Japan begins cautious reopening of borders

The country will next month raise the daily cap on entrants and cut the quarantine period from seven days to three for both Japanese and foreign nationals, prime minister Fumio Kishida has said.

The country has banned non-resident foreigners from entering since late November.

Japan’s Kyodo News cited a Japanese government briefing, saying: “Starting next month, Japan will set its limit on new entrants at 5,000 per day, up from the current 3,500. Within the daily cap, foreign nationals will also be able to enter the country for purposes other than tourism.”

Upon arrival, they will be asked to quarantine for three days and to test negative on the last day. Those who have been vaccinated three times and depart from countries where infections are stabilising will not need to quarantine.

James Mundy, InsideJapan’s PR and partnerships manager, said: “Although the announcement doesn’t directly impact international tourism, it is a significant move from the government. 

“The reduction of quarantine period and the increase of non-Japanese entering the country can be considered a gradual move towards allowing international inbound travel again.

“The appetite for Japan is most certainly there, with January being the busiest enquiries and sales month since the pandemic started.”