With a fully open policy, Japan expects to continue to welcome international visitors in the last months of the year, which is also the best time to travel to the land of cherry blossoms.
From October 11, 2022, the ban on individual travel to Japan has been lifted.
To ensure a safe and smooth trip, first of all, visitors should check the basic measures against infectious diseases in Japan and how to get medical examination at medical institutions, purchase travel insurance with appropriate coverage and visit the Visit Japan website to register in advance. In addition, here are some things you need to keep in mind:
With infectious disease prevention measures in Japan
During your stay in Japan, you need to thoroughly implement basic infection prevention measures: wear a mask, disinfect your hands, avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact.
Basic measures to prevent infectious diseases when traveling to Japan:https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001516180.pdf
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare website “On wearing masks outdoors and indoors” (English version):https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/maskuse_en.pdf
In case of illness or injury
If you are sick or injured, going to a medical facility is different from going to a doctor when you have Covid-19. If you have symptoms of Covid-19 including fever, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, etc., please contact the consulting office below first.
Provincial and municipal consultation offices for foreigners. The website below has contact information, opening hours and languages supported for the consultation offices for foreigners in each province and municipality:https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html
To have a safe, secure and smooth trip to Japan, it is important to prepare well before departure.
Other illnesses and injuries
Visit a medical facility based on your symptoms. Alternatively, you can search for medical facilities that accept foreigners on the following website:https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/chc/mi_guide.html
About travel insurance
If foreign visitors are injured or sick while traveling in Japan, medical expenses can be very high. Medical expenses for infectious diseases such as Covid-19 will also be covered by your private health insurance. Some insurances will not cover infectious diseases, so please read the contents of your insurance carefully. In addition, foreign nationals with a history of non-payment of medical expenses may be refused entry to Japan in the future.
Health Insurance Registration Introduction Website (English):https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html
In addition, with increased human-to-human contact due to the easing of travel restrictions globally, the risk of infection during travel remains high due to the spread of Covid-19, so the number of tourists seeking medical treatment at medical facilities is expected to increase. With the easing of entry restrictions leading to the current increase in tourism to Japan, it is important to purchase travel insurance with adequate coverage before your trip to ensure a safe trip to Japan.
