Reopening tourism at the beginning of October, the new year presents the perfect opportunity to plan a trip to Japan. Independent travel and visa waivers have been resumed, and the country’s daily arrival cap and testing requirements for fully-vaccinated travellers have been eliminated.
Now, new hotels and exciting developments are opening across the islands while ancient sites and must-see experiences are ready to welcome bucket-list tickers back.
What’s new in Japan?
Zipline
Zip World Hanazono: During Japan’s two-and-a-half-year closure, a variety of thrilling experiences opened. Zip World Hanazono, located in Hokkaido’s world-renowned ski resort Niseko, opened during summer with one of the world’s longest ziplines.
Mount Yotei: Returning in the summer of 2023 for its second season, brave visitors can fly past the active stratovolcano Mount Yotei for a unique view of the landscape during its greenest period.
Ski at Night: Skiers can now also ski into the night at Hanazono after the resort began new services to accommodate late-night adventurers.
Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen
Japan’s rail: In Autumn, the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen opened linking the Saga prefecture to Nagasaki; a historic port city and gateway to the Goto Islands, Japan’s diverse, subtropical archipelago.
Hotel Retreat Goto Ray: On the island of Fukue, part of the Goto Islands, the luxury hotel Retreat Goto Ray opened at the end of summer. Looking over the sea of Goto with a design which brings the outdoors in, the boutique hotel offers 26 rooms with panoramic views and beautiful design throughout by Yukio Hashimoto.
What to add to a 2023 Japan itinerary
Sapporo Snow Festival: Next year, 2023, will see the return of the Sapporo Snow Festival for the first time in person in three years, bringing winter festivities, sports and culture to millions. The free-to-attend annual festival celebrates winter with huge ice sculpture shows, an international snow sculpture competition, snow experiences from slides to rafting, and local warming cuisine.
Not a Hotel
Not A Hotel property: On Ishigaki, part of the southern islands of Okinawa, luxury sea-view villas by architect Sou Fujimoto will open in the summer 2023. The Not A Hotel property will present a sleek futuristic design, with meadows for rooftops as if the suites are floating by the ocean.
Snorkelling in Okinawa: Whilst in Okinawa, visitors can take full advantage of the warm climate by exploring the islands’ natural and cultural UNESCO World Heritage sites, and snorkelling in the coral-rich sea.
Book a package tour
Wendy Wu tours offer a Journey through Japan 14-day group tour (£6,490 pp), taking in the sights from Osaka to Sapporo including sake tasting, ryokan stays and a Mount Fuji visit. Check Availability.
More info: japan.travel/en/uk/