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Japan Reopens To Independent Travellers Starting 11 Oct, No Need For Visa And Tour Agency

Japan Reopens To Independent Travellers Starting 11 Oct, No Need For Visa And Tour Agency

Approved vaccines for tourists travelling to Japan are Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Janssen, Covaxin and Novavax.

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Is Japan open to independent tourists?

The good news is finally here as Japan is lifting a significant COVID-19 travel restriction next month. 

Starting on 11 October, Japan will reopen its border gates for international tourists who have completed the COVID-19 vaccination.

The Land of the Rising Sun previously closed its borders to foreign tourists for more than two years due to the pandemic.

In addition, the minimum daily arrival rate of foreign tourists in the country was also abolished.

However, tourists still need to show proof that they have completed the Covid-19 vaccination, including a booster dose injection and a negative screening test.

The influx of foreign tourists to Japan is expected to revive the country’s economy.

A train arrives at the scenic Shimonada Station in Iyo, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

Japan has been affected by COVID19 and has seen its currency’s value fall sharply against the United States (US) dollar.

Japan will reopen the border gates, and it is hoped that the decision will raise the value of this country’s currency to the same as the US dollar.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on full reopening of the country to tourists.

The country has already allowed the entry of tourists since last June, but it has to be through a travel agency, not private.

Why Is Japan So Popular?

Japan are famous for its architecture, art, traditions, and crafts. Also, its known worldwide in pop culture (including manga, anime, and video games).

It’s something that only Japan can offer. No other country contains the same characteristics.

A cafe at Lake Towada, the largest caldera lake on Honshu, Japan’s main island. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world and has one of the lowest global crime rates.

Japanese people often leave their doors unlocked, children are perfectly safe travelling on the subway alone, while visitors can walk around the cities at night without worrying.

 The Odaiba Statue of Liberty in Tokyo was originally erected in 1998 as a temporary tribute to Japan’s relationship with France. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

Travelling by rail is one of the best ways to get around Japan.

Japanese trains are punctual and fast—particularly the famous Shinkansen line that’s also called the bullet train.

The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a convenient, affordable way to travel throughout the country and see the top sites the country has to offer.

The interior of long-distance overnight sleeper trains that are popular in Japan. Seats are free for Japan Rail Pass holders. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

The JR Pass is a cost-effective rail pass for long-distance train travel in Japan. 

The pass can be used only by foreign tourists and offers unlimited rides on JR trains for one, two or three weeks at a cost that residents of Japan can only dream of.

The beautiful, clear, turquoise green waters of the river and lakes along the route to Kurobe Gorge in the mountains of Northern Japan Alp. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

What Month Is The Best To Go To Japan?

The best time to visit Japan is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

This is when Japan is most vibrant, with delicate cherry blossoms or bright red leaves adding contrast to the scenery.

In Japan, cherry blossoms are a symbolic flower of spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

Remember, it can also be very crowded at this time.

After all, Japan is the most crowded nation in the world.

It has 102 million people all crammed into a string of narrow islands.

Travelling to Japan can be complex and confusing, especially as a first-timer, but it’s doable.

Malaysian tourists in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s districts, where the atmosphere of the Tokyo of past decades survives. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

It will be much more convenient and easy with a guide by your side, but it’s not impossible without one either.

On average, tourists in Japan will generally spend an average of 12,000 to 15,000 yen, or approximately RM380 to RM480, per day.

If your budget is flexible, it’s very easy to spend money here, but even if you’re on a tighter budget, it’s possible to have a wonderful experience.

A view of Ohori Park in central Fukuoka. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

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