Is Japan’s new e-visa system a game changer for travelers?
Japan will soon simplify traveling to the country with the launch of their new e-Visa program called JESTA, but with limited tourist spots, what will the country do about the inflow of visitors?
How JESTA Works: The Basics of Japan’s New e-Visa
Like the US-based ESTA system, Japan JESTA allows eligible applicants to apply online to bypass visiting embassies and submitting physical paperwork “visas” for short trips.
The benefits of JESTA include:
Faster processing – The lengthy Japanese visa approval waits will be history.
Convenient online application – Travelers can submit their details from any corner of the world.
Increased accessibility – Greater ease of entry for Japan can be extended to more countries.
While JESTA makes the travel process easier, a few requirements which travelers still need to fulfill include having a certain level of financial sufficiency, submitting travel plans, and having the intent of visiting Japan that follows the tourism guidelines.
How will JESTA have an effect on Japan’s tourism boom?
Japan has witnessed a record-breaking increase in international tourists, and with an easier visa policy, the numbers are set to increase further. Tourist hotspots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka will perhaps face more tourist traffic, further straining the region’s infrastructure as well as the ancient sites within these cities.
Key effects of JESTA on tourism:
Before talking about tourism as a whole, let’s first consider key impacts of JESTA on tourism:
More first-time tourists – Access to Japan has been made easier so more people will choose Japan as a travel location.
Strain on accommodations demand – Hotels, ryokans, and Airbnb listings are expected to receive more and more bookings.
Attractions becoming overcrowded – Popular attractions like Fushimi Inari, Mount Fuji, and Shibuya Crossing can expect longer lines and busier streets.
Japan’s approach to over tourism
Japan has been trying to manage the ballooning visitor numbers while trying to preserve their cultural heritage. Here’s how:
Timed Entry & Reservation Systems
Advance booking has been made necessary for certain popular spots like the Ghibli Museum and some temples in Kyoto. Timed entry helps regulate crowding and improve visitor satisfaction.
Subsidizing Low-Profile Destinations
The Japanese board is actively promoting Shikoku – a relatively unknown region boasting breathtaking coastal views and temples – as a travel destination.
Tottori – Famous for Japan’s only sand dunes which provide a one of a kind experience like being in a desert.
Tohoku – Noted for having stunning nature and beautiful samurai towns.
Managing the Popular Tourist/Visitor Attractions
This includes Kyoto city which has allowed some activities to be performed, but with restrictions on tourist engagements like entering the residential areas and new policies for geisha quarter area.
Encouraging Environmentally Friendly Travel
This includes supported tourism by promoting travel to the country’s wilderness regions through:
Not using rental vehicles but instead using public transport.
Staying in lodges away from cities instead of mainstream hotels.
Spending money in small shops and other non-urban centre places.
Is JESTA a good move for travellers?
Japan’s e-Visa policy is welcoming but with unfettered access there needs to be a balance between a warm welcome and crowd control.
If you have plans to visit Japan, shift your focus to adding second tier cities instead, off-traffic season, and would culturally respect the region’s travel etiquette to be more pleasant and hassle free.
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