Japan Tourism Topics

1.Japan to begin accepting overseas visitors from today

Starting today, June 10th, Japan will begin accepting overseas visitors on guided package tours, marking the resumption of inbound tourism following the two-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are delighted to welcome overseas tourists back!

Visitors on guided package tours from countries and regions in the blue category can enter Japan without the need for COVID testing or isolation upon arrival, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.

Please refer to the following JNTO website for information on the required procedures and precautions when traveling to Japan.
COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan

For more information on visa, quarantine, and other entry procedures, please refer to the following websites.
MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): grouping of the countries/regions and the respective measures
MHLW (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare): COVID-19: Current Japanese Border Measures

2. Discover diverse cuisine in Taito city using the "Tokyo Dietary Diversity Map"

Ever had trouble finding a restaurant in Japan that offers the food you need? Tokyo's Taito city has created a user-friendly map for visitors with special dietary needs. It introduces restaurants in the Asakusa, Ueno and Yanaka areas that offer Muslim, vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
Taito City

3. Capture the magical sight of fireflies in the gardens of Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

The sight of fireflies in early summer evenings in Japan is not to be missed, and the gardens of the legendary Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo are an ideal spot from which to view these. Visitors can enjoy this magical scene from May 20 to July 3. Numerous family-friendly events will also be held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the hotel.
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

4. Let a rainbow of hydrangeas brighten up your rainy season!

Colorful hydrangea blossoms in purple, blue and pink are a symbol of the rainy season in Japan. In the countryside of Mobara city in Chiba, visitors will be delighted to find what some refer to as the "Hydrangea House," a hill covered with over 250 varieties of beautiful hydrangeas during the month of June.
Hattori Hydrangea House

5. Enjoy seasonal delights while trekking in Nikko National Park

Between spring and early summer, visitors to Nikko National Park will find seasonal flowers such as kurinso (Japanese primrose) around the northern part of Lake Chuzenji, and they can spot some constellations unique to this season in the night sky. Bird-watching tours can also be organized for those interested in sighting wild birds!
Nikko National Park
Please note that some parts of the Park trails are closed until September 2022 owing to construction work.

6. City Tourism Hotel "OMO7 Osaka," a charming new place to stay in Osaka

OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts is not what visitors would typically expect to find in the center of a big Japanese city. Opened in April this year, the hotel is located in front of Shin-Imamiya station in the city of Osaka, surrounded by an expanse of open green garden, a perfect urban tourism location. Under the concept "Big-hearted and Brassy, Osaka is Yours," the hotel offers visitors opportunities to experience the local food and culture of Osaka through its local guided tours, dining facilities and in its public area, known as "the travelers' fun lounge."
OMO7 Osaka

7. Cormorant fishing on the Nagara river in Gifu

Gifu city's traditional cormorant fishing season began on May 11 and will last until October 15. Cormorant fishing is a traditional fishing method undertaken at night in which a cormorant fishing master and cormorant birds work together to fish using the reflections of lantern flames on the dark surface of the river. For the first time in three years, visitors will be allowed to watch this unique fishing experience close up. If you like fishing or learning about unique Japanese traditions, be sure to book a seat on an observation boat!
Gifu Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River

8. Treat yourself to a luxury stay at the landmark Hotel Marufukuro in Kyoto

The former headquarters building of Nintendo, founded in 1889 in Kyoto, has been transformed into the brand new Hotel Marufukuro. The hotel, which opened for business in April 2022, incorporates a new section of the building that was partly designed by Tadao Ando, a leading Japanese contemporary architect, and imbues nostalgic ambience with a modern touch. Inside the hotel, there is an exclusive library where hotel guests and event guests can learn about the origins and history of Nintendo.
Marufukuro

9. Rediscover the fun of learning at Nara Prefecture Historical & Artistic Culture Complex

This newly opened complex offers opportunities for visitors at all ages to learn something new using their five senses. Visitors will get to experience the culture that the people of Nara take such pride in - its history, art, food, agriculture, and more. The multifunctional complex is also displaying to the public for the first time the conservation studios of four types of cultural properties: Buddhist sculptures, paintings and calligraphic works, historical buildings, and archaeological artefacts.
Nara Prefecture Historical & Artistic Culture Complex

10. Enter a new world of sports at E-sports park "RED° TOKYO TOWER"

The capital's landmark Tokyo Tower has just opened a new attraction for gaming lovers. Visitors to the facility, which opened in April this year, can now play the latest game titles and enjoy competitions and events in an e-sports facility equipped with the world's most advanced extended reality technology.
RED° TOKYO TOWER

11. A new cultural exchange experience for all in Kitakyushu

Opened in April 2022, the Outlets Kitakyushu is a multifunctional complex with an international atmosphere where both local residents and visitors can enjoy shopping, entertainment and education. In addition to the many trendy stores, the new facility also features "Space LABO," a new science museum, and "KITAKYUSHU GLOBAL GATEWAY," an educational and entertainment facility.
Press release for the Outlets Kitakyushu
The Outlets Kitakyushu / Space LABO / Kitakyushu Global Gateway (only available in Japanese language)

Please note the above details are correct as of the time of publication, and may be subject to change.

For media inquiries, including requests to use photographs, please contact:
JNTO Press office media_inquiry@jnto.go.jp