With Japan reopening to the world on October 11, expectations are high. While there are many reasons to be excited, it’s smart to be situation-aware to have the smoothest adventure possible.
We perceive that protection rules vary by country, and Japan still has some antivirus measures. Here are some of the tips on Covid-19 etiquette you should know when visiting Japan.
Although masks are no longer so unusual in other countries, they are still so in Japan. It is surely mandatory to wear a face mask in Japan, but it is recommended indoors and on public transport. In addition, many places, adding museums, restaurants and shops still require visitors to wear masks before entering.
If you’re not sure where to wear a face mask, most sites will have a sign placed on the front to give you further instructions. Need to buy more masks? You can locate them without problems in pharmacies and convenience points of sale in the city.
If you find yourself in a situation that doesn’t require a mask, look for other people not to speak out loud, especially in crowded places or going out to dinner. Most restaurants will also have clear plastic barriers between diners.
In addition to wearing masks, many people will take your temperature and ask you to sanitize your hands when you walk through the door. Temperatures are taken regularly by scanning your wrist or forehead.
Whenever possible, you also deserve to practice social distancing. Some sites still offer rules on the floor to help mark where you want to stand at a distance from those around you.
To prevent the spread of germs, public restrooms have now turned off their automatic hand dryers. Therefore, it is a smart concept to pack a small towel in your bag and additional hand sanitizer.
Since the pandemic, many places, in addition to places to eat and museums, now require advance reservations to avoid overcrowding and congestion. If you know the express dining spot you’d like to eat, you can ask your hotel concierge or a friend who speaks Japanese. to help you book a table electronically. Museums, in particular, are now implementing a timed access system, so you’ll want to make a decision about an access time when you book your ticket electronically.
If you’re wondering if you want a reservation, simply visit your attraction’s official website, as many bookings can now be made seamlessly online (Google Translate will be your most productive friend here).
In recent years, Japan has brought a number of cashless payment features that are incredibly convenient in this pandemic era. Keep in mind that it may be very unlikely to do without money altogether. You’ll have to keep some expenses in your wallet, as many small Japanese department stores and restaurants only settle for money.
For foreign tourists, having a reloadable IC card is their most productive option. In Tokyo, two of the most widely used smart cards are Pasmo and Suica, which can be purchased at exercise stations. You can use those cards for transportation, as well as to buy groceries at retail outlets and some retail outlets and restaurants.
Also, if you’re not feeling well, it’s more productive to rest and go outside. It’s definitely worth staying if your temperature reaches 37. 5 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit).
For multilingual medical assistance in Japan, visit the JNTO website. You can also contact the JNTO call center on 050 3816 2787.
Planning a trip to Japan? Check out our advisor to reopen Japan here.
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