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If you have an upcoming trip to Kyoto or are now traveling in the city, you may get worked up about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As you may have already known, Japan coronavirus cases are now decreasing, travel restrictions for some countries have now been lifted, and temporary closures of attractions have now been opened.
As of July 13, 2020, there have been 2,858 active cases of COVID-19 in Japan, of which 447 are confirmed in Kyoto Prefecture and 362 have recovered. Eighteen deaths in the prefecture caused by the virus have been reported so far.
RELATED: Will Japan Lift Travel Ban Soon?
(You can see a live tracker of coronavirus in Kyoto and Japan here. For real-time updates, follow the Japan National Tourism Organization’s (JNTO) Twitter account.)
That leaves us with the question: “Is it safe to travel in Kyoto now?”
Is Kyoto, Japan Safe to Travel Now?
How safe is it to travel right now in Kyoto? Should you just cancel your Japan trip?
It's now safe to travel to and around Kyoto. Three months ago, we recommended you to stay at home or at your accommodations for now to ensure your safety.
But now that everything is slowly going back to normal, we can say it's safe to travel now.
Can I Still Travel in Kyoto?
Absolutely. Most establishments and tourist attractions in Kyoto are now open. Also, most travel services, like Kyoto Localized, are now accepting bookings.
Back in February, local tourist businesses made a collective effort to lure tourists back in. A group of shop owners in the Arashiyama area initiated an advertising campaign called “suitemasu Arashiyama,” which means “there are few people in Arashiyama” or “empty Arashiyama.” Arashiyama is particularly a touristy area, home to some major attractions in Kyoto such as Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Kimono Forest.
Museums in Japan are now partially opened. You can see the list of museums in Kyoto that have been opened in the following section.
Temporary Closures of Attractions in Kyoto
Here’s a list of attractions in Kyoto that have been temporarily closed and the expected dates to reopen:
Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art - partially resumed
The Museum of Kyoto - partially resumed
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto - partially resumed
Kyoto National Museum - partially resumed
Kyoto Railway Museum - partially resumed
Kyoto Museums of Craft and Design - partially resumed
Byodoin Museum - partially resumed
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama - partially resumed
Amanohashidate View Land - partially resumed
You can see the complete and updated list of temporary resumptions of attractions in Japan here and via TripAdvisor (in Japanese).
Ways to Prevent COVID-19
If you really want to go on with your trip, some precautionary measures you need to remember to avoid contracting the coronavirus as much as you can:
Observe social distancing.
Avoid crowded places.
Clean your hands with soap and water properly and frequently.
Apply hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand rub after touching anything.
Wear masks when going outside.
Cover nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with tissue paper or flexed elbow.
Keep away from people who have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cold, and cough.
For more tips, check out the World Health Organization’s advice for the public.
What to Do If You’re Suspected to Have COVID-19
In case you suspect to have contracted the virus, get yourself checked at the nearest hospital. You can check out the list of emergency hospitals in Kyoto and their contact details.
For hospitals and clinics in Kyoto with English, Chinese, and Korean translators, you can refer to this list from Kyoto City International Foundation.
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