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LATEST Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Updates
For the latest - and official - information on developments with Coronavirus and how this is affecting travel in and out of Japan, I recommend using JNTO's advisory page.
This is regularly updated and reliable.
NEW! Japan Rail Pass Ultimate Guide (2022 Edition)
The Japan Rail Pass (also known as the JR Pass) is the #1 most popular travel option for foreign visitors to Japan.
It’s a joint offering from the six companies comprising the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). It is the most economical means of travelling throughout Japan by rail, and includes most of the famous shinkansen - or bullet trains.
Travelling by shinkansen isn’t necessarily cheap but it can be fantastic value if you purchase the Japan Rail Pass.
I've used it numerous times down the years, but is it right for your next trip to Japan? My new Ultimate Guide will help you decide.
Here's just a sample of the questions it answers and information it includes...
- How does it work?
- What specific rail, bus and ferry services are covered?
- Is the Pass worth buying?
- How to make seat reservations
- Where should you buy your Pass?
- Luggage restrictions
- PLUS: Japan Rail Pass FAQs, Online Resources, Recommended travel accessories
Warning! It is an EPIC! (You'll want to grab a cup or glass of your favourite beverage to read this one!)
Japan to Start Re-issuing Some Travel Visas
According to the Nikkei Asia website, Japan is to ease entry for businesspeople, students but not yet for tourists.
This follows on from a story I featured in this week's Japan Travel Bulletin about this group of travellers lobbying for travel restrictions to ease.
The official announcement expected imminently is thought to also reduce quarantine (for fully vaccinated visitors) for short-term trips, cut from 10 to 3 days.
The easing is limited in scope at the moment (business, study abroad and technical training travel), but all the signs are that this is the start of a gradual approach to steadily re-open to general international tourism.
New COVID-19 cases in Japan are down substantially from record levels over the summer, and the Japanese government is said to be aiming to gradually loosen what has essentially been an entry ban on foreigners.
READ the full Nikkei Asia story HERE.
If you're in the USA, the Visas Japan website has updated details on the Japan online visa for US citizens and the different types of visas available.
If you need help with planning your 2022 trip, then my Japan Travel Services are tailor-made for you.
Availability on these will be limited, especially next year, and I will be increasing some prices. However, it is possible to reserve your service now, to take advantage of current pricing, and only activate it when you are ready to use it.
In the meantime, I'll keep you updated on the re-starting of international tourism just as soon as the news comes through.
LEARN MORE: The Real Japan Travel Planning Services
UPDATED: Reflections on The Beautiful Mountains of Central Japan
I'm typing this on a bus bound for an area in the heart of Shiga Prefecture, which is in the middle of Honshu Island.
The views from the window are stunning, and impress upon me just how glorious the beautiful mountains of Japan are.
There's something quite distinctive about the country's densly forested mountains, and those of central Japan are rich with atmosphere.
CONTINUE READING: Reflections on The Beautiful Mountains of Central Japan (UPDATED)
UPDATED: Uonotana Fish Market: Seafood Heaven In Akashi
Uonotana Fish Market - heard of it? Perhaps not.
However, you may have heard of the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Well, outside the capital city there are local fish markets scattered all over Japan. They may be lesser-known, but most are well worth visiting.
And there's a big benefit if you do - you won't see any foreign tourists. Certainly, you'd be hard pushed to find any in Uonotana Fish Market in Akashi.
NEW VIDEO: Strolling With Sika Deer in Nara Park
Established in 1880, Nara Park is home to more than 1,200 wild sika deer that roam freely across a 7km square area.
They are used to humans, so are approachable and can be petted, but they can still attack.
They've also learned how to cross busy roads using pedestrian crossings...
If you enjoy the video please give it a Like, leave a Comment, and share.
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FREE Japan Travel Bulletin
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