The Japan travel specialist was the first US tour operator to have customers back in Japan on its Small Group Tours in July and has continued to see demand and sales for travel to Japan increase to levels comparable with 2019.
Broomfield, CO, US – Following the announcement in May that Japan would open its borders in line with other G7 nations, commentators were beginning to wonder whether it would happen. This week, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that as early as September, Japan will remove the requirement for pre-trip and on-arrival PCR Covid testing for vaccinated travellers. The government has indicated it is also planning to loosen the requirement for all tourists to be accompanied by tour leaders and guides, which has been in place from June 10 and limited travel to group tours and more expensive fully guided private trips.
“This is the announcement that we have been waiting for so long,” said InsideJapan Tours’ Co-founder Simon King. “This change will finally allow all our customers to travel again. It seems that the requirement for visas remains in place, and as a government-licensed operator InsideJapan is in a position to assist customers with the process just as it has done since June. So many people have waited years for the opportunity to travel to Japan, and their time is now upon us.”
Although the easing of restrictions will now allow self-guided travel, the continuing requirement for tourist visas indicates that Japan is only allowing organized international travel booked with a recognized tour operator or agent.
“This is of course great news for InsideJapan, as our business is 80% self-guided, tailored travel,” said King, “The fact that the restrictions are eased in time for the peak autumn departures is such a relief for us and all our partners on the ground that rely on our business.”
The Japan travel specialist was the first US tour operator to have customers back in Japan on its Small Group Tours in July and has continued to see demand and sales for travel to Japan increase to levels comparable with 2019.
“The feedback from traveling customers has been overwhelmingly positive,” said King. “All our partners and locals alike have been so welcoming to travellers. To be in Japan in time for the Koyo season – with temple gardens and mountainsides lit up with the red glow of autumn leaves – will be truly special.” He added, “We are extremely excited for our customers. Japan has not lost its magic and if anything, it is better than before!”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
