As Japan is experiencing a Covid-19 surge, the government has decided to suspend the Go to Travel domestic tourism subsidy in cities with a high or increasing number of new infections. Prefectural governments have been given the power to withdraw their cities from the programme, and so far, Osaka and Sapporo have decided to pull the plug, albeit temporarily until December 15.
So this means trips to these two major tourist destinations are no longer eligible for the discounts of up to 50 percent. No new bookings will be accepted effective immediately for the next three weeks at least. But what if you’ve already booked your trip to Osaka or Sapporo prior to the announcement? According to NHK, here’s what you can do.
- Pre-booked trips that will take place by December 1 will still have the Go to Travel discounts.
- Trips that happen on December 2 and after will no longer be covered under the Go to Travel campaign.
- If you want to cancel your pre-booked trip without paying the cancellation fee, you must submit your application through your booking agent or accommodation before December 3. See their respective websites for more information.
So far, only Osaka and Sapporo have been removed from the Go to Travel campaign. However, more cities may decide to follow suit should coronavirus case numbers continue to rise.
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