Since Japan’s state of emergency was lifted back in May, we’ve all had to keep adapting our lifestyle around the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. This survey of Time Out Tokyo readers living in Japan has given us a clearer picture of how you’re coping with life in the time of coronavirus.
Close to 150 people took part in the survey, sharing the difficulties they’ve faced, their current lifestyle habits and emotional well-being, along with their future travel plans. Here are some of the key findings.
People are going out again...
Ever since the state of emergency was lifted and businesses have started reopening, there’s been a bit more reason to spend time out and about. The top activities people have started doing again include visiting restaurants (24 percent), going shopping (19 percent) and taking part in outdoor activities (19 percent). When asked about Covid-19 safety measures at venues, 51 percent said they felt the safety measures were sufficient, with only 9 percent stating that it limits the fun.
... but mostly still hanging around their neighbourhoods – for now
Almost 70 percent of people said that since the restrictions on domestic travel were lifted, they have yet to travel outside of their home prefecture. Of the homebodies, more than 32 percent said they still don’t feel it’s safe to start travelling again and are wary of going outside. On the other hand, 30 percent said they just haven’t had the time to travel yet.
Happiness levels are up
Compared to the responses from our April survey, there was an 8.4 percent increase in the number of people who said they were 'happier than usual'. We can only hope everyone’s emotional well-being continues to improve as Japan slowly returns to some semblance of normal.
Readers would like to see more coronavirus resources in English
On the other hand, over 36 percent of readers expressed concern that there is not enough medical support readily available in English. The number one issue seems to be information on where to get tested for Covid-19, with over 41 percent of people saying they are unsatisfied with the lack of resources.
The good news is that there are a number of multilingual hotlines you can call to receive help on any coronavirus questions you have.
Expect to see more domestic travel this summer
Japan’s new subsidy for domestic travel has yet to be implemented, but more than half of readers didn’t even know the campaign existed. After finding out about it, 86 percent are keen to take advantage of the subsidy to travel domestically once it comes into place. In fact, over 71 percent of readers said they have travel plans in the works, with most trips planned for July and August 2020. However, some people are still wary of travelling – almost 9 percent said they’ll wait until next year.
The top Japanese destinations readers are keen to visit include Okinawa, Hokkaido and Kyoto, primarily to get back to nature and enjoy the outdoors. Don’t forget, there are plenty of other beautiful places in Japan to visit, too.
'Workations' might become the next travel and work trend in Japan
The Japanese government has been trying to promote staggered holidays and ‘workations’ to reduce holiday crowds and limit the spread of coronavirus. Readers are keen to embrace the new concept, with 77 percent saying they would be open to a ‘workation’, given that the government is working to make sure national parks and onsen areas are more suitable for working vacations. If you’re brainstorming ideas for a future ‘workcation’, check out these easily accessible day trips from Tokyo.
Overall, it seems like Time Out Tokyo readers in Japan are eager to go out travelling again – at least domestically – with many plans for the coming summer. Whatever you have in mind, don’t forget to stay safe and protected when heading out.
Get live updates on the Covid-19 coronavirus situation in Tokyo and Japan here.
More news
Download and read our special issue out now
Governor Koike reveals the new way Tokyo will monitor coronavirus
Japan adds 18 more nations to its expanding no-entry list
Japan releases new travel guidelines following ease in domestic travel restrictions