Japan opens to Australia after Covid border closures as Jetstar resumes flights

Australians can finally book a trip to Japan after two long years when the holiday hotspot was closed to tourists.

Japan had some of the world’s strictest border controls as Covid devastated the world, but after nearly two and a half years of shutting tourists out, the country is finally welcoming visa-free tourists again.

Before Oct. 11, only those traveling in a registered tourist group were allowed into the Asian country.

Japan also scrapped all its entry limits after limiting visitors to 50,000 a day in September.

While there are still checks for travelers wanting to visit Tokyo, Osaka or Japan’s myriad other popular destinations, the process of getting through the airport was significantly easier than that of Bali, Australia’s other favorite holiday destination.

Australians can finally book a trip to Japan after two long years of the holiday hotspot being closed to tourists (pictured is Mount Fuji)

Aussies flocked to Bali when the Indonesian island opened its borders on March 14, but for those who’ve been in recent months, getting through customs is no small feat.

Countless exhausted and grumpy travelers regularly express their frustration online and in person at waiting in hours-long queues at Bali’s Denpasar Airport as they queue to show their vaccination certificate and purchase their visa.

A customs declaration must also be completed online, while those going to Bali must download the Peduli Lindungi app.

However, landing at Narita Airport in Japan is a different story – most passengers arrive and depart within half an hour.

Visitors to Japan must either have proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours or demonstrate three vaccinations and must upload their personal details to the Visit Japan webpage.

This streamlines the process at the airport, allowing travelers to land in Japan and be relieved of the formalities within minutes.

Japan had some of the world’s strictest Covid border controls as the virus wreaked havoc on the world, and only last month did it welcome back visa-free visitors (pictured in Tokyo)

Jetstar was quick to resume flights to Japan, with tickets for a direct flight from Cairns to Tokyo currently on offer for just $404.

Qantas offers direct flights to Tokyo from cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, while the Jetstar only offers non-stop routes from Cairns and the Gold Coast three times a week.

Jetstar’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Alan McIntyre, said Japan was one of the airline’s most popular travel destinations before Covid hit – with 21.6 million Aussies and Kiwis traveling to the country each year.

Qantas offers direct flights to Tokyo from cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, while the low-cost carrier only offers non-stop flights from Cairns and the Gold Coast three times a week

“As the only low-cost carrier operating direct flights between Australia and Japan, we have seen strong demand for our services since the government announced the lifting of entry requirements, demonstrating that Japan continues to be a must-visit destination for Australians,” he said.

The flight from Cairns to Narita is an easy seven hours, but those looking for a little extra comfort on the plane can spend a little extra cash on Jetstar’s business class option.

While considerably more comfortable than an economy seat, it’s still business on a budget and the seats don’t recline completely flat.

But the meals are delicious, the seats are large and spacious and there is plenty of free food and alcohol to be had.

The flight from Cairns to Narita takes seven hours, and those looking for a little extra comfort on the plane are encouraged to check out Jetstar’s business class option

While considerably more comfortable than an economy seat, it’s still business on a budget and the seats don’t recline completely flat

The cost of Jetstar business is also significantly lower than other airlines, with the more expensive seats from Cairns to Narita costing just $1,139, and the same from Cairns to Osaka.

“Our Business Class offerings are a great way for customers to enjoy a more comfortable travel experience at an affordable price, especially when compared to the cost of comparable services with full-service carriers,” said McIntyre.

Guests traveling on business can check in 30kg luggage, be provided with entertainment and noise canceling headphones and their own amenities pack.

The kit includes an eye mask, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, ear plugs, hand cream and lip balm, and a Jetstar branded pen.

This journalist was a guest at Jetstar.

Masks are still worn by almost all Japanese residents