Big fan of Anime? Bet you’re dying to visit Japan—Tokyo, it doesn’t matter which anime you like. Japan has everything you will ever dream of. If you’re anything like me, your day would probably start with Saiki, lunch with Immortal Dragon—the way of the househusband, and night with some action thriller Ghouls and Quinx. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could be with them and relive epic anime moments? Well, Japan is just the place you need to be, right? If you haven’t heard, let me tell you that in October 2022, Japan’s hitherto closed borders were finally opened to foreign visitors. Individual travellers still do not have valid entry permission, although they are permitted to enter the destination as part of a group. You can have a delightful trip if you consult this in-depth post-Covid travel guide to Japan. Read this blog to know which place to visit; also, even if you’re not an anime fan, this blog has everything for everyone—historical enthusiasts, adventurous geeks, artists, and much more.
PO: Everyone should watch anime; it’s not a cartoon; it’s something that can’t be explained in words.
What’s so special about Japan? Japan is located in the westerly northern part of the Pacific Ocean. It has a rich cultural history. There are over 7000 islands in Japan, but only 416 of them have permanent human habitation. Japan is also known as the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, Okinawa Island, and Kyushu are the five primary islands that draw tourists from all over the world to visit Japan. Japan absolutely merits a spot on your travel bucket list due to the fact that it is home to enchanting national parks, modern buildings, tall mountains, and sacred shrines. Each facet of the nation is deserving of exploration, from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the peace and quiet of Okayama.
In an effort to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus, Japan has, for the past two years, implemented a ban on the entry of the vast majority of tourists from other countries. In addition, spectators were not permitted to attend the Olympic Games which were postponed until 2020 in Tokyo. However, the country lifted the travel ban earlier in 2022 for those who were visiting the country on business and for foreign residents. Now that Japan is ready to receive tourists, this comprehensive post-covid travel guide to Japan is the only resource you will need to look at.
Travel Advisory for Japan to Have a Wonderful Vacation in Japan:
Even though Japan has now reopened its borders to tourists from other countries as a result of the gradual decline in the number of people infected with the Covid-19 virus, the government ministries and authorities have implemented new restrictions and safety measures in order to protect not only tourists but also residents. You can learn more about the revised guidelines by reading the information provided below.
- When going into public areas, people who are at least 2 years old are required to wear a mask that fits properly.
- While classifying countries or territories as Red, Yellow, or Blue, Japan has imposed restrictions on those countries and regions.
- The number of people allowed into Japan each day has increased to 20,000.
- The borders are only open to tourists who are traveling in groups; individuals are not permitted.
- Travelers who are in possession of a valid vaccination certificate that details the doses they received are exempt from having to go through an on-arrival test or a home quarantine.
- Travelers who do not receive a valid vaccination certificate are required to submit to an on-arrival test in addition to either a 7-day or 3-day home quarantine, as well as a report indicating that their Covid-19 test result was negative.
- All travelers are required to submit an application for a visa, with the exception of those who already possess valid re-entry permission. It is possible that the process of obtaining a visa would take significantly more time than usual; thus, you should schedule your vacation accordingly.
- Visas that were issued before December 2, 2021, are no longer valid. The only exceptions to this rule are visas issued to people who possess the status of residence as the spouse or child of a Japanese national, spouse or child of a permanent resident, or diplomat.
If all of the following conditions are met, only then will the immunization be considered effective:
- A local government agency or a medical institution needs to be the one to issue the immunization certificate.
- The certificate shows you have taken all two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. (Comirnaty from Pfizer, Vaxzevria from AstraZeneca, Spikevax from Moderna, JACOVDEN from Janssen, COVAXIN from Bharat Biotech, and Nuvaxovid from Novavax)
- It is accepted if you have taken one dose of JACOVDEN/Janssen as it is equivalent to two doses.
A Convenient Guide for First-Time Visitors in Japan in 2022–2023:
The Perfect Time to Pay a Visit
Despite the fact that Japan may be visited at any time of the year, the country sees a significant increase in the number of tourists during the spring and fall months. Your time spent outside will be much more memorable due to the decreased chance of precipitation, the clear skies, and the wonderful weather. During these months, the temperature could range from 7 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius.
How to Get There
Flying is both the only and most convenient way to get to Japan. There are a large number of connecting flights as well as direct flights that can take you to Japan.
Transportation Options
Japan has a very well-built system of roads, bridges, and other ways to get around. You are free to choose any mode of transportation in Japan; however, it is important to take into account important details such as the level of comfort it provides, the destination you are headed to, and the amount of time it will take you to get there. Shinkansen trains, which are known for their cutting-edge technology, are your best bet for traveling from one major city to another. A bus is a great option for people who want to travel long distances without spending a lot of money since it is an alternative to driving. When traveling from one island to another in Japan, ferries are another common mode of transportation that people use. In addition, the use of various transportation modes, such as the monorail, the metro, taxis, or even bicycles, is an excellent way to get around and see the sights.
Destinations in Japan Worth Visiting During
If you want to see the best of Japan, you must visit places like Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Mt. Fuji, Hokkaido, and Ishigaki. While Tokyo is well-known for its skyscrapers, Disneyland, and restaurants with Michelin stars, Kyoto is proud of its bamboo woods, palaces, and more than 1600 Buddhist temples, in addition to 400 Shinto shrines. Mount Fuji is the highest point in Japan and is also an active volcano. It is seen as a sacred mountain, and artists and photographers from all over the world are drawn to it.
Activities that you can do in Japan:
- Climbing season on Mount Fuji runs from July to the beginning of September.
- Attend the renowned cherry blossom festival, which starts in the late months of March and continues into April each year.
- Watch a Sumo show in Ryogoku.
- Visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about major events in Japan’s past.
- In the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, which is 369 feet tall, passengers may get a birds-eye perspective of the city.
- Experience the entrancing beauty of the Geisha and Kabuki dance performances.
For Anime Lovers:
- Visit Ghibli Museum, Suginami Animation Museum, and Toei Animation Museum.
- Visit Anime Districts in Tokyo, Akihabara, Odaiba, Ikebukuro, and Nakano.
- Visit Kinokuniya Takashimaya Shinjuku, Mandarake in Nakano Broadway, and Book Off in Akihabara if you want to buy Manga.
- If you want to experience anime locations in real life then pay a visit to Sailor Moon, Kimetsu no Yaiba, Ultraman, Steins; Gate, The Boy, and the Beast, and Digimon Adventure.
Accommodation
There are currently no limitations in place that are related to hotels or any other kind of accommodation options. However, it is recommended that you select the hotel that has personnel who have been completely vaccinated, that has the highest standards of hygiene, and that offers post-covid facilities. To ensure that your stay goes as smoothly as possible, don’t forget to bring all of the necessary documentation with you.
Restaurants
Restaurants and cafes are already expanding across the country as the government continues to ease the limits placed on COVID-19. But in order to keep order and follow the rules, restaurants, and cafes have started putting limits on the number of people who can come in at once and the total amount of time they can stay. If you are going to enjoy a meal away from home, pick a hotel or café that has plenty of fresh air, a comfortable amount of space between each seat, and is not too crowded.
What Should I Bring?
Traveling to Japan after the COVID event requires careful vacation preparation, during which you must pay particular attention to the items you bring with you and the way in which you pack them. Now that you have finished reading the comprehensive post-covid travel guide to Japan, gather all the information you need on the necessities that you need to bring with you, including the following:
- A disinfectant that is convenient to carry in one’s pocket and may also be used as a personal sanitizer.
- A few pairs of gloves and one or two disposable masks.
- A compact first-aid kit stocked with all of the essential or standard drugs.
- Adapter for electrical current and a portable battery pack.
- Garments that are suitable for the current time of year.
- Footwear that is both comfortable and supportive, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a tissue box.