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2021 Japan COVID-19 Updates: Japan Travel Restrictions & News

By The byFood Team
Updated: December 23, 2021

Coronavirus in Japan

The coronavirus outbreak hit Japan at a crucial time, just months before the scheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics; and currently, Japan’s border is still closed to international tourists, with no sign of reopening yet. 

While the rate of domestic infections is well below those seen in the U.S. and Europe, Japan’s vaccine rollout has been slower, and new waves of the virus have brought on renewed state of emergency measures. 

On July 12, 2021, the fourth state of emergency went into effect in Tokyo, scheduled to last for the duration of the Olympics. See the "2021 Japan Covid-19 Updates" section below for additional info.

Japan's Travel Restrictions

To contain the spread of the coronavirus, Japan’s borders are currently closed to foreign tourists. The country is open only to foreign residents of Japan, businesspeople, students, and technical interns or those with special circumstances, for whom the quarantine period has been decreased from 10 days to 3 days.

While there is no word yet about when tourism will resume in Japan, it is unlikely to be before 2022.

For the latest info regarding Japan travel restrictions, including quarantine measures and a list of countries where foreign nationals are denied entry into Japan, see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs border enforcement measures.

Government Requests Under the State of Emergency:

  • Restaurants serving alcohol and karaoke bars that allow BYOB are asked to close
  • Restaurants are requested to close by 8:00pm (delivery & takeout services excluded)
  • Facilities used by large numbers of people are asked to close by 8:00pm
  • Please refrain from drinking in groups on the streets or at parks 
  • Please refrain from unnecessary excursions, including during the daytime (in particular, avoid going out after 8:00pm, especially to crowded places)
  • If traveling due to unavoidable circumstances, please take measures to prevent infection and have a checkup before departure/at the arrival destination
  • Businesses should aim to reduce the number of employees commuting to work by 70%
  • Businesses should refrain from working after 8:00pm unless necessary
  • Staggered work hours and commuting by bicycle are recommended  

See the full state of emergency policy here.

Update: The state of emergency has been lifted as of Friday, October 1st.

2021 Japan Covid-19 Updates

Here is the latest news from Japan, including coverage of the Tokyo Olympics, vaccine rollout, and Japan travel updates.

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Follow us on YouTube and Instagram to keep up with the latest in Japanese food trends and news, as well as travel updates!

We strive to be as accurate as possible and keep up with the changing landscape of Japan's food and travel industries. If you spot any inaccuracies, please send a report.
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The byFood Team
Sharing our love of Japanese cuisine and culture, with the mission of spreading happiness through food.
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