Last Friday the government announced that as from 7th September 2022 foreign tourists will be allowed in to Japan on "Unguided Package Tours".

This is good news, but DO NOT go out and book your flight just yet...

Below is how these packages will work, which may not be suitable for many people:

• Foreign tourists will be able to enter Japan on so called “unguided package tours”
• They will still need to apply for a visa at their local Japaneses Embassy / consulate. The travel agent will provide documentation required for the visa application.
• The unguided package tour must be arranged through a Japanese licensed travel agent and importantly:
  • Must include return flights to and from Japan (i.e. flights to / from Japan must be booked at the same time through the Japanese travel agent)
  • Hotels at places that the tourist are staying must be booked through the same travel agent as part of the package.
  • Except for the above visitors are free to go to places and do what they wish.
  • The travel agent is responsible for ensuring that the visitor is safe and in the situation they get Covid for helping the visitor get treatment and follow the local rules (for isolation etc.) so may periodically check your location and well being.

We are sure that this is just a stage of Japan opening up fully, although we do not know when and will not speculate (no ones knows) We therefore advise a bit more patience and if you are planning ahead and booking flights and hotels now, then please do it on a fully refundable / fully changeable basis.

Also beware of any posting on social media or anywhere else that says anything materially different from above (we have seen such posts even before the government announcement) they could be a scam or just illegal and you could lose your money with no holiday!

Now is the time though to be planning your trip to Japan and TS Japan Rail is here to help you with travel ideas and travel planning for those who want to Explore Japan by Train... or Explore Japan's Railways...

regards

TS Japan Railway Travel Planning Company Limited・TS日本鉄道旅行企画株式会社