Japan’s New Domestic Travel Assistance Program Comes into Effect on October 11

photo by !FAN

Do you remember the “Go to program” which was launched by the Japanese government in 2020? This program was to stimulate the demands for domestic tourism which had slumped because of the coronavirus pandemic by giving out vouchers that can be used at travel destinations and subsidizing travel expenses including transportation and accommodations. However, it ended up being interrupted due to the surge of the highly contagious delta variant. Then, the prefectural travel subsidy program had been introduced in 2021 and was in effect until the 10th of this month, but the Japanese government announced the introduction of the domestic travel assistance program effective from October 11.

About the domestic travel assistance program

After the cancellation of the prefectural travel subsidy program in late 2021, each prefecture introduced the prefectural travel subsidy program for residents in its own area. Then, the scope of this program was expanded to a regional scale (effective until October 10). It has been further expanded nationwide and called the domestic travel assistance program.

The domestic travel assistance program discounts

Difference from the prefectural travel subsidy program

There are some differences between the national travel assistance program and the prefectural travel subsidy program in discount rates, discount caps, amounts of vouchers, etc.

Conditions

• The program will be run from October 11 to late December 2022 (Tokyo commences from October 20)
• Residents in Japan are eligible for discount
• ID and 3-time vaccination certificate/negative PCR test result certificate (valid up to 3 days from collection of samples) are required
• Accommodations or accommodation plus transportation (flight, train, bus, etc.) booked through travel agencies or other authorized entities (JTB, Rakuten, Jalan, etc.) are covered
• Bookings only for transportation, privately arranged travel, highway tolls when traveled by a private vehicle, and day-use of accommodation facility are NOT covered.

How to use

Accommodations and tour packages that are covered by the domestic travel assistance program can be booked through travel agencies, OTAs (online travel agencies), accommodation facilities, or other parties that participate in the program over the counter, via websites, or by telephone.

1. Book a prearranged tour with a travel agency, OTA, or other entity in person, online, or by telephone. (If you are booking in person over the counter, you will be required to present your ID and 3-time vaccination certificate/negative PCR test result certificate.
2. Once arrived at the accommodation, present your ID and 3-time vaccination certificate/negative PCR test result certificate to get vouchers.
3. Use vouchers while traveling.

Fill your life with experiences

So, the nationwide travel assistance program is back! The prefectural travel subsidy scheme has been expanded nationwide now. There are a few conditions including having to be residents of Japan and present a vaccination certificate or negative test result certificate, though, it allows you to enjoy traveling all over Japan with up to \11,000 discount per person per day. But note that this program only covers accommodations or prearranged transportation and accommodations via travel agencies and other entities participating in this program. Now, Japan has started letting international tourists in, so it feels easier for residents in Japan as well to travel around within Japan. This program is meant to last only for 2 months, so now is the time to go out on holiday in Japan!