Japan Travel in Covid Times: Hotels and Sightseeing

While international tourism is not currently possible, we can start to get a clearer picture of what future travel will look like in Japan by looking at the country's rebounding domestic tourism. We're also in close contact with our suppliers, colleagues, and friends who are keeping us updated from around the country, from the northern reaches of Hokkaido to Kyushu in the south.

What we're seeing across Japan is the determination and commitment of all our suppliers to be ready to provide visitors with a safe and above all memorable experience when they come to the country. It is clear that some things will feel slightly different, however we're confident this won't detract from the incredible experience of travelling to Japan.

Hotels and accommodation
Sightseeing
On the ground - stories from our Team

Restaurants and bars (opens new page)
Trains and transport (opens new page)
Flying (opens new page)

Hotels and Accommodation

From swish hotels in the Tokyo skyline to traditional family-run ryokan (Japanese inns) handed down through the generations, Japan has incredibly diverse accommodation. Located in all parts of Japan, many of them have been affected differently by the coronavirus pandemic and are approaching the welcomed return of visitors from lots of different angles.
We are currently undertaking an audit of all our accommodation suppliers and their safety measures regarding coronavirus. We've had really encouraging signs from many of them so far, with a consistently high standard of hygiene and safety measures being implemented. Some of the best hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns) have gone above and beyond here with comprehensive measures, which is great to see.
Examples of what we've seen so far include:
reducing contact as much as possible when checking-in and checking-out
- automated check-in and check-out services
- providing a-la-carte or set plates instead of buffet breakfasts to reduce contact points
- extra cleaning and disinfecting routines
- one ryokan has a QR code system which allows guests to see how busy the shared baths are in real time!

Sightseeing

While many places closed during the emergency declaration, the open layout of shrines and temples meant these could stay open for worshippers and visitors. They remain open and are a great place to visit while remaining outdoors and socially distancing from other people. Central to Shintoism (the indigenous religion of Japan) is the relationship between humans and nature, and as such many of the country's best shrines are in forests, up mountains, or by water.
Apart from shrines and temples, in a country that is covered by almost 70% forest, many of Japan's best destinations and activities are out in the less populated and quieter parts of Japan, from the snow monkeys in Nagano to the giant cedar trees of Yakushima island.
All in all, there will be plenty of options to explore the outdoors and escape the city.

Museums and attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland have all largely reopened and returned to normal operating hours. We've noticed the following measures in place at some locations:
- Visitors are required to wear masks
- Temperature checks upon entry
- Advanced tickets only
- Disinfecting high contact areas - get a rare peak inside Ghibli Studios as they disinfect the park before reopening in September!
- No screaming on rollercoasters (!)
Click here for a full list of attractions and museums that have re-opened, along with their safety measures and requirements.
Our suppliers are also considering the impact that visiting local communities can have on people's health and wellbeing and are working closely with community members to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment.
We've noticed from early domestic travel statistics that it seems many people are choosing to travel to places that have a deeper cultural connection to Japan, such as Dogo Onsen in Ehime prefecture and Nara's Yamato Saidaji temple, rather than typical ?photo-spot' destinations (ANN News - Japanese only). It will be interesting to see if this trend continues!

An almost deserted Hiroshima Museum of Cotemporary Art
On the ground - stories from our Team

One of our Tour Leaders, Richard, recently visited Hiroshima prefecture and came back with some interesting insights!
"Getting the shinkansen bullet train down to Hiroshima from Kyoto was pretty quiet, even on a weekend! When we arrived at the Rhiga Royal Hotel Hiroshima there were plastic screens between staff and guests at the check-in counter. We had our temperatures checked and were given a mask before entering the restaurant for breakfast, and instead of a buffet service it was a la carte. There were lots of bottles of hand sanitizer in the public areas of the hotel...

...We visited Hiroshima Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) which we had almost to ourselves! We had our temperatures checked at the entrance and were required to wear masks. At Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima it was compulsory to fill in a form giving either an address or phone number when entering for contact tracing purposes.
Back in the city some of the trains and trams were pretty busy, but almost all passengers were wearing masks. When we went out for dinner, Okonomi-mura (a fantastic collection of restaurants offering the local dish of okomiyaki) all the staff were wearing masks but apart from that there were few special measures being taken."
An equally empty Kosan-ji Temple in Ikuchijima, Hiroshima

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