Japan to welcome foreign tourists in June—here's what you should know

Missing the kawaiiness of Japan and its impressive innovations that just make life a lot easier?

After a two-year tourism pause due to the pandemic, the country has started easing travel restrictions following the drop in coronavirus cases in different parts of the world. Japan just doubled the number of daily arrivals from 10,000 to 20,000, and it’s set to welcome tourists from the “blue” group on package tours starting June 10, which consists of nearly a hundred countries with low risk for COVID-19. 

The Philippines is part of the aforementioned blue list, and if you’re planning to visit Japan soon, here are some things you should know. 

Mask-wearing, quarantine, and other measures

All travelers need to present a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours before departure for Japan. “Those who do not submit a certificate of negative test result will be denied entry into Japan in accordance with the Quarantine Act,” according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Since the Philippines is under the “blue” group, home quarantine is not required, “regardless of the vaccination status of the entrants/returnees.” 

Japan media outfit NHK reported that Japan has relaxed its mask rules, providing new guidelines on when people outside their houses should wear a mask. 

“Indoors, masks aren’t needed as long as people are maintaining a distance of two meters from others and there is little to no conversation,” NHK said. However, coverings are still required “when visiting elderly people or anyone in hospital, during rush hour on public transport, and anywhere crowded.”