Here you can find up-to-date information about traveling to Hokkaido, Japan in the post-lockdown world, as well as the covid-19 countermeasures taken by Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel private tours and our local partners. For more accurate information on covid-19 in Hokkaido, please check the information published by the Japanese and Hokkaido Goverments.
Covid-19 situation in Hokkaido, Japan (Last updated: March 22 2023)
Starting June 10, 2022, tourism has resumed in Japan. As of October 11th 2022, visa exemptions will resume for travel to Japan.
Can I travel to Hokkaido with HTIT now?
Yes, you can! We have been welcoming travelers.
We will:
- Arrange tours and tour conductors following guidelines, including transportation within Tokyo and other parts of Japan
- Provide contact information and support in case of any emergencies that occur during travel
- Support you throughout your tour
- Keep you informed to help you follow the requests for travelers to Japan before, during, and after your travels.
From October 11, 2022, visa exemptions will resume for countries that visa agreements with Japan before the pandemic. Before departure to Japan, travelers must:
- Have a valid vaccination certificate for 3 doses of vaccines that are listed on the Emergency Use List of World Health Organization OR a negative covid-19 test 72 hours before departure for Japan
- Children 18 and under are not required to have 3 doses if accompanied by a guardian that has been vaccinated 3 times. Read the details here in Section 1: Frequently Asked Questions
- Follow the procedures as listed on the Japan travel website
- Purchase private medical insurance that includes coverage for medical expenses related to new coronavirus infection and services.
During Travel, Visitors Must:
- Wear masks (It is not compulsory.)
- Sanitize hands
- Follow the tour guide’s instructions to avoid the “Three Cs” – closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many people nearby, and close-contact setting such as close-range conversations.
For details, please refer to the link below:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html#section11
Japan travel instructions and entry bans: https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/
Summary of Latest Information Regarding COVID-19 in Hokkaido : https://www.hiecc.or.jp/soudan/emg/index.html?lang=en
Is HTIT operating private tours normally at the moment?
Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel continues private tour operations normally for domestic travelers and overseas travelers who follow the visa guidelines at the time of their private tour. Designing a tailor-made private tour according to your wishes always takes some time.
*COVID-19 may prevent us from providing some of the services previously offered in Hokkaido. Please take advantage of our private tours in Hokkaido, where detailed consultation and coordination are possible.
What is HTIT’s cancellation and insurance policy?
Cancellations and Deposits: We have a flexible deposit and cancellation policy now. Please feel free to inquire us now for a future trip.
You can find the detailed Terms and Conditions under:
https://hokkaido-sightseeing.com/en/pdf/booking-conditions_202012.pdf
Please check page 11 about the cancellation policy. For cancellations related to covid-19, we will generally offer you a full refund.
However, even for a cancellation due to Covid-19, please note that in some cases you will have to cover the cancellation fees for some hotels and other contractors, especially during peak season bookings and depending on their cancellation policies.
Insurance: We are part of a Japanese insurance package for foreign travelers that includes also hospitalization in case of coronavirus. Please ask for details when contacting us. We warmly recommend our customers to take also a travel insurance on their own. It is currently required that insurance covers the novel coronavirus, including hospitalization due to the virus, fees in a quarantine hotel, plane fees for unplanned return to your home country, etc. We are a local travel agency, so in case of any emergency situation we will be here in Hokkaido together with you, supporting you through the process.
Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel’s countermeasures against the spread of Covid-19
All our tours are private, so there will not be other tourists traveling with you; you can travel comfortably with your close contacts only. We specialize in rural and off the beaten path locations of Hokkaido, so there is no need to visit any potentially crowded touristic places.
We will take care of the preparations for you, so that you can just concentrate on your long-anticipated trip.
HTIT travel service
- Private tours with a personal driver: No public transportation. No other tourists. Travel just with your close contacts.
・Wearing a face mask: A common custom in Japan, especially in the current situation.
・Good hygiene: There will also be disinfection available in your private car. Cleaning the car and regular disinfection takes place between customers. During the private tour the car will be used only by your group.
・Ventilating the car regularly.
・Latest information: Your driver and guide will provide you with information on places where you can wash your hands etc.
・Monitoring personal health: There will be a no-contact infrared thermometer available in the car. Our drivers have been instructed to monitor their body temperature and any cold symptoms, so that they do not work when under the weather.
- Avoiding crowded places: HTIT specializes in off the beaten path destinations. You do not have to add any classic sightseeing locations or large cities to your personal itinerary if you are not comfortable with the idea.
- Social distancing: We will recommend to you a wide range of activities and locations where keeping the appropriate social distancing can easily be done, so that you do not have to stress.
- Good hygiene and frequent chances for disinfection and washing hands: The overall level of hygiene in Japan is very good. Your driver and guide will provide you with information regarding places where you can wash your hands etc.
- Choosing hotels and restaurants with care: We do not use hotels that can not take proper care of the safety of our clients. No crowded restaurants or buffets. We can make restaurant reservations for your private group only.
- Private onsen: Hokkaido is a famous “onsen” hot springs destination in Japan. Public onsen is a common practice, but we can arrange you a room with a private onsen if you feel uncomfortable with the idea of a public bath.
- Flexible deposit policy: We have a flexible deposit policy. You can wait until two months prior to your booked private tour before the deposit has to be made. Please note the policy may differ according to hotel terms and conditions.
- Personal and professional travel service: Let us know any concerns you may have and we will search for the options that best suit your preferences. We will make it work!
Why should I choose HTIT for my post-covid trip?
We are a private tour operator based in Hokkaido, Japan. Our specialty is arranging off the beaten track multiple day private tours with a personal driver. Sustainable travel and supporting the local communities are important for us. Our service includes:
- Completely private tours tailored just for you
- Unique authentic Japanese culture experiences
- Luxury cars & minibuses with a personal driver
- Experienced, English speaking licensed tour guides
- No stress. Pick-up/drop off at your hotel. Leave everything to us!
- Special experiences and surprise events tailored to your needs can also be realized!
Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel has deep connections with the local businesses of Hokkaido. We find supporting the small local businesses especially important in the current world situation. You can trust our high standards and that we will choose the accommodation, activities and restaurants that best fit your needs.
We kindly ask that everyone traveling with our private tours will cooperate with safe travel etiquette, for the protection and comfort of themselves and the people around them.
Please do not hesitate to come say hi and let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding your travel plans to Hokkaido, Japan!
