How safe is Japan?

Japan has fared much better than most countries during the coronavirus pandemic, with infection and death rates remaining remarkably low without the need for a nationwide lockdown. Many people (including us) have speculated that the reason for this may be Japanese culture itself. Non-contact greetings such as bowing are commonplace as opposed to shaking hands. Wearing a face mask when you’re sick is usual practice, and public cleanliness is already extremely high. Perhaps most importantly of all, Japanese culture emphasises personal social responsibility, which means that people tend to “do the right thing” without having to be told. Whatever the secret of its success, Japan is one of the safest places in the world when it comes to Covid-19.

Am I going to be welcome in Japan?

Given how well Japan has dealt with the virus, you might be wondering whether the Japanese will be comfortable welcoming visitors from countries with higher rates of infection. Of course, we can’t speak for everyone, but we can assure you that we will only send clients to Japan once it has been confirmed that it is ready to reopen its borders. Tourism is an important part of the Japanese economy, and we know from speaking to our friends and partners that many businesses are itching to welcome guests again. We’re positive that if you follow all the latest safety advice and wear a mask, you’ll be very welcome in Japan.

How are you making your trips Covid-secure?

Throughout the pandemic, we have been busy auditing our hotels, restaurants, and activities to ensure that we only work with those who adhere to the highest safety standards. For many businesses in Japan, that’s only slightly more stringent than their usual, excellent levels of hygiene — so it hasn’t been much of a learning curve! At the absolute minimum, all our partners in Japan:

● Adhere to the latest advice from the Japanese government

● Have put in place enhanced cleaning measures

● Make appropriate use of PPE

● Have trained staff in Covid-19 safety protocols

If you’d like more detailed information, we are following the guidelines put forward by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which are based on the latest advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What will it be like to stay in a hotel after Covid-19?

We only work with hotels that meet the highest safety standards, so expect strict cleaning measures, staff wearing masks, plenty of sanitising stations and (in many cases) contactless check-in. As we mentioned before, these are things that most Japanese people have been doing for years, so it won’t feel a whole lot different from usual!

What if my trip includes an activity I’m not comfortable with?

Just as with our hotels, we only work with experience providers who meet our high standards, and we’ll never recommend an activity that we deem to be unsafe.

That said, not everybody has the same level of comfort — and that’s OK. If you’re travelling on an independent trip, your travel consultant will be able to discuss the specifics of any activity before you decide to book it. If you’re travelling on a Small Group Tour and would like to opt out of a shared experience, that’s totally fine, too. Your tour leader will have plenty of alternative suggestions for how to spend your time.

Is it safe to use public transport?

Japan’s public transportation is world-famous for its lighting-like efficiency, so it’s no surprise that trains and stations have been quick to introduce enhanced cleaning measures and ventilation systems. If you want to see what Japan Rail has been doing to make train travel safe, check out the JR East website.

We believe that the risk of using public transport in Japan is low, and so our trips will continue to make use of it. Nevertheless, we’ve adjusted our itineraries to remove unnecessary journeys and avoid busy periods, and we strongly advise the use of face masks and hand sanitisers while using any form of public transport.

How easy is it to get hold of PPE in Japan?

Disposable and washable face masks, and hand sanitisers are readily available from any of Japan’s ubiquitous convenience stories, but we recommend that you bring your own supply of sanitiser and reusable masks just in case (and to minimise waste). If you’re joining one of our Small Group Tours, your tour leader will be able to provide spare masks and sanitisers if necessary.

Will we have to observe social distancing on a Small Group Tour?

No. Observing social distancing for two weeks while travelling in a group of 14 would be difficult, if not impossible — and it wouldn’t exactly make for the best travel experience. All our Small Group Tours will travel as a “bubble”, which means you don’t need to worry about social distancing within your group. All members of the group will need to comply with international travel regulations outlined by their home country, Japan, and their airline — which is likely to mean obtaining a negative Covid-19 test result or proof of vaccination before you travel.

How have your tour leaders been trained for post-pandemic travel?

We are proud to say that our tour leaders have taken the challenges of post-pandemic travel in their stride. Your tour leader will have completed up-to-date Covid-19 safety training, and will know exactly what to do if a group member begins to show symptoms of coronavirus. They’ll also be informed of all the latest local guidelines and restrictions, and provide regular safety briefings throughout the tour so that you know exactly what the requirements are.

What happens if I catch Covid-19 in Japan?

No matter how careful you are, there’s always a small chance of contracting Covid-19 while in Japan. We’ll make sure that you have all the latest information about local testing and quarantine regulations before you travel, so that you know exactly what to do in the event that you develop symptoms. Our 24/7 customer support team is on hand to assist you no matter what happens during your travels. Whether it is testing or even quarantine, you won’t be alone should anything unexpected occur. Whatever happens, there’s no need to worry — we will be there to support you

Do I need to do anything before I travel?

Japan hasn’t yet announced its entry requirements for international tourists, but it’s likely that you’ll need to obtain a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination before you travel. If this is the case, your travel consultant will let you know in plenty of time. You can also keep an eye on our Latest Travel Updates for more information on this. Please also be sure to check with your airline for specific information about Covid-related regulations, and check that your travel insurance covers Covid-related medical and cancellation claims. We also strongly recommend that you bring your own reusable face masks and hand sanitisers. Most businesses require face masks when entering and it is seen as a sign of respect of those around you that a mask is worn when travelling around or even walking in cities.

What happens if the situation changes before my trip?

As we’ve learned, nothing is ever certain with coronavirus. We are constantly monitoring the situation, and we will make sure that you are up-to-date with all the latest requirements before and during your trip. If you are prevented from travelling by Covid-19 regulations, our Covid-19 booking guarantee gives you maximum flexibility and financial security, so you never need to worry.

How will all this affect my experience of Japan?

Mostly, the differences you’ll notice are small things that we’ve already become used to in our daily lives. You’ll see widespread mask-wearing (outside as well as inside), sanitation stations at entrances and exits of buildings, and regular contactless temperature screening at airports, tourist sites, hotels and restaurants. Other than that, things will feel much the same as usual — and with the benefit of fewer tourist crowds.