Ready to say konnichiwa to Japan again? From June 10, 2022, tourists from 36 countries – including Singapore – are allowed to travel to Japan after two years of closure. That’s welcome news for Japanophiles in Singapore who can’t wait to get back to fresh sushi, onsen baths and cherry blossoms.

However, eager tourists have to meet a slew of entry requirements that include visiting Japan on a guided tour, among other COVID-19 measures.

Before you book your next flight out, here’s all you need to know about travelling to Japan in 2022, from what Japan’s travel restrictions are, to where you can get a Japan tour in Singapore and potential places to visit.  

Japan travel restrictions: Entry requirements and COVID-19 measures 

Japan may have finally opened its borders to foreign travellers, but tourists looking to return to this popular destination have to fulfil a relatively strict list of requirements.

In the first phase of its opening, only tourists on package tours will be allowed into the country. A cap of 20,000 overseas arrivals per day applies as well. 

As part of Japan’s travel restrictions, visitors have to wear their masks at all times, whether indoors or outdoors, and have to be accompanied with a tour guide throughout their trip. This will likely mean smaller, private tours that are more expensive than mass guided tours of the past.

For those who remain unfazed by the requirements, here’s what you need to do to travel to Japan as advised by the Japan National Tourism Organization: 

1. Book a tour with a registered tour agency and apply for a tourist visa 

The visa exemption scheme that Japan has with Singapore is currently suspended due to the pandemic; travellers are required to obtain a tourist visa before visiting Japan.

The tour agency will help you submit your tourist visa application along with your itinerary for the trip. If approved by Japan’s authorities, you’ll then have to collect your visa at the embassy. 

2. Get travel insurance 

As part of your tourist visa application, you are required to have private insurance that can help to cover your medical fees in Japan in the off chance that you need medical assistance.

Travel insurance is the best way to get this covered, and plans such as Singtel Travel Protect covers overseas medical expenses of up to $1,000,000, which includes up to $150,000 for COVID-19.

3. Take pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test 

Visitors from specific countries can travel to Japan quarantine-free without having to take an on-arrival test. This applies to countries that are under Japan’s ‘Group Blue’ category, which Singapore falls under.

However, all travellers are required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test and submit a negative result 72 hours before departing Singapore. 

4. Submit your COVID-19 test result and complete a questionnaire  

You can Fast Track the immigration process by completing a pre-departure questionnaire at least 6 hours before you arrive in Japan.

The questionnaire and submission of your negative COVID-19 test result can be done on the MySOS app. This app is also where you can upload your vaccination certificate and written pledge, though it’s not required for travellers from Singapore.

Overall, Japan’s travel restrictions may be a bit more restrictive compared to the likes of nearby holiday destinations like Thailand and Indonesia, but it is more than manageable, especially when you find the right tour. 

Where to book a Japan tour package 

For those who prefer travelling free and easy, you might have to wait a while longer before heading over to Japan.

For the rest, here’s a snapshot of agencies offering tours to Japan from Singapore. We’ve also included how much a Japan tour package may cost, depending on itinerary. 

Japan itineraries and tour package prices 

How much will it cost to travel to Japan in 2022?  

The bulk of travel costs, including big ticket items like flights and accommodation, will be covered in your Japan tour package.

However, this doesn’t usually include expenses like shopping and your pre-trip preparation. You may have to pay out of pocket for some of your meals too.

Here’s an estimate of how much travelling to Japan will cost you in 2022.

●      Japan tour package: Minimally $3,000

●      Pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test: Between $70 to $140

●      Travel insurance: From $45.45 for a 9 day trip to Japan with Singtel Travel Protect, which includes COVID-19 coverage

●      Shopping expenses: ~$800

●      Food: ~$50 per day; $350 for a week

Total: At least $4,305 per person

Japan travel guide: Places to visit  

Instead of usual hotspots like Tokyo and Hokkaido, here are four other destinations to consider for a different experience. 

1. Nagano

Located 245km northwest of Tokyo, Nagano is the place to be for picturesque scenes of wild snow monkeys lounging in an onsen bath. It is also home to stunning landscapes, snowy slopes that are great for skiing, as well as shrines and temples including the famed Zenko-Ji Temple. 

2. Aomori

Aomori is known for its apples, and its Nebuta festival in Summer that is characterised by a powerful display of fireworks and gigantic floats. Nature lovers can also have their fill of mountains, rivers and snow at Shirakami Sanchi – a mountain and UNESCO world heritage site – as well as Oirase Gorge and Cape Tappi. 

3. Kyushu

Besides ramen, Kyushu is famous for its natural hot springs and volcanoes, including Mount Aso – the world’s largest active volcanic crater. History and culture buffs would also enjoy the Kumamoto Castle and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. 

4. Miyagi

Home to some of Japan’s largest fishing ports and as one of the country’s largest oyster producers, Miyagi has some of the freshest seafood. It is also an animal lover’s dream come true as it offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with free-roaming foxes at Fox Village on Mount Zao, the cats on Tashirojima Island, and sacred wild deer on Kinkasan Island.

Travel worry-free with Singtel 

All ready to travel to Japan? Capture Japan’s rich culture and stunning natural landscapes on the go with Singtel ReadyRoam, where you can stay connected from just $5/GB for 30 days.

Also make sure you’re well-protected with a robust travel insurance plan like Singtel Travel Protect, especially if you’re planning to trek along one of Japan’s natural wonders.

With benefits that include trip disruptions and overseas medical treatment of up to S$1 million, including up to S$150,000 of COVID-19 coverage, Singtel Travel Protect offers comprehensive coverage at affordable prices.

As a bonus, Singtel Mobile customers get to enjoy exclusive benefits with Singtel Travel Protect too! 

From now till 15 Aug 2022, you can enjoy 55% off your Singtel Travel Protect plan. Plan early and purchase your travel insurance!

Terms and conditions apply.

Policy is protected up to specified limits by SDIC.