Japan is Reopening to Independent tourists and visitors! (October 11, 2022)
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- Finally, after two and a half years, along with two futile attempts to control the entry of foreign tourists into Japan through group package tours, Japan joined the world again and will reopen its borders on October 11, 2022. All countries who have had a visa waiver agreement with Japan, where upon arrival you are issued a tourist visa, can enter Japan the same way as pre-Covid in 2019. The only difference is that you will need to have certified that you have at least three vaccine doses or a PCR Pre-departure 72-hour test. The main lingering challenge is the "mask issue," and at the end of this video, Mike discusses some of the reasons and what the reality is on the ground.
Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare: www.mhlw.go.jp...
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mofa.go.jp...
Sources: NHK evening news, Japan Today, News 23, N-Star, TBS News DIGI.
UA-cam Channel page with #shorts and regular videos: / mikematsuno
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Mike's website: www.goglobal.me/.
I want to thank you for keeping us updated over all these months! Eventually our patience has paid off 😊Arigato Mike for keeping us updated.
After 3 rebookings, I can finally book for early next year. Thanks for the update Mike.
8 rebookings for me T_T
Hi Mike. I’m a big fan of Japan, I went 12 times and travelled all around your beautiful country! Great news! Thank you so much! Looking forward to relax again in Japan. 🙏🙏❤️🇯🇵
lol i love your name
I will be happy to wear a mask
The wait has been agonizing and many of Japan’s policies were definitely based on xenophobia and anti-science to a certain degree, but I am glad the country has finally decided to join the rest of the G7 nations by opening their borders.
When you start embracing xenophobia, you will finally understand.
Unfortunately, countries such as the Philippines, are required to have a visa to enter Japan, and those who still hold what were supposed to be valid multiple entry visas issued prior to the pandemic remain suspended.😥
That sucks! I love picking up with Filipino girls in Tokyo whenever I go there. I hope Thai are allowed back in at least.
I am konan university student and I took your class before one years😊 thank you. Our LINE group is exist now
We took the chance and booked tickets for next April. So pleased Japan is opening up. We have been before but this time we are taking my daughter, her husband and our 2 grandkids. We are more than happy to follow the norm and wear masks when appropriate 👍🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Wonderful!! Thank you so much for keeping us up to date 😊
Thanks for keeping us updated, Mike! I’m really excited to see your subscriber numbers and view numbers going up and up. So happy for your continued well deserved success! 😄
Thank you very much, Sandra! You have always been such a dedicated follower. Very much appreciated. And thank you so much for the "buy me a coffee" gift. It was a while back and I tried to write you back through the"buy me a coffee" link but it would not let me do that. I contacted them about it and no one got back to me. So very sorry, for the very late thank you. Yes, I was surprised that when the topic was trending, everything started to increase. It was really interesting. I hope to stay on track and continue to make video content that has a storyline and also is a bit different from other video creators about Japan. Thank you again so much_1
もちろん！お返事送ってくれてありがとうございます😄
Good news! Apparently, Japan will be opening its borders to individual tourists starting October 11! I just posted on my channel our travel to Sapporo last 2020, a month before all the pandemic restrictions were imposed cause I really missed the country. Hopefully, if everything goes well, looking forward to our trip to Osaka this coming November
Finally! Greetings from korea 🇰🇷 💕
Can't wait to visit soon ☺️
I bought my ticket for April as soon as it was announced haha
Have been waiting for your update 🙏😊
I am Japanese. I am also happy to hear this news. I hope many people will come to Japan. Thank you for sharing this news with so many people.
Mike! Glad we could all share the good news to the world. Keep creating, and I hope to see more great content from you! Love your backdrop by the way!
Honestly wearing a mask is a little price to pay to be able to come back for our 2nd family trip.
Thanks for the updates. When I heard about this a day or two ago I booked tickets for my wife and I from HNL > NRT on October 29th to visit for a week. We can't wait! It's been too long!
I wouldn't travel anywhere without insurance, it is a no brainer.
Finally!!! Can´t wait to travel back to Japan. Thank you very much for your updating videos.
It took me exactly 5 days to get my business visa... well I'm likely the last batch of visitors who will need ERFS and VISA to enter Japan. I'm gonna arrive soon and leave just 1 day before Oct 11 opening.
only 5 days
Very informative video, I didn't know that travel insurance was essentially necessary for travelling to Japan. and thank you for putting the vaccine info links in the description
The travel insurance requirement only started from June 10 when they started group package tours and was probably also part of the September 7th plan. I am not sure what they will do for the October 11th plan.
Already started looking at hotel prices
This is awesome news I should go to Japan for my birthday in October
Thanks for the update. Really useful especially when many Japan tourism websites are not updated for a while. Hope they update soon.
We can't wait! We've had tickets booked and hotels reserved for October 27th for about 5 months now and it seems we made it in by the skin of our teeth! Thank you so much for keeping us up to date
Appreciate the update Mike 😊 however the vaccine requirements is troubling..... Just saying that there are people who had not gone through the vaccine process for very important reasons...It's unfortunate because Japan is such a beautiful country to visit.... Thank you for the info Mike!! 👍🏻😊
If you are not vaccinated, I think you can enter with a 72-hour predeparture PCR test. Please check the MOFA webpage to find out more. And I have not read anything about after you arrive if you have to do another PCR test or not.
@@MikeMatsuno well that's more hopeful... As always thank you for bringing us the updated news Mike 😁
Thank you for the wonderful update, Mike.
On my birthday! Woo hoo, best present ever!
Not fussed about needing 😷 even before the pandemic masks were commonly worn - in fact it felt odd not being able to buy masks when i was in Japan just before the pandemic hit
Already booked for peak Autumn Nov! See you in Tokyo Mike!
Thank you and i couldn't agree more about wearing masks as it
is a small thing to ask to be able to finally visit Japan !!
Got my flights and hotel booked for February, can't wait!
HI Mike--I made my flight and hotel res yesterday. Just a few days while in transit. I really look forward to the "escape". Maybe should have made it a week....
i can see people wearing mask indoor but not outside when they come over.covid low risk outside in the air
sub / excellent video - keep up the great work
I just booked ANA for Oct 25, I'm so excited...
Finally! Can’t wait to visit Japan for the first time hopefully soon
I understand that the Japanese people feel the need for wearing a mask, but I have viewed videos of people going to the beaches and no one is wearing a mask. Why do you think the reasoning behind the lack of wearing a mask going to the beach. This makes no sense.
Mike, thank you...
Hey Mike your doing a great job my friend 👍🏾👊🏾👍🏾👊🏾👍🏾👊🏾 Just make sure you don't film in front of a corn field or we will never see you again.
With the Yen so weak, it's a great time to go
I like you man this is very useful informations👌💯💯
Yay! Finally! Sooo great for Japan! 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
IKUZE! Unfortunately the big event which I visit Japan for, the Tokyo Game Show, has already past this year. This is still a huge positive step and I hope the situation will continue to improve until Sep 2023.
Hi Mike, thanks for all the videos and updates! Really appreciate it!
My friend and I unfortunately already booked a tour for October 20 (and already have a visa). Do you know what will happen if we book a flight to arrive on October 11? Will they give us a new visa at the airport? We would love to come in before the tour, do the tour and then stay after the tour for a few weeks!
What are your thoughts?
Thanks again!
Aiming for a trip for New Years. I’ve already bought a lot of yen back in April!!!
Now we pray that there won't be a spike in infections from October, because that will just set off Japan's xenophobic foreigner-blaming again.
Summary of 10/11 updates (all toward easing except last item)
1. Visa Waiver resumption: All 68 Visa Waiver countries
2. No Daily quota on Entry
3. Vaccine 3 times or pre-departure negative test result.
(for Johnson & Johnson, 2 shots is sufficient)
4. No post arrival test nor quarantine
5. No Blue, Yellow, Red grouping
6. ERFS ends, no requirement for responsible receiving party.
7. Qualifying vaccine list updated to be the WHO's list of vaccine for emergency use. This effectively adds a few Chinese Vaccines which weren't in the list of vaccines for Entry into Japan
8. Caveat - We may review entry policy and change if another Variant of concern emerges.
I’m flying from Manila to Osaka. Finally !
Awesome ilove it 👍👍♥️♥️♥️
Hi Mike how you know I'm been watching your videos and this really makes me excited and very happy now I'm getting ready to come now if only you do a video on abandoned houses and how foreigners can obtain one because that's my sole purpose is to get there in George Ben get me abandoned house and be able to start renovating and planning to make Japan my retirement home go for it Mike you're doing a great job and thank you for the exciting news
Thank you for your comments. I am sorry, I do not know enough about abandoned houses in Japan to make a video. I have seen some news on NHK but it also depends on the prefecture. So every prefecture probably has its own set of rules and regulations. It could get complicated. Maybe someone has made a UA-cam video on the topic?
I'm really keen to see what they will do with the ERFS system in general now for visa types other than short-term Tourism, such as Working Holidays. I believe visa-free travel for countries like mine included means not having an ERFS certificate for short-term travel strictly. But it wouldn't make sense to persist it for other types unless there are other reasons than COVID they would like to keep it. I'll keep an eye out on my local embassy website, but for now no updates. I find that the embassy information isn't updated until within the business week a new measure is introduced.
I’d also like to see more update on the ERFS…is it required for US travelers?
@@yumigormley3521 We'll wait and see :)
@@yumigormley3521 the Australian Embassy received advice this afternoon that the ERFS certificate will no longer be required for all new foreign nationals entering the country. I think you will be right but please do double check the US consulate site when you can to see if there is any differences there. For me this means I can apply for a very long working holiday, not just a 90 day stay!! Very excited. Hope you can enjoy your travels too
Thanks for sharing
How about children under 12? Over here and in most countries and I think even in Japan it is illegal for them to have a booster.
ありがとう!
Booked my flight 😊. I will be there beginning of December. Really excited to be returning to my beloved Japan ❤️🇯🇵
On another note, I have to disagree with Mike that foreigners will willingly wear masks. Having traveled extensively since borders began reopening, I've noticed that Western tourists tend not to wear masks if it is optional (in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, for example). Although I find mask-wearing to be redundant now, I will be wearing one out of respect for the others if it's still the norm in Japan and hope other tourists will do the same.
And to the xenophobes out there- you've managed to hit well over 200k infections a day without any help from foreign tourists. So please spare us your discrimination and moralizing.
Do you not need a visa? Trying to book as well
i booked my flights , looking forward to being there in December :)))
Hey Mike thanks for the videos so happy to hear about the change. Just booked a flight for the first 2 weeks in June (only time I could have off work), where do you think is a good spot to go in June?
June is usually the rainy season in Japan. The only place I would not recommend is Okinawa in June. I was in Okinawa this past June and they have a "real" rainy season! Hokkaido does not really have a rainy season. The rest of Japan does but it really is hit or miss. Some years is "kara-tsuyu," a very dry rainy season. Other years, the rainy is more frequent.
Hello Mike san,
Is there any quarantine rules need to follow?
Thanks
Not if you are from one of the countries that Japan has a tuition waiver agreement with and you have three vaccine doses and the appropriate vaccine certification.
I am not against wearing mask, but have to say its confusing that its not by law, but from social pressure. They should make the rules very clear at arrival if you HAVE to wear a mask. Since no western country wear masks anymore, masks wont be used if its optional.
If you go to another country, it is natural to follow the rules of that country. We travelers are just guests
@@bosstroll158 Ofcourse, did I imply anything else? I am saying the rules are not clear. And is what you call rules == laws?
@@ludvigpalmersjo8740 Why are you imposing Western standards on Japan in the first place?🤔are you racist?
@@ludvigpalmersjo8740 If you can't respect the rules and culture of other countries, I don't think you should go on a trip. that's all
@@bosstroll158 xD Didnt notice your name lol. U got me. Nice trolling
I in Puerto Rico keep my mask on even though it isn’t required. Thank you for the information!
Yay! Good news! I hope to meet my online friend(?). I guess I call her my girlfriend but I don't think she feels the same way. Anyway, I hope to book my trip soon so I can finally meet her face to face and actually see her face! So excited.
Well I hope those who like to travel are the type to respect others cultures. Then again, Japan can easily take away the right to come in, so I truly hope all foreigners understand at this point, it is a privelage to go to Japan and should act accordingly.
Thanks for only reporting what has been approved by the PM. Yesterday he said by the end of Oct. The ONLY official place to check exactly what has been approved is the Japan Consulate in your state. As of 25 Sept nothing has been changed. Keep giving updates that are from the government. No SOS app will be required.
New sub 🎉
Thank you Mike ! Sadly they ruined their economy
Great news!
How long does cherry blossom season last? Like when they have food, goods and merchandize? We were thinking of going in spring (hopefully if tickets don't shoot up to 2-3 k Dx). I love sakura and the color so it would be ideal for me to go!
Usually, the cherry blossoms last about 10-12 days. But actual "mankai" full bloom is only for 2-3 days a year. It is hard to hit mankai but if you do, that is the gold medal. But hitting the cherry blossom season is a hit-or-miss thing. Anything can speed up or slow down the blooming.
Hi @Mike Matsuno. Do you know if Japan still accepts PCR test or is vaccination pass now mandatory?
I have got the same question... because this would end my plan to go back to Japan next year.
It will be one or the other. I've researched their site deeply about it. 2 shots of an approved vaccine as well as a booster and you don't need a test. Any unapproved vaccine or unvaccinated, PCR test with 72 hours. It's not that big of an issue.
It says 3 or more vaccine doses certified or a PCR predeparture 72-hour test with certification.
I am glad to hear, mike ! I'll be going to Japan at end of october..... Only things i need to do are getting bunch of masks and travel insurance?
Not sure yet about the travel insurance. But bring your masks or bring enough masks until you can some here. You can buy masks here in Japan, they are sold everywhere.
So do we need to purchase travel insurance? How do we purchase this? I also wanted to know how do we load our vaccine card?
Disneysea here I come
I just hope the Government give some clear advice on what travelers have to do if they get Covid here. Getting tested is not always the easiest process for even residents, as we found out recently with some family members. After all travelers will lose the safety net of the travel agents when they visit independently.
Travel insurance
Wearing a mask is a really small thing to do if we want to go to Japan. Over here most people is used to it and even though the government said is not mandatory to use mask outside, most people still do it. I for one would do it with no issue if that's needed to go to Japan.
Sooo, No covid test to board the aircraft to Japan??? No covid test required upon arrival in Japan?? I have 2 vaccines,,,plus 3 booster shots...from the Department of Veterans Affairs..VA hospital here..this MUST be accepted...by them....
November 9th, take off!😀
Are the limousine bus operating from Narita now? We were there in Sept and was quite disappointed that we could not use tge limousine bus
Yes, they are but were less frequent. That will change as arrival numbers increase.
Vaccine is only required if you want to skip the PCR test 72 hours pre-departure, but if you are willing to test and test negative you can enter without vaccine, right? More information on the insurance requirements would be greatly appreciated though!!! We have health insurance that already covers us worldwide, would we still require insurance on top of this?
Booked my flight. I'll be there to spend money like crazy and hell no I ain't wearing no mask!
Hi there. Coming from the USA.
Just for clarity. So do we need a visa? Do we need to apply for anything? Or can we just book a plane ticket and show up?
Any guidance is very appreciated!
Does anyone know a good video on what the new Covid entry requirements are?
I looked at the Ministry website but it would probably take me hours to understand it, if I could.
@@tsetsoivanov the devil is in the detail. I’ve no idea what paperwork they will accept and am none the wiser.
I heard you need to be fully vaccinated but the first booster must be 14 days ago? Or when you travel? Although I just took the latest booster in the middle of September.
I am not sure on the details of the vaccines. Please look at the MOFA and Ministry of Health websites.
Hello Mike, we are planning, to visit Japan next month. My 14 year old has only 2 shots of Covid Vaccine which is required here in the US. Does he need the 3rd shot in order to enter Japan? Thank you.
Mask is already a culture here in japan. For example, the basic rule is you can remove your mask but when you enter a restaurant, they will ask you to use a mask
Pfizer booster is useless if you've been fullyvaxxed with Sinovac.
And when will JP lift the suspension for valid Multiple Entry tourist visas from the Philippines?
may i ask what if we want to visit japan and our vaccination like sinovac isnt registered on japan health ministry website, can we still visit japan ?
like mine already vaccinated 3 times..
sinovac, sinovac, pfizer..
You'll need a PCR test within 72 hours before you go.
Hey Mike thanks for the video! So does this mean that if you aren't vaccinated, or have only 2 doses, you can still enter Japan with a PCR test 72 hours before arrival?
Thank you for the information! From my understanding, unvaccinated tourists will be granted entry, but a PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure will be required. Is this correct? Thank you!
Yes, that is what I heard also.
@@MikeMatsuno thank you!
Thank you for the clarification and the useful links. I went to Japan on study-exchange in 2017 and had been wanting to visit again for years. I had booked tickets a long time ago for 1 November, but had already assumed I'd have to cancel those plans. Even now I'm still wary.
I looked over the information in the link to the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, and my vaccination status seems okay according to what I read. Still, if someone can confirm this for me that would be stellar.
I was vaccinated on 8 Juli and 3 June in 2021, and boostered on 9 January 2022. That seems in order right?
And my international proof vaccination is a ''Yellow Vaccination Booklet'' issued by SDU (read; Dutch government). Even though it is supposedly an 'international proof of vaccination', that is in both Dutch and English and French... It is also a document that is recognized in Japan, right? 😅 I feel a bit odd for still not trusting that it is alright to enter.
Anyways, thanks to anyone who might clarify this for me.
And thanks to Matsuno-San for making this video~
Okay so I downloaded the MySOS app. But I can't scan in my vaccination document to have them confirmed before I give them the adres of the hotel I will be staying in. And I don't want to book anything before I can get a confirmation that my vaccination status has been accepted. It still makes it verrrry difficult and unattractive to plan a visit to Japan unfortunately 🙃🥲😓
Hey Mike check this video out "Tokyo's Sleepless Town After 1 am unbelievably Crazy" After watching this out small wonder why JP still has so much cases. My point: and they are worried about tourist.
Any update on the lifting of the suspension of visas issued before the pandemic?
I have not heard anything. I suggest you contact your local Japanese consulate or embassy directly.
Thank you for the update, Sir. For the mask issue, i think it is better to just abide and wear it. Even before the pandemic, there are Japanese people who wears masks. This is to protect the people around them especially if they’re feeling aick or anything. If foreigners care about other people, protect them. We all need to be healthy.
I booked my flight for the 11th of October. Will I be fine? My ticket is not refundable
If you are visiting a country, you should abide by their rules out of respect. Like you said, we are guests in their country. If you don’t want to wear masks, don’t visit.
well that's great news, except for the requirement to have 3 vaxes. hmmm i wonder how long it will be before that is waivered? :(
I think you can also enter with a 72-hour predeparture PCR test that is certified. You may also have to take a PCR test on arrival, but I am not sure about that at this time.
@@MikeMatsuno thx for ur reply mike, love the channel btw. yea i know how pedantic and inflexible processes can be and i wouldnt want to risk arriving under the pretense of being allowed entry, only to be put back on the 1st plane home. i want to be sure. i have been double vaxed but no booster. if i knew i could just do the
PCR testing, id be on the 1st plane over :) if u happen to see anything official, please share. cheers from Oz
すごい です ね。
What if European counters go in lockdown in December again? Will Japan stay open? I still don't dare to book for next year...
Good question. I don't think Japan will close as quickly as before. But you never know, right?
Yeah people will from the US will not wear masks if they can get away with it since as you point out people take there mask off when eating so it just theater at this point.
It won’t just be Americans. Almost any westerner will be loathed to put masks on at this stage. Just about everywhere in the west has dropped them. Even countries like Singapore have moved on.
I’m afraid the Japanese are probably going to be in for a ride surprise if they expect all foreigners to play along. But I’m sure most locals will just mark it down to “stupid foreigners”
Kinda weird you singled out the US, but ok.
@@Big-Wonka I am from US so I know what to expect, broadly anyways.
@@southcoastinventors6583 I think us Americans who are going to travel to Japan are the minority. I'm pretty sure us who have been already or want to go already understand that we're the guest and not to expect Japan to adapt to us, but vice versa. Of course there will be outliers.
Will they let you enter with 2 dose if your 18 years old ?