This program started on July 22 to boost the tourism industry, which has been heavily hit by the coronavirus. Still, it has excluded residents and hotels in Tokyo due to a high level of infection there. As the infection has been recently stable in the capital, the local ban of the program will be lifted next month.
Under the "Go To Travel" campaign, you can purchase a travel package up to JPY40,000 ($376) per night at a 35% discount from an agent registered in the program. Additionally, you can receive a coupon of 15% of the original package price that you can use for dining and souvenirs in the destination. If the package exceeds JPY40,000 ($376) per night, the discount is a flat rate at JPY14,000 ($131) and the coupon is set at JPY6,000 ($56). This campaign will continue until the end of January 2021 or anytime the allocated budget (JPY1.1 trillion=$10 billion) runs out.
While I'm concerned about COVID-19, this program sounds attractive. As I can travel anytime including weekdays, I would like to take advantage of it.
One idea is to stay at a luxury hotel with a swimming pool in downtown and enjoy a "staycation."
It would also be exciting to eat delectable seafood from the Sea of Japan, on the coast.
Or it might be safe to rent a car and drive around a remote area.
In fact, I can do all of them. It's going to be a busy autumn...!
