Live updates: the Covid-19 coronavirus situation in Tokyo and Japan right now
Keep calm and read this: the latest news and updates on the Covid-19 coronavirus situation in Tokyo and Japan
How has Covid-19 affected Tokyo and Japan? To be honest, it hasn’t been the happiest or most relaxing time. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, a total of 351,020 positive cases have been confirmed in Japan as of January 22.
Nevertheless, we’re doing our best to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus by spending time inside. Whether you’re just passing through Japan, or living here for the long haul, remember to wash your hands, don’t touch your face and practice social distancing if you must go outside.
If you’re not feeling well, or if there’s an emergency, the Japan National Tourism Organization has set up a 24-hour coronavirus hotline for tourists, available in English, Chinese and Korean. Call 050 3816 2787 within Japan, or +81 50 3816 2787 from overseas.
Also see: What's it like to go out in Tokyo right now during the coronavirus pandemic
Live updates
[January 21] Travelling under Covid-19: Getting from Narita and Haneda airports into Tokyo
Overseas arrivals are banned from taking public transport – but there are private cars, train packages and special buses
[January 20] Here’s the tentative timeline of Japan’s Covid-19 vaccination programme
When we can expect the coronavirus vaccines to be approved and how they’ll be distributed
[January 14] Japan will name and shame people who break 14-day quarantine
Foreign residents who violate Covid-19 quarantine rules will also lose their resident status
[January 13] Japan bans all foreign travellers until February 7
Business travellers are now also banned from entry, but Japanese citizens and foreign residents are exempt
[January 13] Japan's state of emergency now covers 11 prefectures
The emergency declaration now applies to Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Gifu, Tochigi and Fukuoka as well
[January 8] What will change in Tokyo during its second state of emergency
Schools will stay open, but gyms, cinemas and even Tokyo Disneyland will close earlier
[January 7] A second state of emergency has been declared for Tokyo – here’s what that means
It's not a hard lockdown, but it will run until February 7, with bars, restaurants and more to close by 8pm
[January 5] Tokyo urges bars and restaurants to close and people to stay home from 8pm
New Covid-19 measures in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba will come into effect on Friday January 8
[January 4] Japan may declare a Covid-19 state of emergency in Tokyo this week
A 'limited' state of emergency for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures is under consideration
[December 21] Late-night trains on New Year’s Eve in Tokyo are cancelled due to Covid-19
JR East, Tokyo Metro and other major train companies are asked to cancel all-night services on December 31 2020
[December 21] The Kansai region has declared a state of emergency for the New Year holidays
The decision, which affects Osaka and Kyoto, is due to a surge in Covid-19 cases and a shortage of hospital beds
[December 21] Japan plans to start Covid-19 vaccination programme in late February 2021
Medical frontliners could be the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine
[December 17] How to take the new Airport Limousine Bus from Narita and Haneda airports into Tokyo
This is a special bus service for international travellers arriving in Japan under Covid-19 restrictions
[December 17] Tokyo's medical alert goes red as new Covid-19 cases hit a daily high of 822
This is the first time the city has raised its medical preparedness alert to the highest of its four levels
[December 14] Go to Travel campaign suspended nationwide over the New Year holidays
This comes as the coronavirus expert panel urges the government to take solid measures to curb the spread of Covid-19
[December 14] Overseas arrivals at Narita airport could be allowed to use the train to get into Tokyo
Starting this month, some cars on selected airport trains may be designated for travellers arriving from abroad
[December 10] Japan will launch a health monitoring centre for overseas tourists in March
Visitors will be required to register and provide updates on their health during their first two weeks in Japan
[December 7] Japan considers opening up again to international tourists in spring 2021
The government could allow overseas visitors within the first few months of 2021
[December 2] This new Covid-19 testing centre in Shinbashi offers PCR tests for just ¥2,900
From December 4, you can get saliva tests and certificates at the new Covid-19 Coronavirus PCR Test Centre Shinbashi
[December 2] Approved: Japan will provide free Covid-19 vaccination for the whole country
However, it is unclear if foreign residents are eligible
[November 26] Japan could declare another state of emergency – if the Covid-19 surge continues
The next three weeks are crucial to see if Japan can get the coronavirus under control
[November 25] Tokyo urges restaurants and bars to shut early, people to stay home amid a Covid-19 surge
Restaurants, bars and karaoke parlors will be asked to close at 10pm from November 28 to December 17
[November 25] So you’ve booked a Go to Travel deal to Osaka or Sapporo. What happens now?
Here’s what you can do since Osaka and Sapporo have been taken off the Go to Travel campaign
[November 24] Japan to suspend Go to Travel campaign in cities where coronavirus cases are surging
Sapporo and Osaka will be the first to be taken off the travel subsidy programme
[November 19] No business closures, but Tokyoites are asked to practise Five Ss to curb Covid-19 spread
The metropolitan government’s new guidelines are all about keeping gatherings small, short and separated
[November 19] Tokyo raises its virus alert to the highest level due to a spike in Covid-19 cases
The capital is now officially on stage four alert. New rules for businesses or individuals may be coming
[November 19] Google now offers Covid-19 forecasts for Japan
The 28-day projections in English and Japanese include coronavirus case numbers and deaths by prefecture
[November 19] Tokyo registered a new daily record of 493 new coronavirus cases today. What happens now?
There’s growing concern that Japan could be heading for a third wave of Covid-19
[November 17] With coronavirus cases rising in Hokkaido, is the prefecture going into a lockdown?
The short answer is no – but there will be requests for self-restraint directed at businesses in the city and residents
[October 28] Japan will provide free Covid-19 vaccines to all residents
The government has approved a bill to offer all residents a free coronavirus vaccine once it’s available
[October 23] Narita airport is offering two-hour coronavirus PCR tests starting November
The new testing centre will enable departing travellers to get tested and obtain a certificate for negative test result
[October 22] Japan might exempt short-term business travellers from quarantine
This could apply to short-term business travellers who’ll be in Japan for 72 hours or less
[October 8] Japan plans to lift 14-day quarantine rule for all business travellers and residents
To skip quarantine, you’ll have to submit a detailed plan of your movements for your first two weeks back in Japan
[October 5] Japan could reopen to tourists from spring 2021
Here’s how Japan is planning to reopen its borders ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games
[October 5] Japan plans to resume short- and long-term travel with South Korea
Business travel between South Korea and Japan could be possible by the end of the month
[September 29] Japan might allow outbound international travel starting from October
The government is looking to lower its travel advisory level in stages starting next month
[September 25] Soon you will be able to book your Covid-19 PCR test before travelling
This website, expected to launch in October, allows business travellers and athletes to book their coronavirus PCR tests
[September 23] Japan plans to further ease entry restrictions – now for those staying mid-to-long term
This applies to medical staff, athletes and other foreign residents staying in Japan for at least three months – but not tourists
[September 14] Japan has confirmed its travel bubble with five Asian regions – here are the entry rules
Japan’s travel bubble with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Taiwan is limited to residents for now
[September 8] Japan and Singapore have agreed to set up a travel corridor, starting September 18
Short-term business travel between Japan and Singapore will soon resume
[September 3] Japan to consider free Covid-19 vaccine for all residents when it becomes available
If a vaccine is found and made available, residents in Japan might get free Covid-19 vaccination in 2021
[September 1] Japan’s travel bubble will extend to five Asian countries and regions on September 8
Reciprocal travel for long-term residents from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Taiwan will soon be available
[September 1] Foreign residents are now allowed to re-enter Japan with new guidelines
From September 1, foreign residents are allowed to enter Japan provided they pass a PCR test and self-isolate
[September 1] These are all the countries and regions affected by Japan’s entry ban
Thirteen more places have been added
[August 28] Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announces his resignation due to health issues
The longest running prime minister cites health issues as the reason for stepping down
[August 28] Japan will lift re-entry ban for foreign residents next month, says PM Abe
Details are still scarce but foreign residents may be allowed to re-enter Japan from September
[August 28] Tokyo restaurants will continue to have shortened hours until September 15
This voluntary request appeals to Tokyo eateries to close at 10pm to curb the spread of coronavirus
[August 24] Japan will soon relax entry restrictions for foreign students
It’s possible international students will be able to re-enter Japan as early as the end of August
[August 21] Japan will allow all foreign residents to re-enter the country starting in September
All foreign residents will be allowed into Japan provided they take a PCR test and quarantine upon arrival
[August 18] What's it like to go out in Tokyo right now during the coronavirus pandemic
From temperature checks to masks, here’s a snapshot of the new normal in Tokyo and Japan during coronavirus
[August 17] Japan and Malaysia may allow reciprocal travel for expatriates in September
There may be a coronavirus travel bubble between Japan and Malaysia soon
[August 14] Japan and Singapore agree to set up a coronavirus travel bubble in September
Business travellers, expatriates and long-term residents will be able to travel between Japan and Singapore soon
[August 6] Tokyo Governor Koike asks residents to avoid travel this summer, especially over Obon
Meanwhile, PM Abe says no state of emergency will be declared, despite Japan’s increasing coronavirus cases
[July 31] Tokyo may consider declaring its own state of emergency if coronavirus cases keep rising
The remark comes after Tokyo declared a record-breaking 463 confirmed cases on Friday
[July 30] Japan will grant easier re-entry to some foreign residents from August 5
Some foreign residents will no longer need to show ‘exceptional circumstances’ to re-enter the country
[July 30] Tokyo will ask restaurants and bars to close early to contain coronavirus
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will ask restaurants and nightlife venues to close at 10pm, starting from August 3
[July 28] Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward plans to provide a ¥120,000 cash handout to all its residents
The proposed amount even exceeds the Japanese government's coronavirus stimulus handout of ¥100,000
[July 27] Japan extends entry ban to 17 more countries and regions
Those who have visited Kenya, Paraguay and 15 other regions in the last 14 days will be denied entry into Japan
[July 22] Governor Koike urges Tokyoites to stay home this long holiday weekend
Everyone, especially the elderly and those at higher risk, are urged to stick to essential outings only this July 23-26 weekend
[July 17] Tokyo is excluded from the Go to Travel campaign due to the spike in coronavirus cases
Tokyo residents, as well as trips to and from Tokyo, are not eligible for the 50 percent discount on domestic travel
[July 15] Tokyo raises its coronavirus alert to the highest level due to a recent spike in cases
It's not a new state of emergency, but it's the first time Tokyo has reached level four on its new virus alert scale
[July 15] Airport coronavirus testing centres in Tokyo and Osaka could open in September
The possible loosening of international travel restrictions will call for more coronavirus testing
[July 14] Japan could relax its re-entry rules for foreign residents this week
There is a possibility foreign residents stuck abroad could have a chance to return to Japan soon
[July 13] Shinjuku ward will hand out ¥100,000 to residents infected with coronavirus
The subsidy will be distributed as early as August to aid people who cannot work while receiving treatment
[July 10] Japan plans to ease entry ban for 10 Asian countries and regions
Japan will start negotiations to lift travel restrictions for China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and more
[July 9] Tokyo government will pay nightlife venues to close to control coronavirus
To limit cluster infections, nightlife venues in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro are being offered ¥500,000 to close temporarily
[July 7] Japan will continue to ease coronavirus restrictions on large events and gatherings
The government plans to proceed as scheduled, allowing a maximum of 5,000 guests for indoor events from July 10
[July 3] Japan has no plans to declare another state of emergency to deal with coronavirus
Coronavirus cases are rising in Tokyo, but the government is not planning to declare a second state of emergency
[July 3] Japan to set up coronavirus testing centres near major airports for overseas travellers
The centres at Narita, Haneda and Kansai airports, plus in central Tokyo and Osaka, plan to offer PCR tests for travellers
[June 30] Governor Koike reveals the new way Tokyo will monitor coronavirus
The new standards do not specify a threshold number of new cases that would trigger a possible return to restrictions
[June 30] Japan adds 18 more nations to its expanding no-entry list
From July 1, Cuba, Costa Rica, Iraq and more will be among the 129 nations and regions affected by Japan’s entry ban
[June 22] Japan releases Covid-19 contact tracing app
The Cocoa app notifies users if they’ve been in close contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus
[June 19] Tokyo now allows all businesses to reopen, including nightclubs and live music venues
Even venues in small, enclosed spaces can now reopen, but patrons should still practice safety precautions
[June 19] Japan eases domestic travel restrictions and gets ready to boost local tourism
People are no longer discouraged from travelling across prefectures for non-essential purposes
[June 19] Japan reveals more details of its planned travel bubble
Visitors from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam will have to submit negative PCR tests plus an itinerary
[June 15] Japan updates its re-entry rules for foreign residents
The government has added more 'exceptional circumstances', including medical emergencies and giving witness testimony
[June 11] Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike releases weekly English video updates on coronavirus
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike knows our concerns and is releasing weekly updates in English at 7.15pm on Thursdays. Watch it on YouTube.
[June 11] Japan may allow 250 foreigners daily to enter from these countries
Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam may potentially be included in Japan’s first travel bubble come summer
[June 11] Tokyo is looking to lift its coronavirus alert this week
Reports say the government is considering canceling the alert and moving to stage three of reopening by the weekend
[June 5] Japan to allow re-entry for foreign residents in ‘exceptional circumstances’
The government confirms that foreign residents who left for funerals or medical care will be allowed re-entry into Japan
[June 2] Tokyo issues coronavirus alert after a sudden rise in new cases
Tokyoites are urged to be cautious after new coronavirus infections hit 34 on Tuesday June 2
[June 1] Japan is considering a travel bubble for overseas business people and tourists
Australia, China, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, the USA and Vietnam are rumoured to be on the shortlist
[May 29] Tokyo to commence stage two of reopening plan on Monday June 1
Gyms and movie theatres will be able to reopen with increased safety and social distancing measures
[May 27] Japan plans to fully reopen the economy as early as August
Japan will restart the economy with sports, concerts and eventually domestic and international travel
[May 26] Tokyo begins stage one of reopening following the state of emergency
Japan’s capital is reopening its museums and libraries, and restaurants can now serve until 10pm