Japan and Hong Kong are two of our clients’ most popular destinations in Asia. The great news for tourists is that they are finally fully reopening. This is also good news for the economies of these two Asian countries that rely significantly on tourism.

Osaka castle with sakura blossom under sunset in Japan

Japan

As of October 11thk Japan will fully reopen to tourists. Until now, tourists had to travel with approved tour operator groups on package tours and satisfy other requirements and their were daily limits on arrivals. Now, traveling to Japan will be as simple as it was pre-pandemic. Additionally, citizens of the United States as well as those from 68 countries will once again be exempt from obtaining a visa to visit Japan. Japan will require travelers to show either 3 dozes of an approved COVID vaccine or a negative COVID test to enter.

Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, noted the wide interest and importance of relaxing COVID requirements.

“People around the world have been asking, ‘When can we travel to Japan?’” Mr. Kishida said on Wednesday, before the new rules were announced, according to the public broadcaster NHK. “Now, I hope they’ll make plans to visit Japan and get a taste of Japanese cuisine.”

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has also made major changes in its travel restrictions. Now starting next week, visitors to Hong Kong will only need to follow a multiday protocol of PCR testing and health monitoring. Until now, Hong Kong has had some of the toughest COVID restrictions around with at one point a mandatory quarantine period 21 days.

“I’m conscious of the fact that, while we need to control the spread of COVID, we also need to ensure that there will be maximum activities in society and economic activities for society to carry on,” John Lee, Hong Kong’s top leader, said this week before the relaxation of the rules on Friday.

Interested in learning more about these developments or in booking a trip to Japan or Hong Kong? Please contact us. We have been to these countries more than once and have top notch tour operators that we work with for these special destinations.

Purple Light Vacations provides you with the knowledge, insight and personalized service to make your vacation all you want it to be at no additional cost. We help you travel in the know wherever you go. To get started, fill out this quick form or call 619.324.1444 (ext. 3).

About the Author

Jonathan Geen is the President of Purple Light Vacations. He received his travel agent certification from Career Quest and has also been awarded the designation of Elite Cruise Counselor, (the highest certification), by the Cruise Line International Association. He is a member of the Travel Leaders consortium and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). He graduated from ASTA's advanced travel advisor certification program and is an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor. He is proud that his company offers added value at no cost to all travelers. Travel in the Know Wherever You Go!