How to Travel Safely in Japan in 2021
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for locals and tourists alike. However due to Covid-19 situation there are some precautions we should take in order to protect ourselves and the people we come into contact with.
While dining out:
Always wash your hands with soap and water.
Sanitise your hands after handling money, door handles or other high-traffic surfaces.
Only remove your mask to eat or drink.
Talk softly while eating indoors to prevent spraying saliva particles.
Don't share food or utensils with others.
Avoid crowded bars or nightclubs. The virus has been shown to spread mostly at these venues.
Avoid getting so drunk that you cannot follow these safety tips.
While taking public transportation:
Ensure you are wearing a mask.
Keep a safe distance from other people while waiting in lines.
If possible, choose to travel at non-peak times in order to avoid travelling in a crowded train or bus.
Don't talk while eating on public transport as this may spread infection.
When talking to your friends or family, speak softly to avoid spreading virus particles.
At shops or tourist facilities:
Log in to the Coronavirus contact tracing app "COCOA" so that you will know if you were exposed to the virus.
Always wear a mask.
Make a reservation in advance wherever possible to avoid lining up in a crowd.
If a venue is crowded, leave and return later when it is less crowded.
Do not yell or sing aloud indoors.
Try not to touch things unless you have to.
When staying overnight:
Make sure you have registered for thecoronavirus contact tracing app "COCOA".
Ensure that you ventilate your room and let in fresh air.
Wear your mask to and from facilities like restaurants and onsen.
When you remove your mask for the hot spring, try and relax without speaking to ensure everyone's safety in the water.
Don't forget to wear your mask even if you go out partying at night.
Do not travel if you feel ill.
If you feel sick while travelling, you can refer to the following resources:
If you are in Tokyo, use this Himawari website to find a doctor or hospital that speaks your language <https://himawari-metro-tokyo.j-server.com/LUCTKIRYO/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.himawari.metro.tokyo.jp/qq13/qqport/tomintop/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0>
We recommend St. Lukes International Hospital as they speak English and allow drop in visits, even for tourists. You will have to pay an extra 5000 yen fee to visit without a referral. <http://hospital.luke.ac.jp/eng/index.html>
If outside of Tokyo, you can use this search tool for finding a hospital <https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html#search|a=https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html#search>
Call 119 in an emergency.
Please bring travel insurance with you on your trip if you are not a resident in Japan as healthcare can be expensive.
