Japan to drop all rules

JAPAN’S highly anticipated decision to remove all travel protocols has finally arrived, with the country confirming overnight that independent tourists will once again be allowed to visit without restriction from 11 Oct.

The date will see travellers able to explore Japan as independent tourists, while traveller caps and visa requirements imposed during the COVID period will also be eliminated.

Japan’s intention to disband its remaining border restrictions will bring to an end the need to book flights and accommodation through a travel agent, and arrives at a time when the country is attempting to ramp up its key sectors and bolster its weakening Yen, which for Aussies should see the Aussie dollar stretch further on holidays than it has in recent years.

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the announcement was an historic one for Japan, which has always counted on the flow of people across its borders for its economic success.

“We are a nation that has flourished through the free flow of people, goods and capital... COVID-19 interrupted all of these benefits but from 11 Oct, Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the United States,” he said.

Unvaccinated travellers will still need to provide proof of a negative test before departure.

MEANWHILE the inaugural Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen train service launched today, just in time for the mainstream return of international travellers.

The new rail service links Takeo-Onsen Station in Saga and Nagasaki Station in Nagasaki, carrying passengers between the two destination in only 23 mins.

The 66km route is the eighth Shinkansen service to launch.