japan’s iconic destinations, is dealing with its own side effects of booming tourism.
Trash, overcrowding and safety concerns have grown so severe that officials have begun calling the landmark a "trash mountain."
Visitors are being asked to pack out their garbage and respect new crowd limits, as local authorities scramble to protect the mountain’s natural beauty.
Kyoto’s move may be a sign of what’s ahead for other tourist-heavy regions. As Japan’s popularity surges, cities are being forced to choose between economic opportunity and preserving the peace that makes them so popular in the first place.
https://www.foxnews.com/person/q/khloe-quill
Japan’s ancient capital is taking drastic steps to rein in overtourism.
Starting in March 2026, Kyoto will introduce the highest accommodation tax in Japan, charging visitors more to stay in the city’s hotels, inns and guesthouses.
Under the new system, tourists at high-end hotels could pay up to ¥10,000 (about $65) per person, per night, in tourism taxes: a tenfold increase from current rates.
Budget travelers will also see jumps from about ¥200 to ¥400 (about $1.30 to $2.60), while mid-range rooms will jump from ¥500 to ¥1,000 (about $3.30 to $6.50) per person.
City officials say the extra funds are expected to more than double Kyoto’s tourism tax revenue and will go toward managing crowds, preserving cultural sites, and easing strain on local infrastructure.
When applying to hike the fee, Kyoto travel authorities insisted that tourists should bear the cost of maintaining the very attractions that draw them into the city.
While tourism drives Kyoto’s economy, many residents say the city has become nearly unlivable in peak seasons. Narrow streets clogged with selfie-snapping visitors, and popular districts like Gion, known for its traditional tea houses and geisha, have attempted to crack down on tourists after incidents of trespassing and aggressive photography. Japanese media reports these efforts have been unsuccessful.
The new tax aims to fund enforcement and reduce friction between visitors and locals, but critics warn it may not go far enough. Japan welcomed more than 35 million foreign tourists in 2024, and officials hope to reach 60 million by 2030.
Kyoto isn’t alone in feeling the squeeze. Fox News Digital previously reported that Mount Fuji, another of Japan’s iconic destinations, is dealing with its own side effects of booming tourism.
Trash, overcrowding and safety concerns have grown so severe that officials have begun calling the landmark a "trash mountain."
Visitors are being asked to pack out their garbage and respect new crowd limits, as local authorities scramble to protect the mountain’s natural beauty.
Kyoto’s move may be a sign of what’s ahead for other tourist-heavy regions. As Japan’s popularity surges, cities are being forced to choose between economic opportunity and preserving the peace that makes them so popular in the first place.
https://www.foxnews.com/person/q/khloe-quill
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Enter The World Of Pokémon! The 1st Outdoor Theme Park Opens Next Spring In The Southern Tama Area Of Tokyo
For more details, please visit: https://www.pokepark-kanto.co.jp/teaser/en_US/
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Japan Set To Join US, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Iceland, And Thailand In Making Tourist Taxes The New Norm Of Travel: What You Need To Know
Japan is the latest country to announce new visitor levies, aligning with an international wave that includes the United States, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Iceland, and Thailand. As more travelers return to popular destinations, understanding the evolving landscape of tourist taxation is essential. Below, we explore how each of these nations is reshaping the travel economy—one tax at a time.
Japan: New Policies to Ease the Pressure on Cultural Landmarks
Japan’s popularity as a travel destination has soared in recent years. In 2024 alone, it welcomed a record-breaking 36.8 million tourists, drawn by its iconic landscapes, ancient temples, cherry blossoms, and tech-savvy urban experiences. The influx was largely encouraged by a favorable exchange rate and relaxed visa policies. However, the overwhelming volume of visitors has started to strain popular sites like Kyoto, Nara, and Mount Fuji.
To manage this pressure, Japan is preparing to implement new tourist taxes. One of the first steps will be a significant fee increase for hikers of Mount Fuji, which begins in May 2025. The new fee of 4,000 yen (approximately
$27) is double the previous amount and applies only to international travelers. Japanese nationals are exempt, underscoring the policy’s focus on international tourist management. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to safeguard natural resources, fund infrastructure upgrades, and maintain a balanced tourism flow year-round.
United States: Complex Layers of State and City Hotel Taxes
The United States does not have a federal tourist tax, but hotel and lodging taxes are extensive at the state and city levels. These taxes, typically layered and location-specific, can significantly impact a traveler’s budget—especially in major urban areas.
In New York City, visitors pay a combined hotel tax rate of around 14.75%, which includes a 4% state tax, 4.5% city tax, a 5.875% hotel occupancy fee, and a fixed $1.50 nightly charge per room. This structure makes NYC one of the most expensive destinations in the country in terms of accommodations. Over in San Francisco, California applies a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to both hotels and short-term rentals, including Airbnb listings. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax, creating a citywide system that funnels funds directly into local services.
Hawaii imposes a multi-layered tax structure: a 10.25% Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), a 4% General Excise Tax (GET), and a county-level surcharge that can reach 3%, bringing the total tax rate up to 17.25% in some counties. This approach ensures that revenues from tourism support both infrastructure and environmental conservation across the islands.
Mexico: From Voluntary to Mandatory Fees
In Mexico, tourist taxes have become both broader and more mandatory. For years, the Visitax program in Quintana Roo—home to destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel—allowed voluntary payments. However, by 2024, it became a required fee. Now, international visitors over the age of 15 must pay approximately $13–$14 USD before departing the region, either online or at designated airport kiosks.
Meanwhile, Baja California Sur, which includes hot spots like Los Cabos and La Paz, introduced a new mandatory $25 USD tourist tax in late 2024. Previously voluntary, this charge now supports tourism infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and environmental protections in one of the country’s fastest-growing destinations.
Local hotel taxes in Mexico also vary by state but generally range from 3% to 5% of the accommodation cost. These levies are often included in the final bill and directly fund municipal tourism development. The transition from optional contributions to legally enforced payments illustrates how Mexico is formalizing its approach to sustainable travel funding.
Canada: Provincial Levies and Municipal Add-Ons
Canada doesn’t impose a nationwide tourist tax, but several cities and provinces have created their own levies. These charges, often known as Municipal Accommodation Taxes (MAT) or lodging taxes, are commonly added to hotel bills and support local tourism and events infrastructure.
In Toronto, the MAT is set at 6%, while Montreal applies a 3.5% lodging tax. In Vancouver, a 3% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) is added to overnight stays. These taxes are designed to generate local revenue for urban maintenance, marketing campaigns, and festival sponsorships—particularly in high-tourism cities.
In addition to accommodation taxes, Canada imposes Airport Improvement Fees (AIF) at most major airports. For example, travelers departing from Toronto Pearson Airport pay about CAD 30, while Vancouver International Airport charges around CAD 25. These fees are typically included in airfare and fund runway upgrades, terminal expansions, and security improvements.
Italy: Europe’s Most Structured Tax Zones
Italy is a trailblazer in tourist taxation, with multiple cities independently imposing their own rates depending on accommodation type and season. Starting April 18, 2025, Venice became the first city in the world to charge day-trippers. Visitors entering the historic center during peak days must pay €5, which increases to €10 for last-minute bookings. Enforced between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, the charge is applied via QR codes scanned at access points. Local residents and children under 14 are exempt.
In Rome, a city tax ranging from €4 to €10 per night has been in place since October 2023. The rate depends on the star rating of the hotel and is capped at 10 consecutive nights. Similarly, Florence applies a tourist tax between €4.50 and €8 per night, based on accommodation class, with a 7-night cap and exemptions for children under 12.
These structured charges provide a predictable and transparent model, allowing cities to direct funds into historical preservation, waste management, and urban renewal.
Spain: Regional Systems and Tiered Pricing
Spain’s tourist taxes vary widely depending on region and season. In Barcelona, as of October 2024, travelers must pay a €4 per night city tax in addition to the regional Catalonia tax, creating a total of €7.50 per night for luxury accommodation guests. These funds are earmarked for maintaining cultural sites and controlling urban density.
The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) also impose seasonal fees ranging from €1 to €4 per night, with lower rates applied during off-peak months. Tourists staying in eco-friendly accommodations may qualify for reductions, a nod to the region’s commitment to sustainable travel.
Both Barcelona and the islands have seen tensions rise between locals and tourists in recent years, especially during high summer traffic. These taxes represent a policy response that both regulates crowding and enhances visitor experience through reinvested funds.
France: Tiered ‘Taxe de Séjour’ Model
France applies a nationwide tourist tax called the “taxe de séjour”, but the amount varies by destination and hotel classification. In Paris, tourists pay between €0.65 (for campsites) and €15.60 (for luxury palaces) per person, per night. The tax is displayed clearly in booking confirmations and invoices, ensuring transparency.
These charges are reinvested into local services such as public transport, tourism marketing, and cultural preservation. Smaller cities and towns also impose their own variants, helping distribute the burden and benefit of tourism across regions.
The French model is frequently cited as an example of how to balance tourism promotion with urban sustainability. Clear tax brackets, high visibility, and direct reinvestment help garner public support for the program.
Iceland: Reintroduced to Manage Growth
After pausing its tourism tax during the pandemic, Iceland reintroduced its levy in 2024, reflecting the island nation’s renewed emphasis on conservation. The tax applies as follows: ISK 600 (~$4.36) per night for hotels and guesthouses, ISK 300 (~$2.18) for campsites and mobile homes, and ISK 1,000 (~$7.20) per night for cruise ship passengers.
The country’s small population and delicate ecosystems make overtourism a pressing concern. By charging tourists directly, Iceland can better maintain hiking paths, public toilets, and emergency services in remote areas. These fees also help support environmental education campaigns and park ranger programs.
Thailand: Preparing for a Mid-2025 Rollout
Thailand’s government has confirmed plans to implement a nationwide tourist tax by mid-2025. Air travelers will be charged 300 baht (approximately $8–$9 USD), while those arriving by land or sea will pay 150 baht (~$4–$5 USD). The fee is expected to be automatically included in airline tickets to streamline enforcement.
Funds from the tax will support accident insurance for travelers, maintenance of tourist attractions, and infrastructure development in less-visited provinces. Thailand has long struggled with the economic disparities between overcrowded destinations like Phuket and under-visited rural areas. This fee aims to help distribute tourism more evenly across the country.
Other Countries with Tourist Taxes in 2025
Greece
Introduced the “Climate Crisis Resilience Fee” in January 2024. This tax ranges from €2 to €15 per room per night, depending on hotel rating and season. For example, 5-star hotels charge €15 during peak season (April to October), while 1–2-star properties charge €2.
Netherlands (Amsterdam)
In 2024, Amsterdam increased its tourist tax to 12.5% of the accommodation cost, making it one of the highest in Europe. It applies to hotels, short-term rentals, and cruise ship visitors.
Portugal
Lisbon doubled its city tax in September 2024 from €2 to €4 per night, applicable for up to 7 nights. Children under 13 are exempt. Porto increased its rate in early 2025 from €2 to €3 per night for all accommodation types.
Austria (Vienna)
Charges a 3.2% tourist tax on the net accommodation cost (excluding VAT and meals). For a hotel rate of €120 per night, the tax would be around €3.84.
Hungary (Budapest)
Budapest applies a fixed tourism tax of 1,000 HUF (~€2.60) per person per night, capped at 6 nights.
Czech Republic (Prague)
Tourists pay CZK 50 (~€2) per person per night. The tax is typically included in hotel invoices.
Croatia
Rates vary by location and season, averaging €1 per night. Travelers aged 12 to 18 pay 50% of the tax, and children under 12 are exempt.
Slovenia (Ljubljana)
Visitors pay €3.13 per night, with a 50% discount for youth (ages 7 to 18), those staying in youth hostels, or in IYHF-affiliated camps.
Japan is joining a growing list of countries—including the US, Mexico, and France—that are adopting tourist taxes to manage over tourism, protect cultural sites, and fund vital infrastructure, making such levies the new global norm for travel in 2025.
A New Era for Global Travel
The message is clear: tourist taxes are here to stay. Once implemented sparingly or seasonally, these levies are now forming the backbone of long-term tourism strategies worldwide. From Japan’s efforts to ease pressure on Mount Fuji to the U.S.’s layered lodging taxes, nations are using fiscal tools to shape visitor behavior and secure vital funds.
For travelers, this shift means planning beyond airfare and hotel rates. Factoring in destination-specific taxes will be as routine as booking a visa or choosing insurance. But these costs also contribute to something greater—ensuring that the cultural, historical, and natural wonders we visit today will still be there tomorrow.
https://www.travelandtourworld.com/
Monday, December 23, 2024
Alaska Airlines Will Spread Its Wings By Flying To Tokyo And Seoul Beginning 2025
Alaska Airlines said Tuesday it will start new service to Tokyo and Seoul next year as part of a plan to boost international flights over the next several years.
Alaska announced the new routes Tuesday as it raised its fourth-quarter outlook and publicized a plan to boost profit by $1 billion over three years.
It said greater efficiency from combining with Hawaiian Airlines will save the company at least $500 million by 2027. Alaska also plans to introduce a new premium co-branded credit card; similar deals have been lucrative for other carriers.
Alaska also announced a plan to spend $1 billion buying back its own stock, which makes investors’ existing shares more valuable.
Shares of Seattle-based Alaska Air Group jumped 14% in midday trading.
The airline said Tuesday that it will begin flying between Seattle and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport in May, and add service between Seattle and Seoul in October.
Alaska said it plans to fly from Seattle to at least a dozen international destinations by 2030, using large jets owned by Hawaiian, which Alaska bought this year for $1 billion plus assumed debt.
The airline said it expects to earn 40 to 50 cents per share in the fourth quarter, up from an earlier forecast of 20 to 40 cents per share, because of stronger-than-expected bookings in November and December. That outlook followed similar upgrades last week by Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, which reported strong demand for leisure travel.
Alaska announced the new routes Tuesday as it raised its fourth-quarter outlook and publicized a plan to boost profit by $1 billion over three years.
It said greater efficiency from combining with Hawaiian Airlines will save the company at least $500 million by 2027. Alaska also plans to introduce a new premium co-branded credit card; similar deals have been lucrative for other carriers.
Alaska also announced a plan to spend $1 billion buying back its own stock, which makes investors’ existing shares more valuable.
Shares of Seattle-based Alaska Air Group jumped 14% in midday trading.
The airline said Tuesday that it will begin flying between Seattle and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport in May, and add service between Seattle and Seoul in October.
Alaska said it plans to fly from Seattle to at least a dozen international destinations by 2030, using large jets owned by Hawaiian, which Alaska bought this year for $1 billion plus assumed debt.
The airline said it expects to earn 40 to 50 cents per share in the fourth quarter, up from an earlier forecast of 20 to 40 cents per share, because of stronger-than-expected bookings in November and December. That outlook followed similar upgrades last week by Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, which reported strong demand for leisure travel.
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Climbing Limits Are Being Set On Mount Fuji To Fight Crowds And Littering
Those who want to climb one of the most popular trails on Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji will have to book a slot and pay a fee as crowds, littering and climbers who try to rush too fast to the summit cause safety and conservation concerns at the picturesque stratovolcano.
The new rules for the climbing season, starting July 1 to Sept. 10, apply for those hiking the Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi side of the 3,776 meter- (nearly 12,300 feet-) high mountain that was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013.
Only 4,000 climbers will be allowed to enter the trail per day for a hiking fee of 2,000 yen (about $18). Of those slots, 3,000 will be available for online booking and the remaining 1,000 can be booked in person on the day of the climb, Yamanashi prefecture said in a statement via the Foreign Press Center of Japan on Monday. Hikers also have an option of donating an additional 1,000 yen (about $9) for conservation.
Climbers can book their slots via the Mount Fuji Climbing website, which is jointly run by the Environment Ministry and the mountain’s two home prefectures, Yamanashi and Shizuoka.
Mount Fuji is divided into 10 stations, and there are four “5th stations” halfway up the mountain from where the Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba trails start to the top.
Under the new system, climbers must choose between a day hike or an overnight stay at the several available huts along the trail. The day of their climb, they are given a QR code to be scanned at the 5th station. Those who have not booked an overnight hut will be sent back down and not allowed to climb between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m., mainly to stop “bullet climbing,” or rushing to the summit without adequate rest, which authorities are worried puts lives at risk.
A symbol of Japan, the mountain called “Fujisan” used to be a place of pilgrimage. Today, it especially attracts hikers who climb to the summit to see the sunrise. But the tons of trash that’s left behind, including plastic bottles, food and even clothes, have become a major concern.
In a statement, Yamanashi Gov. Kotaro Nagasaki thanked people for their understanding and cooperation in helping conserve Mount Fuji.
Shizuoka prefecture, southwest of Mount Fuji, where climbers can also access the mountain, has sought a voluntary 1,000-yen ($6.40) fee per climber since 2014 and is considering additional ways to balance tourism and environmental protection.
The number of Mount Fuji climbers during the season in 2023 totaled 221,322, according to the Environment Ministry. That is close to the pre-pandemic level and officials expect more visitors this year.
Just a few weeks ago, the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi prefecture, began setting up a huge black screen on a sidewalk to block a view of Mount Fuji because tourists were crowding into the area to take photos with the mountain as a backdrop to a convenience store, a social media phenomenon known as “Mount Fuji Lawson” that has disrupted business, traffic and local life.
Overtourism has also become a growing issue at other popular tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Kamakura as foreign visitors have flocked to Japan in droves since the coronavirus pandemic restrictions were lifted, in part due to the weaker yen.
Last year, Japan had more than 25 million visitors, and the figures in 2024 are expected to surpass nearly 32 million, a record from 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
BY MARI YAMAGUCHI, AP
The new rules for the climbing season, starting July 1 to Sept. 10, apply for those hiking the Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi side of the 3,776 meter- (nearly 12,300 feet-) high mountain that was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013.
Only 4,000 climbers will be allowed to enter the trail per day for a hiking fee of 2,000 yen (about $18). Of those slots, 3,000 will be available for online booking and the remaining 1,000 can be booked in person on the day of the climb, Yamanashi prefecture said in a statement via the Foreign Press Center of Japan on Monday. Hikers also have an option of donating an additional 1,000 yen (about $9) for conservation.
Climbers can book their slots via the Mount Fuji Climbing website, which is jointly run by the Environment Ministry and the mountain’s two home prefectures, Yamanashi and Shizuoka.
Mount Fuji is divided into 10 stations, and there are four “5th stations” halfway up the mountain from where the Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba trails start to the top.
Under the new system, climbers must choose between a day hike or an overnight stay at the several available huts along the trail. The day of their climb, they are given a QR code to be scanned at the 5th station. Those who have not booked an overnight hut will be sent back down and not allowed to climb between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m., mainly to stop “bullet climbing,” or rushing to the summit without adequate rest, which authorities are worried puts lives at risk.
A symbol of Japan, the mountain called “Fujisan” used to be a place of pilgrimage. Today, it especially attracts hikers who climb to the summit to see the sunrise. But the tons of trash that’s left behind, including plastic bottles, food and even clothes, have become a major concern.
In a statement, Yamanashi Gov. Kotaro Nagasaki thanked people for their understanding and cooperation in helping conserve Mount Fuji.
Shizuoka prefecture, southwest of Mount Fuji, where climbers can also access the mountain, has sought a voluntary 1,000-yen ($6.40) fee per climber since 2014 and is considering additional ways to balance tourism and environmental protection.
The number of Mount Fuji climbers during the season in 2023 totaled 221,322, according to the Environment Ministry. That is close to the pre-pandemic level and officials expect more visitors this year.
Just a few weeks ago, the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi prefecture, began setting up a huge black screen on a sidewalk to block a view of Mount Fuji because tourists were crowding into the area to take photos with the mountain as a backdrop to a convenience store, a social media phenomenon known as “Mount Fuji Lawson” that has disrupted business, traffic and local life.
Overtourism has also become a growing issue at other popular tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Kamakura as foreign visitors have flocked to Japan in droves since the coronavirus pandemic restrictions were lifted, in part due to the weaker yen.
Last year, Japan had more than 25 million visitors, and the figures in 2024 are expected to surpass nearly 32 million, a record from 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
BY MARI YAMAGUCHI, AP
Saturday, May 18, 2024
To Fend Off Tourists, A Town In Japan Is Building A Big Screen Blocking The View Of Mount Fuji
The town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists.
Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain. The reason: misbehaving foreign tourists.
“Kawaguchiko is a town built on tourism, and I welcome many visitors, and the town welcomes them too, but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” said Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving Japanese sweets “ohagi,” near the soon-to-be-blocked photo spot.
Motomochi mentioned littering, crossing the road with busy traffic, ignoring traffic lights, trespassing into private properties. She isn’t unhappy though — 80% of her customers are foreign visitors whose numbers have surged after a pandemic hiatus that kept Japan closed for about two years.
Her neighborhood suddenly became a popular spot about two years ago, apparently after a photo taken in a particular angle showing Mount Fuji in the background, as if sitting atop a local convenience store, became a social media sensation known as “Mt. Fuji Lawson,” town officials say.
The mostly foreign tourists have since crowded the small area, triggering a wave of concerns and complaints from residents about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk, taking photos on the busy road or walking into neighbors’ properties, officials said.
In Europe, concerns over tourists overcrowding historic cities led Venice last week to launch a pilot program to charge day-trippers a 5-euro ($5.35) entry fee. Authorities hope it will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.
Fujikawaguchiko has tried other methods: signs urging visitors not to run into the road and to use the designated crosswalk in English, Chinese, Thai and Korean, and even hiring a security guard as crowd control. None worked.
The black mesh net, when completed in mid-May, will be 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) high and 20 meters (65.6 feet) long, and will almost completely block the view of Mount Fuji, officials said.
Dozens of tourists gathered Tuesday taking photos even though Mount Fuji was not in sight due to cloudy weather.
Anthony Hok, from France, thought the screen was an overreaction. “Too big solution for subject not as big, even if tourists are making trouble. Doesn’t look right to me,” he said. The 26-year-old suggested setting up road barriers for safety instead of blocking views for pictures.
But Helen Pull, a 34-year-old visitor from the U.K., was sympathetic to the local concern. While traveling in Japan in the past few weeks, she has seen tourism “really ramped up here in Japan from what we’ve seen.”
“I can see why people who live and work here might want to do something about that,” she said, noting many were taking pictures even when the mountain was not in the view. “That’s the power of the social media.”
Foreign visitors have flocked to Japan since the pandemic border restrictions were lifted, in part due to the weaker yen.
Last year, Japan had more than 25 million visitors, and the number this year is expected to surpass nearly 32 million, a record from 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. And the government wants more tourists.
While the booming tourism has helped the industry, it has triggered complaints from residents in popular tourist destinations, such as Kyoto and Kamakura. In Kyoto, a famous geisha district recently decided to close some private-property alleys.
Locals are uncertain about what to do.
Motomochi said she cannot imagine how the black screen can help control the flow of people on the narrow pedestrian walk and the road next to it.
Yoshihiko Ogawa, who runs a more than half-century-old rice shop in the Fujikawaguchiko area, said the overcrowding worsened in the past few months, with tourists gathering from around 4-5 a.m. and talking loudly. He sometimes struggles to get his car in and out of garage.
“We’ve never thought we’d face a situation like this,” Ogawa said, adding he is unsure what the solution might be. “I suppose we all just need to get use to it.”
BY AYAKA MCGILL AND MARI YAMAGUCHI
Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain. The reason: misbehaving foreign tourists.
“Kawaguchiko is a town built on tourism, and I welcome many visitors, and the town welcomes them too, but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” said Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving Japanese sweets “ohagi,” near the soon-to-be-blocked photo spot.
Motomochi mentioned littering, crossing the road with busy traffic, ignoring traffic lights, trespassing into private properties. She isn’t unhappy though — 80% of her customers are foreign visitors whose numbers have surged after a pandemic hiatus that kept Japan closed for about two years.
Her neighborhood suddenly became a popular spot about two years ago, apparently after a photo taken in a particular angle showing Mount Fuji in the background, as if sitting atop a local convenience store, became a social media sensation known as “Mt. Fuji Lawson,” town officials say.
The mostly foreign tourists have since crowded the small area, triggering a wave of concerns and complaints from residents about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk, taking photos on the busy road or walking into neighbors’ properties, officials said.
In Europe, concerns over tourists overcrowding historic cities led Venice last week to launch a pilot program to charge day-trippers a 5-euro ($5.35) entry fee. Authorities hope it will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.
Fujikawaguchiko has tried other methods: signs urging visitors not to run into the road and to use the designated crosswalk in English, Chinese, Thai and Korean, and even hiring a security guard as crowd control. None worked.
The black mesh net, when completed in mid-May, will be 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) high and 20 meters (65.6 feet) long, and will almost completely block the view of Mount Fuji, officials said.
Dozens of tourists gathered Tuesday taking photos even though Mount Fuji was not in sight due to cloudy weather.
Anthony Hok, from France, thought the screen was an overreaction. “Too big solution for subject not as big, even if tourists are making trouble. Doesn’t look right to me,” he said. The 26-year-old suggested setting up road barriers for safety instead of blocking views for pictures.
But Helen Pull, a 34-year-old visitor from the U.K., was sympathetic to the local concern. While traveling in Japan in the past few weeks, she has seen tourism “really ramped up here in Japan from what we’ve seen.”
“I can see why people who live and work here might want to do something about that,” she said, noting many were taking pictures even when the mountain was not in the view. “That’s the power of the social media.”
Foreign visitors have flocked to Japan since the pandemic border restrictions were lifted, in part due to the weaker yen.
Last year, Japan had more than 25 million visitors, and the number this year is expected to surpass nearly 32 million, a record from 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. And the government wants more tourists.
While the booming tourism has helped the industry, it has triggered complaints from residents in popular tourist destinations, such as Kyoto and Kamakura. In Kyoto, a famous geisha district recently decided to close some private-property alleys.
Locals are uncertain about what to do.
Motomochi said she cannot imagine how the black screen can help control the flow of people on the narrow pedestrian walk and the road next to it.
Yoshihiko Ogawa, who runs a more than half-century-old rice shop in the Fujikawaguchiko area, said the overcrowding worsened in the past few months, with tourists gathering from around 4-5 a.m. and talking loudly. He sometimes struggles to get his car in and out of garage.
“We’ve never thought we’d face a situation like this,” Ogawa said, adding he is unsure what the solution might be. “I suppose we all just need to get use to it.”
BY AYAKA MCGILL AND MARI YAMAGUCHI
Saturday, February 24, 2024
American Airlines Will Become The Only U.S. Carrier To Fly Direct Between New York And Tokyo
Traveling to Japan will get easier this summer with new service from American Airlines between New York (JFK) and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport (HND). Last week, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) formally approved American’s application to become the only U.S. carrier operating nonstop service between JFK and HND.
“American looks forward to launching flights between JFK and HND this summer,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “This new service will complement flights offered by our joint business partner, Japan Airlines, giving more ways for our customers travel between the U.S. and Japan.”
Tickets will be available for purchase Feb. 26 at aa.com or American’s mobile app.
American and Japan Airlines offer comprehensive network between the U.S. and Japan
Launching June 28, American’s service will complement existing flights with joint business partner Japan Airlines. This summer, customers traveling between JFK and HND will have up to three daily flights to choose from operating at convenient times throughout the day.
American’s new daily flight will offer roundtrip connections to more than 30 cities across Japan and East Asia operated by Japan Airlines, including major cities such as Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka.
The new JFK–HND service will be American’s fourth daily nonstop flight to HND, joining existing daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and two daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX).
American’s schedule of services*
Departure Airport Arrival Airport Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Type
New York (JFK) Tokyo Haneda (HND) 11:25 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
(next day) Boeing 777-200
HND JFK 4:30 p.m. 4:35 p.m. Boeing 777-200
Japan Airlines’ schedule of services
Departure Airport Arrival Airport Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Type
JFK HND 1:20 p.m. 4:35 p.m. (next day) Airbus 350-1000
HND JFK 11:05 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Airbus 350-1000
JFK HND 1:30 a.m. 4:45 a.m. (next day) Boeing 777-300
HND JFK 6:30 p.m. 6:25 p.m. Boeing 777-300
The joint business partnership between American and Japan Airlines will offer customers up to 17 daily flights between the continental United States and Japan next summer, including 10 daily flights to HND. Together, the two airlines will offer customers the following convenient schedule to Japan next summer.
“American looks forward to launching flights between JFK and HND this summer,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “This new service will complement flights offered by our joint business partner, Japan Airlines, giving more ways for our customers travel between the U.S. and Japan.”
Tickets will be available for purchase Feb. 26 at aa.com or American’s mobile app.
American and Japan Airlines offer comprehensive network between the U.S. and Japan
Launching June 28, American’s service will complement existing flights with joint business partner Japan Airlines. This summer, customers traveling between JFK and HND will have up to three daily flights to choose from operating at convenient times throughout the day.
American’s new daily flight will offer roundtrip connections to more than 30 cities across Japan and East Asia operated by Japan Airlines, including major cities such as Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka.
The new JFK–HND service will be American’s fourth daily nonstop flight to HND, joining existing daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and two daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX).
American’s schedule of services*
Departure Airport Arrival Airport Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Type
New York (JFK) Tokyo Haneda (HND) 11:25 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
(next day) Boeing 777-200
HND JFK 4:30 p.m. 4:35 p.m. Boeing 777-200
Japan Airlines’ schedule of services
Departure Airport Arrival Airport Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Type
JFK HND 1:20 p.m. 4:35 p.m. (next day) Airbus 350-1000
HND JFK 11:05 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Airbus 350-1000
JFK HND 1:30 a.m. 4:45 a.m. (next day) Boeing 777-300
HND JFK 6:30 p.m. 6:25 p.m. Boeing 777-300
The joint business partnership between American and Japan Airlines will offer customers up to 17 daily flights between the continental United States and Japan next summer, including 10 daily flights to HND. Together, the two airlines will offer customers the following convenient schedule to Japan next summer.
Monday, August 14, 2023
Travelore News: Central Japan Braces For Typhoon Lan Arrival With Air, Rail Cancellations
Japan braced for Typhoon Lan to make landfall, with airlines and railways cancelling services in central areas of the country's main island, where it is expected to strike on Tuesday.
Lan, the seventh tropical storm of the season, was over the Pacific Ocean near central Japan, headed northwest at 15 kilometres per hour (9.3 miles per hour) on Monday, with a maximum wind speed of 139 kph and gusts of up to 195 kph, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.
The outer edge of the storm is forecast to reach the coast of Wakayama prefecture around 9 a.m. (0000 GMT), then head north over the major population centres of Osaka and Kyoto. The JMA warned of heavy rain and winds, and the risk of floods and landslides.
Japan Airlines and ANA Holdings cancelled many flights in the path of the storm. West Japan Railway announced the suspensions of Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train routes between Nagoya and Osaka all day on Tuesday, as well as the Sanyo Shinkansen between Osaka and Okayama.
The storm comes on the heels of Typhoon Khanun, which meandered in the northwest Pacific for days before lashing southern Japan, then heading north to batter South Korea, China, and the Russian Far East.
Typhoon Lan threatens to disrupt one of Japan's busiest travel seasons during the Obon summer holiday, when many people take vacations and return to their hometowns.
Universal Studios Japan said it would close its theme park in Osaka on Tuesday, while the Koshien national high school baseball tournament, a summer tradition watched by millions, cancelled all games for the day.
Reporting by Rocky Swift, Reuters
The outer edge of the storm is forecast to reach the coast of Wakayama prefecture around 9 a.m. (0000 GMT), then head north over the major population centres of Osaka and Kyoto. The JMA warned of heavy rain and winds, and the risk of floods and landslides.
Japan Airlines and ANA Holdings cancelled many flights in the path of the storm. West Japan Railway announced the suspensions of Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train routes between Nagoya and Osaka all day on Tuesday, as well as the Sanyo Shinkansen between Osaka and Okayama.
The storm comes on the heels of Typhoon Khanun, which meandered in the northwest Pacific for days before lashing southern Japan, then heading north to batter South Korea, China, and the Russian Far East.
Typhoon Lan threatens to disrupt one of Japan's busiest travel seasons during the Obon summer holiday, when many people take vacations and return to their hometowns.
Universal Studios Japan said it would close its theme park in Osaka on Tuesday, while the Koshien national high school baseball tournament, a summer tradition watched by millions, cancelled all games for the day.
Reporting by Rocky Swift, Reuters
Saturday, March 4, 2023
Japan To Ease COVID Border Measures For Travelers From China
Japan is easing its coronavirus border measures for tourists from China beginning Wednesday by testing only random passengers, a top government spokesman said Monday.
Since December, Japan has been testing all travelers from mainland China at four designated airports on grounds of surging infections in that country and a lack of information. Visitors from China are also required to show a proof of pre-boarding negative test.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a news conference that as of Wednesday, only random testing will be carried out on passengers from China.
The change is intended to “promote smooth international travel” taking into consideration relatively low infection rates among arrivals over the past two months, Matsuno said. All samples analysed at the border were of the omicron strains, which are already found inside Japan, he said.
Proof of pre-boarding negative test will still be required, he said.
Direct flights from China, currently only allowed to land at Narita, Haneda, Chubu and Kansai, will be expanded to other airports.
China, which lifted its “zero-COVID” policy in December, retaliated for the stricter border measures imposed by Japan and South Korea by temporarily suspending short-term visas for the nationals of the two countries. China has since resumed issuing visas in Japan.
South Korea has already removed entry restrictions for short-term travelers from China since the beginning of January, as officials saw the pandemic in China being stabilized.
Japan plans to largely relax its mask-wearing requests on March 13 and leave it up to individuals. It will also downgrade COVID-19 to the equivalent of seasonal influenza in May.
By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Since December, Japan has been testing all travelers from mainland China at four designated airports on grounds of surging infections in that country and a lack of information. Visitors from China are also required to show a proof of pre-boarding negative test.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a news conference that as of Wednesday, only random testing will be carried out on passengers from China.
The change is intended to “promote smooth international travel” taking into consideration relatively low infection rates among arrivals over the past two months, Matsuno said. All samples analysed at the border were of the omicron strains, which are already found inside Japan, he said.
Proof of pre-boarding negative test will still be required, he said.
Direct flights from China, currently only allowed to land at Narita, Haneda, Chubu and Kansai, will be expanded to other airports.
China, which lifted its “zero-COVID” policy in December, retaliated for the stricter border measures imposed by Japan and South Korea by temporarily suspending short-term visas for the nationals of the two countries. China has since resumed issuing visas in Japan.
South Korea has already removed entry restrictions for short-term travelers from China since the beginning of January, as officials saw the pandemic in China being stabilized.
Japan plans to largely relax its mask-wearing requests on March 13 and leave it up to individuals. It will also downgrade COVID-19 to the equivalent of seasonal influenza in May.
By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Japan Commitment To Reopen Cruising Sets Stage For Long-Awaited Holland America Line Asia Voyages
For the first time in two-and-a-half-years, cruising will return to Japan, and Holland America Line's Westerdam is preparing for a series of itineraries in early 2023 that will let guests explore lands where ancient temples and cultures steeped in tradition mix with soaring skyscrapers and bustling capitals.
The government of Japan reported on November 15 it is ready to start receiving international cruise ships again to allow tourists to enjoy the wonders of cruising to the country's many ports.
"We're grateful for the work that the Japanese authorities have done to allow for a return to cruising," said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. "Holland America Line's guests love longer voyages to unique parts of the world, and we'll be sailing to some incredible locations as our season in Japan and the rest of Asia begins."
Westerdam, currently sailing in Australia and New Zealand, starts the Asia season following a January drydock in Singapore. Beginning February 3, the ship sails a series of Far East voyages showcasing the diversity of countries visited while celebrating histories that have been thousands of years in the making.
Sailing roundtrip from Yokohama, Japan, or Singapore, or between Yokohama and Singapore, cruises are 11 to 14 days and can be combined to form nonrepeating Collectors' Voyages. Countries explored include Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. Five different itineraries are offered including "Indonesian Discovery," "Japan, Taiwan & The Philippines," "Japan Explorer," "Japan Discovery" and "Southern Japan." Overnight calls include Singapore; Kobe and Osaka, Japan; and Phuket, Thailand. The season concludes April 24 with a 14-day "North Pacific Crossing" from Yokohama to Seattle, Washington where Westerdam will homeport for its Alaska season.
As protocols for cruising in Asia are finalized, each departure will be added to Holland America Line's Voyage Lookup tool, which allows guests to see any specific health protocols for their cruise.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
The government of Japan reported on November 15 it is ready to start receiving international cruise ships again to allow tourists to enjoy the wonders of cruising to the country's many ports.
"We're grateful for the work that the Japanese authorities have done to allow for a return to cruising," said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. "Holland America Line's guests love longer voyages to unique parts of the world, and we'll be sailing to some incredible locations as our season in Japan and the rest of Asia begins."
Westerdam, currently sailing in Australia and New Zealand, starts the Asia season following a January drydock in Singapore. Beginning February 3, the ship sails a series of Far East voyages showcasing the diversity of countries visited while celebrating histories that have been thousands of years in the making.
Sailing roundtrip from Yokohama, Japan, or Singapore, or between Yokohama and Singapore, cruises are 11 to 14 days and can be combined to form nonrepeating Collectors' Voyages. Countries explored include Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. Five different itineraries are offered including "Indonesian Discovery," "Japan, Taiwan & The Philippines," "Japan Explorer," "Japan Discovery" and "Southern Japan." Overnight calls include Singapore; Kobe and Osaka, Japan; and Phuket, Thailand. The season concludes April 24 with a 14-day "North Pacific Crossing" from Yokohama to Seattle, Washington where Westerdam will homeport for its Alaska season.
As protocols for cruising in Asia are finalized, each departure will be added to Holland America Line's Voyage Lookup tool, which allows guests to see any specific health protocols for their cruise.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Japan To Reopen To Cruise Ships After 2 1/2-Year Ban
Japan will lift a more than 2 1/2-year ban on international cruise ships that was imposed following a deadly coronavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Diamond Princess at the beginning of the pandemic, transport officials said Tuesday.
The Transport Ministry said cruise ship operators and port authorities’ associations have adopted anti-virus guidelines and that Japan is now ready to resume its international cruise operations while receiving foreign ships at its ports.
“Japan is now ready to start receiving international cruise ships again,” said Transport and Tourism Minister Tetsuo Saito. “We will create an environment that allows tourists to enjoy their cruise without worry while in Japan.”
Exact schedule for cruise ships has not been announced. Among the first is a Japanese ship departing from Yokohama in December for Mauritius and returning in January.
Japan has barred international cruise ships since March 2020, after the outbreak on the Diamond Princess forced 3,711 passengers and crew members to quarantine on board for two weeks, during which 13 people died and more than 700 others were infected.
Japan chose to isolate the crew and passengers while keeping them on board as a way of border control, but was also criticized for turning the ship into a virus incubator.
Cruise ship operators are expected to discuss with local authorities further details about their port entry plans. Japan’s resumption of international cruise liners comes more than a year after they returned to the United States and Europe.
Under the new guidelines, all crew members must have three received three coronavirus vaccine shots while most passengers must be vaccinated at least twice. The guideline also calls for thorough ventilation, distancing and disinfecting of common areas.
Japan, after much delay compared to many other countries, reopened its borders to individual foreign tourists in October and a resumption of international cruise ship operations will further help revive the country’s tourism that has been badly hit by the pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, more than 2.15 million cruise ship passengers visited Japan in 2019, according to the Transport and Tourism Ministry.
By MARI YAMAGUCHI
The Transport Ministry said cruise ship operators and port authorities’ associations have adopted anti-virus guidelines and that Japan is now ready to resume its international cruise operations while receiving foreign ships at its ports.
“Japan is now ready to start receiving international cruise ships again,” said Transport and Tourism Minister Tetsuo Saito. “We will create an environment that allows tourists to enjoy their cruise without worry while in Japan.”
Exact schedule for cruise ships has not been announced. Among the first is a Japanese ship departing from Yokohama in December for Mauritius and returning in January.
Japan has barred international cruise ships since March 2020, after the outbreak on the Diamond Princess forced 3,711 passengers and crew members to quarantine on board for two weeks, during which 13 people died and more than 700 others were infected.
Japan chose to isolate the crew and passengers while keeping them on board as a way of border control, but was also criticized for turning the ship into a virus incubator.
Cruise ship operators are expected to discuss with local authorities further details about their port entry plans. Japan’s resumption of international cruise liners comes more than a year after they returned to the United States and Europe.
Under the new guidelines, all crew members must have three received three coronavirus vaccine shots while most passengers must be vaccinated at least twice. The guideline also calls for thorough ventilation, distancing and disinfecting of common areas.
Japan, after much delay compared to many other countries, reopened its borders to individual foreign tourists in October and a resumption of international cruise ship operations will further help revive the country’s tourism that has been badly hit by the pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, more than 2.15 million cruise ship passengers visited Japan in 2019, according to the Transport and Tourism Ministry.
By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Tourists Flock To Japan After COVID Restrictions Lifted
Eager to admire colorful foliage, eat sushi and go shopping, droves of tourists from abroad began arriving in Japan on Tuesday, with the end of pandemic-fighting border restrictions that had been in place for more than two years.
“We got the news that we can finally come. We are really, really happy,” said Nadine Lackmann, a German who was among the crowd of tourists arriving at Tokyo’s Haneda airport.
Travelers like Lackmann are expected to deliver a sorely needed 5 trillion yen ($35 billion) boost to the world’s third-largest economy. And the flood of visitors is expected to keep growing.
A daily limit of 50,000 arrivals is gone. Airlines have added flights in response to the full re-opening of borders. Visa-free travel is back for short-term business visits and tourism from more than 60 countries.
David Beall, a photographer based in Los Angeles who’s been to Japan 12 times, has already booked a flight, planning to go to Fukui, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. The last time he was in Japan was in October 2019. But it’s everyday things the American is looking forward to, like eating Japan’s popular pork cutlet dish, tonkatsu.
“As cliched as it sounds, just being back in Japan after all this time is what I am most looking forward to. That of course includes hopefully meeting new people, eating the food that I’ve missed like good tonkatsu, being in nature at that time of the year, riding the trains,” he said.
As a tip for others planning trips, he recommends getting a Japan Rail Pass and a Suica or some other pre-paid card that allows cashless payments for easy travel.
About 32 million tourists visited Japan in 2019, before COVID-19. Their return is welcome for good reason. Many will have more spending power because the Japanese yen has declined in recent months in value compared to the U.S. dollar, the euro and other currencies.
The only protocols left for entry are that you must be fully vaccinated with one booster or have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure. Virtually all visitors from the U.S., the rest of Asia, Europe and South America who fulfill those requirements won’t have to quarantine.
In August, during the most recent coronavirus surge in Japan, nationwide daily new infections topped 200,000. By now, both case numbers and deaths have dwindled. Last week, daily deaths averaged eight people nationwide. The government has provided free COVID-19 vaccines, especially encouraging the elderly and the medically vulnerable to get inoculated.
Visitors may have to adjust to face masks, worn by most Japanese just about everywhere outside their own homes. Many stores and restaurants require customers to wear masks and sanitize their hands. Some establishments still close early, or have shuttered completely.
But bookings from abroad with Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways Co., or ANA, have already jumped five-fold compared to last week, while bookings of flights out of Japan have doubled.
Air Canada said bookings for Canadian travel to Japan jumped 51% this month compared to September, while the number of travelers from Japan to Canada grew 16% over the same period.
The Japanese economy can use the influx of tourist spending.
Fitch Ratings forecasts that Japan’s economy will grow at a 1.7% annual pace this year and by 1.3% in 2023, supported by easy credit, a recovery for service industries and a gradual fix for supply-chain problems, which will boost manufacturing and exports.
Japan had basically shut its borders to tourists, but started allowing packaged tours in June. Many people opted to wait for open-ended individual travel before booking their tickets.
With declining nervousness about the risks of infections, Japanese also are traveling more — encouraged by discounts offered by airlines, bullet trains, “onsen” hot springs resorts and hotels to jumpstart the ailing travel industry.
Although Japan offers various attractions from the ski slopes of northern Hokkaido to the semi-tropical beaches of the Okinawa islands in the south, experts say these months are the best for enjoying what Japan has to offer.
The mountains are vibrant with brilliant autumn foliage; the weather is moderate, not freezing, sweltering or humid; seafood, grapes, chestnuts and other culinary delights are fresh and plentiful.
“Now we are all ready to welcome people from abroad,” said Shuso Imada, general manager at the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center.
His job is to promote sake rice wine and shochu liquor made from barley, potatoes or other vegetables, domestically and abroad.
“Autumn is the best season to enjoy Japanese food with sake and shochu,” he said.
That’s why Javier Perez Toledo waited more than a year for his honeymoon.
“We are really passionate about the country,” he said, arriving from Spain. “We are so happy that we could come.”
By YURI KAGEYAMA
“We got the news that we can finally come. We are really, really happy,” said Nadine Lackmann, a German who was among the crowd of tourists arriving at Tokyo’s Haneda airport.
Travelers like Lackmann are expected to deliver a sorely needed 5 trillion yen ($35 billion) boost to the world’s third-largest economy. And the flood of visitors is expected to keep growing.
A daily limit of 50,000 arrivals is gone. Airlines have added flights in response to the full re-opening of borders. Visa-free travel is back for short-term business visits and tourism from more than 60 countries.
David Beall, a photographer based in Los Angeles who’s been to Japan 12 times, has already booked a flight, planning to go to Fukui, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. The last time he was in Japan was in October 2019. But it’s everyday things the American is looking forward to, like eating Japan’s popular pork cutlet dish, tonkatsu.
“As cliched as it sounds, just being back in Japan after all this time is what I am most looking forward to. That of course includes hopefully meeting new people, eating the food that I’ve missed like good tonkatsu, being in nature at that time of the year, riding the trains,” he said.
As a tip for others planning trips, he recommends getting a Japan Rail Pass and a Suica or some other pre-paid card that allows cashless payments for easy travel.
About 32 million tourists visited Japan in 2019, before COVID-19. Their return is welcome for good reason. Many will have more spending power because the Japanese yen has declined in recent months in value compared to the U.S. dollar, the euro and other currencies.
The only protocols left for entry are that you must be fully vaccinated with one booster or have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure. Virtually all visitors from the U.S., the rest of Asia, Europe and South America who fulfill those requirements won’t have to quarantine.
In August, during the most recent coronavirus surge in Japan, nationwide daily new infections topped 200,000. By now, both case numbers and deaths have dwindled. Last week, daily deaths averaged eight people nationwide. The government has provided free COVID-19 vaccines, especially encouraging the elderly and the medically vulnerable to get inoculated.
Visitors may have to adjust to face masks, worn by most Japanese just about everywhere outside their own homes. Many stores and restaurants require customers to wear masks and sanitize their hands. Some establishments still close early, or have shuttered completely.
But bookings from abroad with Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways Co., or ANA, have already jumped five-fold compared to last week, while bookings of flights out of Japan have doubled.
Air Canada said bookings for Canadian travel to Japan jumped 51% this month compared to September, while the number of travelers from Japan to Canada grew 16% over the same period.
The Japanese economy can use the influx of tourist spending.
Fitch Ratings forecasts that Japan’s economy will grow at a 1.7% annual pace this year and by 1.3% in 2023, supported by easy credit, a recovery for service industries and a gradual fix for supply-chain problems, which will boost manufacturing and exports.
Japan had basically shut its borders to tourists, but started allowing packaged tours in June. Many people opted to wait for open-ended individual travel before booking their tickets.
With declining nervousness about the risks of infections, Japanese also are traveling more — encouraged by discounts offered by airlines, bullet trains, “onsen” hot springs resorts and hotels to jumpstart the ailing travel industry.
Although Japan offers various attractions from the ski slopes of northern Hokkaido to the semi-tropical beaches of the Okinawa islands in the south, experts say these months are the best for enjoying what Japan has to offer.
The mountains are vibrant with brilliant autumn foliage; the weather is moderate, not freezing, sweltering or humid; seafood, grapes, chestnuts and other culinary delights are fresh and plentiful.
“Now we are all ready to welcome people from abroad,” said Shuso Imada, general manager at the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center.
His job is to promote sake rice wine and shochu liquor made from barley, potatoes or other vegetables, domestically and abroad.
“Autumn is the best season to enjoy Japanese food with sake and shochu,” he said.
That’s why Javier Perez Toledo waited more than a year for his honeymoon.
“We are really passionate about the country,” he said, arriving from Spain. “We are so happy that we could come.”
By YURI KAGEYAMA
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Japan Welcomes You Again, Starting October 11
Friday, September 23, 2022
Japan To Loosen Travel Restrictions Imposed During Pandemic
Japan’s strict border restrictions will be loosened next month, the prime minister announced Thursday, allowing tourists to easily enter for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
In a news conference at the foot of Central Park in New York, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said independent tourists would again be welcomed as of Oct. 11, not just those traveling with authorized groups.
A cap on the number of tourists who are granted entry — which has been gradually increased this year — will be nixed altogether. And visa requirements that were imposed in response to the pandemic will also be rescinded.
Japan’s tough COVID-19 restrictions have sent the number of visitors plummeting and its tourism industry reeling. Though foreign tourists were welcomed back in June after a pause of more than two years, the reopening has been confusing to many seeking to visit.
A previous announcement billed as an easing of the group tour rule turned out, for many tourists, to be anything but — introducing a convoluted process requiring obtaining clearance via a Japanese travel agent, often with hefty fees or commissions attached.
Now, the country appears to be returning to normal, in time for some to book travel for Japan’s fall foliage. Kishida said a campaign aimed at bolstering the tourism industry would be rolled out offering discounts.
“We hope that many citizens will take advantage,” he said as he wrapped up a trip to New York.
Until now, Japan persisted in pandemic travel rules that many other countries have long since dropped. Some tourists have shifted vacations to countries including South Korea and Thailand, which have had looser rules of late.
Kishida spoke on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. In other remarks, he called for reform of the U.N. Security Council and dismissed any skepticism about Japan’s increased military spending, saying it remained a “peace-loving nation.”
He also said Japan would “boldly take necessary steps” to combat excessive fluctuation of the yen, which has dropped to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar in more than two decades.
In a news conference at the foot of Central Park in New York, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said independent tourists would again be welcomed as of Oct. 11, not just those traveling with authorized groups.
A cap on the number of tourists who are granted entry — which has been gradually increased this year — will be nixed altogether. And visa requirements that were imposed in response to the pandemic will also be rescinded.
Japan’s tough COVID-19 restrictions have sent the number of visitors plummeting and its tourism industry reeling. Though foreign tourists were welcomed back in June after a pause of more than two years, the reopening has been confusing to many seeking to visit.
A previous announcement billed as an easing of the group tour rule turned out, for many tourists, to be anything but — introducing a convoluted process requiring obtaining clearance via a Japanese travel agent, often with hefty fees or commissions attached.
Now, the country appears to be returning to normal, in time for some to book travel for Japan’s fall foliage. Kishida said a campaign aimed at bolstering the tourism industry would be rolled out offering discounts.
“We hope that many citizens will take advantage,” he said as he wrapped up a trip to New York.
Until now, Japan persisted in pandemic travel rules that many other countries have long since dropped. Some tourists have shifted vacations to countries including South Korea and Thailand, which have had looser rules of late.
Kishida spoke on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. In other remarks, he called for reform of the U.N. Security Council and dismissed any skepticism about Japan’s increased military spending, saying it remained a “peace-loving nation.”
He also said Japan would “boldly take necessary steps” to combat excessive fluctuation of the yen, which has dropped to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar in more than two decades.
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Japan To Ease COVID-19 Border Controls Sept. 7
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday announced plans to ease border controls from early September by eliminating requirements for pre-departure COVID-19 tests for travelers who have received at least three vaccine doses, and he will also consider increasing daily entry caps as soon as next month.
Japan, which has imposed some of the toughest border measures for the coronavirus, currently requires negative PCR test results within 72 hours of departure for all entrants, a practice that has been criticized as cumbersome.
Kishida, after holding virtual meetings with government ministers and medical advisors earlier Wednesday, told reporters in an online news conference that entrants who have received at least one booster vaccine can waive the pre-entry test beginning Sept. 7.
“We plan to gradually ease border controls to allow entry procedures to be as smooth as those of other Group of Seven countries,” Kishida said from his official residence, where he has been on duty while isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.
Kishida said his government also plans to increase the daily cap for incoming travelers, currently set at 20,000, “as soon as possible.” Media reports say the government is considering more than doubling the daily cap to 50,000 as early as next month.
“Our fight against the virus is not easy, but we should not be too afraid and instead take into consideration the characteristics of the omicron variant,” Kishida said. “We will speed up our responses while balancing the infection measures and social and economic activities as much as possible.”
Kishida said Japan plans to shorten the self-isolation period for COVID-19 patients from the current 10 days for those with symptoms and one week for those without symptoms. Officials are finalizing those details, he said.
In June, Japan partially opened its borders to foreign tourists for the first time in two years but only allowing those who agree to join package tours with guides. The number of entrants has dwindled under those restrictions.
Business organizations in and outside Japan have called for the country to ease its border controls to support the economy, especially the tourism industry, which has been badly hurt by the pandemic. But many Japanese are wary of further easing border measures because the country has been struggling with a seventh wave of infections.
Clinics have been flooded with patients with mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat and coughs, amid a lack of testing and test kits at pharmacies and online.
By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Japan, which has imposed some of the toughest border measures for the coronavirus, currently requires negative PCR test results within 72 hours of departure for all entrants, a practice that has been criticized as cumbersome.
Kishida, after holding virtual meetings with government ministers and medical advisors earlier Wednesday, told reporters in an online news conference that entrants who have received at least one booster vaccine can waive the pre-entry test beginning Sept. 7.
“We plan to gradually ease border controls to allow entry procedures to be as smooth as those of other Group of Seven countries,” Kishida said from his official residence, where he has been on duty while isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.
Kishida said his government also plans to increase the daily cap for incoming travelers, currently set at 20,000, “as soon as possible.” Media reports say the government is considering more than doubling the daily cap to 50,000 as early as next month.
“Our fight against the virus is not easy, but we should not be too afraid and instead take into consideration the characteristics of the omicron variant,” Kishida said. “We will speed up our responses while balancing the infection measures and social and economic activities as much as possible.”
Kishida said Japan plans to shorten the self-isolation period for COVID-19 patients from the current 10 days for those with symptoms and one week for those without symptoms. Officials are finalizing those details, he said.
In June, Japan partially opened its borders to foreign tourists for the first time in two years but only allowing those who agree to join package tours with guides. The number of entrants has dwindled under those restrictions.
Business organizations in and outside Japan have called for the country to ease its border controls to support the economy, especially the tourism industry, which has been badly hurt by the pandemic. But many Japanese are wary of further easing border measures because the country has been struggling with a seventh wave of infections.
Clinics have been flooded with patients with mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat and coughs, amid a lack of testing and test kits at pharmacies and online.
By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Monday, June 20, 2022
In Addition To Numerous Strict Conditions For Entering Japan, Visa-Free Travel From The U.S. Is Currently Suspended.
As of June 10, Japan reopened to travelers from 98 countries, including the United States, but with a whole host of specific conditions—including the need for a visa.
Prior to closing its international borders in 2020 due to the pandemic, Japan had exempted U.S. travelers from the need to obtain a visa for entering the country for leisure travel. But that exemption has now been suspended, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Currently, foreign nationals/people who are willing to enter Japan need a visa newly issued by embassies or consulates or consular office of Japan,” the foreign ministry stated in its latest update about entry requirements.
So, if you’re thinking of heading to Japan, you will need to make an appointment at the closest Japanese embassy or consulate or apply for a visa by mail. Be aware that some Japanese embassies and consulates might have a backlog of visa applications to process and it could take longer than usual to obtain one.
“Due to the tremendous amount of visa applications we are processing, we cannot provide you with any status updates,” stated the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco on its website.
The need to obtain a visa is in addition to several more hurdles travelers must cross to get into Japan. Earlier this month, Japanese authorities outlined the new rules for foreign travelers, and they include obtaining private medical insurance that covers medical expenses related to COVID-19 infection, wearing a mask at all times unless there is a specific exception, and traveling under the supervision of an organized tour group.
Japan’s reopening plan divides countries and regions into red, yellow, or blue categories depending on COVID-19 risk. People from countries in the blue category (such as the United States) will be able to bypass quarantine as long as they pass a predeparture COVID test, regardless of vaccination status. Those in the yellow category (which includes such countries as India, Lebanon, and Portugal) will also be able to skip a quarantine period with proof of vaccination. However, visitors from the red group—which consists of Pakistan, Fiji, Albania, and Sierra Leone—must take an on-arrival test and quarantine for a period of time.
With the easing of entry restrictions, Japan also increased its daily entry limits from 10,000 foreign arrivals to 20,000 per day in June—still a fraction of the 31.88 million foreign tourists (or an average of 87,000 tourists per day) who entered Japan in 2019.
Source: https://www.afar.com/magazine/
Prior to closing its international borders in 2020 due to the pandemic, Japan had exempted U.S. travelers from the need to obtain a visa for entering the country for leisure travel. But that exemption has now been suspended, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Currently, foreign nationals/people who are willing to enter Japan need a visa newly issued by embassies or consulates or consular office of Japan,” the foreign ministry stated in its latest update about entry requirements.
So, if you’re thinking of heading to Japan, you will need to make an appointment at the closest Japanese embassy or consulate or apply for a visa by mail. Be aware that some Japanese embassies and consulates might have a backlog of visa applications to process and it could take longer than usual to obtain one.
“Due to the tremendous amount of visa applications we are processing, we cannot provide you with any status updates,” stated the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco on its website.
The need to obtain a visa is in addition to several more hurdles travelers must cross to get into Japan. Earlier this month, Japanese authorities outlined the new rules for foreign travelers, and they include obtaining private medical insurance that covers medical expenses related to COVID-19 infection, wearing a mask at all times unless there is a specific exception, and traveling under the supervision of an organized tour group.
Japan’s reopening plan divides countries and regions into red, yellow, or blue categories depending on COVID-19 risk. People from countries in the blue category (such as the United States) will be able to bypass quarantine as long as they pass a predeparture COVID test, regardless of vaccination status. Those in the yellow category (which includes such countries as India, Lebanon, and Portugal) will also be able to skip a quarantine period with proof of vaccination. However, visitors from the red group—which consists of Pakistan, Fiji, Albania, and Sierra Leone—must take an on-arrival test and quarantine for a period of time.
With the easing of entry restrictions, Japan also increased its daily entry limits from 10,000 foreign arrivals to 20,000 per day in June—still a fraction of the 31.88 million foreign tourists (or an average of 87,000 tourists per day) who entered Japan in 2019.
Source: https://www.afar.com/magazine/
Friday, June 10, 2022
Japan Eases Foreign Tourism Ban, Allows Guided Package Tours
Japan on Friday eased its borders for foreign tourists and began accepting visa applications, but only for those on guided package tours who are willing to follow mask-wearing and other antivirus measures as the country cautiously tries to balance business and infection worries.
Friday is the first day to start procedures needed for the entry and arrivals are not expected until late June at the earliest, even though airport immigration and quarantine offices stood by for any possible arrivals.
The Japan Tourism Agency says tours are being accepted from 98 countries and regions, including the United States, Britain, China, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore, which are deemed as having low infection risks.
Japan’s partial resumption of international tourism that was halted during the coronavirus pandemic is being carried out under guidelines based on an experiment conducted in late May. It involved about 50 participants, mostly tour agency employees from Australia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.
In one case, a tour for a four-member group was cancelled when one of the participants tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Japan.
“We expect the resumption of inbound tourism will help stimulate the local economy,” Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tetsuo Saito told reporters Friday. “We will continue to make effort to recover demand for tourism while balancing anti-infection measures and social and economic activities.”
Under the guidelines, participants are requested to wear face masks most of the time and to purchase insurance to cover medical costs in case they contract COVID-19. The rules don’t set a cap for the number of people in one group, but tour guides must be present throughout the tour.
After facing criticism that its strict border controls were xenophobic, Japan began easing restrictions earlier this year. On June 1, it doubled its cap on daily entries to 20,000 people a day, including Japanese citizens, foreign students and some business travelers.
The daily limit will include the package tour participants for the time being, and officials say it will take some time before foreign visitors can come to Japan for free, individual tourism.
Business groups based in Japan representing the Group of Seven countries and European Union, in a joint statement Friday, welcomed Japan’s gradual resumption of foreign tourism, but call on the government to “to further ease border control measures to facilitate an environment where people, goods, money and digital technologies can move freely, thus advancing Japan’s economic growth.”
They called on Japan to follow examples of other G-7 countries and resume individual tourism, eliminate testing at airports, lift the daily entry cap and resume international flights at more than a dozen regional airports.
Japan’s inbound tourism business has lain dormant during the pandemic and even though the country welcomes tourists and their spending, infection concerns persist among Japanese, especially in popular tourist destinations.
Unlike most Western countries where mask-wearing has largely been abandoned, most people continue to wear them even in situations, such as outdoors in uncrowded settings, where they are no longer requested.
Japan is still reporting more than 10,000 new COVID-19 cases daily, though the number in Tokyo is below 2,000.
The latest mask wearing rules call for people to wear them on public transport systems, in hospitals and other public facilities. People can doff their masks outdoors when others are not around or talking loudly.
It’s unclear how popular the package tours options will be with foreign tourists, most of whom have to apply for tourist visas that can take weeks to obtain. But the yen is trading at 20-year lows against the U.S. dollar and weak against other major currencies, which would make traveling in the high-cost country something of a bargain.
Foreign tourist arrivals fell more than 90% in 2020 from a record 31.9 million the year before, almost wiping out the pre-pandemic inbound tourism market of more than 4 trillion yen ($30 billion).
Friday is the first day to start procedures needed for the entry and arrivals are not expected until late June at the earliest, even though airport immigration and quarantine offices stood by for any possible arrivals.
The Japan Tourism Agency says tours are being accepted from 98 countries and regions, including the United States, Britain, China, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore, which are deemed as having low infection risks.
Japan’s partial resumption of international tourism that was halted during the coronavirus pandemic is being carried out under guidelines based on an experiment conducted in late May. It involved about 50 participants, mostly tour agency employees from Australia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.
In one case, a tour for a four-member group was cancelled when one of the participants tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Japan.
“We expect the resumption of inbound tourism will help stimulate the local economy,” Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tetsuo Saito told reporters Friday. “We will continue to make effort to recover demand for tourism while balancing anti-infection measures and social and economic activities.”
Under the guidelines, participants are requested to wear face masks most of the time and to purchase insurance to cover medical costs in case they contract COVID-19. The rules don’t set a cap for the number of people in one group, but tour guides must be present throughout the tour.
After facing criticism that its strict border controls were xenophobic, Japan began easing restrictions earlier this year. On June 1, it doubled its cap on daily entries to 20,000 people a day, including Japanese citizens, foreign students and some business travelers.
The daily limit will include the package tour participants for the time being, and officials say it will take some time before foreign visitors can come to Japan for free, individual tourism.
Business groups based in Japan representing the Group of Seven countries and European Union, in a joint statement Friday, welcomed Japan’s gradual resumption of foreign tourism, but call on the government to “to further ease border control measures to facilitate an environment where people, goods, money and digital technologies can move freely, thus advancing Japan’s economic growth.”
They called on Japan to follow examples of other G-7 countries and resume individual tourism, eliminate testing at airports, lift the daily entry cap and resume international flights at more than a dozen regional airports.
Japan’s inbound tourism business has lain dormant during the pandemic and even though the country welcomes tourists and their spending, infection concerns persist among Japanese, especially in popular tourist destinations.
Unlike most Western countries where mask-wearing has largely been abandoned, most people continue to wear them even in situations, such as outdoors in uncrowded settings, where they are no longer requested.
Japan is still reporting more than 10,000 new COVID-19 cases daily, though the number in Tokyo is below 2,000.
The latest mask wearing rules call for people to wear them on public transport systems, in hospitals and other public facilities. People can doff their masks outdoors when others are not around or talking loudly.
It’s unclear how popular the package tours options will be with foreign tourists, most of whom have to apply for tourist visas that can take weeks to obtain. But the yen is trading at 20-year lows against the U.S. dollar and weak against other major currencies, which would make traveling in the high-cost country something of a bargain.
Foreign tourist arrivals fell more than 90% in 2020 from a record 31.9 million the year before, almost wiping out the pre-pandemic inbound tourism market of more than 4 trillion yen ($30 billion).
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Japan To Allow Limited Foreign Package Tours As Experiment
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s government announced Tuesday it will begin allowing small package tours from four countries later this month before gradually opening up to foreign tourism for the first time since it imposed tight border restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito said the tours will be allowed from Australia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States as an experiment.
Participants must be triple-vaccinated and the tours must have guides and fixed itineraries, the Japan Tourism Agency said. Each tour can have a maximum of four people, and a total of 50 participants are expected to join the experiment, the government agency said.
Participants will enter Japan on a special visa, not a tourist visa, the agency said. The results will be used to compile coronavirus guidelines for tour operators, hotels and other related businesses, it said.
The experiment is expected to start sometime next week and continue until the end of May. Further details, including the duration and destination of the tours, still have to be decided, the agency said.
Japan’s tourism industry, hit hard by the strict border controls, is eager for foreign tourism to resume. COVID-19 infections have slowed in Japan since earlier this year and the government is gradually expanding social and economic activity.
After facing criticism that its strict border controls were xenophobic, Japan began easing restrictions earlier this year and currently allows entry of up to 10,000 people from abroad per day, including Japanese nationals, foreign students and some business travelers. The government is reportedly considering doubling the daily cap to 20,000 in coming weeks. Currently, foreign tourists are not allowed to enter.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a speech during a visit to London earlier this month that he plans to ease the border controls as early as June in line with the policies of other Group of Seven industrialized countries, but gave no further details.
Foreign tourist arrivals fell more than 90% in 2020 from a record 31.9 million the year before, almost wiping out the pre-pandemic inbound tourism market of more than 4 trillion yen ($31 billion).
Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito said the tours will be allowed from Australia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States as an experiment.
Participants must be triple-vaccinated and the tours must have guides and fixed itineraries, the Japan Tourism Agency said. Each tour can have a maximum of four people, and a total of 50 participants are expected to join the experiment, the government agency said.
Participants will enter Japan on a special visa, not a tourist visa, the agency said. The results will be used to compile coronavirus guidelines for tour operators, hotels and other related businesses, it said.
The experiment is expected to start sometime next week and continue until the end of May. Further details, including the duration and destination of the tours, still have to be decided, the agency said.
Japan’s tourism industry, hit hard by the strict border controls, is eager for foreign tourism to resume. COVID-19 infections have slowed in Japan since earlier this year and the government is gradually expanding social and economic activity.
After facing criticism that its strict border controls were xenophobic, Japan began easing restrictions earlier this year and currently allows entry of up to 10,000 people from abroad per day, including Japanese nationals, foreign students and some business travelers. The government is reportedly considering doubling the daily cap to 20,000 in coming weeks. Currently, foreign tourists are not allowed to enter.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a speech during a visit to London earlier this month that he plans to ease the border controls as early as June in line with the policies of other Group of Seven industrialized countries, but gave no further details.
Foreign tourist arrivals fell more than 90% in 2020 from a record 31.9 million the year before, almost wiping out the pre-pandemic inbound tourism market of more than 4 trillion yen ($31 billion).
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