TOKYO Kyodo will continue to implement its domestic tourism subsidy program through next year, tourism minister Tetsuo Saito said Friday, although the start date will depend on COVID 19 infection rates.
The National Travel Discount program, originally planned to last until December 27, provides a financial subsidy of up to 11,000 yen $79 a night per person for up to seven days, but will be reduced to a maximum of 7,000 yen per night from 2023 onwards.
The program began on October 11 in all of Japan's 47 prefectures except Tokyo, which joined the scheme later in the month.
The package tours that include charter bus and rail travel costs will be subsidized up to 5,000 yen, down from 8,000 yen. People going on day trips or just paying for accommodation can get a subsidy of up to 3,000 yen instead of the current 5,000 yen.