Japan’s Prime Minister Announces Visa-Free Travel Starting October 11, 2022

Individuals (i.e. us skiers and snowboarders) from other countries will now be able to travel back to Japan without a visa beginning Oct. 11, 2022. The decision to lift travel restrictions coincides with the decrease in the value of the yen and as the most recent wave of the pandemic continues to decrease

Despite the lack of restrictions when it comes to visas, the government is considering changing a law that will empower hotels to turn away any guests who refuse to comply with safety measures to prevent infection. Although it is not a law to wear masks in public in Japan, most citizens continue to wear them out and about.

In addition to this, proof of vaccination and covid testing are also no longer going to be required, according to an update from the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan.

Here at Ski.com, we’re extremely pumped since the announcement gives us the confidence we’ve been waiting for to plan your Japan ski vacations. This could be your year to experience Japan’s famous powder, especially since the La Nina Forecast is looking promising and your Epic and Ikon passes actually speak Japanese! Ski.com can set you up with customized packages to the Japanese Alps or the mountains in Hokkaido for your perfect blend of deep powder and immersion into Japanese culture. Our seasoned Mountain Travel Experts will steer you in the right direction based on your skill level and what you’re looking to do between après and getting on the chair the next day.