Last Update: January 23, 2023
You do NOT have to be vaccinated with a Covid vaccine to enter Japan. However, if you have not received three doses of an approved Covid vaccine you must have a negative Covid test before boarding your flight to Japan. The Japanese government “strongly encourages” you to use an app to upload your vax or test status; see our MySOS/Visit Japan Web page for details.
On January 20, Prime Minister Kishida announced that Japan will downgrade Covid to the same category as seasonal influenza on May 8. This may mean the end of the vaccination-or-test requirement, as well as the indoor masking recommendation. This may also mean the end of the Visit Japan Web app. For now, however, all those things remain in place. As soon as we get more details, we will list them here. Please keep checking back.
For full details on vaccine requirements, please see the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Covid vaccine page.
For full details on Covid test requirements and formats, please see the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Covid test page.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Icoca card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
