The hottest season of the year is coming to Japan with the relaxation of Covid-19 containment measures. The reopening of Japan's borders has prompted tourism agencies to follow official protocols to receive groups of visitors.
Seino Satoshi, President of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) commented on Japan's decision to welcome tourists from abroad after a hiatus of more than two years: "Despite the pandemic, we have been working with the tourism sector to prepare for this recovery. We extend a warm welcome to international tourists as a first step in the resumption of inbound tourism."
Brazil, alongside countries such as the United States, Canada, France and Germany, among others, is in the "blue" category, the least restricted of the three categories - the others are yellow and red. This means that Brazilian tourists only need to present a new entry visa that meets the current rules, at the Japanese consulate, up to three months before their trip and a negative result for Covid-19, having taken the test within 72 hours before boarding.
The Japanese government will, for the time being, maintain the decision to receive tourists only in groups organized by an accredited tourism agency in Japan (see list of agencies). Also maintained are the obligation to wear masks - an old and frequent practice in the country, even in the absence of pandemics - and recommendations on hand hygiene and social distancing.
In this organized and cautious way, Japan can offer a very safe experience for travelers and locals alike, allowing everyone to enjoy the Japanese summer with its many fascinating attractions.
JNTO has been working with tourism agencies, airlines and all the players in the tourism trade to welcome visitors to the next major events hosted by Japan, such as the World Food Tourism Forum (organized by UNWTO, the World Tourism Organization) in December, the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS, an adventure travel trade fair organized by ATTA, Adventure Travel Trade) in 2023 and Expo 2025 in Osaka.
Growing tourism
Before the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the number of foreign visitors to Japan had been steadily increasing year on year, quadrupling from around 8 million in 2012 to 32 million in 2019. Recently, with increasing vaccination rates and the evolution of protocols to control the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese government has been able to revise the limitations on entry into the country. The process began in November 2021, with the gradual release of access for business travelers and international students.
To meet the demand of tourists from Brazil, the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO) established a Tourist Information Desk at Japan House São Paulo - JHSP (Av. Paulista, 52) in March, offering extensive information about Japan. Interested parties can visit the JNTO desk on weekends and holidays, or at any time explore the website for suggested itineraries, travel tips and much more.
About JNTO
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is a Japanese government agency with offices in 24 cities around the world. The organization is involved in a wide variety of activities such as the dissemination of tourist information and various campaigns aimed at general consumers, airlines, agencies and tour operators to encourage international tourists from all over the world to visit Japan. The JNTO provides advice on selling package tours, suggestions and assistance in creating itineraries for Japan, and encourages academic and industrial associations to hold congresses in Japan, as well as promoting it to interested people. It also regularly publishes tourism statistics and market reports. For more information on tourism in Japan in Portuguese, visit the website and follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Photo credit: Fireworks at Lake Toya, Hokkaido©JNTO
.jpg)
.png){kind=logo}
