Ready to say “Konnichiwa” to the Land of the Rising Sun after two long years? Although solo and free-and-easy travel aren’t permitted yet, Japan package tours are.
Prior to this news, travel into Japan was only permitted under special conditions like business trips or for a long-term stay. Moreover, the stay would have to be sponsored by a residing organisation within Japan itself.
Other entry exceptions into Japan included those who are spouses of Japanese citizens or permanent residents (PRs).
Nonetheless, visa applications were mandatory upon eligibility confirmation for all foreign parties with tourism visitation purposes strictly out of the cards.
However, all that will change starting from 10 June 2022.
Foreigners will be allowed to enter Japan on package tours as part of “test tourism” trials to monitor how well travel agencies handle tourists. Those who qualify are all travellers from Singapore with three recorded vaccination doses, as part of the “Blue group” of countries constituting the lowest-risk group.
So if you’re gearing up for a Nippon trip this summer, autumn or winter, here’s what you need to know for your Japanese excursion ahead.
Table of contents
- Entry requirements into Japan
- Overview of tour packages
- Tour packages in North Japan
- Tour packages in Central Japan
- Tour packages in South Japan
Disclaimer: Updated as of 7 June 2022. COVID-19 travel restrictions and regulations are subject to change. Refer to the Embassy of Japan (Singapore) or Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for more updates. Proceed at your own discretion.
Entry requirements checklist for Japan 2022
From 1 June 2022, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio doubled Japan’s overseas arrival limit to 20,000. The number of Japanese airports accepting international flights will likewise be increased.
Since Singapore falls under the “Blue group” category, presenting proof of a negative pre-departure polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test will exempt travellers from both on-arrival quarantine and a second PCR test.
In general, you’ll want to double-check the following required documents before you embark on your flight:
| Travel documents | Details |
| Approved visa application |
|
| *[Not necessary but good to have]
Printed certificate of pre-departure PCR test (within 72 hours of flight departure) or
|
|
| Written Pledge | Enforcement action will be taken against failure to do so |
| Questionnaire | Your e-mail address and phone number will be verified at the Quarantine Station |
| MySOS app |
|
| More information can be found on the official Embassy of Japan in Singapore or Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare sites. | |
Overview: Japan Tour Packages to Book in 2022
With all the nitty-gritty out of the way, let’s dive into the list of approved Singapore travel agencies to consider for your 2022 Japan travel.
| Tour company & package | Validity of travel | Price | Contact information |
| Chan Brothers | |||
| 8D7N Central Japan Tour | Sep 2022 to 31 Mar 2023 | From S$4,088 (Promo: 50% off 2nd pax) |
Address: 150 South Bridge Rd, #01-12, Fook Hai Building, S(058727) Tel: +65 6212 9679 E-mail: asiatours@chanbrothers.com.sg |
| 8D7N Central Japan Small Group Tour | Jul 2022 to 31 Mar 2023 | From S$4,888 | |
| 9D6N Kyushu Tour | Sep 2022 to 31 Mar 2023 | From S$4,288 | |
| 8D6N Kyushu Small Group Tour | Jul 2022 to 31 Mar 2023 | From S$4,888 | |
| 9D6N Hokkaido Tour | Sep 2022 to 31 Mar 2023 | From S$3,988 (Promo: 50% off 2nd pax) |
|
| 9D6N Hokkaido Autumn Tour | Oct to 15 Nov 2022 | From S$4,688 | |
| 9D6N Hokkaido Winter Fun Tour | 15 Dec 2022 to 31 Mar 2023 | From S$3,888 (Promo: Up to S$600 per couple) |
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| 9D6N Hokkaido Winter Fantasia Tour | 1 Dec 2022 to 31 Mar 2023 | From S$4,888 (Promo: 50% off 2nd pax) |
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| 8D6N Hokkaido Small Group Tour | Jul 2022 to 31 Mar 2023 | From S$4,888 | |
| 8D6N Tokyo & Niigata Sakura Tour | 1 to 30 Apr 2023 | From S$4,288 (Promo: 50% off 2nd pax) |
|
| Dynasty Travel | |||
| 5D4N Rishiri Alpine Island Tour | Enquire here | Enquire here | Tel: +65 6532 3833 / 6338 4455 E-mail: group@dynastytravel.com.sg |
| 9D8N Kansai Slow Luxury Tour | From S$9,280 per pax (excludes flight) | ||
| JTB Travel | |||
| 9D6N Central Japan & Noto Island Tour | Jun 2022 | From S$4,288 | Address: 391 Orchard Rd, Takashimaya Shopping Center, Ngee Ann City, #03-11, S(238872) Tel: +65 6595 0600 |
| 7D6N North Central Japan Blue Festival Tour | Jun 2022 | From S$3,788 | |
| 8D6N Hokkaido & North Central Japan Lavender Story Tour | 2 dates: 13 & 20 Jul 2022 |
From S$4,488 (+ S$560 tax & fuel surcharge) |
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| 8D6N Hokkaido Autumn Melody Tour | 2 dates: 4 & 10 Oct 2022 |
From S$4,488 (+ S$560 tax & fuel surcharge) |
|
| Michi & Co. | |||
| Glamping at the base of Mt. Fuji Package | Enquire here | Enquire here | Address: 12 Purvis St, #02-01 Suite B, S(188591) Tel: +65 6970 3855 E-mail: info@michiandco.com |
| Ryokan by the Sea of Japan, Kyotango Package | |||
| Northern Japan: Hirosaki Castle, Mt. Hakkoda, Lake Towada Package | |||
| Hayama Kamakura Package | |||
| 5D4N or 3D2N Hayama & Kamakura Package | |||
| Nam Ho Travel Service | |||
| 8D6N Hokkaido Winter Fun + 3D2N Tokyo Free & Easy | Nov to Dec 2022 | From S$3,888 (+S$330 tax) |
Address: People’s Park Complex, 1 Park Rd, #01-84D/E, S(059108) Tel: +65 6221 8433 E-mail: sales_enquiries@namho.com.sg |
| 9D7N Hakodate, Tohoku & Nikko Discovery Tour | Oct to Nov 2022 | From S$4,188 (+S$330 tax) |
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| New Shan Travel | |||
| 6D5N Hokkaido Mini Tour | Ongoing | From S$1,688 | Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #07-06 SOHO 1, The Central, S(059817) Tel: +65 6221 9333 E-mail: customerservice@newshan.com |
| Sino-America Tours | |||
| 8D7N Best of Hokkaido Tour | 1 Jun 2022 to 30 Jan 2023 | Check rates here | Address: People’s Park Complex, #04-62, 1 Park Rd People’s Park Complex, S(059108) Tel: +65 6535 2611 E-mail: outbound@satours.com.sg |
| 8D7N Ohayo Tohoku Autumn Tour | 1 Oct to 30 Nov 2022 | Check rates here | |
| 8D7N Japan Golden Road Tour | 1 Jun 2022 to 30 Mar 2023 | Check rates here | |
| 8D7N Yokoso Central Japan | 1 Jun to 15 Mar 2023 | Check rates here | |
North Japan — Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Niigata, Hirosaki, Hakodate, Tohoku, Nikko
Available tour packages:
- Chan Brothers — 8D7N Central Japan Tour
- Chan Brothers — 8D6N Tokyo & Niigata Sakura Tour
- Dynasty Travel — 9D8N Kansai Slow Luxury Tour
- JTB Travel — 9D6N Central Japan & Noto Island Tour
- JTB Travel — 7D6N North Central Japan Blue Festival Tour
- JTB Travel — 8D6N Hokkaido & North Central Japan Lavender Story Tour
- Michi & Co. — Glamping at the base of Mt. Fuji Package
- Michi & Co. — 5D4N or 3D2N Hayama & Kamakura Package
- Sino-America Tours — 8D7N Yokoso Central Japan
Head up to the northern peninsula of Japan and you’ll arrive at the Hokkaido prefecture — home to invigorating ski towns, snowcapped viewpoints, and of course, the famous Sapporo and Asahi beers.
No trip to Hokkaido is complete without patronising a hot spring resort in Noboribetsu or better yet, enjoying a geothermal bath with a troop of wild Japanese macaque snow monkeys at the top of Jigokudani.
Immerse yourself in the heart of traditional Japanese culture and performance through a Geisha/Geigi dance at the Niigata Saito Villa before proceeding to a Japanese Sake brewing & tasting lesson at Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery.
Stroll through Hirayama-styled feudal fort castles in the archaic city of Hirosaki before ascending Mount Hakkoda, a relatively hidden and undiscovered snow paradise beloved by many ski enthusiasts. After conquering some heights, head over to the neighbouring Lake Towada to unwind and stretch your tired feet.
If all this sounds a bit too adventurous, Hitsujigaoka Observatory in Sapporo will suffice as a less challenging scale.
Even though Hokkaido is renowned for its wintry affairs, it’s also idyllic and underrated during the warmer months. For instance, visit the premier Farm Tomita or Zeburu “Lavender” Hills between June to August for a resplendent display of flowers.
Come autumn, awe-inspiring landscapes like Kegon Falls and Daisetsuzan Kurodake Cablecar Ropeway come alive, surrounded by dashing shades of red, yellow and auburn.
For a truly special experience, the Kita Kitsune Fox Farm and Miyagi Zao Fox Village are wildlife and rehabilitation sanctuaries for these tiny yet feisty animals — a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with such gorgeous creatures.
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Central Japan — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Niigata, Fukushima, Hayama, Kamakura, Kanazawa, Mt. Fuji, Hayama, Kyotango, Noto Island
Available tour packages:
- Chan Brothers — 8D7N Central Japan Tour
- Chan Brothers — 8D6N Tokyo & Niigata Sakura Tour
- Dynasty Travel — 9D8N Kansai Slow Luxury Tour
- JTB Travel — 9D6N Central Japan & Noto Island Tour
- JTB Travel — 7D6N North Central Japan Blue Festival Tour
- JTB Travel — 8D6N Hokkaido & North Central Japan Lavender Story Tour
- Michi & Co. — Glamping at the base of Mt. Fuji Package
- Michi & Co. — 5D4N or 3D2N Hayama & Kamakura Package
- Sino-America Tours — 8D7N Yokoso Central Japan
- Sino-America Tours — 8D7N Japan Golden Road Tour
Bustling with equal parts metropolitan and nature, explore the wonders of the prefectures surrounding Central Japan including the likes of Tokyo and the regions of Kansai and Chubu.
Sap your wallet dry at famous shopping districts like Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, Gotemba Premium Outlets, and the streets of Shinjuku. Along the way, be sure to snap IG-worthy photos of iconic landmarks such as Osaka Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Hitachi Seaside Park, Shirakawa-go village huts and so much more.
Source: Michi & Co.
For more rustic and quainter areas, the coastal towns of Hayama and Kamakura are a welcomed respite for weary travellers. Here, you can ground yourself in nature while soaking in the sea breeze — enjoying the slower rhythms and pace of life in these picturesque municipalities.
On the opposite end of the coast, dip your toes in some hot springs right by the Sea of Japan in the humble fishing town of Kyotanga before feasting on a delectable Taiza Crab — a rare winter treat harvested by only five fishing boats.
Source: Michi & Co.
Another must-visit definitely has to be Mount Fuji, where it feels as though you’ve been transported to another ethereal realm as you glamp under the stars.
For cherry blossom and canola flower lovers, be sure to visit the Tsuruga Castle, Nicchusen Memorial, Akagi Nanmen Sakura Roads, and Fukushimagata Lagoon during the month of April 2023.
Chan Brothers’ Sakura Tour offers Yamagata Sakura Train (20 to 30 April) and Tsuruuda River (Early April) experiences for you to trail along sakura-lined corridors.
Meanwhile, JTB Travel’s Blue Festival Tour features a unique 30-minute cherry-picking activity that will be freshly ripened just in time for the summer season.
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South Japan — Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Oita, Kyushu
Available tour packages:
- Chan Brothers — 9D6N Kyushu Tour
- Chan Brothers — 8D6N Kyushu Small Group Tour
Continue your journey down to the tail end of Japan to unassuming towns tucked beneath rolling hills.
Indulge in foot baths at one of the hottest onsens (on our list), Umi Jigoku, that’s aptly earned its nickname of “Sea Hell” given how much mist it emits from its cobalt blue waters. Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, Yufuin’s Floral Village is an unexpected and peculiar little town mockup paying homage to European architecture.
Conversely, the Tosu Premium Outlets in Saga and the dazzling Canal City Hakata and Tenjin Underground Shopping Centre in Fukuoka are mega shopping havens to cram all your shopping duties in the final day.
But don’t forget to pay your respects at Nagasaki’s Peace Park to remember the lives lost to atomic war atrocities.
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Special Mention: 5D4N Rishiri Alpine Island Tour
What makes this particular tour stand out from the rest is its focus on Rishiri and Rebun Islands, located offshore from Hokkaido’s mainland. They’re some of Japan’s most underrated hideaways, almost like a well-kept secret.
Source: Dynasty Travels
Nevertheless, its serenity and distance away from civilisation definitely contribute to preserving its spectacular wildlife and nature. Formed off its namesake volcano-turned-snowmelt-mountain, Mount Rishiri, its epic topography comprises a thriving ocean ecosystem and lush, undisturbed fields too.
Similarly, Rebun is distinguished by its diverse species of native alpine flora that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
If you visit between June to August, you might be able to try your hands at ezo-bafun sea urchin and sea cucumber hunting as well as harvesting your own top-grade kombu (seaweed) with the local islanders.
Source: Dynasty Travels
Last but not least, the iconic red Ryujin-no-Iwa (Dragon God’s Rock) shrine sitting peacefully atop rocky cliffs and crashing waves forms a charming juxtaposition. It exudes an otherworldly atmosphere that’ll draw you in, leaving you feeling like a different person from whence you came.
Don’t forget your travel insurance
It’s time to heed the alluring call of Nippon by choosing the right tour package today! But before you go, make sure you’re similarly protected by the right travel insurance for your trip.
Oftentimes, many people underestimate the importance of travel insurance. From flight delays, and baggage loss to personal accidents, anything could go wrong while overseas. The last thing you’d want is to be stuck in a foreign land with absolutely no travel coverage or protection.
By Emma Lam
With a minor problem of ‘itchy fingers’ for flash deals and sales, Emma is on a lifelong journey to understand what being financially independent in adulthood means. That said, her inner child is still very much alive… with animals and gaming being her weaknesses.
