##UPDATED: While the State Of Emergency has been lifted in Japan for all previously affected prefectures, we’d like to remind everyone that this does not equate to the borders reopening to International travel just yet. We’ve received many posts on the supposed travel reimbursement program by the Japanese Government for tourists, and there is no indication this will apply to International tourism, it appears to only be applicable to local tourists/domestic tourism. [**It has been confirmed by the Japan Tourism Agency in this article from The Japan Times that it is only intended to help boost tourism among Japanese in Japan. This rebate will not apply to foreign tourists in the future.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/05/27/national/japan-wont-pay-half-visitors-expenses/#.XtCSwDpKiUk)
**Please wait until official Government announcements are made and protocol established before booking or rebooking any flights, hotels, or other forms of entertainment for any future trips.** Any break in the spread of the virus at this time is fragile and many countries are expecting a second wave of infections to occur – which could lead to more cancellations later in this year, even if a few months pass with no new infections.
This thread will be open for fair discussion regarding the situation with COVID-19 in Japan, along with tracking the ongoing closures and extension of closures for tourist attractions in Japan. All comments and links are under Moderator review and removed or approved as necessary. We expect ALL users in this sub to be civil at ALL times – no matter what. It’s fair to be afraid, but it’s unfair to spread panic and we will not hesitate to remove comments and ban users for going off-topic or being uncivil.
**As of April 3rd, ALL foreign nationals are being refused entry to the country – and all Visa Exemptions have been revoked. We advise our users to NOT book any travel at this time. Questions regarding when/how soon the borders will reopen will be locked to replies.**
**Transit through Japan is ONLY possible through Narita or Haneda. You cannot depart the airport without facing quarantine measures. If you have booked your trip already, or are flying on a rebooked ticket, please speak to your airline right away if you have any further concerns.**
[**If you are seeking information on your Work/School related entry, please go to /r/movingtojapan’s Megathread.**](https://www.reddit.com/r/movingtojapan/comments/gdqrxl/coronavirus_covid19s_impact_on_moving_to_japan/)
Unfortunately, outside of “Nobody is allowed to enter, and we do not know when this will change” – there is no further information on that topic that this sub can offer you.
A backup of the original thread with minor changes is found in our [**FAQ.**](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/faqs/japantravel#wiki_.22i_need_some_information_about_the_covid-19_situation_in_japan._what_do_you_know_at_this_time.3F.22)
Please check [**here**]( https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/evs3f9/japan_travel_the_2019ncov_and_you_guidelines_on/) for the original post from when this situation began, and [**here**](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/fhamb5/japan_travel_covid19_and_you_guidelines_on_travel/) for the most recent thread from this event. The first Discussion Thread is [here,](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/fn9gul/covid19_weekly_discussion_thread_1st_edition/), the Second Edition is [here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/fvsghv/covid19_biweekly_discussion_thread_2nd_edition/)
**Are you looking for the Meet-up Thread? As travel into Japan at this time is restricted, we have decide to decline posting the Meetup Thread at this time, until travel bans are lifted. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us using ModMail – linked in the side bar.**
##**CLOSURE ALERTS – May 2020**
[As we continue to check for closures and cancellations, please note that Japan-Guide has also been keeping a Masterlist of information on their site for any tourists who are looking for information at this time.](https://www.japan-guide.com/news/alerts.html)
##**Tokyo – Attractions & Events:**
>[Mt Fuji will be closed to all climbers for the 2020 season. No huts along any trail will be open this year.](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6901.html)
>[Tokyo Game Show in September has been cancelled.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200508_19/) Organizers are examining the possibility of an online exhibtion later this year.
>[Mountain Huts on Yoshida Trail are being closed for this year’s climbing season. The Prefecture is evaluating a possible full closure of Mt Fuji for the year as well.](http://www.mtfuji.jpn.org/suspend_eng.htm)
>[Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is closed indefinitely.](https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/tenbou/index.html)
>[The Yayoi Kusama Museum has extended its closure to 05/20.](https://yayoikusamamuseum.jp/en/home/#news)
>[Edo Tokyo Museum is closed indefinitely.](https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/)
>[Kidzania in Tokyo is closed until 05/31.](http://www.kidzania.jp/tokyo/en/)
>[Snoopyland is closed indefinitely.](https://snoopymuseum.tokyo/s/smt/news/detail/10026?ima=0000)
>[Comiket in May has been cancelled.](https://soranews24.com/2020/03/27/comiket-cancelled-as-coronavirus-knocks-off-tokyos-biggest-otaku-celebration/)
>[The Ghibli Museum is closed indefinitely.](http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/notice/013250/) The notice also provides info on refunds for reservations via JTB through July 31st.
>[TeamLab Borderless is closed indefinitely.](https://borderless.teamlab.art/faq)
>[Teamlab Planets is closed until Mid-May.](https://planets.teamlab.art/tokyo/)
>[Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea has extended the closure until Mid-May.](https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/topics/20200228_important.html) One of our users, /u/Shirahugs, [has provided some information on the cancellations in this link](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/evs3f9/japan_travel_the_2019ncov_and_you_guidelines_on/fk7hdsb/) We have also been provided a link [here](https://tkt.tokyodisneyresort.jp/) from /u/Stueykins.
>[21_21 Design Sight in Tokyo is closed indefinitely.](http://www.2121designsight.jp/en/information/index.html#corona)
>[Shining Moon Tokyo is closed indefinitely](http://sailormoon-official.com/stage/information/shiningmoon_0502.php)
>[Mazaria Bandai VR Arcade is closed indefinitely.](https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/others/mazaria/jp/news/article.php?p=439)
>[Ueno Zoological Gardens is closed indefinitely.](https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/index.html)
>[Miraikan is closed indefinitely.](https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/info/2002271525594.html)
>[Japan Olympic Museum in Tokyo is closed indefinitely.](https://japan-olympicmuseum.jp/en/information/IF000052)
>[Tokyo’s Sega Joypolis is closed indefinitely.](https://tokyo-joypolis.com/language/english/index.html)
>[Toyota MegaWeb is closed indefinitely.](https://www.megaweb.gr.jp/article/service_info/)
>[Tokyo Skytree Tower is closed indefinitely as is the Sumida Aquarium. Solamachi Shopping Center is operating under reduced business hours.](http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/news/info/112)
>[Mori Art Museum & Tokyo City View is closed indefinitely.](https://www.mori.art.museum/en/news/2020/03/3990/index.html)
>Nissan Heritage Museum has cancelled tours.
>[Saitama Railway Museum is closed indefinitely.](http://www.railway-museum.jp/)
>[Tokyo Metro Museum is closed indefinitely.](http://www.chikahaku.jp/contents/notification/2020/20200228.html)
>[Tokyo National Museum is closed indefinitely.](https://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_free_page/index.php?id=2015)
>[Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo is closed until June.](https://www.puroland.jp/important/info_0221/)
##**Tokyo – Food/Drink Establishments:**
>[Toyosu Market Observation Area is closed indefinitely.](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3013_market.html)
>[Pokemon Cafe is closed indefinitely. Individuals are being contacted about their bookings.](https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/news/200402_01.html)
##**Kyoto – Attractions:**
>[Kyoto National Museum is closed indefinitely.](https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/oshirase/post_200408.html)
>[Kyoto Railway Museum is now closed indefinitely.](http://www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp/en/news/detail.php?id=556&20200406141140)
>[Kyoto Manga Museum is now closed until 05/31.](https://www.kyotomm.jp/en/2020/04/09/extend-temporary-closure2/)
##**Osaka – Attractions:**
>[Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN, Santa Maria Cruise Ship, and the Ferris Wheel appear to be closed indefinitely.](https://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/)
>[USJ Osaka is extending closures until 05/18.](https://www.usj.co.jp/news/2020/0409.html)
>[Osaka Natural History Museum is closed indefinitely.](https://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/)
>[Abeno Harukas Observatory & Museum in Osaka is closed indefinitely.](https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/news/index.php#news200)
>[Osaka Castle Museum has reopened with restrictions in place.](https://www.osakacastle.net/english/)
##**Other Locations in Japan:**
>[Fukui Dinosaur museum is closed indefinitely.](https://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/)
>[Yokohama Cosmo World is closed until 05/31.](http://cosmoworld.jp/)
>[Fukuoka Museum of Asian Art is closed until 05/31.](https://faam.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/)
>[Sanrio Harmonyland in Kyushu is extending its closure until Early June.](https://www.harmonyland.jp/smp/rinji-enc0501.html)
>[Himeji Castle has extended its closure until 05/31.](https://www.himejicastle.jp/)
>[Huis Ten Bosch indoor facilities will remain closed until 05/15.](http://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/community/?mode=view&Type=1&no=2053)
>[Hiroshima Peace museum is now closed until 05/17.](http://hpmmuseum.jp/?lang=eng)
>[Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima is closed indefinitely.](http://shukkeien.jp/)
>[Matsumoto castle is closed indefinitely. Honmaru Garden will remain open, and with free admission!](https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/topics/3922.html)
>[Nagasaki Peace Museum, and Oura Cathedral are both closed due to the virus.](https://nabmuseum.jp/oshirase/20200302/) [It appears as though the Atomic Bomb Museum is still open, with restrictions.](https://nabmuseum.jp/oshirase/20200302/)
>[Matsumoto City Museum of Art is closed indefintely.](http://matsumoto-artmuse.jp/news/13670/)
>[Hiroshima Castle is closed indefinitely.](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3402.html)
>[Nagoya Castle has reopened, Hommaru Palace, & Seinan-sumi Yagura remain closed.](https://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/en/)
##**Brewery Tours: There is no indication when these locations will reopen to the public, if at all. Plan any future visits in accordance with the websites linked below.**
>[Gekkeikan,](https://www.gekkeikan.co.jp/english/kyotofushimi/museum.html) [Sapporo Beer Museum,](https://www.sapporobeer.jp/english/brewery/s_museum/) [Kirin Factory in Yokohama,](https://www.kirin.co.jp/entertainment/factory/yokohama/) [Asahi Brewery in Osaka,](https://www.asahibeer.co.jp/brewery/language/english/) [Yebisu Beer Museum,](https://www.sapporobeer.jp/english/brewery/y_museum/) [Suntory Hakushu Distillery,](https://www.suntory.com/factory/hakushu/?_ga=2.36865571.2027516292.1582601228-952815698.1582601228) [Yamazaki Distillery,](https://www.suntory.com/factory/yamazaki/) [and Nikka Brewery have all cancelled tours, or closed Restaurants/Retail Storefronts indefinitely.](https://www.nikka.com/eng/distilleries/)
46 comments
I’ve got a trip come October so fingers crossed things will smooth over by then! It’s definitely sucky not knowing if it will actually happen or if it’ll have to be postponed. Makes planning things like events and hotel stays seem kind of redundant right now. I’m hearing a huge mix of optimism and pessimism amongst my group and other peers when it comes to having to keep or cancel plans, so I’m just not making any guesses at this point.
Finally accepted reality and rescheduled my June/July flights to November. Fingers crossed international travel is back in business by then.
It’s Gaman Week in Japan. Governments urge people not to travel outside their cities and prefectures for the duration of Golden Week.
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/05/1869ac7435d6-rural-japan-fears-coronavirus-influx-during-golden-week.html
It’s sad that covid-19 has also turned one of my favourite subs into a ghost town. Whenever I was dreaming of my next trip to Japan I’d come here to live vicariously through all you wonderful people, now I can’t even do that 🙁
Not gonna lie, reading these comments make me disheartened about my flight being let in on June 1st, for my school on June 15th, I was supposed to go April, but got pushed back 2 months, and if the travel ban still isn’t lifted, then idk what to do- nothing is refundable, so I’m not sure if the Japan travel ministry would consider that a “exceptional circumstance” to allow me in. (I understand the higher matter is staying safe and self isolating, however please understand that I have private matters going on that make it near impossible to do so, so before remarking such, just a heads up.)
After crying so much I decided to cancel my Octuber/November solo travel, I was saving for this has been 2 years. I know we still have some months, but the situation in my country is terrible right now, I dont even know if I will be able to get the Visa. United is doing the full free cancel so It was the best thing to do. I think I will try again next March/April.
I have a trip planned for November since before the pandemic broke out and I believe people will be allowed to enter Japan with big controls happening at the border. My biggest concern is that I work in a hospital and while I’ve tested negative twice so far I wouldn’t want to get sick the days before flying. Another concern is that since less people will be travelling it is expected airlines will cancel some routes, I’m flying to Osaka and I’m pretty sure they’ll put me on a plane to Tokyo. I’m also aware any plans I had for the trip may change, with many stuff shut down and that I’ll have to wear a mask all time and avoid crowded places.
Just canceled all my hotels and flights for my month long trip in June.
Any guesses on when they will allow travel again?
Back in December I booked my airfare through American Airlines for a June 30th flight from DFW to HND. Then American canceled all of those flights until early July. I was able to get American to switch me to Japan Airlines. My flight arrives July 1st in Haneda.
I’m really hoping they don’t extend the travel ban past the end of May.
When will people start to be confident to travel again? Let’s say if flights resume, travel ban is lifted and most businesses resume. I think there will be some strict measures before the government lifts the travel ban and allow people to come in. But question is how are they going to legally enforce it.
Some cities have beheaded flowers in an effort to keep people from gathering at shrines and parks. The latest one is a wisteria in Fukuoka.
https://grapee.jp/en/138975
Stay home and look at old photos for now.
boy i hope they open by december. idk how airlines will deal with cancellations by then. im feeling somewhat optimistic about japan opening their borders by then but not sure if ill be able to get in coming from america since were doing such a shitty job.
I need some piece of advice or a comment lol. I have a trip scheduled for November. This ticket was originally bought in Nov 2019 to travel in March 2020 but I wanted to reschedule because I knew the quarantine was going to be global at the time of travel so I paid a fee to reschedule to the latest date I could use.
To this day I really do think the Nov trip is not going to happen, for a second time. Mostly because it’s with United and ana and I need to stop in the US and I don’t really see how people is not going to ban flights from the US for the rest of the year because it’s really fucked up out there.
I thought about waiting until October to see how the world’s like because I literally do not have anything else to do. I used the reschedule fee and I didn’t buy a ticket with cancellation policy so I’m really afraid that if I voluntarily cancel this, I will lose 3000 usd. The trip of my dreams, the money I saved for this.. 🙁
Does someone know if I will have a chance, if I can’t travel, to get all of my money back or at least a bit of it?
The beginning of the pandemic (around early feb) , i was constantly checking this subreddit for any news.
I was going to go Japan on April-May. Never happened. Oh well.
I will be there next year. I am hoping. Stay safe guys
This was going to be my wife’s first time going in July. Don’t know if we should hold out on canceling or if we should just cut our losses now.
Wow, genuinely asking because obviously news is not very clear or trustworthy in the US, is it largely decided that US travelers will not be allowed into other countries for a while? I’m bummed but obviously I understand.
My states has handled the issues exceptionally well, IMO, but I do believe we are in the minority.
Obviously had to cancel my march trip but I wanted to spend Christmas in Japan this year (my husband works away so would be my first solo Christmas and holiday) – I know its hard to predict but I’m hoping this will still be a possibility! Anyone else still planning late year trips?
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Has anybody received refunds from ANA for their cancelled trip? When I cancelled on March 2 I was told it would take 45-60 days for my refund. Now it’s closer to 75 and still nothing. I reached out to ANA via email and the response was “it’s taking longer because of COVID-19”
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Betting on October
So I booked a super cheap flight from HNL to KIX during the second week of October. I know that there is no magic way to predict what the future holds, but I’m curious how many of you have booked for autumn or for winter? I’ve of course hedged my bet by getting a flight that will let me reschedule easily on AirAsiaX . Just curious what folks are planning and also let me know where you like to go in autumn/winter.
I have a feeling this pandemic is gonna wreak havoc on my MyMaps… I’m just gonna have to double check that places are still open.
I was supposed to fly out to visit extended family in Japan today, after my exams ended. Unfortunately, my parents and I had to cancel our trip. I’m so sad now 🙁
Just changed my ANA/VS ticket to an open booking. We were supposed to fly out June 2 🙁
I love you all and I cant wait until we can obsess over Japan travel 24/7 together after this is over
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Honestly I’m fine with rescheduling my trip, I’m just dreading what the airlines are going to do to the prices once I can actually rebook. I’m still waiting for my vouchers and I’ve noticed next year’s prices are already higher than what I paid for June this year.
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Legoland in Nagoya set to reopen TODAY! [https://www.legoland.jp/en/](https://www.legoland.jp/en/) .
​
I know we have a list of closures here, can we start compiling reopening plans and dates as they come in? I think this will help everyone keep a positive outlook on things.
Disappointed we are not going in July this year. Already called and got the refund process underway. Just booked a flight for Christmas and most of January this year. Hopefully Japan is allowing foreigners in at that point.
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Our honeymoon, first trip to Japan, was scheduled April 30th to May 19th. Cancelled one week before when japan had finally closed its borders to U.S. Unites gave me a “full refund” in the form of a 2 year voucher. Will try to reschedule for next year but who knows if United will even be in business then and I’ll have to kiss my 5k business class upgrade tickets good buy.
For anyone wondering… The state of emergency is lifted, yes, but during the conference, Abe mentionned that the number of countries *subject to the travel ban will actually be expanded*.
So what is the consensus on Spring 2021, hope or no hope? People seem optimistic with recent itineraries but I just don’t know what to do if I get a ticket and then they shut down again. It seems like new policies are out where Covid won’t get you a refund if it interrupts your trip.
What do you people think, when Japan will be open to travel again? I was hoping to visit during autumn but that seems too optimistic right now. Sucks because In January I will go to my military service and I’m going to be there for a year, was hoping to have a fun break before it.
So I had plans to travel to other countries before going to Japan for my 2nd time around Halloween. I was looking at 24 of October to 7th November.
Do you guys think it’s reasonable to assume that travel would be a lot less restrictive by then? Are there any requirements to quarantine on arrival?
How realistic is that its possible to travel to Japan in July? I already bought a ticket half year ago planning long time to go..
I’m meant to be going to Japan for my honeymoon in mid-September. I know no one knows whether it’ll be possible then, but it’s pretty depressing!
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Anyone holding out hope for September travel to Japan. I rescheduled to leave mid September but don’t know if it’s likely. Things are trending in the right direction at least but who knows.
I wonder if I should make a post about my long Covid stay in Tokyo with my girlfriend. We just got our visa extension yesterday and are tentatively planning to leave in July if our flights don’t get cancelled. We’ve been here since March 15 and quite possibly will be leaving in JAL First Class. I have the points and 1 way tickets are stupid expensive cash right now.
What a wild ride, but a helluva experience to compare with the possibility of moving here. Really glad we did this instead of getting stuck in NYC…
Edo Museum in Tokyo is reopening June 3rd. https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/news/hours-news/28481/notice-edohaku-may2020/
what are the chances of my trip in the start of August being cancelled? I assume they’re quite high but I want to know when I should start looking to getting my money back from the flights and airbnbs.
Heard from Japanese news that they considering opening the borders for citizens from Singapore, Australia, Vietnam and Thailand. Not sure if that includes tourism or not
Please join us in the new Megathread, pinned at the top of the page.
Thanks!