Japan Travel Changes: The New Japan Is Open And Ready For You

Australia is one of 68 designated countries whose citizens can enter Japan with visa free entry that resumed in October 2022. This means Aussie travellers can visit Japan for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without needing a visa. However, note that you'll need either an ePassport or a machine-readable passport (MRP) to enter Japan visa free.  

Even during the height of Covid-19, mask wearing was never a legal requirement in Japan.  But the ever hygiene-conscious Japanese took it on themselves to wear masks as a matter of politeness and good sense that continues to this day.  Of course, the choice is yours whether you want to mask-up on fast-track public transportation such as the Keisei Sen train from Narita to Tokyo. 

But for the sake of sound manners and making accommodations in the interests of international diplomacy, you might want to take it on the chin and cover that shiny schnoz in indoor settings when you next visit Japan.

Most major carriers in the region have resumed flights between Australia and Tokyo since Japan relaxed its Covid-19 protocols and re-opened. These airlines include Jetstar, Thai Airways, Philippine Airways and Cathay Pacific — although direct flights are only offered by a handful of airlines including Qantas, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.   

Breaking up your journey to take in more of South-East Asia is popular with many travellers from Australia. Convenient stopovers either to or from Japan include Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. Talk to a Flight Centre consultant to find out more.  

Travellers returning to post-pandemic Japan will be met with a little surprise. For macroeconomic reasons I won't over-excite you with in this blog, the Japanese Yen is currently at a low ebb compared to most major currencies. So, you're likely to find your hard-earned dollar, pound or rand will get you a little further if you visit Japan this year.  

Global inflationary pressure may have pushed up the price of most everyday items in Japan, but no more than at convenience stores down the road from where you live.

From trendy bars to improved public transportation to new theme parks and festivals, Japan is ever-changing. 

Having just reopened in April 2023, Shibuya Sky Rooftop Bar is a popular open-air pub atop Shibuya Scramble Square with a fantastic view of the city, especially at night when all the lights of skyscrapers illuminate the skyline.  

From here you can see iconic landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree and even Mt Fuji if the hazy horizon allows. The rooftop may be pricey, but the food and drinks are well worth it.  

While you're in the Shibuya area, be sure to take advantage of a brand new public transportation route from Shibuya to the popular Gotemba shopping strip in Shizuoka prefecture.  

The Gotemba Premium Outlets are a one-stop shop for the fashion-hungry. You will find everything from premium to value collections from the world's most renowned brands such as Burberry, Coach, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and more.  

Tokyo sure loves its towers! The brand spanking new Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in the hip Kabukicho district of Shinjuku is perhaps Tokyo's most ambitious hotel and entertainment centre yet. It's certainly the biggest. Boasting a cinema, two luxury hotels, a concert venue, and more food outlets than you could shake a set of chopsticks at, the 53-floor tower is setting the scene for a brave new Tokyo.  

Hotel guests can also experience the bustling nightlife and entertainment district of Kabukicho, just minutes away from their hotel.

Tokyo’s wizards, witches and muggles will get their first look at the brand new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Harry Potter themed attraction is expected to open in June 2023 on the old site of the Toshimaen amusement park in Nerima. 

The park will feature all of our favourite characters and details from the movie, including costumes, props, special effects and models used in the films. 

Entry will be limited daily so those lucky enough to get in first can enjoy the exhibit crowd-free.  

Japan has a proud tradition of festivals that regularly take place in its major cities. These festivals are elaborate, colourful and exciting. Each of the following festivals have their own unique history, set of customs, costumes and ceremonies and have been celebrated for decades by the people of Japan.  

Here's just a sample that are attended by locals and tourists alike.  

The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri has been celebrated for centuries and has now become a national symbol in Japan. The festival honours traditions of a pre-harvest ritual to drive out spirits of nebuta or "sleepiness" and is held 2 – 7 August each year.  

Kanda Matsuri is one of the three great festivals held in Tokyo during summer. The festival is a traditional demonstration of Tokyo's historic prosperity and is celebrated in mid-May every "odd" year.

Chichibu Yomatsuri is a yearly festival held at Chichibu Shrine in Saitama Prefecture. This festival represents Japanese history and culture and is organised with traditional music, dance, food and fireworks. It's held every year, 2 – 3 December.

One of several Tanabata or "star" festivals held in Japan, Miyagi's festival is famous for the beautiful 5-metre streamers that adorn the city's main shopping arcade every August.

The Awa Odori Festival is a vibrant celebration held every August in Tokushima City. It's a folk dance festival based on traditional music. The most exciting part of the festival is the colourful costumes of the dancers as they hit the streets every 12 – 15 August.