Traveling plans around the world halted after the pandemic made entering foreign borders basically impossible.
The sights of Mount Fuji, Kinkaku-ji, and the historic Kyoto is known to bring in millions of visitors each year to Japan – or at least they used to.
With Japanese borders having been closed almost completely for over a year, people are eager to experience the rich cultures and all the beauty this East Asian country offers once again.
Well, now there is a loophole to do just that!
While tourists are still barred from entering the beautiful island, there is a new class of travelers who are being granted entry.
Japan is now easing Covid travel bans for those coming to Japan on business, foreign students, and technical trainee workers, Nikkei reports.
Typically, coming into or returning to Japan would require a 10-day quarantine period, but it’s now been shortened to only 3 days for those on business trips or Japanese nationals returning back from business trips.
According to Bloomberg, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Japan has been looking to ease border restrictions in stages for awhile but wanted to evaluate the infection and vaccination rates around the world to assess the risks first.
The financial market is well aware of Japan’s global pull on tourism, so when news broke about Japan’s limited re-entry, shares of Japanese airlines rose considerably.
This is a good sign that Japan will likely begin increasing access to their countless tourist attractions and world-renowned accommodations (like the Suiran Hotel in Kyoto) in the near future.
Mixing business with pleasure is not a new concept and is often a key perk for those who have to travel extensively for their jobs.
Business trips allow you to take care of business during the day and then have dinner or see the sights during your downtime – instead of sitting in your hotel room binging the latest “Downtown Now” episodes, a popular comedic talk show in Japan.
There is so much to experience in Japan, old and new, that doesn’t require entrance into a building, thus eliminating any vaccination mandates that may interfere with catching a tour.
Soak in a Kusatsu Onsen, walk the serene paths of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and definitely eat authentic sushi at one of the many local restaurants.
While Tokyo or Yokohama didn’t make the list of the most tranquil cities in the world, they sure do have a lot to offer a weary traveler.
And you can rest assured – your chances of contracting COVID-19 in Japan are very slim.
Coronavirus cases have dropped tremendously since August, according to Bloomberg, with only 9 new cases last reported by the capitol of Tokyo.
If there was ever a time to mix business and pleasure, the time is now!
Unfortunately, trying to find a way to have legitimate business in Japan is a totally different issue we can’t help you with.
