Your guide to planning Japan travel
Prior to the pandemic, Japan was one of the most popular destinations for Australians, with more than half a million travellers annually experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the Land of the Rising Sun.
While COVID-19 hampered travel plans for several years, the country is open again and travelling to Japan from Australia is back on the agenda. Here, we cover what you need to know about visiting Japan, including border restrictions, vaccination requirements, mask-wearing and more to keep you safe while abroad.
Visiting Japan from Australia is back on the travel agenda
If you’ve been wondering “Can I travel to Japan from Australia yet?” you’ll be happy to know that this popular tourist destination is once again open to the world.
So, whether your Japan travels from Australia will immerse you in the country’s intriguing history, excite your tastebuds with mouth-watering cuisine, or get your adrenaline racing on some of Asia’s finest ski slopes, it’s time to prepare for your trip!
Can Australians travel to Japan again?
Yes! Not only is travelling to Japan from Australia a top priority for many travellers, but you can do so without most of the previous restrictions. As of 11 October, the Government of Japan peeled back a number of measures to make it easier to enter and enjoy the country:
- Daily traveller caps lifted (previously 50,000 entrants per day).
- Visa-free travel reinstated to visitors from select countries, including Australia.
- Travellers are free to book their own flights and accommodation (no longer necessary to buy a packaged tour).
- Testing for COVID-19 both pre-flight and upon arrival at the airport have been scrapped for those with a valid vaccination certificate.
Is it safe to travel to Japan from Australia due to COVID-19?
While generally it is safe to travel to Japan from Australia, it’s important to be aware that COVID-19 is still circulating in the country, particularly in busy metropolitan areas.
The Japanese population managed to avoid a major surge in COVID cases for the first two years of the pandemic, but at the start of 2022 it experienced a significant increase in cases. This was brought under control in the following months, before cases increased once again towards the end of 2022.
While COVID is present in increased numbers, it’s important to practise good hygiene, follow the local health authority’s advice and stay away from others if you feel unwell.
What Australians travelling to Japan need to enter the country
Despite the lifting of most restrictions, there are still border rules you must abide by when visiting Japan from Australia.
You will need to provide a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (i.e. three or more doses) or show proof that you have returned a negative COVID-19 test which was swabbed within 72 hours of your flight’s departure – approved tests only, no rapid-antigen tests.
Australians travelling to Japan will also need to fill out a COVID-19 questionnaire, and the government recommends you download the MySOS app (or use the website) and use the Fast Track service to streamline your entry into Japan.
COVID-19 rules and restrictions for Japan travel
While Japan has lifted most of its emergency pandemic measures, COVID-19 remains a risk throughout the country and mask-wearing is the norm. Some local areas may also be enforcing their own COVID-19 restrictions, so stay on top of the latest news for where you plan to travel and always follow the local health advice.
Also note that Japan has strict rules around the type of medication you can bring into the country – whether or not it is related to COVID-19. Some cold and flu medications, for example, as well as ingredients in ADHD medication may be banned from entering the country.
If you plan to pack medications for your Japan travels from Australia, make sure you check advice from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan before leaving.
Safety advice for Australians travelling to Japan
When you travel to Japan from Australia, there are some additional health and safety warnings you should know about – beyond pandemic-related measures.
Japan is susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis, with the most activity occurring between July and September. Be sure to check travel alerts regularly to stay across forecasted weather events or warnings.
In winter the country can also experience heavy snowfall and low temperatures. It's these weather conditions we have to thank for Japan’s impeccable ski resorts, but Australians travelling to Japan take note: always wear protective gear and only visit safe areas when travelling for skiing and snowboarding.
The effects of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant disaster in 2011 are ongoing, and there exists a large Exclusion Zone that is still exposed to high levels of radiation. While many parts of the region remain restricted, there are dedicated tours you can book. Make sure you do your own research into the potential short- and long-term health impacts of visiting this area.
Finally, be aware that Japanese encephalitis is active in certain rural parts of the country, and outbreaks of both measles and rubella have been reported in recent years. Make sure your vaccinations are all up to date before visiting Japan from Australia.
Travel insurance, particularly a policy with COVID benefits, can give you peace of mind when travelling to Japan from Australia. Before heading overseas, find out more about Medibank's travel insurance.
