TF1

14 hours ago, BruceMuzz said:

As of 02 September, Japan remains closed to most foreigners.

A few very carefully controlled and regulated tours are being allowed for foreigners, but that doesn't sound like much fun. The Government is talking about loosening up and allowing foreign visitors soon.

But there is still no discussion on allowing foreign cruise ships to visit.

 

Even if Japan opens to foreign cruise ships, they still will not be able to visit until at least one other Asian country opens up as well.

Japan's Cabotage Laws require a foreign flag cruise ship to visit at least one other country during a Japan cruise.

Currently, South Korea, China, and Taiwan are also closed to cruise ships.

Russia is still a possibility, but you probably do not want to visit there.

Interesting! We are hoping for something definitive before final payment.

3 hours ago, DCGuy64 said:

Not sure where some folks are getting their information. Maybe it depends on your definition of "closed to most folks." I just finished reading what I think is the most hopeful news I've seen from Japan since COVID. They've raised the number of tourists allowed to enter from 20,000 per day to 50,000, and the requirement to be on a guided tour is lifted. Now, any traveler booked with a travel agency is permitted to enter. Personally, I'm quite upbeat about this news. Our cruise isn't until April 2023, though.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/09/01/national/package-tours-restrictions-eased/

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/08/31/national/tourism-measures-kishida-covid/

Thank you for posting this

6 hours ago, 6rugrats said:

I am surprised this cruise hasn't been canceled yet.  Japan is still closed.

Time will tell, of course, but at this point cruises departing from Japan aren't happening until at least March 3rd. This cruise, however, departs from San Diego and arrives after March 3rd.

On 2/20/2022 at 3:40 AM, Milhouse said:

I think you should consider how much time you want to spend in transit for your day trips.

Personally, the furthest I'd probably want to go on a daytrip from Yokohama/Tokyo is likely Osaka/Kyoto at 2-2.5hrs each direction.  They're still both fairly big city, if you're looking for something different from Tokyo.  However, I'd recommend Kyoto which has many cultural attractions.  If you stick closer to Tokyo/Yokohama, the typical places are like Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura etc which are more smaller/quainter towns with temples and shrines to visit if you're looking for something other/different from the concrete jungles.

Thank you for telling us about the smaller, quaint towns. My husband and I will be centered in Tokyo/ Yokohama for 6 days post cruise and that is what we are interested in. Should we spend a day in each of these places ? Any other recommendations for the 6 days?

Can anyone tell me what a virgin cocktail costs for when I don't want alcohol?