Japan will allow visa-free, independent tourism and abolish its daily arrival cap as of Oct. 11, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said during his visit to New York for the U.N. General Assembly. Mr Kishida also announced a domestic travel incentive scheme that will give discounts on travel, theme park prices, sporting events and concerts. Elaborating on the lifting of restrictions, Kishida said that “on the same day, we plan to launch a campaign to offer domestic travel discounts and event discounts to residents of Japan and hope that many citizens will take advantage of the offer to support the hotel, travel and entertainment sectors that have suffered enormous blows during the pandemic.” The country has allowed visitors since June, but they had to be part of tours. Under a partial easing of restrictions in place since June, Japan allowed tourists only on packaged tours and had a cap on daily arrivals, currently set at 50,000. Travellers to the country also had to apply for a visa. As Taro Kono, Japan’s minister of digital affairs, tweeted, “Finally, Japan will reopen the border. Visa waiver is back, no daily limit and free individual visits.”
