As of October 11th, Japan will finally have removed all its pandemic border restrictions for international travelers and is ready to offer them more travel experiences than before.
After over two-and-a-half years of no travel, this long-awaited move means that there will be no daily entry cap and that the requirement for international visitors to obtain tourist visas in advance of the trip has also been removed. Together with the earlier removal of requirements for PCR tests before departure, and on arrival for fully vaccinated UK travelers means that Japan is properly back as a travel destination.
The changes come just in time for the ‘Koyo’ autumn leaf season looking to boost a flagging Japanese economy. The bright red Momoji leaves that cover mountainsides, gorges and temple gardens are almost as celebrated in Japan, as the shades of pink provided by Sakura in ‘Hanami’ cherry blossom viewing season in early spring. Demand for Autumn travel, the snowy winter months and indeed the first cherry blossom season open to international visitors for four years is high, as people long to get back to the Land of the Rising Sun for a dose of culture that has become familiar to many but remains so very uniquely Japanese and different for most.
Those that have already traveled to Japan, since the pandemic on Self-Guided Adventures and Small Group Tours have given incredible feedback, surprised by the warm welcome and the fact that some of the country’s most famous sites are without crowds – like a pre-mass tourism Japan of ten years ago.
Traveling in Japan by train is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the country, but it can be costly. But there are regional rail passes. These passes offer unlimited travel within a given area or route for a fraction of the cost of a Japan Rail Pass and offer excellent value for money.
Travelers visiting Kyoto may enjoy staying at these two new hotels in Kyoto that recently opened.
