[Update, May 28] The Japan Tourism Agency has confirmed over Twitter that the Go to Travel campaign is only for domestic tourism. The organisation also mentioned that the subsidy is ‘still under consideration by the Japanese government’. The main objective of the campaign is to increase domestic travel in the aftermath of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and to support local businesses.
the Go to Travel Campaign under consideration by the Japanese government is to stimulate domestic travel demand within Japan after the Covid-19 pandemic and only cover a portion of domestic travel expenses.（２／２）
— 観光庁（Japan Tourism Agency） (@Kanko_Jpn) May 27, 2020
***
There’s plenty to look forward to on the other side of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic: going outside, eating at restaurants and, of course, travelling. As Japan reopens and the world slowly adjusts to the new normal, countries are making initial steps to restart tourism. According to several news reports, the Japanese government has revealed the Go to Travel initiative, which will provide vouchers and discounts of up to ¥20,000 for domestic travel within the country.
The initiative is designed to give people a much-needed vacation, and at the same time, help boost hotels and local businesses struggling under coronavirus restrictions, which have adversely affected both domestic and international travel. The programme is still under consideration, but according to Japan Today, it could start as early as late July. The subsidies will only be available for bookings made through Japanese travel agencies or directly with the hotel or ryokan.
The Japan Times reports that only 2,900 travellers from overseas visited Japan in April, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The last time the monthly number of tourists fell below 10,000 was in 1964. The 99.9 percent drop in travellers is due to the pandemic and Japan’s entry restrictions for non-citizens. Originally, Japan’s goal had been to welcome 40 million tourists in 2020 to grow the economy; last year, 31.9 million visitors travelled to Japan from overseas.
Exact details on the Go to Travel programme are still limited, but as of now, it only applies to domestic travel. No word yet on residency requirements. Entry to Japan for non-citizens is still restricted. However, the ban could be lifted as early as the end of June. For the time being, we can all start preparing our Japan itineraries.
How to travel in Japan, virtually
Ride Japan’s most famous roller coasters online
Visit the top museums in Japan with these virtual tours
Get a sneak peek into Ghibli Museum with these videos
Try some of Japan’s best ramen restaurants in your home city