Reasons why Vietnamese tourists are flocking to Japan.

The strong growth over the past five years is evidence of the increasingly close relationship between Vietnam and Japan. Many experts believe that political relations between Vietnam and Japan are at their best stage in history since 1973, when diplomatic relations were first established. This can be demonstrated by the frequent visits between leaders of the two countries during the first six months of 2017: in January, current Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; from February 28th to March 5th, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko; in May, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tadashi Oshima visited Vietnam; and most recently, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited Japan from June 4th to 8th. Visits and talks between high-ranking Japanese and Vietnamese leaders not only strengthen the close relationship between the two countries but also open up opportunities for comprehensive cooperation and development in all fields: politics, culture, economics, including tourism.

The extensive and comprehensive cooperation between the two governments has significantly contributed to the Japanese Embassy's relaxation of visa application policies. Previously, one of the biggest obstacles preventing many Vietnamese tourists from visiting Japan was the complicated visa application process, including numerous documents and lengthy processing times. Those who did not purchase Japan tours from travel agencies had to independently fill out the application forms and prepare the necessary documents. However, the situation has completely changed in favor of tourists as the application procedures have been simplified. Starting in 2017, HanoiRedtours and a few other travel companies were honored to be entrusted by the Japanese Embassy to assist and provide visa application services for all tourists who wish to travel, visit relatives, study, or work. Instead of having to prepare and queue to submit visa applications at the Embassy as before, tourists will receive thorough advice from HanoiRedtours' dedicated staff to prepare valid visa documents suitable for their purpose of travel, and the Embassy will submit the visa application on their behalf. This will save tourists time and travel costs, and increase their chances of visa approval.

Enhancing transportation capacity between destinations not only facilitates travel but also breaks the monopoly of a few airlines, creating healthy competition in airfare prices, with tourists being the primary beneficiaries. For example, in the Japanese market, Hanoi alone has three airlines operating direct flights: Vietnam Airlines, Japan Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. Among these, Vietnam Airlines is considered by tourists to have the most convenient routes to most major and minor cities, with the most frequent flights, nearly 30 flights per week.

Soon, travelers will have more options as, starting September 1st, 2017, Jetstar Pacific will officially operate the Hanoi – Osaka route with a frequency of 4 flights per week. To mark this event, travel companies are also launching many attractive Japan tour packages, notably HanoiRedtours with two Free and Easy Japan tours (4 days) departing on September 1st, 15th, 22nd, and 29th for 9,990,000 VND; and a budget tour: Osaka – Nagoya – Kyoto (4 days) departing during the autumn foliage season on September 1st, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, with an all-inclusive price of only 18,900,000 VND.

With the lowest all-inclusive tour prices ever, the entry of low-cost airlines into the market, and the collaboration between HanoiRedtours and Jestar Pacific, tours to Japan, previously considered a high-end product, will become more accessible to tourists, helping to turn the dream of traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun into reality for many travelers.

The Thanh