Society

Everything you need to know Japan's Go to Travel campaign

Jul 18 (timeout.com) - In this age of Covid-19 coronavirus, the world isnâ€™t exactly our oyster. Although Japanâ€™s sweeping entry ban is still in place, those of us already here are being encouraged to explore our own backyard and see everything the country has to offer.

To promote domestic travel and to help boost local businesses, the Japanese government has set up the Go to Travel campaign, which provides subsidies of up to 50 percent on your costs for transportation, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and shopping, all within Japan.

Unfortunately, Tokyo is excluded from the campaign, due to the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the city. This means Tokyo residents and those travelling to and from Tokyo will not be eligible to receive the discounts.

Currently, Tokyo is on a level four coronavirus alert (the highest on its rating scale) and Governor Yuriko Koike is advising residents to avoid unnecessary outings. Domestic travel might not be an option for Tokyoites right now, but if the rate of infection slows down, the government will consider adding Tokyo to the campaign in the future.

Typhoon No. 24 Poses Heavy Rain Threat to Okinawa

Typhoon No. 24 is currently located over the southern seas and is expected to track westward toward Vietnam later this week, with no direct impact anticipated on Japan. As of now, the storm’s central pressure is 1000 hectopascals, with maximum sustained winds reaching 20 meters per second. Satellite imagery shows a significant cloud mass developing in the southern region, indicating intensified activity around the system.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Mako Komuro Appears in Six-Page Town & Country Feature

The October issue of the long-established American lifestyle magazine Town & Country features Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of the Akishino family, on the cover under the headline "Princess Ingognito," dedicating a six-page spread to Komuro and her husband Kei, exploring their life in the United States.