Have you been waiting for changes in Japan tourism before planning your next family trip? Well, the long wait is over!
According to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan will soon allow visa-free, independent tourism. With this, Japan finally decided to lift its daily arrival cap and will now reopen to individual travellers.
In this article, you’ll read:
- Parents Can Now Plan Family Trips to Japan After New Tourism Shift
- Travel Tips for Your Japan Family Trip
Parents Can Now Plan Family Trips to Japan After New Tourism Shift
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For the past two and a half years, Japan becomes strict with its COVID-19 restrictions. Authorities in the country become strict as they implement the law in order to ensure the safety of the citizens.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the country’s major policy shift with regard to their COVID-19 restrictions. Japan will now be allowing visa-independent tourism. Aside from that, starting on the 11th of October 2022, they will be lifting the daily arrival cap in Japan.
Nationwide Domestic Travel Program
Additionally, Japan government will also be launching a nationwide travel discount program. It pertains mostly to the project which had been shelved due to the outbreak of COVID-19 infections.
“I hope many people will utilize them,” said the Prime Minister at a news conference during the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
The nationwide domestic travel discount is set to start on the 11th of October. This includes discount offers for travel, entry to theme parks, and for sporting events and concerts.
“I want to support the travel, entertainment and other industries that have been struggling during the coronavirus pandemic,” he added.
According to reports, people eligible for the discounts are those who have been vaccinated three times or those who could submit a negative test result.
Stimulating National and Regional Economies
People across the globe are happy to find out the news regarding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Japan. Many airlines are now preparing to increase flights starting in October as the country welcomes tourists abroad.
Pre-pandemic, the economic impact of inbound travellers is roughly ¥5 trillion. In relation to this, Japan is hoping that the economic effect of the country’s new restriction will be of a similar size to pre-pandemic.
Additionally, Japan also wants to stimulate regional economies. It will be through many people who aim to visit different places across the country.
Japan Airlines plans to also take place in this plan. In fact, they are now starting to make full preparation in welcoming visitors and taking part in revitalising the country’s economy.
Travel Tips for Your Japan Family Trip
Many people who wanted to visit Japan for the last two years, failed to do so. It is because of the strict COVID-19 restrictions in the country.
Fortunately, this year, Japan government finally decided to gradually ease their COVID-19 restrictions. Once the Japan tourism changes are implemented, tourists will soon experience freedom as they visit the country.
The primary thing that they need to ensure is their vaccination. If you plan on travelling to Japan, you need to be vaccinated three times. If not, you have to submit a negative COVID-19 test result period to the trip.
Along with that, here are a few things you may want to know if you are planning to visit Japan soon!
Places to Visit in Japan
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The top five places that you must try visiting once you arrive in Japan would be Tokyo, Nikko, Shiga, Kyoto, and Osaka.
There are a number of tourist attractions you may find in Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo Disneyland is one of the most beloved destinations of Japan tourism. Just the thought of going to a theme park will definitely excite your kids! Aside from that, here are a few things you can do in Tokyo:
- Visit Harajuku
- Karaoke
- Tsukiji Fish Market
- Visit Senso-ji Asakusa
- Cross Shibuya crossing
Meanwhile, Kyoto will be a perfect place for you to visit if you want to see traditional cultural attractions which are kid-friendly. Here is the list of things you can enjoy in Kyoto, Japan with your kids:
- Visit Yasaka-jinja Shrine and Maruyama-keon Park
- Walk up the famed Mount Inari
- Eat at a sushi train
Lastly, a place where there are a lot of places that offer delicious food. Kids may also have fun with the whole family with tons of activities you can try in Osaka. Here are some:
- Visit Osaka Castle
- Take a tour of Asahi Brewery
- Go to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
- Visit Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium
Kid-friendly Food in Japan
A trip will never be complete without having to try the many delicious foods that a place can offer. Since you are with the whole family, here is the list of family- and kid-friendly food you might want to try once you visit Japan:
- Udon
- Onigiri
- Takoyaki
- Miso soup
- Okonomiyaki
- Tabekko Dobotsu (animal-shaped crackers)
- Tamago sushi
- Edamame
