72% of survey respondents say border controls reason for not visiting Japan

I don’t consider myself an Anti-Vader, despite not having been injected with this controlled Infection. I realize I won’t be allowed to enter Japan without it, nor will I be able to accept / be accepted for another contract to go to the Middle East, but I DO believe I could suffer side effects from getting it.

Just like I have a choice as a contract worker to REFUSE an Anthrax “Vaccination”, which is KNOWN to cause catastrophic effects to one’s body, I don’t believe I should have to be injected with this possible poison, just like the trash that was sent to Okinawa from Spain.

I have never done a "tour package" anywhere and never would. When I travel I make my own itinerary and if I want a sleep in I have one. Set tours are not for me. Most Australians are the same when they travel. We may do a day trip (eg, to Mt Fuji) that is like a tour but that is it. Vacations are about zero structure and being in full control of what you do and when.

Japan ENDED The Visa Free Waiver for USA persons....before 90 days visa free stay, NOW the stupid, ridiculous CONTROLLED TOUR GROUP, applying for visa at Japanese embassy...However..JAPANESE people can get on a plane, go to the USA, and NO problem...don't need a visa, just enter and enjoy....Japan is sooooo backward a country.....just OPEN UP..

harkins

there are 3 million foreigners living in Japan.

https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/study_in_kobe/for_international_students/inviting_family_members.html

I don't really have money to travel right now, but if i did i certainly would not go to Japan in an group tour.

When i travel i wish for freedom to stay where i want and go where i want. And preferably not just to see the tourist hot spots that are crawling with foreigners. I want to go to smaller local areas and restaurants, to see museums and walk through the streets and nature at my own pace.

Essentially exactly what an group tour denies.

Redstaff

If you are entering the country with a visa application based on the family of your wife, and your wife does not need a visa being Japanese and the child probably too. You can travel anywhere you wish and will not be stopped or detained.

No one is being stopped and detained.

Come and enjoy your Japanese family and the country.

Thanks, that sounds encouraging.

Lol where'd you get these silly ideas?

Ian

Will you as a European be allowed to go anywhere alone? Hahahaha

Well, as tourists are only allowed in on North Korean style guided tours, I figured that despite it being a family visit, to all intent and purpose I would look a lot like a tourist when alone and sightseeing and brandishing a camera. I just suspected that I might be regularly questioned by travel staff and security personnel. In the past I have enjoyed travelling around the country sightseeing whilst my wife is catching up with school and uni friends. And as so few people are visiting Japan now, it has been difficult to get tales of others experiences.

Luddite

I’m here on a family visit. I can, in theory go out and about, in practice getting funny looks and was refused entry to to a restaurant in Kobe. In fairness, this happened before covid, but got worse in 2020. One of the many reasons why we relocated to the UK.

I have lived in this country for 30 years with my Japanese spouse. Didn't leave during the covid but might go on a UK trip next year.

I don't get any "funny looks" even when I lived in Kobe. Never been refused entry to a bar, club, or restaurant.

I think I would need some stronger reasons to relocate back to the UK.

I live in a place with very few foreigners and have many relationships with the local people.

harkinsToday  03:57 pm JST

When I come to Japan with my Japanese wife and our child to visit her family, will I as a European be allowed to go anywhere alone or will I be stopped, questioned and even detained for being on the loose? Will I need to stay by my wife’s side for the whole trip?

I’m here on a family visit. I can, in theory go out and about, in practice getting funny looks and was refused entry to to a restaurant in Kobe. In fairness, this happened before covid, but got worse in 2020. One of the many reasons why we relocated to the UK.

I am vaccinated 3 times with Pfizer. It seems that I can get through any test.

Japan opening with baby steps. Still long way to go. Going to get my Visa at the embassy, costing me half-day off work.

Agreed. But the most impact is from that pre-travel PCR test.

Yeah especially now that we're having the most infectious variants

@Luddite

Sorry reporting from PCR Test because being positive is like saying there shall not be any positive individual any where outside. It is non-sense to prevent traveling now we know the impact of covid. Millions travel in public means of transport while having tested positive, especially in Japan in trains.

And about insurance, if you pay with a VISA premier/MASTERCARD Gold, Covid should not be an issue.

For your information, no need for specific COVID medical Insurance since I am French.

@三九

Agreed. But the most impact is from that pre-travel PCR test.

Japanese citizens should be affected by the same rules of their government when traveling to US and EU. Just group tours and no independent tourist visa.

Obviously the US and EU don't think so

Japanese citizens should be affected by the same rules of their government when traveling to US and EU. Just group tours and no independent tourist visa.

Instead, they are free to travel everywhere with no restrictions, and this because EU and US understood covid more than 6 months ago, and they are not playing a political games as Kishida is doing.

Looking at comments and articles around the web, you can really see how a bad reputation Japan is building up nowadays, and I think it will take time to improve it again.

When I come to Japan with my Japanese wife and our child to visit her family, will I as a European be allowed to go anywhere alone or will I be stopped, questioned and even detained for being on the loose? Will I need to stay by my wife’s side for the whole trip?

Lol where'd you get these silly ideas?

Will you as a European be allowed to go anywhere alone? Hahahaha

Anyway I wouldnt want to attend a party I wasn't invited to either

Even if everyone wants to come isn't there a cap of 20000 daily?

When I come to Japan with my Japanese wife and our child to visit her family, will I as a European be allowed to go anywhere alone or will I be stopped, questioned and even detained for being on the loose? Will I need to stay by my wife’s side for the whole trip?

It is not a matter of not wanting to visit Japan because of the border controls, it is a matter of not being allowed to visit Japan because of the border controls. The only exception that is accepted for non-essential tourists is if they are approved to be in a complete structured guided tour, but not many want to do that. Vast majority of tourists want the freedom to travel as they please.

Good time for tourists to come, japanese yen is getting wrecked.

For workers though, dont come. Prices are high, yen is getting wrecked, and government aint doing nothing about it.

Sorry. No more pre-departure COVID-19 tests for inbound travelers as of 7 September.

It’s been announced. Not more pre-departure COVID-19 tests for inbound travelers as of 7 September.

@Jonathan Prin Common sense would dictate to get insurance that covers Covid preventing you from travelling. I got it, didn’t cost much.

Among all other futile requirements, do you mean 62% of those who have been surveyed agree it is beneficial to get pre-travel PCR test that can let you lose flight and all what you prepared ?

Has common sense been that so lost nowadays

I agree with some of the above comments - it is time that other countries around the world applied the principle of reciprocity to Japanese travelers. If people cannot freely visit Japan outside of these ridiculous tours, then it is only fair that Japanese tourists cannot freely travel to other countries. Enough with this xenophobic nonsense already - it is hugely disruptive and not just to people who want to visit Japan.

Just announced no pre travel PCR tests required for those who have been vaccinated.

I'm wondering that if you aren't triple vaxxed you still need the 72hr test, or if you just can't get in at all?

Just announced no pre travel PCR tests required for those who have been vaccinated.

As from Sept 7th, triple vaxxed.

Just announced no pre travel PCR tests required for those who have been vaccinated.

No increase in the travel cap.

No individual travel, tours only.

No reinstatement of visa wavers.

So, no change for the average traveller. Japan needs to decide if it’s part of the global economy or not. This typical piecemeal approach is causing great harm economically and internationally. Those saying tourism won’t return even if restrictions are lifted are ridiculous, London is heaving with tourists, European hotels and flights are full of tourists. People want to travel, they want holidays, even in these tough times.

Overly strict and outdated (no surprise there) rules and standards

High rate of coronavirus cases

Xenophobia

Ignorant Government

Stupid North Korean style supervised tour rules

Take your pick........

If a foreigner wants to visit Japan that much, they must respect the rules made by the government. I am for keeping tight border controls in place because the coronavirus is still responsible for too many deaths. China has the correct policy.

I think it's time for everybody to say to thier own govenment that let's BAN Japanese people travel around the world, only group tour allowed! It's just getting more and more unfair now, how can they go over everybody in the rest of the world? They are NOT special!

It makes sense. If you are thinking of a vacation, you might say, "well, I'd like to go to Japan, but maybe once things settle down there; the entry rules are a hassle and cost money". My family came back to Japan from the USA last Friday. We spent over $800 on the PCR tests, plus our time, plus that MYSOS set up thing. The lab in Florida told us it's pretty much down to Japan and China for these tests/forms (I have no idea what China requires). And...I think I paid so much because no one else is requiring the tests now, so there aren't as many places that offer the same day or rapid tests and they can charge more.

Quelle surprise.

Many Japanese in airports going abroad now.

Its a strange scenario…

I guarantee they will just find another way to do it, like you having to spell out the entirety of your trip and register for a Japanese Covid app (that won't work) so they can track your every move "for Covid purposes".

You're right. It may not end up being that extreme. But what they're saying now is that in order to travel to Japan they will likely make tourists apply for visas through a travel agency. And those that don't want to go through that process won't be allowed entry.

Every time the government proposes a new revision to the policy, they humiliate the Japanese and insult the intelligence of everyone listening. "We'll open to tourists!... If you want to come here as part of a tour group." "Oh, we'll drop the PCR test for entry!... If you're vaccinated." "We'll allow individual tourists again!...If you can get approved for a visa, first." There always has to be some string attached.

This is what I don't understand about the "Ganbare Nippon" crowd. If Japan is really committed to putting their country first above all others, why not just keep the borders closed indefinitely and say that? In principle the government is doing the opposite of that. They're signaling that they will in fact open the borders, but for now they are just going to do petty things to aggravate tourists and travelers with absurd half-measures either making it seem like they're attempting to mitigate the Covid risk or simply deter people from coming.

Japan is disrespecting the mutuality of the visa waiver program.

Sadly this is the case.

I remember earlier in the year, foreign universities started to indicate they would stop accepting Japanese students applying because there was no reciprocity and countries from those countries couldn't come to Japan. That is what is needed right now in terms of tourism, but unfortunately Japan isn't the only country governed by cowards and they continue to given a pass by all the others.

Nikkei is reporting that Kishida may declare tourists do not need to be on guided tours

What the heck else did they think it was?

"Government enforced package tours were the main reason for the reluctance to travel to Japan with 71 percent saying they would change their mind if the tours were stopped."

I guarantee they will just find another way to do it, like you having to spell out the entirety of your trip and register for a Japanese Covid app (that won't work) so they can track your every move "for Covid purposes". These clowns don't realize the damage they have done, and if the shoe were on the other foot, and actually I've heard people say it, they would complain, "WE don't spread Covid! Why would WE have to undergo such restrictions?!" when talk of equal restrictions for Japanese travelers came into the conversation.

I always thought one of the advantages of getting fully vaccinated (3 jabs) is so you don't have to do a covid test within 72 hours of departure to Japan. Looks like there are no advantages of being fully vaccinated if you want to travel to Japan. Anyway hopefully soon this silly nonsense will be dropped.

"Around 39 percent wanted visa requirements to be rescinded"

I doubt that 39% and the other 61% have any idea what they have to go through to get that stupid visa, otherwise, it would be more like 100%.

Japan is disrespecting the mutuality of the visa waiver program.

Testing and masks? No one minds. The requirement to be with a guide based in Japan, always? Definitely keeping thousands away. Many teachers and guides in the US, Oz, the UK, Canada, etc. etc. take groups to Japan regularly and are perfectly capable of keeping the rules while there. It is insulting to infer non-Japanese are more likely to spread CoVid and are incapable of guiding a group in Japan. Drop that requirement!

That is not an argument for or against anything. We simply do not accept people to die if it is preventable. Well, most of us don't.

Border restrictions do not prevent Covid-19 death. Actually, most measures in general have not prevented Covid-19 deaths.

There have been fervent debates in these comments sections whether or not vaccines prevent death. Or whether masks actually reduce transmission. Recently the border has been the center of discussion.

In my opinion, advocating genuinely for any of these policies is simply a coping mechanism. Although I position myself firmly against lockdowns, if you care about actually reducing deaths, you might as well advocate for that, since there is actually reason to believe confining people to their homes means they likely won't catch Covid at all. As it turns out no one supports lockdowns. Most people actually accept people dying from Covid if it means they do not have to live under a lockdown.

Are we done with the moral posturing yet?

virusrexToday 07:08 am JST

The reason on the headline is too obvious, I am more interested in the reasons given by the remaining 28% costs? Other destinations being a higher priority?

My thoughts when reading the headline.

The situation shows a common disconnect between Japanese authorities and reality, this time outside its borders. To a lot of people outside of Japan, the idea of a good holiday isn't being shepherded around various destinations and told by a guide what to do and what to notice. Many people like to explore places on their own, free to move and enjoying the atmosphere, including the risky and unexpected.

Tours are like a way of going to a different country without really leaving. A lot (but I'm not even sure if the majority) of Japanese people prefer that, but I'd say the percentage of people, especially in western countries, who'd accept such as deal is much lower.

There are many things to like about Japan, especially as a visitor, but the country isn't that special. If guided tours and frustrating, humiliating Covid precautions are the only option, people will be happy to choose a different destination. They won't miss anything. Japan will.

But try explaining that to a bunch of old dudes in suits who are in their positions thanks to seniority and rely on Japan's delusional nationalism.

In some ways, I am Happy for the COVID fear to be maintained here with Japan.

So please, do not come here. Seriously, you will, get COVID or another variant of it, or even the new Asian Strain of COVID - so please, do not come to Japan.

Get yourselves vaccinated, and not just against COVID, look at the list of possible diseases you could catch, were you to come here, please, get yourself vaccinated against all of those...

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan

Apparently, once you've had all these vaccinations, you'll probably die anyway... old age, boredom, or whatever.

Man, whatever. Seems like there's a daily survey about you know, foreigners.

From NHK:

" the government will continue to deny entry to individual travelers who don't make arrangements through travel agencies."

So it's still useless. You still won't be able to just go

Startling news from Japan!

Yup Just ask the UK and the US. Both of whom are a wreak. In fact one analyst called the UK a developing country.

Funny you mention that. I was in London three weeks ago. The UK actually resembles something of a normal country at this point. When I entered London-Heathrow (as a tourist) I didn't speak to anyone in immigration or customs. No, you see, the UK does things the modern way, and makes use of technology - I simply got in line, scanned by passport, and then an automatic camera took a picture of my face. That's it. The gates opened and I was free to pick up my bag and leave.

Let's compare that to entering Haneda not as a tourist but as a foreign resident. After exiting the plane in a largely empty international terminal, we needed to walk around the airport in a circle, waving our blue MySOS apps several different groups of people. Bear in mind, they literally have taken over multiple gates of the airport in order to conduct their whole "Quarantine process" experiment. So I am walking around a barely air conditioned empty airport in a circle for thirty minutes, lugging bags, and showing staff members this useless blue app that isn't even an effective measurement of whether or not the people travelling in are infected or not. Then I go to immigration and an officer checks my residence card. Then I pick up my bags. Then I go through customs. Then I can go to the Keikyu line and leave that god forsaken place.

The reality is, it's not effective or well thought-out. It's not a robust testament to the benefits of LDP Nationalism. It's a waste of taxpayer money. It's a burden for people travelling in. It objectively makes Japan look silly and incompetent. That's on top of a stubbornly cash based transaction economy and corporate hierarchy that insists on sending documents via fax machine.

It's takes absurd coping mechanisms and mental gymnastics to convince oneself Japan hasn't entered a period of stagnation. Actually this always happens to Japan when it closes itself off from the rest of the world and refuses to listen to alternative ideas or basic reason.

Maybe the real problem is that it is currently not possible or practicable to have all the needed skilled staff and tourism infrastructure available for a complete opening and mass tourism again. One surely would lose more face, if the borders are opened but then there are no trains, buses, restaurants, cultural events and so much more, because all businesses had to scale down or are such corona stricken that they can’t find healthy staff or even already are bankrupt or closed due to soon three years corona. The costs are too high to get it all refurbished, renewed and available for those much fewer than pre-corona tourists, who btw also now have less money too in their countries, not only you and me. So there’s also to expect less merits from product sales or souvenirs. It’s therefore correct to try it he revival with a slower speed of opening up borders and scaling up the necessary tourism resources.

Probably 50% of the global population has or had Covid. Statistically the deaths are not that high and the people who did die would have died anyway from underlying health conditions. The travel restrictions are pointless. Almost as pointless as wearing a mask in open outdoor space.

Japan welcomed 31.9 million tourists in 2019, but as a result of the pandemic, only around 246,000 entered the country in 2021.

It gingerly opened itself to tourists through group tours starting in June, leading to 140,000 visitors arriving in July, or around 5 percent of the number the country saw in the same month in 2019.

If the Japanese government is intent on aiding or encouraging any form of a tourist sector, or preserve/injecting an income into local economies.

Then a complete change of direction and policy is needed.

You had to do a survey to know that? It cost hundreds of dollars to get this useless test before coming to Japan. Insultingly pointless. Covid is worse now in Japan since the mass vaccinations, seemingly more deadly, yet the response is "come on parents, get the little ones vaccinated". This is not a failure of leadership; there is no leadership.

@RareReason

When visiting other countries, the majority of Japanese tourists do so only on guided tours. Especially those middle aged and older.

Considering the age of policy makers... They probably never saw any issue with requiring guided tours. They are probably unaware there is any other way of travelling than with a young woman dressed like an air hostess carrying a flag.

hahahaha very true!!!

I never put these two together till now.

Nailed it.

Go back to the Visa Waiver Program Japan is in violation of.

The visa waiver program is not a treaty. The host government decides who gets a waiver who does not.

I will visit Japan again only if I have no trouble at the borders. I had a very good time in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara and I want to thank the Japanese for their hospitality.

Ya’ THINK ?

For God sake follow what other G7 nations do. Go back to the Visa Waiver Program Japan is in violation of. Would the citizens of Japan like to be forced to get a visa to visit another country? I don’t think so, but should be made to unless Japan goes back to Visa Waiver and joins the world once again! Your entry policies are draconian.

72% didn’t like the border controls and the other 28% probably didn’t like the North Korean style fully controlled group guided tours monitoring everywhere you go and sit. Even making the border entry requirements easier will not attract tourists until they allow free and normal tourist travel and do away with the compulsory tour group thing

I catch the virus from another passenger, then upon arrival will I be subjected to immediate deportation (oh the embarrassment that will cause me, plus the huge waste of money)

And should the government allow you top roam freely knowing that you are positive and would spread the virus to other people?

Lets imagine planning an overseas vacation, to a Country... "Wakanda"

Should you be planning an overseas vacation in the middle of a pandemic in the first place?

Lets imagine planning an overseas vacation, to a Country... "Wakanda", the cost in getting there and back, has doubled recently, so I'm going to be tight on cash, however, apparently it's much cheaper there than before, for my US$. Weighing on my mind will be the COVID positive testing thing... that's a wildcard which could simply put all my plans to ruin, and if during my extended flight, I catch the virus from another passenger, then upon arrival will I be subjected to immediate deportation (oh the embarrassment that will cause me, plus the huge waste of money). However, there's also the bit about having to run around the place within a guided tour - which, undoubtable will take me to trinket shops and expensive restaurants and places I really have no interest in. Furthermore, with COVID being rampant within the Country, what happens if I catch it during my visit - suddenly quarantined for the duration of my trip - and will I be allowed to return home - I guess my fellow passengers wouldn't be too happy about sitting next to a COVID positive person .... ?

Given all those thoughts, I would probably not want to visit "Wakanda" .... at present.

So, in relation to the above article, is it surprising that people aren't that eager to come here to Japan ?

This strictness from the Japanese Government seems to be not working very well since Japan continues to have a large number of COVID patients and deaths.

Has the government called a SOE yet?

The D2C X Inc survey also showed 91 percent of the 1,717 overseas respondents found the entry controls, which include COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of departure to Japan, too strict or rather strict,

OK that's how foreigners feel about the policy. I wonder how the Japanese people feel about the policy? Interesting that there are no surveys about how the Japanese people feel about policy. I wonder why.

Japan will never recover the popular luster that it had internationally before the coronavirus.

Never.

It has been permanently stained by the cowardice - yes, cowardice - of politicians, led by ( did I say “led”?) the current prime minister.

Japan’s cowardly lateness in thinking has always lead to tragedies, both natural and otherwise.

"FULLY VACCINATED",,,,,,SHOULD BE: NO covid pcr test required UPON OR AFTER ARRIVAL...Test to board I have no problem with....NO mandatory Insurance coverage.....NO quarantine in Hotel upon arrival....Thailand has NO restrictions whatsoever for vaccinated travelers...Korea has only Covid test for boarding flight and test upon arrival in Korea...IT IS TIME TO OPEN UP....99% I assume of all the current HIGH daily covid cases are spreading Japanese to Japanese, within the country,,NOT any incoming tourists...So I hope Japan will totally open up soon so many persons wanting to visit CAN..Thank you

When visiting other countries, the majority of Japanese tourists do so only on guided tours. Especially those middle aged and older.

Considering the age of policy makers... They probably never saw any issue with requiring guided tours. They are probably unaware there is any other way of travelling than with a young woman dressed like an air hostess carrying a flag.

CaptDingleheimer

Today 07:37 am JST 

Japanese citizens should be absolutely barred from entering the US or EU on a passport alone

And force them to take guided tours with no exceptions

Pre-arrival COVID-19 negative testing is now meaningless for now dominant highly and infectious types, and this (costly) requirement is a discouraging factor for Japan visit.

Well, my family said other than border controls, it's the hassle of getting PCR tests and following new requirements made by the airlines for entry to Japan. They just want things simple, like most of us; a plane ticket, passport, money, and a place to stay. Nothing else.

It would be nice instead of the PCR for incoming people to see Japan do like some other countries - like Rwanda - and impose a corona test to outgoing travelers for a ‘zero export’ virus policy.

It's the Nth Korean tour groups I tell ya!

More rocket science from the aging and nearly dead who run the country and its statistics agencies. State control. Nothing like it.

Cant go, wont go. Figures

They really needed to waste money on a survey to figure this out? When so many countries have opened up with little to no restrictions and requirements, why would tourists choose Japan and its neverending list of entry rules? That and the guided tours requirement - nobody wants to pay money to be herded around like sheep on a predetermined itinerary. Japan's losing out when they could have just opened and let people take advantage of the weak yen. Oh and considering how Japan currently has some of the highest Covid cases in the world, their strict border controls haven't exactly been effective have they?

“ The Japanese government has gradually eased what were considered the strictest entry measures among the Group of Seven countries. “

All great nations, and then we have the Japanese, with their banzai/yamato-damashii folks, ready to “defend” the purest land on the planet.

smh

..

“ Japan welcomed 31.9 million tourists in 2019, but … “

(let me fix that;)

Japan welcomed their money.

"Well duh "

Border controls, changing rules, quarantine periods and disproportionate penalties stopped me from visiting Australia....and I'm Australian !

Bet "border controls "stopped 99% of casual travellers in whatever country.

@didou

Japan welcomed 31.9 million tourists in 2019, but as a result of the pandemic, only around 246,000 entered the country in 2021

> What ? It was no tourist in 2021. The phrasing is confusing.

Yes that number is being mixed with visitors like business purpose, visiting family for special purpose and others.

When I traveled to Dubai last month, the customs guy just took my vaccine card, did not look at it, handed it back to me, and stamped my passport - let me through. The moral of the story is the rest of the world is open while Japan is tripping with this silly stuff - go enjoy some other destination...

Japanese citizens should be absolutely barred from entering the US or EU on a passport alone. They should have to apply for a visa or they can't travel to those places. Full stop. Show up without a visa, and sit around in the airport lockup under supervision of Homeland Security while you wait for a seat on a returning flight, the ticket for which you will pay full list price. End of story. Japan would cut the crap within a week.

It gingerly opened itself to tourists through group tours starting in June, leading to 140,000 visitors arriving in July, 

If the same is written in Japanese, it makes many locals believing tourists came back in masses.

Only a few hundred tourists came here. Visitors are business persons, dependant

, etc

The reason on the headline is too obvious, 

Even more obvious is the reason FOR the headline.

With most Kyodo articles (usually translated from their Japanese version) it is put out almost like a government mouthpiece.

This article is clearly setting the stage for influencing public perception about the further re-opening announcement and entry restriction downgrade, which is supposedly happening this week (maybe later today). Lots of other "leaks" were flying around for the past day or two in the media. This is how the gov lays the groundwork for any policy change.

No question about the lack of freedom and obligation to travel in groups . For me, that’s the main reason but the J media rarely point out that obvious reason.

Japan welcomed 31.9 million tourists in 2019, but as a result of the pandemic, only around 246,000 entered the country in 2021

What ? It was no tourist in 2021. The phrasing is confusing.

Most people would be hesitant to visit Japan if Covid-19 infections in Japan are high . . . ?

I don't think so. Most people I know aren't worried about covid any more.

You don’t say! It’s not rocket science. Of course, it’s the restrictions stopping tourists. How much did this survey cost ¥¥?

This strictness from the Japanese Government seems to be not working very well since Japan continues to have a large number of COVID patients and deaths. Is it just me, or am I the only one who thinks there should be some re-thinking of the situation?

Most people would be hesitant to visit Japan if Covid-19 infections in Japan are high . . . ?

I have to visit my very sick parent, but am worried about coming back to my house here. Everything is so uncertain.

The reason on the headline is too obvious, I am more interested in the reasons given by the remaining 28% costs? Other destinations being a higher priority?

that encourages tourism to Japan showed that 72 percent of respondents will not, or will probably not, visit the country if it continues with its current entry controls.

If you made harder for people to enter a country you'll get less people, not the opposite!

Japan is not the only country in the world that nice to visit, many other countries nice to visit with less requirement.

Just check number of tourist come to Japan during few last month.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220810_02/

Well duh

They must have known that Japan was about to get clobbered by Covid.

Basically every other person has it, and Japan is now by far the country with the most daily infections and deaths too.

200-350 elderly die daily and they have all been vaccinated repeatedly

Well, those border controls should disappear shortly. Today, Prime Minister Kishida is expected to announce further easing in entry requirements and a higher cap on entrants.