All You Need to Know About Travelling to Japan in 2023

Here’s some good news for Singaporeans who love everything Japanese. Japan has finally abolished its Covid-19 border restrictions and opened its doors to foreign travellers effective 11th October 2022. 

From now on you do not have to submit any pre-departure Covid tests as long as you have received three shots of any of the World Health Organisation approved vaccines. This decision applies to both individual and business travellers. Also, take note that visa requirements have been waived and the cap for daily arrivals in Japan has also been removed. 
 

Vaccinated Travellers 

If you have already gotten at least 3 vaccinations - the following will apply: 

• Install the MySOS app or register at the Visit Japan Web
• Pre-register your vaccination certificate 

Unvaccinated Travellers

If you have not gotten at least 3 vaccines - the following will apply:

• Install the MySOS app or register at the Visit Japan Web
• Upload a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of the flight

Vaccination and negative PCR submissions are allowed 2 weeks prior to travel, or up to 6 hours before your flight is scheduled to land. You should also note that, upon arrival, PCR tests will be conducted by border quarantine stations, for anyone that exhibits Covid-19 symptoms and/or fever upon landing. Once you have cleared Japanese customs and immigration, you will be required to follow the same Covid-19 guidelines such as wearing masks in public places as everyone else but it is not mandatory and you will not be denied entry into hotels and restaurants.
 

Travelling Around Japan

The Japan Rail Pass, also known as JR Pass, is a popular and cost-effective way for short-term visitors to explore Japan easily. It allows unlimited use of most of the JR trains, including the famous Shinkansen bullet trains, for a period of 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. With the JR Pass, travellers can save a significant amount of money on transportation costs and enjoy the convenience of hopping on and off trains as they please. Additionally, the JR Pass can be used for local JR trains, buses, and even ferries, making it an all-in-one transportation solution for tourists comfortably and affordably.

Travel to Japan now to avoid the increase in JR Pass as prices are set to increase by 40-76% depending on number of days and car pass type come Oct 2023.

Travel Advice and Safety

While Japan has a low crime rate in general, petty theft is still likely at popular tourist attractions. Be alert always and watch out for the following:

• muggings/bag snatchings at popular tourist spots
• Overcharging, credit card fraud, drink spiking and assault at bars and nightclubs

Natural disasters

• Earthquakes - for earthquake safety measures and protocols
• Tsunamis - for evacuation protocols
• Typhoons (between May to November - with a high between July and September)
• Heavy snowfalls in certain tourist spots Japan Meteorological Agency
• National security and regional tensions Civil Protection Portal
• Download NHK's smart phone application as a way to keep updated on natural disasters or emergency alerts

Local Laws

• Always keep your passport with you
• Monitor local media for any changes in Covid-19 measures
• Do not use or carry drugs
• No consumption of alcohol by minors. The legal drinking age is 20
• Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal no matter what your age
• Smoking on the streets of Tokyo and some other cities is illegal

Insurance and Protection

Don’t let the negative aspects scare you away from visiting Japan. Travelling anywhere has its own risks and dangers, the best way to overcome that is to get a really comprehensive travel and/or personal insurance plan. At DirectAsia, we have a variety of travel insurance plans suited to a variety of needs, so look no further. 

DirectAsia Singapore Travel Insurance 

• 4 travel insurance plan limits to suit your needs and budget
• Customisation options 
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage 
• Individual, group and family travel insurance coverage
• Customisable add-ons