In October 2022, Japan reopens to unrestricted foreign travel for the first time in two years since the pandemic closed its borders.
Tour operators like Intrepid Travel are seeing a surge in tourists as pent-up demand makes the country one of the top destinations in 2023. Intrepid has announced more than 240 Japan travel departures for 2023, according to Intrepid Japan managing director Kenny Onishi.
What should tourists expect from these relaunched Japan tours, and what advice should travel advisors give customers? After the opening, I took part in one of Intrepid’s first Japan tours, and share the tour highlights and the main things I learned from the experience below.
What travelers should know about traveling in Japan:
- Americans do not need a visa, but pre-registration is required: Japan has ended its temporary visa requirement for U.S. visitors, but incoming visitors must still pre-register through Visit Japan Web and provide proof of vaccinations or recent test results. Clients (and tour companies) should be advised to check the US Embassy Japan website for the latest information.
- JayHistorically, apan is cheap now. While the dollar-yen exchange rate has retreated from recent 30-year highs, the current exchange rate of 130 yen to the dollar means travelers will see domestic prices about 25% cheaper than before the pandemic. That means more affordable shopping, dining, attractions, transportation and accommodation. Prices for organized tours in US dollars remained stable.
- Wearing a mask is still almost universal in Japan. Visitors should note that many shops, hotel lobbies, vehicles and attractions still require the wearing of masks as a precaution against COVID-19, although there is no official government mandate. Except for meals and some outdoor activities, most Japanese still wear masks at all times in public.
- Fewer tourists in Japan mean now is a good time to visit. According to Intrepid’s Onishi, tourist arrivals in Japan are still falling, given China’s continued lack of tourism, which typically accounts for 60% of total inbound tourists. Fewer visitors to tourist attractions means now is a good time to book travel, at least in the short to medium term.
Tour Highlights: Premium Japan Tours with Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel has long been a leader in travel to Japan, with an impressive 240 scheduled travel departures for 2023 on more than a dozen unique itineraries. These trips range from 8 days to 24 days and include budget, luxury, cultural immersion, gourmet, family and offer action-adventure options.
I took Intrepid’s Premium Japan Tour, a 12-day tour that covered the country’s culture and sights. The “Premium” experience (tours start at $7,435 per person, excluding airfare) offers customers higher-level lodging and dining options, as well as unique experiences such as sushi-making classes and meditation retreats at classic Kyoto Zen sanctuaries.
Bilingual local experts lead our tours, leading our eight guests on daily tours and offering advice and navigation tips for free time activities. Tour sizes are usually 8-12 people, including couples and solo travelers.
Our tour begins in Tokyo, once the most intimidating and accessible city in Japan. This crowded, sprawling, neon-lit metropolis can be overwhelming on its own, but it’s actually pretty easy to get around thanks to its ultra-efficient rail system. Our guide browsed a rainbow spaghetti map of two different train lines and took us around town like VIPs.
The hotel where we stayed for the first two nights was in the upper end of the 3-star category (typical for this trip), with buffet breakfast, great views, and close to the main sights. Tokyo’s famous Asakusa Shrine is just a stone’s throw away, allowing us to visit early in the morning and avoid the crowds.
For me, the highlight of a trip to Tokyo is the foodie’s total immersion in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Street Market, sampling a variety of freshly prepared seafood followed by a sushi-making class.
The tour strives to balance city and country, taking us to a UNESCO heritage site in an alpine mountain farming community, where traditional straw A-frame houses are set in stunning alpine scenery. We also sailed in Hakone National Park near the snow-capped peak of Mt.
The journey continues, heading to Hiroshima via the Shinkansen bullet train, for a thought-provoking history lesson at the Peace Park Memorial. Explorations of local food and parks lighten the mood.
Kyoto’s status as the classical capital of Japan makes it a must stop on any trip to Japan. This concludes your Intrepid Tour, a visit to classic centuries-old shrines and temples interspersed with a delicious and artistic traditional kaiseki meal.
For first-time visitors to Japan, Intrepid’s premium Japan tours cover all the highlights, offering breadth and depth of experience, providing visitors with stories to share for years to come. The only downside to this kind of comprehensive travel is the time spent in transportation between locations, requiring multiple hours-long train rides. For clients looking for more depth and less travel, I would recommend tours that are geographically narrower and focus on specific areas. Customers can always come back for more!
