Japan May Further Relax Covid Border Restrictions Ahead of Ski Season
12th September 2022
Last modified on September 17th, 2022
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara told local TV the cap on daily entries could be lifted in the “not so distant future”. It comes as ski companies look forward to the winter and entry made easier.
Earlier this month the number of foreign tourists allowed to enter the country was raised to 50,000 per day from 20,000.
“We will review restrictions altogether. We have to carry it out in the not-so-distant future,” said Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara.
“Japan has seasonal attractions in fall and winter. We know there are a lot of people overseas who want to come to Japan.”
In 2021 245,900 foreign visitors came to Japan, the lowest figure since comparable data became available in 1964.
Incoming tourists are no longer required to travel with a guide, though they are subject to local Covid-19 Regulations.
We reported on the move at the time:
Skiing in Japan. Image c/o Mabey Ski
Individuals must arrange their visits through a travel agency.
All tourists must also obtain a visa to enter Japan.
Some local media reports suggest the government may scrap the daily cap on arrivals altogether.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara also said a weak yen was “most effective in attracting inbound tourism”.
Image c/o PlanetSKI
