Japan’s independent travel is very different! 8 things in Japan have changed

With the opening of Japan and the preparation of “0+0” in Hong Kong, many people are looking forward to buying air tickets and hotels to travel to Japan. But during these three years, many changes have taken place in Japan. Lin Shibi, a front-office infectious disease doctor who has been in Japan for 40 days this summer, shared 8 major changes in Japan in the post-epidemic era on the Facebook page “Japanese Self-Guided Travel Poisoners”, reminding everyone to pay attention when visiting Japan.

Table of Contents

e-SIM card becomes mainstream

Lin Shibi pointed out that in the past three years, many companies have closed down, and some are still struggling. Compared with the previous Wi-Fi egg and SIM card, there is now a more convenient choice for Internet access, which is the “e-SIM card”. There is no physical e-SIM card, so there is no need to replace the original SIM card at all, and it is very convenient to answer calls or text messages! But the only problem is that e-SIM currently mainly supports iPhones of recent models, and other mobile phones are still limited.

**Compared with the previous Wi-Fi egg and SIM card, there is now a more convenient choice for Internet access, which is the “e-SIM card”. (Image credit: unsplash @Brett Jordan)**

No more free plastic bags

Now, like Hong Kong, major stores in Japan are no longer free of plastic bags, and you need to bring a shopping bag with you when you travel to Japan. However, the special packaging of duty-free goods is still plastic, and I don’t know if there will be changes in the future.

**Like Hong Kong, major Japanese stores are no longer free plastic bags (Credit: unsplash @Griffin Wooldridge)**

Daguo Pharmacy almost disappeared, replaced by Sugi Pharmacy

In the past, when travelling to Japan, it was inevitable to go to Daguo drugstores to scan the goods. However, after three years of epidemic, he only saw 2 Daguo drugstores within 40 days of his trip to Japan. Daguo drugstores closed most of the physical stores due to the epidemic. The focus has shifted to network operations. Sugi Pharmacy replaced it and opened to the market. But Lam also said, “Maybe there will be changes as tourists come back?

**In response to the epidemic, Daguo drugstores closed most of their physical stores and shifted their focus to online operations. (Image credit: Facebook@大国药药店Daikoku Drug)**

Less tourists

Under the epidemic, Japanese tourists have almost completely disappeared, the crowd has also been greatly reduced, and the queue time to popular restaurants has also been reduced accordingly. It’s “prime time” now, and Japan, where there are not so many tourists, is really comfortable to visit!

**It’s “prime time” now, and Japan, where there are not so many tourists, is really comfortable to visit! (Image credit: unsplash @Jezael Melgoza)**

The clerk does not handle tax refund + does not speak English

Lin Shibi pointed out that he had processed the tax refund 4-5 times when he arrived in Tokyo in August, and encountered some difficulties each time. It was precisely because of the long lapse that many shop assistants forgot or did not apply for the tax refund at all! However, with the switch and the return of tourists, tax rebates, English and Chinese communication skills, etc. will gradually recover. In addition, the Japanese tax refund is no longer required to be attached to the passport, and the information will be directly electronically transmitted to the customs.

At present, the tax refund in Japan no longer needs to be affixed to the passport, and the information will be directly electronically transmitted to the customs. (Image credit: unsplash @Markus Winkler)

Prices go up or down

Prices around the world are also skyrocketing, and Japan is no exception. Take Yamato Sushi, Sushi Dai and other restaurants for example, the prices have risen to 5,000 yen; some restaurants have the same prices, but they have shrunk. However, because the yen has fallen recently, it is offsetting each other.

**Japan’s surge in prices has been offset by the recent fall in the yen’s exchange rate. (Image credit: unsplash@ arkenstone_jr)**

More self-checkout and self-service ticket purchases

Japan has made progress in response to the epidemic, and Lin Shibi hardly took out cash to check out when traveling to Japan. In Japanese supermarkets, convenience stores have self-checkout options. At the same time, JR pass and subway tickets, etc. can be solved at the ticket machine, and there is even an interesting unmanned shop at JR Takanawa gateway station!

**Japan has made progress in response to the epidemic, and Lin Shibi hardly took out cash to check out when traveling to Japan. (Image credit: unsplash@christianchen )**

Alcohol is available everywhere and mask coverage is super high

Under the epidemic, the slogans of silent eating, silent riding, silent bathing, and silent clothing have spread all over Japan. The Japanese are basically still in the state of epidemic prevention and have been integrated into their lives. But because Japan has also experienced 7 waves of epidemics, the locals have taken it indifferent and will not make a fuss.

**The Japanese are basically still under quarantine (Image credit: unsplash@Tai ’s Captures)**

Common Problem

Q: The latest Japan entry and vaccine requirements details?
A: In the latest news about Japan’s entry switch, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced the details of the latest entry relaxation policy. There are relevant methods for entry with and without injections. When Japan returned to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong government had earlier announced the latest Hong Kong entry quarantine measures.

Q: What are the best places to visit and recommended attractions in Japan?
A: Entering the autumn, it is a good day to see the autumn leaves in Japan, that is, to see the latest Japanese autumn leaves information 2022, 16 famous Hokkaido autumn leaves, and the autumn leaves hot spring town Hanamaki Hot Spring in Iwate Prefecture. If you haven’t thought about going to Tokyo, you can read and pay attention to Tokyo Free Travel 2022 .

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Title: Japan’s independent travel is very different! 8 things in Japan have changed