Japan is open to travel. So why aren't tourists coming back?
That is especially striking in Japan, which reopened to much fanfare in June 2022, just in time for peak travel season. Between June 10 and July 10, the country welcomed about 1,500 leisure tourists, according to data from Japan's Immigration Services Agency. That's down 95% from the same period in 2019, before the pandemic.
Although Japan is accessible again, the country currently only permits leisure tourists to come in organized groups rather than as individuals. For many in the West, who prefer spontaneity and don't want to follow a strict itinerary, that issue was a dealbreaker.
Japan's not-fully-open policy doesn't just apply to visas. The country still has mask rules in many areas, the group tours can be pricey, and Japan requires quarantine upon arrival, which make it a tougher sell.
Odds are good that when and if Japan does decide to fully reopen to individual leisure tourists, they will want to come. The catchphrase "revenge travel" was created to describe the people who saved up their money during Covid and now want to blow it on a big bucket list trip, and Japan remains a popular wish-list destination. ...continue reading

dw.com - Jan 30
Japanese citizens will once again be able to get Chinese visas, Beijing said, reversing a previous ban over COVID testing China had slammed as "discriminatory."

Japan BackpackersXpress - Jan 28
大荒れの京都

NHK - Jan 26
Heavy snow has brought traffic nightmares to parts of Japan. Vehicles became stranded on many roadways. Trains also got stuck with passengers on board, prompting railway officials to review procedures.

MSN - Jan 26
Snow covered the roofs of homes and temples in Kyoto on Wednesday morning (25 January) amid a “once-in-a-decade” cold snap in Japan.

Tripsider - Jan 22
In this video, we're sharing our top tips and tricks for visiting Japan on a budget. From finding cheap flights and accommodation to budget-friendly activities and local food, we'll show you how to plan your perfect Japan trip without breaking the bank.

Tokyo Creative - Jan 22
Known for its sparkling onsens and amazing local crafts Gunma is just a short train or bus ride from Tokyo!

KazInform - Jan 20
Japan's electric scooter users will no longer require a driver's license from July, though minors under 16 will be banned from riding them, the National Police Agency said Thursday, Kyodo reports.

Ninja Walking - Jan 20
Kinosaki is the one of the most historic hot spring spot in Japan. In Japanese History, This spot has been mentioned in various literature.

ITSUKA JAPAN - Jan 18
Zao Fox Village - There are a total of six types of foxes: red foxes, silver foxes, arctic foxes (blue), platinum foxes, arctic foxes (white) and cross foxes.

Global Times - Jan 16
Chinese embassies in Japan and South Korea said in statements on Sunday that travelers to China must take nucleic acid tests within 48 hours before their departure, and those who show negative results will be allowed to come to China.

TabiEats - Jan 16
We went to Universal Studios Japan and had a blast! Nintendo World is amazing. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is incredible. The food is pretty good too.

travelgeek - Jan 16
This time, we are trying the oddly cheap overnight bus from Osaka to Tokyo. The bus leaves from Universal Studios Japan, stops at Namba in Osaka City, and connects to Tokyo Station in about 8 hours.

Solo Solo Travel - Jan 16
Today we are going to be riding the new sleeper train, the West Express Ginga in its solo private compartment from Kyoto to Shingu.

NHK - Jan 13
A glittering winter phenomenon known as "diamond dust" has been observed in freezing temperatures in a town in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan.

Reuters - Jan 11
Japan's weather bureau said on Wednesday that there was a 70% chance the La Nina phenomenon will end and normal weather patterns will return by the end of the northern hemisphere winter.

Nikkei - Jan 11
The Japanese government has requested that drugstores and other retailers take steps to prevent hoarding of fever medications and painkillers used to treat the symptoms of COVID-19.