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Last week, the Japanese government announced that the most recent state of emergency, in place for a total of two and a half months, would expire after March 21. As of Monday March 22, Tokyo is no longer under a Covid-19 state of emergency. However, while some restrictions have been eased, others remain firmly in place in an effort to prevent a fourth wave of infections.
Here’s everything you need to know about Tokyo and Japan post-emergency:
- Bars and restaurants can now stay open until 9pm, but the shortened operating hours will continue until April 21
- The national government can fine venues that don’t comply with Covid-19 rules
- Hanami gatherings are still heavily discouraged and many Tokyo parks have placed barriers around their picnic areas to enforce the rules
- Venue capacity for large-scale events, previously capped at 5,000 people, has been doubled to a maximum of 10,000 attendees
- Border controls will not be eased for the time being. This means Japan is still closed to the world, except citizens and foreign residents with a valid residence visa. Furthermore, overseas spectators will not be permitted for the Tokyo Olympics
This article was originally published on March 22 and updated on March 24.
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