Wondering if tourist attractions in Japan are open or not after COVID-19? Here is a quick list of popular tourist attractions in Japan that reopened and remain closed as of June 15th 2020. If you are planning a trip to Japan soon, read this post carefully.
Table of Contents
Tourist attractions that reopened after COVID-19
Nikko Toshogu: Reopened on 6/1
Nikko Toshogu conditionally accepts tourists starting June 1st 2020. Visitors need to wear a mask, have no fever and keep their social distance. Note that no videos are played at the theater to avoid close contacts.
See more details on the official site (Japanese) >
Shirakawago: Reopened on 6/1 (in steps)
Shiwakawago, a town with traditional straw-roofed houses in Gifu Prefecture, reopened as from June 1st. However, not everything opened at once. Restaurants, hotels, museums will open in steps, so if you are planning to go to Shirakawago soon, check out the official tourist info.
See more details on the official site (Japanese) >
Asakusa / Sensoji Temple: Conditionally open
Asakusa town has always been open, but most shops and restaurants were closed until recently. According to the official (?) Asakusa photography site, more shops opened recently and there are many local tourists. As for Sensoji Temple, you can go in the site to look around, but I don’t think you can enter the buildings. You can see recent photos of Asakusa on “e-asakusa.com.”
See more details on the Sensoji official site (Japanese) >
See recent photos of Asakusa on e-asakusa.com (English) >
Toyosu Fish Market: Reopened on 6/8
Formerly known as Tsukiji Shijo and now moved to Toyosu, is the biggest fish market in Japan. There are still some restricted areas and tourists need to wear a mask and sanitize their hands before they enter, but the market is open again since June 8th. Note that those who have fever of 37.5 degrees C (99.5F) and above cannot enter the market.
See more details on the official site (Google translation available) >
Tokyo Skytree: Reopened on 6/1
Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest tower (which doesn’t quite look like that). They were temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but they reopened on June 1st when the state of emergency was lifted. Although the opening hours is shorter than usual and some services are not available, you can enjoy the most services in the tower.
See more details on the official site (English) >
Itsukushima Shrine: Conditionally open
The world famous overwater shrine and its gateway is always open to the public, but there are some restrictions. The ferry to Miyajima Island is in operation (with some schedule changes), but the treasure house of the shrine is closed and some other tourist attractions on the island is not open either.
You can see the detailed information at the official tourist guide in Japanese.
See more details on the official site (Japanese) >
Ritsurin Park: Reopened on 6/1
Ritsurin Park in Kagawa Prefecture reopened on June 1st with some conditions. Visitors need to wear a mask, have no fever and keep their social distance.
See more details on the official site (Japanese) >
Himeji Castle: Reopened on 6/15
Himeji Castle reopened the paid outdoor areas on May 28th, and all areas including the buildings on June 15th. Visitors can now enter all facilities of the castle, but they need to to wear a mask and keep their social distance. Those who don’t feel well or have fever may not enter.
See more details on the official site (machine-translated English) >
Tourist attractions that are NOT open as of 6/15/2020
Mt. Fuji: Closed for summer 2020
Mt. Fuji is NOT open to tourists yet.
All climbing courses remain closed for the entire summer of 2020. You are not even allowed to enter the summit area during this period, so if you are planning to come to Japan only for Mt. Fuji, it would be better if you came here next year.
See more details on the official site (English) >
Temples and shrines in Kyoto: Most of them remain closed
Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan, but due to COVID-19, most temples and shrines remain closed as of June 15th. Some are open for shorter hours, but you should check before you go. Even if your desired tourist attraction is open, it is possible that surrounding shops or restaurants are closed.
Kyoto’s official tourist information website has a list of the statuses of temples/shrines/other sightseeing spots. If you are planning to visit Kyoto soon, check out the latest information.
See more details on the official site (Japanese) >
Is it possible to enter Japan now?
So, those who live in Japan can technically visit the tourist attractions in Japan that reopened after COVID-19 (although people in certain areas like Tokyo are discouraged from going to neighboring prefectures).
But what about visitors from other countries? Can they come to Japan now?
According to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), foreign nationals that visited most countries in Asia, North/South/Central America, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Oceania, i.e. any countries in the world, are denied permission to enter Japan unless there are any exceptional reasons. This means that entering Japan from a foreign country is almost impossible as of June 15, 2020.
Even if you can enter Japan, you are obliged to undergo PCR tests and will be quarantined for 14 days before you can use public transportations.
These travel restrictions will last until the end of June 2020, but the period is subject to change.
Unless you live in Japan, it’s next to impossible to make a trip to Japan now. I’m sorry, but all you can do is just wait until COVID-19 pandemic ends. It could be this autumn or this winter, but could be even next year. In the meantime, take your time to plan your next trip to Japan reading this post…
10 hidden tourist attractions near Tokyo that you probably don’t know >
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