News On Japan

Japan set to announce restart of visa-free tourist travel

Sep 15 (Nikkei) - Japan will drop a ban on individual tourist visits and remove a cap on daily arrivals, Nikkei has learned, moving closer to pre-pandemic rules as the country looks to ride a global travel rebound.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to announce the changes in the coming days.

The latest easing of Japan's entry rules -- the toughest in the Group of Seven advanced economies -- is expected to take place in October, though the final decision will depend on the COVID-19 situation at home and abroad.

The government is looking to take advantage of fall travel demand at a time when a weak yen boosts international travelers' buying power in Japan.

After the change, Japan will not require visas for short-term travelers from the U.S. and certain other countries. Japan will also scrap the daily entry cap of 50,000 people.

Qualifying travelers are expected to have to meet certain conditions, such as vaccination status. ...continue reading

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris officially commenced with an opening ceremony held on the Seine River in the city center on the 26th (27th Japan time).

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has initiated the creation of guidelines for taking home leftovers as part of its efforts to reduce food waste. Restaurants are hopeful for clear directions on preventing food poisoning.

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare have announced the average life expectancy for Japanese people last year, with women having an average life expectancy of 87.14 years, and men 81.09 years, both about half a month higher than the previous year.

Theft of air conditioner outdoor units has surged as Japan's heatwave continues, leaving some businesses unable to run critical cooling systems.

As power harassment allegations against the governor of Hyogo Prefecture continue to swirl, it has been revealed that another prefectural employee has passed away, with the prefecture delaying a formal announcement of the death by 3 months.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Travel NEWS

The impact of rising prices is being felt at summer festivals, with essential items like ice shavings and goldfish scooping seeing significant price increases.

Located at the very northern tip of Japan’s largest island of Honshu, the Shimokita Peninsula is one of the country’s most remote areas - home to spectacular ocean views, curious rock formations and Osorezan - or Fear Mountain - a sacred mountain set within an otherworldly volcanic landscape said to be the gateway to the afterlife. (japan-guide.com)

Japan's northern Akita Prefecture experienced a torrential deluge Friday, causing major flooding and the collapse of a bridge in Kamikoani Village.

In Japan, foreign tourists are flocking to unexpected locations, with some spots reporting that 90% of their visitors are from overseas. A closer look reveals why these places, often unnoticed by locals, are drawing such attention.

Nara Prefecture Police are urging tourists to refrain from mistreating deer at Nara Park, following an increase in troubling incidents. The deer at Nara Park are designated as national natural treasures, and recent months have seen a surge in abusive behavior towards them, coinciding with a rise in visitor numbers.

At Kyoto's Gion Festival, the procession of floats (Yamaboko Junko) took place on Wednesday, dazzling spectators with their vibrant floats despite the intense heat.

Things to do & eat | 2-day itinerary. This week we're headed on a little summer trip to one of Japan's more beautiful traditional towns, Takayama! (Sol Life)

The Dogo Onsen main building, which has been undergoing restoration and repair work, has fully reopened for the first time in five and a half years.