Japan has taken a significant step towards reviving its tourism industry by reopening its borders to foreign tourists for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This reopening is being initiated through small-scale test tours from a limited number of countries. While the move has sparked controversy, it is seen as a crucial step in assessing and implementing effective coronavirus measures.

Limited Visitors and Staggered Arrivals

To ensure a controlled and cautious approach, Japan has initially set a cap of 50 visitors allowed to enter the country. These visitors will be divided into small groups, and their arrivals will be staggered. This arrangement aims to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of infection prevention and emergency response protocols.

Testing Coronavirus Measures

The Japanese Tourism Agency has outlined the purpose behind the limited visits. The primary objective is to test the implementation of comprehensive coronavirus measures, including infection prevention and emergency response strategies. To facilitate this process, relevant information will be disseminated to travel agencies, hotels, and other travel businesses involved in accommodating the tourists.

Accompanied Tours and Approved Areas

As part of the initial phase of reopening, visitors to Japan will be required to be accompanied by a tour guide throughout their stay. This measure aims to provide guidance and support to tourists while ensuring their safety and adherence to local guidelines.

• Visitors will only be allowed to visit areas that are not under a state of emergency.
• The areas open to tourists will need to receive official approval from government authorities.
• These approved areas have implemented specific safety measures to minimize the risk of potential outbreaks.

By implementing these precautions, the Japanese government aims to minimize the risk of potential outbreaks and prioritize the safety of both visitors and the local population. These measures also ensure that tourists have access to authorized and controlled environments during their visit, providing a safe and enjoyable experience in approved areas of the country.

Progressive Reopening Plan

Japan has been implementing a gradual reopening plan since the beginning of 2022. Initially allowing entry for business travelers, technical intern trainees, and other non-tourist visitors, the country is now taking the next step by welcoming tourists. This marks a significant milestone in Japan's efforts to recover its tourism sector and foster international travel once again.

In conclusion, Japan's decision to reopen its borders to foreign tourists through small-scale test tours signifies a crucial move towards post-pandemic recovery. By carefully monitoring the implementation of coronavirus measures and taking a phased approach, Japan aims to restore its reputation as a desirable travel destination while prioritizing the health and safety of all involved.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Japan's Tourism Industry

In December 2020, Japan made the difficult decision to close its borders, effectively barring all foreign arrivals in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. This measure aimed to protect public health and prevent new variants from entering the country. Despite briefly relaxing entry restrictions in November, the emergence of the Omicron variant prompted the re-closure of borders.

Devastating Blow to Japan's Tourism Industry

The ban on new tourist arrivals has had a devastating impact on Japan's tourism industry. In 2019, the country witnessed a remarkable surge in foreign visitors, with a record-breaking total of 31.88 million. Unfortunately, the strict border controls implemented during the pandemic resulted in a significant decline. In 2021, the number of international tourist arrivals plummeted to a historic low of only 245,900, representing the lowest figure since data collection commenced in 1964.

• In 2019, Japan welcomed a record-breaking 31.88 million foreign visitors.
• The pandemic-induced border controls led to a drastic decline in tourist arrivals.
• In 2021, the number of international tourists dropped to a historic low of only 245,900.

Balancing Tourism Recovery and COVID-19 Control

Similar to many nations worldwide, Japan is now faced with the dual challenge of reviving its tourism sector while ensuring effective control of COVID-19 cases. However, Japan has consistently adopted a cautious approach in reopening its borders, prioritizing public health and safety. Consequently, the country has experienced an exceptionally low influx of international tourists.

Conclusion

The closure of Japan's borders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the nation's tourism industry. The sharp decline in foreign arrivals, particularly in 2021, underscores the challenges faced by Japan in balancing the revival of tourism with the need to control the spread of the virus. As the situation evolves, Japan will continue to navigate these complex circumstances to support the recovery of its tourism sector while safeguarding public health.

Who is allowed to enter Japan?

For now, Japan has implemented strict limitations on the number of tourists allowed from overseas, permitting only 50 individuals. While this may seem like a small number, it signifies a positive shift towards reopening international tourism and may pave the way for more relaxed border measures worldwide.

Priority Markets and Vaccination Requirements

The slots for this initial test run were exclusively reserved for citizens from select countries considered priority markets by Japan. These countries include Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. Additionally, eligible tourists must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with a booster dose being a requirement.

Organized Tour Groups with Safety Measures

To ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols, the 50 individuals will be divided into 15 organized tour groups, each consisting of no more than 4 people. These tour groups are expected to adhere to safety measures such as wearing masks while visiting tourist attractions and utilizing public transportation.

Tourist Arrivals and Origins

The first wave of tourists, comprising 7 individuals, has already entered Japan. They arrived from Hawaii and Los Angeles, landing at Narita Airport, located just outside Tokyo.

As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay updated on Japan's progress towards a full reopening to international tourists.

Japan's Full Reopening: When Can We Expect It?

Currently, there is no confirmed date for lifting all entry restrictions for tourists in Japan. However, there is hope that this will happen in the near future. To boost the tourism industry, the Japanese government has outlined some plans, one of which includes doubling the maximum daily limit on eligible arrivals to 20,000 starting from June. This increase in the cap would be a welcome development for Japan's tourism sector.

• The current plan is to double the maximum daily limit on eligible arrivals to 20,000 from June.
• Takahide Kiuchi, executive economist at the Nomura Research Institute, estimates that this increase in arrivals would contribute approximately 8.13 trillion yen ($63.8 billion) per year to Japan's economy.

When Japan finally announces the reopening of its borders to the rest of the world, it is expected that the Japan eVisa will be launched shortly after. Originally planned for introduction in 2020, the implementation of this new electronic visa system has been delayed until further notice. Once operational, the online visa will greatly simplify the process of traveling to Japan for foreign tourists, thanks to its digitalized format.