Why Winter Is The Perfect Time To Visit Japan

Above, following a snowstorm in Chiba Prefecture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I've been in Japan during winter only once. That was in February 2014 and at the same time I was there, the country was hit by two big snowstorms. The first one arrived when I did.

Above, Nakamise Street shops. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

That didn't stop me from enjoying the trip. It made it more interesting, especially when I was stuck aboard a commuter train between Narita Airport and Tokyo for several hours due to snow. 

Above, Kurihama's Godzilla slide with a dusting of snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to an article in National Geographic, there are some advantages of traveling to Japan during winter.

They begin with:

There’s no question Japan is one of the most popular destinations on the planet right now and with good reason. From its deeply distinctive culture to great food to fascinating historic sites, it has so much of what travelers love, and that also means it’s often crowded, even overtouristed. This is why I recommend it for a winter trip when many people are seeking sun and sand. Last winter I put together a 12-day getaway for myself and my husband that included Tokyo, Kyoto, and a drive across the region known as the Japanese Alps. It was perfect and gave us a taste of what makes Japan so great without intense crowds or logistical hassles.  

Above, my hotel in Ueno following the second snowstorm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

U.S.-Asia Airfares Jump 30%

Above, Japan's Narita Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the pandemic is over, demand for travel to Asian destinations are on the rise, and so are airfares, particularly those from the U.S. to China and Japan.

Nikkei Asia has posted an article on hikes in airfares since the pandemic ended.

They begin it with:

HOUSTON/NEW YORK -- Airfares from the U.S. to China and Japan rose about 30% last year as more travelers headed to the countries after pandemic-era travel restrictions were lifted.

Fares on 29 routes between the U.S. and Japan's Narita, Haneda and Kansai airports increased 20% to 50% on the year in 2023, according to an analysis by Nikkei and U.K. aviation information company Cirium.

The average increase was 25%, compared with a 7% rise the previous year.

Fares for travel from Denver, Colorado, to Narita rose 46%, as United Airlines' hub airport attracted Japan-bound travelers from other parts of the country.

The study analyzed 2023 economy-class fares from major U.S. airports to popular overseas destinations. Of the 200 routes that saw the highest price increases, 80 were to Japan or China.

To read more, go here. 

Happy Birthday Shelley Sweeney!

Above, Shelley Sweeney and yours truly at a Tokyo Starbucks in 2006.

A big happy birthday to actress Shelley Sweeney!

Shelley was January 11, 1966 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She is an active actress based in Japan who appeared in Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla II (1993) and other Japanese productions and, also, commercials. 

If one is traveling to Japan via Narita Airport, she appears in a video on immigration fingerprinting at the airport.

She was also a guest at G-FEST XIV in 2007.

Condé Nast Traveler: 24 Reasons To Visit Japan

Above, nighttime shoppers at Tokyo's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are many reasons to visit Japan.

I have been there eight times over the past 22 years. Each visit was an enjoyable one, even when I got stuck in a commuter train car overnight between Narita Airport and Tokyo due to a heavy snowstorm in 2014. I just saw it as an interesting adventure.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article giving 24 things to do in Japan.

They begin it with:

Japan was voted the best country in the world in the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Here, resident foodie and travel connoisseur Tokyo Halfie explains 24 reasons why you should visit Japan in 2024.

With a rich cultural heritage that eloquently integrates tradition and innovation, Japan is full of juxtapositions. After a two-year entry restriction that was lifted earlier this year, international travelers are flocking back to explore the splendors the country has to offer.

The diverse landscape unveils its ever-changing tapestry of colors, from the delicate pink sakura cherry blossoms in the spring to the vibrant fiery gradation of koyo autumn foliage. The seasonal transitions are beautifully mirrored in its remarkable dining scene, featuring shun-no-shokuzai (seasonal ingredients).

From the vivacious festivals in cities to serene onsen hot springs in the countryside, there are boundless possibilities for discovery.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Airports Plagued By Ground Staff Shortages

Above, a Narita Airport terminal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As Japan has (more or less) returned to normal when it comes to inbound tourism, it as exposed a major problem: airport ground staff shortages.

Many airport ground staffers quit their jobs during the pandemic, but after the lifting of pandemic restrictions in the country, Japan's airports found that they have inadequate staff to handle day to day operations with the influx of international flights.

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

Although inbound tourism to Japan is picking with the easing of COVID-19 border controls, a dire shortage of ground staff at airports is hampering the airline industry’s post-pandemic recovery.

Alarmed at the situation, a transport ministry expert panel moved to address the crisis with a May 11 proposal to raise the salaries of ground staff to make the sector more attractive to job hunters. It also called on airport ground handling companies to adopt a unified staff evaluation system.

So many ground staff quit their jobs during the pandemic that airports are now struggling to handle the influx of international flights, which has resulted in delays in resuming inbound flights and long lines at airport security checks.

The expert panel hopes to compile formal proposals by the end of June.

The labor shortage is acute when it comes to finding staff to guide arriving aircraft to parking aprons, ensuring that passengers go to airport check-in counters and providing airport security inspectors.

According to the ministry, 61 major airport ground handling companies had around 21,600 employees as of December, or around 20 percent fewer than in March 2019, before the pandemic started. 

In addition to the pandemic, salaries and working conditions are believed to account for the exodus of airport staff.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Tourism Agency Urging Japanese People To Travel Abroad

Above, Narita Airport Arrival Lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign nationals are coming to Japan in higher numbers than Japanese traveling abroad.

The Japan Tourism Agency is trying to correct this. They, along with the Japan Association of Travel Agents, are urging people to travel abroad.

Kyodo News reported:

The Japan Tourism Agency and the Japan Association of Travel Agents on Wednesday urged people to take trips abroad in a bid to boost the airline and tourism industry, as demand for international travel struggles to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the number of visitors to Japan has grown steadily since border restrictions were eased last year, infection concerns and the weak yen are believed to be putting Japanese nationals off traveling abroad.

The number of Japanese people who left the country in March totaled 694,300, just 36.0 percent compared to March 2019 before the pandemic, according to government data.

Foreign arrivals to Japan, in contrast, have recovered to 65.8 percent of the level in March 2019.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Also Hit By Heavy Snows

Above, the street in front of my Tokyo hotel in 2014. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The United States wasn't the only country to be hit by powerful winter snowstorms this past weekend.

Many parts of Japan has also been hard hit by snowstorms that killed 17 people and injured over 90. 

The U.S. storm(s) have left holiday travelers stranded and flights were either cancelled or delayed. Many flights in Japan were also cancelled or delayed.

When I hear about heavy snows in Japan, they remind me of my February 2014 trip to Japan that had me stranded for nearly 24 hours on a commuter train between Narita Airport and Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. Two big storms hit Japan during my trip, the first one arriving at the same time my flight did,

According to The Japan Times:

Heavy snow blanketed many parts of Japan on Friday, with some western cities renewing records and the weather agency warning of traffic disruptions, blizzard conditions and high waves.

The Meteorological Agency said it expected the rough weather to continue through Monday, moving from the country’s north and east to the west.

Record snowfall was observed in Shikoku, with Kochi registering 14 centimeters and Tokushima 8 cm in the six hours to 10 a.m. 

To read more, go here. 

Singapore Airlines Unveils Major Network Changes

Above, a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 at Los Angeles International Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that life is slowly creeping back to normal, Singapore Airlines has unveiled major network changes to meet the demand.

Japan Today reported:

Singapore - Singapore Airlines (SIA) has unveiled plans to boost frequencies to destinations across East and South East Asia, resume flights to Busan and increase Airbus A380 services to Australia during the northern summer operating season (March 26 to Oct 29, 2023).

As a result, SIA’s flight frequencies will reach or exceed pre-pandemic levels in multiple destinations across East and Southeast Asia by March 2024, including Bangkok, Thailand; Busan and Seoul, South Korea; Fukuoka, Nagoya and Osaka, Japan; Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Vietnam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Siem Reap, Cambodia; and Taipei, Taiwan.

In addition, Melbourne will get a new daily A380 service and Sydney will get a second daily A380 service.

JoAnn Tan, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines, said, “Looking ahead to 2023, we see stronger demand for flights to destinations across South East Asia, parts of East Asia, and Australia. As we restore our network to these regions closer to pre pandemic levels, our customers have even more flight options as they make their holiday plans.”

Above, the Economy section of Singapore Airlines Airbus A380. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As far as Los Angeles to Japan travel is concerned, the article reported:

Flights SQ36 and SQ35 between Singapore and Los Angeles will operate thrice weekly, instead of a daily service, from March 26, 2023. Customers will continue to have the option of two existing daily flights to Los Angeles via the non-stop service SQ38 and SQ37 between the two cities, or flights SQ12 and SQ11, which serve the Singapore-Tokyo (Narita)-Los Angeles route.

To read the full article, go here. 

Tourists To Japan Can Pre-Register Their COVID Documents

Above, Narita Airport arrival lobby during pre-pandemic times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan has finally re-opened to foreign visitors, but there are some procedures that have to be done when entering the country.

Time Out has posted an article on how tourists can pre-register their COVID documents to make the process easier.

I took a look at the English version of the Instruction Manual. Frankly, it seems like there is a whole lot of stuff to have to complete and, therefore, overly burdensome. Even registering on the site has a lot of stuff to do. Whomever is completing it, I hope they have a lot of patience. 

The article begins with:

Japan is finally reopened to the world and tourists are able to come in and explore all the new attractions that have opened since the pandemic. Thankfully, Japan has dropped many of its entry restrictions, but still encourages travellers to prepare for their trip by pre-registering all Covid-19 documents before entering the country. 

Previously, this fast track pre-registration was done through the MySOS app. However, as of Tuesday November 1, the pre-registration system has been changed to Visit Japan Web. You’ll only be able to use MySOS until January 13 2023 if your information was previously registered in the app. If not, you will have to submit all your documents through Visit Japan Web. 

Travelers who don't pre-register at the website can do so at the airport. 

To read more, go here.

Almighty Dollar Is Mightier In Japan

Above, the currency exchange window at Narita Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now is a great time to pack up your bags and head off to Japan.

Thanks to the extremely favorable foreign exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen, a trip there is much more affordable. Americans now can get more bang for their bucks.

According to the Japan Times, the almighty dollar is even mightier these days.

They start off with:

Now that Japan has opened its doors to vaccinated tourists as of Oct. 11, many travelers are going to find great bargains.

The yen has lost about 20% of its value against the dollar this year, making hotels, meals and attractions very affordable for visitors from the United States. At the same time, inflation has been kept mostly under control, although the country is starting to see price increases for the first time in a generation.

After keeping Japan’s border mostly closed to tourists since the start of the pandemic, the island nation is eager for an economic boost, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida saying he wants these inbound visitors to spend 5 trillion yen ($34.5 billion) annually.

All prices below are converted at the current exchange rate of 144.80 yen a dollar. Travelers may get a worse deal from their bank or credit card provider, in addition to other fees. Prices include sales tax but exclude tips. Tipping isn’t expected anywhere in Japan.

Whenever I travel to Japan, I exchange my dollars for yen at the airport. That would solve the aforementioned "worse deal".

To read more, go here. 

Japan: Surge In Tourists Unlikely With Visa

Above, Narita Airport departure counter. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If the Japanese government thought that their latest actions on foreign tourism would be a big boost to tourism, they were sadly mistaken.

The Asahi Shimbun reported (some snippets):

Entry restrictions on foreign tourists were further relaxed on Sept. 7, but a sudden surge in such visitors is not expected because some unpopular border rules still apply.

The government now allows small groups of tourists to arrive in Japan without a guide, but individuals must arrange their visits through a travel agency.

Moreover, all tourists still must obtain visas before entering Japan.

Restrictions abroad have also reduced the number of tourists to Japan.

But a source at another travel agency said a surge in trips to Japan will come only after the visa requirement is lifted.

The limited number of direct flights to and from Japan has led to one-way tickets costing about 300,000 yen ($2,080). But Wang said many inquiries were still being made about possible trips to Japan.

The rule banning individual tourists from arranging their own trips also remains a huge barrier.

To read the full article, go here. 

Japan Firms Want To See Faster Progress On Tourism Reopening

Above, the international arrival lobby at Narita Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan government's overly-cautious stance on foreign tourists is irritating to Japanese firms, particularly ones in the travel industry.

The Japan Times reported:

Businesspeople in Japan, particularly those in the tourism sector, are unsettled by what appears to them to be overly cautious government policy toward resuming tourism from abroad as the country's economy struggles to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan is set to further ease COVID-19 border controls by raising its cap on overseas arrivals to 20,000 people per day from June, following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's remarks earlier this month that the country will relax restrictions in line with other Group of Seven countries.

But only a limited number of tourists will be allowed in for the time being, and the government has not yet indicated when Japan will start accepting all tourists from overseas.

As a result, Japan is now the only G7 country rejecting foreign tourists due to the pandemic. According to the Japan Association of Travel Agents, "a very limited number of countries such as Japan and China" do not accept foreign tourists.

Japan will, however, simplify testing and quarantine rules on arrival starting next month, dividing countries and regions into three groups according to infection risk levels. It will continue to require COVID-19 tests prior to departure for all countries. 

"As vaccination is underway, I don't see what (the Japanese government) is protecting the public from," said a senior official of an airline company.

Masakazu Tokura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation, told a news conference on May 9, "Many Japanese traveled abroad for sightseeing and leisure during the Golden Week holidays. On the other hand, Japan is still not allowing foreigners to enter Japan for tourism.

To read more, go here. 

Foreigners Visit "Timid Japan" On Trial Basis

Above, Narita Airport international arrival lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some years back, Japan had travel posters that read, "Discover Japan" and the like. Today, they should issue new posters that read, "Timid Japan".

Japan is now taking "tippy-toe" steps in restarting tourism into the country. Small tour groups are being allowed in with ridiculous restrictions.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- Japan's government on Tuesday started a trial reopening to foreign tour groups, as a first step toward a planned wider relaxation of rules in June, as the country emerges from a long border shutdown due to COVID-19.

The government will draw up guidelines for a safe revival of tourism from information gathered in this trial. However, with only 50 participants in the project, there are worries that there will not be enough data collected, which could delay a full reopening.

Japan has already opened to foreigners, to an extent, with a limit of 10,000 visitors per day but these arrivals tend to be workers and students under special visas.

On Tuesday afternoon, a group of tourists arrived from the U.S. at Tokyo's Narita Airport. They will stay for eight days, taking tours to popular destinations such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture and Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture.

Six travel agents will take a total of 15 groups during the trial period that lasts until early June. Tourists from Singapore, Thailand and Australia are also expected to take part in the project.

Each tour group will comprise up to four people, who will be accompanied by a tour guide.

Nippon Travel Agency will use cars for travel within a prefecture. Tourists will be required to wear face masks on bullet trains.  

These tourists will have their temperatures taken daily. The tour guides will also carry antigen test kits, and if an infection is suspected, arrangements will be made with local medical facilities.

To read more, go here. 

State Dept. Cutting Back On Advisories

Above, Narita Airport's international arrival lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There appears to be more evidence that things are slowly creeping back to "normal". It has been announced by the U.S. State Department they are cutting back on "Do Not Travel" advisories.

According to TravelPulse:

The United States Department of State announced on Thursday that it would cut back on “Do Not Travel” advisories for international destinations after public health officials announced a change in how they will assess COVID-19 concerns.

According to Reuters, State Department officials said the update would leave only 10 percent of the nearly 120 countries and territories at “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” which includes all risk factors, not just coronavirus infections.

“We believe the updated framework will help U.S. citizens make better informed decisions about the safety of international travel,” a State Department spokesperson said.

To read more, go here. 

ANA To Introduce Travel Insurance For Passengers

Above, ANA jets at Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my travels to Japan (8 of them), I have only purchased travel insurance once. That was for the 2004 G-TOUR sponsored by G-FAN magazine through Sita World Travel. It came in handy for one of out group who got seriously sick and had to be hospitalized.

The pandemic has sparked more interest in travel insurance. However, right now, Japan's borders are closed to tourists. They have yet to reopen the country to foreign visitors.

When that happens, eventually it will, All Nippon Airways (ANA) will be providing access to travel insurance to make things easier for tourists.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO - All Nippon Airways (ANA) will provide access to a travel insurance referral website in cooperation with Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co Ltd for customers visiting Japan from abroad.

The website provides access to travel insurance provided by members of the Tokio Marine Group and its affiliated companies (1) to customers residing overseas who have already booked and purchased ANA international flight tickets on both ANA operated flights and codeshare flights to Japan. The introduction of this service is designed to simplify the travel preparation process, improve the customer experience, and offer added reassurance during the trip. ANA and Tokio Marine & Nichido will continue to work together as international travel resumes to ensure that travel is as comfortable and convenient as possible.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Travel Checklist To Re-Enter Japan From Overseas

Above, Narita Airport arrival lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sooner or later (more likely later), foreign visitors will be allowed back into Japan for vacationing. When that happens, there will be a few things travelers will need to do and have to be admitted into the country.

Time Out Tokyo has posted a checklist of those things that travelers will likely need.

They begin with:

These days, travel requires more than just your passport and airline ticket. Covid-19 has made travelling internationally a tedious task, with many documents now compulsory for
exiting and entering countries around the globe – and Japan is no exception.

For a smooth trip and easy return, we've pulled together this checklist of all the documents you'll need when returning to Japan. Do note that rules and restrictions are subject to sudden change, so you'll want to confirm all the requirements of your specific airline – and any special rules that may apply depending on the country or region you’re arriving from – through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Extends Entry Ban To End of February

Above, Narita Airport arrival terminal during normal times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The outbreak of the Omicron variant has put the kibosh on any possibility of being able to vacation in Japan.

The Japanese government has extended the entry ban of non-resident foreign nationals to the end of February.

From Kyodo News:

The Japanese government will further extend an entry ban on non-resident foreigners until the end of February, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday.

The ban has been in place since Nov. 30, after the country confirmed its first case of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

"The infection situations regarding Omicron are clearly different at home from abroad, so the framework (of the current border controls) will be maintained until the end of February," Kishida told reporters.

The government introduced the measures initially for about a month, barring entries by non-resident foreigners and requiring returning Japanese nationals and foreign residents to quarantine in government-designated facilities.

Among tourism, travel and retail businesses, some are strongly advocating for a good balance between border enforcement measures and the promotion of economic activities.

"We long for practical antivirus measures as well as the promotion of social and economic activities at the same time," said Shinya Katanozaka, president of ANA Holdings Inc., in a statement released amid a drastic reduction of international flights.

Meanwhile, others were resigned to the current situation where inbound tourism has been devastated by the ongoing pandemic for nearly two years.

"We hope (inbound tourists) will come back as soon as possible, but we cannot forecast the timing at all," said a public relations official of a major travel firm.

To read the full article, go here. 

Japan To Favor The Rich In Immigration

Above, Narita Airport arrival lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like being wealthy will give one some special privileges when traveling to Japan if the government's plan for wealthy visitors is adopted. 

Meanwhile, the "messy masses" (i.e., the non-wealthy) will have to put up with less favorable Immigration rules.

The Japan Times reported:

The government plans to simplify the immigration procedures for foreign travelers arriving in Japan by luxury transport such as private jets and superyachts usually used by the wealthy, sources close to the matter said Monday.

The move comes as the government hopes such affluent travelers will bring considerable spending power and help accelerate a postpandemic economic recovery, the sources said.

Currently, those arriving by private jet for tourism need to apply 10 days before landing in a Japanese airport. The government is considering shortening the period to three days, the same as entering for business purposes, the sources said.

To read more, go here. 

Japan No Longer Will Allow Foreign Students Purchase Duty-Free Goods

Above, a duty-free shop at Narita Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The political parties and government of Japan have agreed to tighten up eligibility for making duty-free purchases in Japan.

They will no longer allow foreign students to buy duty-free goods.

The Japan Times reported:

The government and ruling parties have decided to abolish the system allowing foreign students and other long-term residents to make duty-free purchases in response to suspected cases of reselling and complaints of cumbersome eligibility checks, sources said Sunday.

Under the current system, which will be revised as part of tax reforms for fiscal 2022, foreign students staying long-term in Japan and not working part-time can make tax-free purchases within six months of entering the country.

Criticism has arisen over the labor-intensive checks duty-free stores have to perform at the time of sale to confirm a student is not working, while others have complained it is unfair that stores with lax screening procedures end up attracting more customers.

The National Tax Agency also discovered many suspicious "binge buying" cases by foreign students after introducing a system to digitize purchaser information in April last year.

It believes they may be buying large quantities of duty-free goods to resell at higher prices, including a 10% consumption tax, to make a profit.

As part of tax reforms, the government and the ruling coalition led by the Liberal Democratic Party plan to narrow the eligibility of duty-free purchases to tourists and those with a short-term visa of 90 days or less, instead of nonresidents under the country's foreign exchange and foreign trade law, according to the sources.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Suspending Entry of Overseas Travelers

Above, the International Arrival Lobby of Narita Airport during normal times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just when we see the light at the end of the coronavirus-related restrictions tunnel, the light gets shot out when a new variant strain of the virus appears.

Japan has suspended entries of overseas visitors due to the Omicron Variant originating from South Africa.

First, it was the Delta Variant, and now it's the Omicron Variant.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- The Japanese government will suspend all new entries into the country by foreign nationals, citing the emergence of the omicron variant of COVID-19. It had lifted its entry ban earlier this month for foreign business travelers and students, but has reversed course in hopes of preventing another wave of infections.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Monday that the government is dealing with the threat of the omicron variant "with a strong sense of crisis."

As an emergency precautionary measure, Japan will ban all foreigners from entering the country, starting from Tuesday. Japanese nationals returning to Japan from South Africa and other countries where infection has been detected will be placed in strict quarantine at designated facilities, depending on the risk. The temporary measure is meant as a precaution until more information on the omicron strain becomes available.

To read more, go here.