Japan Reopens!
This time, it's for real.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Kishida announced that Japan is going to end its long period of national seclusion on October 11th. On that date, visa-free travel will return for nationals of most countries. So you no longer have to worry about ERFS certificates. We don’t have all the details yet, but as soon as we do, I will post them on my Can I Travel to Japan Now? page on InsideKyoto.
As you can imagine, this announcement is going to trigger a rush of bookings, so if you want to see Japan before the crowds return, you’re going to have to act fast.
Places You Should See Before the Crowds Return
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (Kyoto)
In the years leading up to the pandemic, this magical bamboo grove in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district had transformed into the “Selfie Stick Forest.” For a few blissful months, you’ll actually be able to enjoy a scene like the one above. This is on my Kyoto Route 5.
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Kyoto)
Prior to the pandemic, people would be packed five rows deep at the viewpoint where this photo was taken. Now, you’ll be able to walk up and savor the view without waiting on line. This can be added as an extension of my Kyoto Walk 5.
Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine (Kyoto)
The mesmerizing torii tunnels of Fushimi lost some of their magic when you had to shuffle through as part of a conga line of camera-wielding tourists. If you hurry, you’ll have long stretches like this to yourself. This is on my Kyoto Walk 2.
Todai-ji Temple (Nara)
The awesome power of the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Nara’s Todai-ji Temple was hard to enjoy when packed shoulder-to-shoulder with hoards of tourists. Act fast, and you might just get an unobstructed view. This is included in all my Nara walks.
Amazing Fares to Japan
Even after the announcement, I’m seeing some amazing fares to Japan. Here are a few examples I found on Kayak.com. These are roundtrip economy fares from Los Angeles to Tokyo in November:
And here’s business class from Los Angeles:
Mind-Boggling Hotel Bargains
Hotels are an unbelievable bargain in Kyoto right now. Here are a few rates I found on Booking.com for random November dates.
To put it simply: It’s practically free to stay at a good hotel in Kyoto now. So what are you waiting for? For the full lowdown on hotels, ryokan and machiya in Kyoto, see InsideKyoto.
What’s Next?
I’ve spent the last few months consulting mostly about ERFS certificates and Japan’s various travel restrictions. Now that Japan is reopening, I’m going to return to what I enjoy doing most: Helping people plan great trips to Japan and offering private walking tours of Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara, Kanazawa and Hiroshima. More more details, visit Chris Rowthorn Tours.