“Go To Travel Campaign”, Japan’s latest initiative to save its economy from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, has been pushed to start from July 22, about half a month earlier than planned.
In April 2020, Japan suffered its most significant drop in foreign tourism. In that particular month, Japan welcomed only 2,900 international travelers, down 99.9% from the same time in 2019.
What is “Go To Travel” campaign?
“Go To Travel campaign” will cover half of travel expenses up to ¥20,000 per stay or ¥10,000 for a day trip if people purchase trip plans through designated travel agencies or make reservations at designated hotels.
The principle is simple enough: travelers will receive up to 50% subsidies on transportation, hotels, restaurants, landmarks, and shopping costs, anywhere in Japan.
source: go to travel campaign
Initially it will provide a 35 percent discount on total expenses.
From September, special coupons providing discounts at designated shops during the travel period will be issued to compensate for the remaining 15 percent.
Local shopping coupons will be allowed not only as paper coupons but also electric coupons for souvenirs, restaurants, tourist attractions or transportation in a destination.
However, because of the growing number of daily new infections in Tokyo, the government has announced that this campaign will exclude those who travel to and from Tokyo at the moment on July 16.
When does it start?
The campaign starts from July 22th until August 31st.
Who can apply?
If you meet all of the following conditions, you can apply for a discount refund after traveling.
- Travel starts after July 22, 2020
- Travel ends before August 31, 2020
- Trips booked or purchased through travel agencies and travel reservation sites or directly through a hotel’s website.
Note: Travel products at discounted prices due to the “Go To Travel Campaign” will not be eligible.
Documents needed for refund procedure
- Application form: PDF
- Documents showing payment details such as purchase receipt, etc.
- Accommodation certificate showing information such as the date of stay and the number of guests and the traveler’s name.
- Account confirmation (for travelers): PDF
- Documents that can confirm your bank account number: (Copy of passbook, cash card, etc.)
- Documents that can confirm your address: (Copy of driving license, health insurance card, etc.)
Application period
From August 14, 2020 until September 14, 2020
Where to send the applications documents
The address will be announced later on the website before the application period starts.
When can I get the refund?
After receiving and confirming all the application documents, refund will be transferred to the designated account within about two months.
Who don’t need to do refund procedure
After July 27, registered travel agencies, reservation sites, accommodation facilities, etc. will begin to sell travel products at a price that reflects discounts (35% of travel price).
If you book or purchase through registered travel agencies, reservation sites, accommodation facilities, etc; there is no need to do any procedure.
- List of registered accommodation facilities
- List of registered travel agencies
source: Go to travel キャンペーン
