Yes, You Can Travel to Japan Right Now — Teach, Intern, and Study in 2022/2023

Japan is one of the handful of countries maintaining COVID restrictions, so is it possible to travel there right now? Learn about the latest guidance for teaching, studying, and traveling to Japan as a tourist in September 2022 and beyond.

Published December 12, 2022

Women dressed in traditional Japanese clothing stand and smile outside.

Updates current as of November 1st, 2022

COVID travel restrictions have left many of us scratching our heads over the past two years. With the ever-changing rules, it’s hard to keep up with which countries are open for study, work, and tourism.

Japan has maintained fairly strict border control since the pandemic began however as of October 11th, 2022, all COVID restrictions and border controls have been lifted. This is good news for travelers like you hoping to travel to Japan at the end of 2022!

What to expect in Japan

As far as COVID restrictions within Japan go, here's what you need to know:

There is no mask mandate in Japan. Even though masks are not required in public areas, many Japanese people still wear them. You may want to wear one on public transportation or in crowded areas.
There are no social distancing requirements. Many people in Japan will likely still avoid large crowds in public areas.
Vaccination cards are generally not required to enter public venues. You will need proof of vaccination status or a negative COVID test prior to entry to Japan, however.

Even though there are currently no COVID restrictions in public, remember to still practice good hand hygiene like washing hands properly and using hand sanitizer if you don't have access to soap and water. The Japan National Tourism Organization has many services and resources in English for travelers who think they may be sick.

Is Japan open to individual tourists?

People walk through an airport terminal in Narita, Japan.

Yes! Since October 11th, 2022, travel to Japan as a tourist is visa-free. Previous package tours will no longer be required. You will still need to meet entry requirements as they relate to COVID vaccination status or testing.

Can I study abroad in Japan?

A woman wearing a backpack sits on a chair in a library.

Absolutely! Students were welcomed back into Japan as of fall 2022. If you plan to study in Japan, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID and follow current entry requirements.

Japan: Hiroshima - Undergraduate and Graduate Studies

World Campus students learing Kyudo in Japan

World Campus - Japan Program

CIEE College Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan

Explore more exciting study abroad opportunities in Japan

Can I teach in Japan right now?

English teachers are currently welcome to enter Japan if they hold a long-term visa. Applications for the JET Program for teaching assistants will also open as usual in September 2022 for the 2023 school year.

Check out these programs recruiting English teachers:

Can I work or intern abroad in Japan right now?

Japan is open to travelers coming for work or internships!

Generally, foreign interns who use a program provider for placement come to Japan on a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. If the internship lasts longer than three months, interns are required to leave the country and re-enter which will reset their visa for another 3 months.

If you are traveling to Japan for work or to intern, you will be subject to the same entry requirements as tourists.

Be sure to keep in close contact with your employer, host organization, or placement provider in case regulations for workers or interns change.

Read more: How to Get a Job in Japan

International Internships in Tokyo with The Intern Group

Internships in Japan by Zentern Internships

Internship in Japan by Asia Internship Program

Explore more exciting internship opportunities in Japan

What are the COVID entry requirements to Japan?

Two women with face masks serve a customer at a street food stall.

Japan’s previous color-coded country classification system has been dropped and now visitors from all countries are free to enter the country. Whether you are planning to study, intern, or come for tourism, you will need proof of full vaccination status or a negative COVID PCR test 72 hours before departure.

Vaccination against COVID

Anyone entering Japan with a full vaccination certificate (three doses or more) is not required to submit proof of a negative COVID test 72 hours before arrival.

If you have not been fully vaccinated, you will need to complete a pre-departure COVID test 72 hours before departure.

For up-to-date information, stay informed through the Japanese Consulate in the US and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Plan for Japan in 2022

A man rides a bike on a street with bright neon signs in Japan.

With the further relaxation of entry measures, traveling to Japan in 2022 is back on! As always though, make sure to do your research and stay organized – if you do, you’ll be studying, interning, and teaching in Japan in no time!