Japan reopened to the world in June, just in time for its peak travel season, but access is only for those travelling in organised groups.
Between June 10 and July 10, the country welcomed only around 1 500 leisure tourists, according to data from Japan's Immigration Services Agency. The startlingly low figures are 95% lower than those from the same timeframe in 2019, according to CNN.
Although Japan is technically accessible for tourism once again, the situation provides an illustration of the power of entry regulations to choke off potential tourism.
Japan currently only permits leisure tourists to come in organised groups. This has proved a significant barrier to tourism recovery in the nation, as travellers are deterred by always having to be accompanied by a tour guide during the entire stay. Also, it is possible the requirement to purchase travel insurance covering COVID-19 plays a part in the low numbers.
The country also still has mask rules in many areas.
South Africa has been classified as a ‘blue’ country by Japan since June 1, so there is no need for proof of vaccination, on-arrival testing, or quarantine by South African visitors.
However, as for all ‘blue’ countries, visitors must still show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for Japan.
