31 Aug 2022
Today the Japanese government made the most significant changes to border policy since closing them over two-and-a-half years ago.
Having made an announcement back in May that Japan would open its borders in line with other G7 nations and more recently the big announcement that it would remove the requirement for pre-trip and arrival PCR tests, Japan has confirmed plans to increase entry numbers from 20,000 to 50,000 a day and allow travel without the requirement of a guide.
Since June 10th travellers have only been allowed to travel Japan accompanied by tour leaders and guides and as such has limited travel to group tours and high-end fully guided private trips. The easing of restrictions means that self-guided travel will be possible but, there will still be a requirement for tourism visas meaning only organised international travel booked with a licensed tour operator or agent will be possible.
“Japan is back. We are back. We have been waiting such a long time for this announcement and this is great news for us as a specialist whose business is 80% Self-Guided tailored travel,” said InsideJapan's Co-founder Simon King.
“As a government licensed operator, InsideJapan is able to assist customers who have booked full Self-Guided trips with the company, with the visa process just as it has done since June. So many have waited years for the opportunity to travel and from September, they can.”
The Japan travel specialist was the first UK tour operator to have customers back in Japan on its Small Group Tours back in July and has continued to see demand and sales for travel to Japan increase to levels comparable with 2019.
King added, “The fact that the restrictions are eased in time for the peak Autumn departures is such a relief for us and all our partners on the ground that rely on our customers business,”
“The feedback from travelling customers this summer has been incredible. All our partners and locals alike have been so welcoming to customers. To be in Japan in time for the Koyo season with temple gardens and mountainsides lit up with the red of autumn leaves will be special,”
King continued, “We are extremely excited for our customers. Japan has not lost its magic and we can't wait to show people again.”
Bristol and Japan based InsideJapan Tours is the leading independent Japan travel specialist offering Small Group Tours and a range of Self-Guided cultural adventures across the country.
InsideJapan has a 14 night 'Best of Japan' Self-Guided Adventure. The trip travels from Tokyo to Kyoto via the alpine craft town of Takayama, the sacred island of Miyajima, the food capital of Osaka and the Hakone National Park and the iconic Mt Fuji. The trip cost from £1,950pp (excl. International flights) and includes 14 nights accommodation, breakfast every day, all transport across Japan, some private guiding and a range of cultural experiences. The Japan travel specialist has a range of Self-Guided itineraries that can be tailored to suit interests, time frame and budgets and will soon be launching its new brochure.
