Travel Discount Campaign Begins In Tokyo
Tokyo kicked off the Japanese government's travel discount campaign on Thursday, nine days after the rest of the country. The aim of the campaign is to boost domestic travel.
Under the program, travelers can get a discount of up to 8,000 yen, or about 55 dollars, per night, including public transportation. Travelers will also get a shopping coupon worth up to about 20 dollars per person per night.
Travelers must be vaccinated at least three times or have a negative test to receive the discount.
Prefectural governments get to decide whether to implement the program, which began on October 11 in other prefectures.
Tokyo delayed the start of the campaign until noon Thursday, saying they needed to observe the coronavirus infection situation and prepare coupons.
Residents in Tokyo can also use the capital's subsidy program together with the national program. If both programs are used, people 19 or older can get a discount of up to 16,000 yen, or about 110 dollars.
The program will run through December 20, but the Tokyo Metropolitan government says it will end it if it runs out of funds.
A metropolitan official said they want people to enjoy exploring Tokyo while taking protective measures against the coronavirus and influenza.