Japan is open to tourists but is it ready for them?

After 2.5 years of being closed due to Princess Rona’s world travel series – Japan finally fully opens it’s doors to tourists!

From Tuesday 11th October at 4am, Japan will reinstate it’s visa-free travel to countries around the world, ending its strict border controls in the world! The prime minister hopes that the tourism will help boost their economy which has -understandably- been struggling since the pandemic started.

I will not bore you with the numbers but they are struggling but it brings to mind the question – are they really ready to open up? There was a SURGE in flight sales since the announcement but Japan’s hospitality industry is struggling with staff shortages. Think back to the start of the summer here in Europe where the staff shortages in our biggest airports meant long queues, lost baggage and the like disrupted the flow for many will be something that Japan will be experiencing.

Reality check

People who were working in the hospitality industry around the world found better paying jobs and better conditions during the pandemic and some have sworn to never go back and I am sure that Japan is not exempt from this.

All I am going say is I hope that provisions are made and that travellers lives are not made harder. I know a lot of people will be annoyed about having to wear masks on planes and around public spaces but they are going to have to get over it.

I will most definitely be going to Japan in the next few months just because – why not?!

Once more updates come, you know I will be updating you!

Tillyah