Travel

Japan scraps controls, hopes to revive tourism boom

TOKYO, Oct 11 (NHK) - Japan is reintroducing a visa waiver program for short-term visitors, and allowing visits by non-escorted individual tourists, as the country lifts most of its COVID-19 border controls. Japan's tourism industry was booming in pre-pandemic years.

In June, Japan reopened its doors to foreign tourists for the first time in about two years. In addition, the cap on arrivals was raised to 20,000 visitors a day. But visas were limited to those booked on registered package tours and accompanied by guides.

Foreign tourists have been slow to return. In June, 252 people visited Japan. The number increased to 7,903 in July, and 10,826 in August.

Tourism industry officials say western nationals' preference for non-escorted trips may be a factor. The officials also say many are reluctant to go through a cumbersome process to get a visa.

In September, the government again raised the daily cap on arrivals to 50,000, and began allowing in tourists on non-escorted tours. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH

Matsusaka Auction Sees Top Cow Net Over 30 Million Yen

The prestigious Matsusaka Beef Competition, a showcase of premium cattle from Mie Prefecture, was held Sunday, where the top-ranked cow was auctioned for almost $200,000 (30.32 million yen).

Japanese Photographer Dies After Being Pushed in New York

A renowned Japanese photographer based in New York, Yasuomi Hashimura, known for his groundbreaking contributions to American advertising photography, died after being pushed on the street by a man.

Foreign Visitors to Japan Set to Hit All-Time High

Japan is on track to surpass its all-time annual record for foreign visitors, with over 30 million arrivals so far this year.

Student's Homemade Bomb Sparks School Lockdown in Sapporo

A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

2 Days Driving Around Mt.Fuji - Find 7 Best Spots to See Mt.Fuji

Mt.Fuji looks amazing where you see it from. If you have option of driving, you have a lot more choices of locations you can access. I went 1 night trip to Mt.Fuji an drove around 360 degree of the moutian. (Tokyo Kenchan)

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Nagoya's Highlights | Overnight Trip Itinerary

In this video, we'll head to Nagoya for an overnight trip, checking out some of the popular attractions the city has to offer. (japan-guide.com)

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Shines in Gold with Special Lighting

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

Tourists Taking Risks Chasing the Perfect Shot

Foreign tourists flocking to Tokyo’s Roppongi have been engaging in dangerous photography, turning the area’s popular photo spots into safety hazards.

Asakusa to Host 'Longest Shopping Street in Japan'

A new shopping street, set to be Japan's longest, will open in Tokyo's Asakusa area on November 20th. Spanning 3 kilometers, it aims to surpass Osaka's Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, which currently holds the title at 2 kilometers.

Mt. Ninouji Autumn Panorama

Located in the northern part of the Echigo Mountain Range, this iconic mountain in Shibata is among Japan's '200 Famous Mountains.' It has long been a site of religious significance, with the Ninouji Shrine—designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in March 2024—situated at the trailhead.

Nine Months and 46,000 Kilometers to Tokyo

An Egyptian man has successfully traveled overland from Cairo to Tokyo without using an airplane, completing a journey spanning nine months and over 46,000 kilometers.

< 2 3 4 5 >