Everything you need to know about Japan's Go to Travel campaign

The Go to Travel campaign is a Japanese government subsidy encouraging domestic travel to help boost the economy. It also aims to bring business back to local tourism and hospitality operators, many of whom were forced to close during the coronavirus state of emergency.

The campaign started on July 22, and until September 31, you will receive an initial 35 percent discount on your travel expenses. From October 1 onwards, you'll receive the aforementioned 35 percent discount plus an extra 15 percent discount in the form of vouchers that can be used at your destination, for a total 50 percent off the cost of their trip. 

The campaign is expected to end in January 31 2021, although it's possible it could end earlier if and when the national budget allocated for this subsidy has all been used up.

The discount only applies to domestic trips and can only be claimed up to a set limit. For day trips, the maximum eligible spend is ¥10,000 per day, while for overnight and longer trips, the maximum is ¥20,000 per night.

Trips costing more than these amounts are still eligible for the Go to Travel scheme, but discounts will only apply up to those limits.

To receive the discount, you’ll need to book your trip with businesses that are registered with the campaign. You can find a list of participating businesses on the official Go to Travel website (in Japanese only).  

Most major Japanese travel agencies and travel booking sites such as JTB, Yahoo Travel and Rakuten Travel are included in the promotion. Since the campaign is integrated with their booking systems, you’ll pay the discounted price when booking directly through them. 

Not comfortable booking in Japanese? Don't worry, you can also book your hotel stays in various languages through Booking.com. Here you'll get 35 percent discount on your hotel instantly when you book. The additional 15 percent, which comes in the form of electronic vouchers, will be issued on your check-in day after 3pm. Click here to find out how you can redeem these if you book via booking.com.

If booked through a travel agency as part of a package, then yes, your airfare is included. The deal does not apply to any transportation you’ve booked directly. 

You can book flight with hotel packages that are eligible for the Go to Travel discounts directly through Japan Airlines and ANA, though it's all in Japanese only.

The vouchers are distributed in physical and electronic form, and you’ll receive them via your travel agencies, online booking sites or at your hotel. They can be used at selected restaurants, souvenir shops, tourist attractions and public transport operators.

Participating venues will place a sticker or poster on their storefronts for easy identification. Do note that some outlets only accept physical vouchers and not electronic ones, or vice versa. There are also those that accept both. And, you can also use the vouchers at selected convenience stores. 

Vouchers are non-refundable and you cannot receive change when you pay with them.

If they are registered for the campaign, then yes, stays at these types of accommodation are eligible for the discount.