Japan is finally open! Travelers from most countries can now enter Japan without applying for a visa in advance. Best of all, there are NO Covid protocols to enter Japan: You do NOT need proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter Japan.
Osaka Castle in springSituation Summary
Last Update: December 3, 2024 (this page will be updated as needed)
- Japan is open! Visa-free, independent travel is now possible for most nationalities.
- There are NO Covid protocols for Japan. You do NOT need to be vaccinated against Covid to enter Japan. You do NOT need a negative Covid test to enter Japan.
- You can use the Visit Japan Web app to upload your immigration and customs details in advance. See our Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures for all the details. Note that the app is recommended but not mandatory for entry to Japan (you can always fill out a paper arrival card and customs declaration upon arrival).
- On March 13 2023, the indoor masking recommendation was dropped in Japan. You do not have to wear a mask in stores, restaurants, attractions, and on public transport. Some shops and restaurants may still ask that you mask, however. See our Japan mask page for details.
- Now is the time to start planning a trip to Japan. Contact Chris Rowthorn to start planning.
Osaka Holiday Essentials
- Where To Stay In Osaka: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Osaka.
- Things To Do In Osaka: Check this overview of Osaka activities with links to all the key information.
- Flights To Osaka: Find the cheapest flights to Osaka and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner.
- Osaka Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Japan.
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.
Commentary by Chris
Visa-free, independent travel restarted on October 11. Citizens of 68 countries now get visa-free travel to Japan. Here’s the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free travel list. If you are a citizen of one of those countries, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance; you will be given a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in Japan (note that there are few exceptions which are listed on the MOFA site).
Given that Japan is now open, it’s time to start planning a trip. If you want help planning a trip to Japan, visit my consulting page to book a Zoom consultation.
What You Need to Do Now
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there are some things you should do now. There is a lot of pent up demand for travel to Japan, so plane tickets and accommodations should be a priority.
Must do:
- Buy plane tickets: compare flight prices and times for the best deals.
- Book hotels and ryokans: check Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- View our Packing List for Japan to make sure you don't forget to bring anything.
Consider Doing
- Book some walking tours.
- Travel insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
- Buy a Icoca card: Get one here.
- Buy a SIM or pocket wifi: Order one here.
Kyoto in cherry blossom season: f11 photo / Shutterstock.com
Do You Need to Be Vaccinated to Enter Japan?
You do NOT need to be vaccinated with a Covid vaccine to enter Japan.
Do You Need a Covid Test to Enter Japan?
You do NOT need a negative Covid test to enter Japan.
Flights to Japan Currently Operating
Flights to Japan have mostly returned to pre-pandemic schedules and availability: compare flight prices and times for the best deals.
Japan Airlines planes at Narita International Airport: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com
More Useful Information
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:- Open the Osaka map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Osaka Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
