national travel support campaign

‘Go To Travel’ explained

Part of a larger "Go To" campaign intended to restart the Japanese economy following the damage caused by the coronavirus , Go To Travel is a campaign by the national government that offers big discounts on travel inside Japan. Only residents of Japan (including foreign residents) are eligible to take advantage of the campaign.

What is Go To Travel?

• A 35 percent discount on the total cost and
• Coupons worth 15 percent of the total cost to be spent on other travel expenses during the trip

Is there an upper limit?

Yes, there is. The maximum discount that can be received for overnight trips is 13,000 yen per person and night, while the maximum amount of coupons that can be received is 7,000 yen per person and night. In other words, the upper limit applies to travel plans that cost more than 40,000 yen per person and night.

In case of daytrips , the travelers can receive a discount of up to 7,000 yen and coupons of up to 3,000 yen per trip.

Note that children are counted the same as adults. For example, a family of four with two kids can receive a discount of up to 52,000 yen (4 x 13,000 yen) and coupons of up to 28,000 yen (4 x 7,000 yen) on an overnight trip, even if the kids stay for free.

Furthermore, note that only up to seven nights per trip are covered by the campaign. On trips that are longer than eight days, travelers will not be able to profit from the campaign from the 8th night. Note that there is no limit on how many trips can be made during the campaign.

Who is eligible?

All residents of Japan, including foreign residents.

Can temporary visitors to Japan use the campaign?

No, only residents of Japan are eligible.

How long does the campaign last?

The campaign started in late July 2020, but was suspended in December 2020 due to rising coronavirus infection numbers. It is expected to resume once the infection numbers have decreased and continue until at least summer 2021.

Are there any other conditions for participating?

Yes, all participating travelers are requested to follow the "new travel etiquette" with regards to preventing the spread of the coronavirus on their trips. Please visit our page about coronavirus manners for more details.

What is covered?

• Overnight stays at registered lodgings
• Travel plans purchased through registered travel agents

A large majority of hotels and travel agents across the country are registered. Lists of registered businesses are available on the campaign's official website .

Are all regions of Japan covered?

All regions of Japan are covered by the campaign. There is a possibility for some areas to be temporarily excluded from the campaign depending on the spread of the virus.

Does the campaign also apply to transportation, activities, meals and shopping?

The discount applies only if they are part of a travel plan. For example, the discount cannot be applied to regular purchases of flights or rental cars ; however, it does apply if a flight or rental car is part of a travel package sold through a registered travel agent. Likewise, if an activity or meal is part of the travel package, the campaign applies.

What type of daytrips are eligible?

The campaign applies only to daytrip travel packages sold by registered travel agents. The packages have to include 1) transport starting and ending at the same place on the same day and 2) at least some form of travel service besides transport in the destination area, e.g. meals or activities. For example, it does not cover 1-day bus tours that do not include any activities at the destination.

There is no limit on how many trips you can make during the campaign period. However, there is a limit of seven nights per trip that can be covered, meaning that those traveling for more than eight days are not able to profit from the campaign from the 8th night.

How can I use it?

There are mainly two ways to profit from the campaign:

• Book a stay at a registered hotel through the hotel, a travel agent or a reservation website that participates in the campaign.
• Purchase a travel package through a registered travel agent.

At the time of your booking, you pay 65% of the total cost for the accommodation or package, while the 15% in coupons will be issued to you by the travel agent or hotel.

A list of registered hotels and travel agents can be found in Japanese on the campaign's official website . Many hotel reservation websites are also participating in the Go To Travel campaign, including Booking.com and Agoda .

How do I use the coupons?

Coupons can be used to make payments at registered stores and restaurants and for transportation and other travel services in the prefecture visited and surrounding prefectures during the day(s) of your trip. They cannot be refunded. A map showing registered businesses can be found on the campaign's official website .

Links and Resources

Go to travel.

Japan’s New Go toTravel: National Travel Support（ZenkokuRyokoShien）Begins October 11, 2022

Japan was open to foreign visitors on October 11, 2022, and the negative certificate before departure will be waived if you have proof of three vaccinations. From now on, free travel to Japan will be possible again.

At the same time, the “National Travel Support” campaign has been launched for domestic visitors. The campaign started in Tokyo on October 20, while the other 46 prefectures started from Oct. 11th.

Table of Contents

“National Travel Support”

Picture from： 全国旅行支援とは？│割引の仕組みをチェック！【楽天トラベル】

The “National Travel Support” offers discounts on travel expenses and, like the 2020 go to travel, offers discount coupons by region.

Discount of the “National Travel Support”

The “National Travel Support” offers discounts of up to 40% on travel.

The maximum amount per person per day is 8,000 yen for accommodation including transportation and 5,000 yen for other expenses.

Regional coupons (地域クーポン) can be used at some stores in your travel destination for 3,000 yen on weekdays and 1,000 yen on DAY-OFFs.

There are different criteria for determining DAY-OFF.

In the case of the day of stay, if both the day of stay and the following day are a day of rest (Saturday, Sunday and Japan Day), then the day of stay is a DAY-OFF day. For example, if the day of stay is Saturday and the following day is a Sunday, then the day of stay(Saturday) is a “DAY-OFF”; if the day of stay is a Sunday and the following day is a Japanese holiday, then the day of stay(Sunday) is also a “DAY-OFF”.

In the case of a round-trip trip on the same day, Saturday, Sunday, and Japan’s holiday will be considered as a DAY-OFF

For trips of 8 days and 7 nights or less, you are eligible for the “National Travel Support” discount, and each person can receive the discount an unlimited number of times.

However, the maximum amount of subsidy per person per trip is 11,000 yen.

Requirements for the “National Travel Support” discount

Only Japanese nationals or foreign nationals with resident status in Japan are eligible for the discount. When applying for the discount, you will need to confirm your identity and residence.

My Number Card, Driver’s License, Passport, Resident Card, Special Permanent Resident Certificate, etc.

In addition, you must have proof of three vaccinations or a negative PCR certificate.

Implementation date of “National Travel Support”

October 11, 2022 – December 20, 2022

Only in Tokyo, the program will start on October 20.

The implementation of the program in 2023 will be determined based on the infection situation and demand at that time.

Minimum amount of “National Travel Support”

The minimum amount of “National Travel Support” per person per day/per person per trip is 5,000 yen on weekdays, and 2,000 yen on DAY-OFFs.

If the purchase of goods/accommodation is less than the minimum amount, the discount will not be applied.

Areas where “National Travel Support” is available

This program is available throughout Japan.

However, if there is an area in one of the 47 prefectures that does not wish to participate, that area will not be included in the program.

How to make a reservation for “National Travel Support”

There are several ways to receive discounts for “National Travel Support”.

• Reservation through the travel reservation website
• Reservation through a travel agency
• Reservation by phone or online through an accommodation facility

When making a reservation, you must select or indicate to the staff that you need to make a reservation for discounted travel under the National Travel Support.

After confirming your identity and proof of vaccination, the staff will issue a discount coupon for that area at the time of your stay.

GetAround Japan is your number one travel guide, providing the latest information on visiting and living in Japan, with tips on what to eat, things to do, and places to stay.

Whether you’re planning for a trip far in the future, or already in Japan in need of some fresh ideas, our archive of posts will help you find the best way to fill your time and get the most out of your travel experience. We provide you updates on serious policies that affect visitors and foreign residents while also keeping things light and fun with articles on quirky trends and pop culture.

How do we know how to provide visitors the information they need? Our affiliate company CDJapan Rental provides WIFI and Sim Card rentals to thousands of visitors to Japan every year. In other words, we are constantly in touch with and listening to the voices of our customers, and infuse our blog with the information they ask us for.

For inquiries, contact us here

=Company Information= CDJapan Rental (Neowing Corporation) 1-10-15-3F Nihonbashi Horidome Chuo, Tokyo 103-0012, Japan

You may also like

2024 Japan Summer Fireworks Festivals from May to August

June 21, 2024

Japan Holidays 2024: National Holidays and Travel Tips

Autumn-leaf Viewing After Dark in Tokyo

June 20, 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Immerse Yourself in Art and History: Unveiling Tokyo's Museum at the Imperial Palace - Treasures of the Imperial Family at Sannomaru Shozokan

We use cookies to improve our contents. Check the detail and update your settings here .

We use cookies to improve our services.

For more details, please click here .

• Food & Drink
• Accommodation
• Things To Do
• All the categories

Transportation

• Weather & Seasons
• Long-Term Stay
• Travel Tips
• Event Tickets
• About MATCHA
• Company Profile
• MATCHA Special Features

2022 Domestic Travel Subsidy Program: Discounts for Residents in Japan!

Japan's Domestic Travel Subsidy Program, offering discounts of up to 11,000 yen per person, launched on October 11, 2022. This article gives an overview of the travel discount program, details on participating travel agencies and reservation sites, and prefectural websites! 　

Mitoyo, Kagawa, Japan

What Is Japan's Domestic Travel Subsidy Program?

Himeji Castle. Photo by Pixta The Domestic Travel Subsidy Program , aiming to stimulate Japan's tourism industry, launched in October 2022. Eligible travelers will be entitled to discounts up to a maximum of 11,000 yen each.

Due to the sudden flood of reservations, there is concern among those unable to make their bookings. However, a national budget of 560 billion yen has been allocated for this campaign. So, travelers can expect to benefit from the generous subsidies offered by this program.

This article will introduce Japan's Domestic Travel Subsidy Program with an outline and important things to keep in mind. MATCHA readers will learn details about participating travel agencies and reservation sites. There's also a list featuring each prefecture and its respective website!

Outline of the Domestic Travel Subsidy Program

What are the dates of this program.

The discount campaign runs from October 11 until December 20, 2022. Starting dates can differ slightly depending on the prefecture.

How Much Are the Travel Discounts?

Travelers will receive a 40% discount. The discount is capped at 8,000 yen per person per night for tours that include transportation and accommodation. The discount is capped at 5,000 yen per person per night for accommodations only.

Discount coupons can also be used in certain regions for restaurants and souvenirs. Additionally, there are 3,000 yen discounts for weekday accommodations and 1,000 yen discounts for accommodations on national holidays. These are available directly at the accommodation facility.

Important Points of the Domestic Travel Subsidy Program

The Great Buddha of Kamakura. Photo by Pixta

Here are some key things to keep in mind with this subsidy program.

Limited to Japanese Citizens and International Residents

The program's main criteria for eligibility is that applicants live in Japan. This applies to Japanese citizens and international residents. A driver's license, My Number card, or another form of identification is required to show proof of Japanese residency.

Unfortunately, the discount campaign is not available to international visitors but only to international residents of Japan.

Vaccine Passport (3 Shots) or a Negative PCR Test Required

Travelers who want to receive discounts on this campaign will need to present a vaccination certificate showing they've had three shots. Those who haven't received three vaccinations must provide a negative PCR test.

To receive an accommodation discount, please remember that all group members must present their vaccine passport (3 shots), not just the group representative.

How the Word "Holiday" Is Defined

The monetary amount of discount coupons differs depending on whether it's a weekday or a national holiday. Fundamentally, a "holiday" refers to a one-night, two-day stay on Saturdays and Sundays. In other words, a one-night, two-day stay on Friday-Saturday or Sunday-Monday will be considered a weekday accommodation.

Program Details Differ Depending on the Prefecture

Each prefecture in Japan is included in the Domestic Travel Subsidy Program, making it different from the Go To Travel Campaign launched in 2020.

This is why the details of the subsidy program differ in each prefecture. Some prefectures even offer original travel discounts―in addition to the 11,000 yen maximum subsidy offered by the national campaign.

Which Accommodation Facilities Offer Discounts?

Keep in mind that not all accommodation facilities and tours are part of the Domestic Travel Subsidy Program.

Please note that at the end of this article, there's a list of websites for each prefecture's subsidy campaign. This article also features information on tours.

We Recommend Making Reservations ASAP!

Presently, accommodation facilities have received a flood of reservations, prompting travel agencies and tour companies to shut down their website reservation sites temporarily.

However, the subsidy program is backed by a 560 billion yen budget. Although many places have stopped taking reservations, there's a good possibility that they will resume bookings in the near future. So, please keep checking back with them.

Discounts in Addition to the Travel Subsidy Program

Tokushima Prefecture's Iya Valley Gorge. Photo by Pixta

As previously mentioned, each prefecture's details concerning the Domestic Travel Subsidy Program will differ. Next, we'll introduce some of the prefectures offering original discounts in addition to the national subsidy program.

Tadaima Tokyo Plus (Japanese) is the website for accessing the Domestic Travel Subsidy Program in Tokyo. This can be used in conjunction with Motto TOKYO (Japanese), a discount service for travels in the greater Tokyo area for locals.

Motto TOKYO offers a 5,000 yen discount on one night's accommodation. With the national program, travelers can enjoy a maximum discount of up to 16,000 yen!

The start date for Motto TOKYO was October 20, 2022.

Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture's Shinshu Wari SPECIAL (Japanese) offers a 1,000 yen discount (500 yen coupon x 2) on transportation for a one-night stay per person. This will help keep transportation costs down when visiting spots within the prefecture.

Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture's Ima Nara Campaign 2022 (Japanese) offers discount coupons for souvenir shopping and other items at participating shops in the prefecture. 1,000 yen coupons are issued for national holidays, while 2,000 yen coupons are available for prefectural citizens.

Kochi Prefecture

In Kochi Prefecture, the Kochi Kanko Recovery Campaign (Japanese)―Kochi's original discount campaign―can be used with the Kochi Kanko Tokuwari Campaign (Japanese), the national program.

The Kochi Kanko Recovery Campaign offers travelers a 5,000 yen cashback on money spent on highway fees and public transportation.

Tokushima Prefecture

Tokushima Prefecture's Minnade! Tokushima Travel Wari (Japanese) is aimed at travel packages within the prefecture that include accommodation and travel fees. It plans on giving each person a maximum of 5,000 yen cashback in addition to the national campaign's benefits.

Which Travel Sites Deal With the Travel Subsidy Program?

With the Travel Subsidy Program, discounts can be received when making a reservation directly with the accommodation facility. Travelers can also make a booking via a hotel reservation site.

Below, we've listed the reservation sites that handle the Domestic Travel Subsidy Program.

Currently, some sites are temporarily not accepting bookings due to the flood of reservations. There might be additional important points to consider, so please consult the official websites for more details.

Rakuten Travel

Join a Tour for a Worry-Free Experience

Some people might feel that it's troublesome to check the terms and conditions of the subsidy program in different prefectures.

We recommend booking a tour through a travel agency at times like this! Below, we've listed tour companies that handle the subsidy program, so by all means, please take a look.

Yahoo! Travel

Kinki Nippon Tourist

Nippon Travel Agency

Official Websites for Participating Prefectures and Cities

The prefectures and their official websites for accessing the Domestic Travel Subsidy Program are listed below. Please use this as a reference when departing on your next trip.

Note: All of the websites are in Japanese. Some websites have links to English travel content but not to the subsidy program itself.

Use These Discounts to Enjoy Travels in Japan!

Rurikoin Temple in Kyoto. Photo by Pixta With the domestic COVID-19 situation gradually improving, many people in Japan are getting the travel bug.

In addition to the Domestic Travel Subsidy Program, several prefectures are offering their own unique travel discount services.

Please use these campaigns to save on expenses and fully enjoy your travels in Japan!

Main image: Tokushima Prefecture's Iya Valley Gorge. Photo by Pixta

Related topics

Top articles.

Start planning your trip

Special Features

Popular Searches

Latest news.

Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival 2024: See a Sky of Lights This Summer!

Visit in June! Minamisawa Hydrangea Mountain: Tokyo's Flower Paradise

Mishima Skywalk Hydrangea Festival 2024: Mt. Fuji Views and Vibrant Blooms

Floral Desserts in Kyoto! Itoh Kyuemon's Uji Matcha and Hydrangea Festival

Discover Kyoto's Elegant Geisha Culture at the Gion Kagai Art Museum

Japan's Public Holidays and Long Weekends in 2024

Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom: A Shopping Mall Featuring a Resort Aura

Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

Riding Taxis in Japan: The 6 Best Apps to Grab a Cab

How to Travel to Kyoto From Osaka: The Fastest and Cheapest Ways

New articles.

Essential Japan Activities for First-Time Visitors: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and More

Experiences

[Gold-Guide] Recommended Kyoto 1-day tour

12 ski resorts you can reach by rental car from New Chitose Airport - Fun for beginners, advanced skiers and families!

Explore the Fascinating Secrets of Dessert Pizza on Awaji Island

5 Recommended Spots in Yomitan Village, Home to HOSHINOYA Okinawa!

• ‪Bahasa Melayu‬
• Bahasa Indonesia

Go To Travel Campaign Update! How It Works: A Basic Guide for Foreign Residents of Japan (July 2022)

The Go To Travel Campaign, launched on July 22, 2020, was promptly suspended only months later, on December 28. However, with the lifting of the quasi-state of emergency on March 21, 2022, there are hopes that the campaign will soon return. However, we still have yet to hear an official government announcement as of July 2022. As far as a Go To Travel revival goes, however, rather than put it into action all at once, the travel campaign will be seeing a more gradual start, beginning with the resumption of the Prefectural Residents' Discount program in March and the launch of a new travel subsidy, the Regional Block Discount. Many people have taken advantage of these during the long holiday in May, Golden Week. So, what exactly is the Go To Travel campaign? And when will it resume? What changes will take place? Also, what are the Prefectural Residents' Discount and Regional Block Discount programs all about? You've probably asked these questions yourself. In this article, we'll attempt to answer them! *Go To Travel renewal date still to be determined as of July 15, 2022. *Article based on information available as of July 15, 2022. main image：PIXTA

What is the Go To Travel Campaign?

Go to travel campaign renewal step one: prefectural residents' discounts, go to travel campaign renewal step two: regional block discounts, what we currently know about the pre-renewal go to travel campaign, vaccination and infection status in japan as of july 2022.

Go To Travel is a subsidy program initiated by the Japanese government to restore travel and promote tourism throughout Japan's various regions. The campaign's first phase began on July 22, 2020, and lasted until September 1, 2020. The second phase launched on October 1 of the same year, and caused quite a stir with the addition of Tokyo as an eligible region, after being excluded from phase one. The campaign, however, was promptly suspended by the end of the year in response to the fifth wave of Covid-19. Although an announcement on November 19, 2021, hinted at changes being made in preparation for the campaign's resumption, as of July 2022, there is still yet to be an official announcement of its start date. However, several steps have been implemented toward its revival. The Prefectural Residents' Discount, a regional travel subsidy implemented throughout each individual prefecture, was renewed in March of 2022. A new Block Discount has also been established, expanding the Prefectural Residents' Discount to regional blocks such as Tohoku, Kanto, and Kinki. The goal of these programs is to gradually take a 'soft landing approach' to curb infection rates. The movement is summarized below. Step-By-Step Plan Toward Go To Travel Campaign Renewal Step 1 Renewal of Prefectural Residents' Discount starting April 2022: For travel within the prefecture of residence and neighboring prefectures. Will resume sequentially for individual prefectures in areas where infection has been curbed. ↓ Step 2 Regional Block Discount starting April 2022: Until now, prefectural discounts have only applied to individual prefectures. This step will gradually expand that range to include 'regional blocks'. Regions will be divided into six blocks, including Hokkaido/Tohoku, Kanto, and Hokuriku Shinetsu/Chubu. ↓ Step 3 First half of July 2022 - Start of "National Travel Support" postponed: The country had been considering shifting from "Prefectural Residents' Discount" to a nationwide "National Travel Support" program to stimulate tourism demand, but this was postponed due to a rise in Covid cases. ↓ Step 4 Renewal of Go To Travel Campaign (*No official announcement as of July 2022) From the first half of July 2022, the country planned to commence its "National Travel Support" program (in Step 3) and see the completion of the "Prefectural Residents' Discount" for accommodation on July 14 (with check-out on July 15). Due to the recent rise in Covid cases, the Japan Tourism Agency decided to postpone the start of "National Travel Support" on July 14, opting to extend the "Prefectural Residents' Discount (Block Discount)" until August 31 (with check-out on September 1). However, the decision on whether to extend the period will be made on a prefecture-by-prefecture basis and officially announced. Prefectures that do not extend the program will suspend it at the current deadline of July 14 (for check-out on July 15).

The Prefectural Residents' Discount in step one of the step-by-step plan will be put into effect until the resumption of the Go To Travel campaign. It includes travel discounts within the user's prefecture of residence and neighboring prefectures. Prefectural Residents' Discount Summary: ・Discounts of up to 5,000 yen per person per night, up to 50% of the original price. The same applies to day trips. ・Discounts up to 2,000 yen per person/night provided for souvenir shops , restaurants, and public transportation. The same applies to day trips. ・To be eligible for prefectural discounts, a user must have had both vaccines or a negative PCR test (test not required for children under 12 accompanied by a guardian). ・Prefectural discounts for accommodations until May 31, 2022. Not applicable during Golden Week (April 29-May 8, 2022). As an example, if you stay at an inn for 10,000 yen per person per night, you'll receive a discount of 5,000 yen. If you apply additional discounts at a value of up to 2,000 yen, you can save as much as 7,000 yen. The above are the basic conditions set by the Japan Tourism Agency. However, specific details on the system and content, including discount rates and vaccination requirements, may vary by municipality. Please be sure to check your local government's official website for accurate information.

This program divides Japan into six regions. Discounts that were previously only available for travel within the same prefecture or neighboring prefectures will now apply to prefectures within the same regional block, which means a broader range of travel. The addition of applicable regions will be dependent on consent from each prefecture. For example, if Kanagawa Prefecture wants to attract Chiba residents, but does not obtain the consent of Chiba Prefecture , it will not be eligible for the Regional Block Discount. Application of Regional Block Discounts will be announced and commence according to each prefecture's ability to make adjustments. Regional Block Discount Summary: ・Regions are divided into the following six blocks. Please note that Yamanashi Prefecture is included in the Kanto Region, and Mie Prefecture is included in the Hokuriku Shinetsu/Chubu Region.

・Visitors residing outside the prefecture must meet vaccination requirements, such as having received up to three vaccinations, or receiving a negative PCR test. (Test not required for children under 12 if accompanied by a guardian). As with the Prefectural Residents' Discount, requirements such as vaccination status and other applicable conditions are determined by individual prefectures. Please visit the campaign homepage for each prefecture for more details. Note that for travel outside of the block, each municipality may have its own discount system, as well. Be sure to check the official website of each municipality for more information. For example, the city of Hakodate , Hokkaido, has its own ' Hakodate Wari,' a special discount that only applies to that city. Non-residents of Hakodate or other prefectures within that region may receive a 50% discount when spending a minimum of 3,000 yen per person per night at specified Hakodate accommodations (see terms and conditions for details).

Finally, although the exact renewal date is still to be determined, let's take a look at what we currently know about the New Go To Travel Campaign, as announced on November 19, 2021. Discount Rates: 30% discount on accommodation and day trips for domestic travel (including group travel) Max Discount: (per night) Accommodation plus transportation: up to 10,000 yen / Accommodation only: up to 7,000 yen Max Discount: (day trip) Up to 3,000 yen Regional Common Coupon: (per night) Weekdays: 3,000 yen / Holidays: 1,000 yen Health & Safety Measures: Implementation of Vaccine-Test Package (*) / Report when testing positive within 2 weeks after travel / Record of travel history behavior The Vaccine-Test Package

(*) The Vaccine-Test Package allows relaxed restrictions for travelers upon confirmation of either vaccination status or test results. ・Vaccination Status: Proof of receiving both vaccinations, with at least 14 days since the second vaccination. ・Test Results: Confirmation of negative test results of PCR test or rapid antigen test. Results are valid within 3 days from the sample collection date for PCR tests (or from the test date if the sample collection date is unknown), and within one day for rapid antigen tests.

Content including discount rates and regional coupons revised from previous Go To Travel Campaign.

According to government data , as of July 14, 2022, 82.0% (103,796,378 people) of the population have received their first dose of the new Covid-19 vaccination, 80.9% (102,432,324 people) have received their second, and 62.3% (78,845,744 people) have received their third. However, although the Ministry of Health , Labor and Welfare has encouraged vaccination throughout the municipalities, they have not declared vaccinations mandatory for children in Japan due to evidence regarding preventive effects in children remaining uncertain. This is reflected in the numbers, showing 18.9% (1,402,011 children) have received their first vaccination, and 17.5% (1,299,419 children) have received their second.

After going through the preliminary steps of the Prefectural Residents' Discount and Regional Block Discounts, Japan may finally be able to proceed with the Go To Travel Campaign throughout the country. As of July 2022, the number of Covid cases in Japan has been increasing nationwide and is said to be in the seventh wave, and increased contact is expected to continue due to the summer vacation. There has been no official announcement from the government as to when the "Go To Travel" campaign will resume. Prime Minister Kishida announced at a press conference that the scope of coverage for the fourth vaccination will be expanded from the current 60 years and older to include healthcare workers and staff of elderly care facilities, and that vaccination will begin from the week of July 18 onward. He also stated that he is not considering any new restrictions on activities at this time, and that he intends to maintain a balance between socio-economic activities and mitigating the spread of infection. We can only hope that as people take advantage of these decentralized travel campaigns, each and every one will also continue to take thorough measurements to prevent the spread of the virus. *Article based on information available as of July 15, 2022. *Conditions and methods of use vary by prefecture. The information in this article may differ from actual information. Please check the Japan Tourism Agency and prefectural government websites for the latest information. *All photos for illustrative purposes only. Translated by: Krys Suzuki

Share this article.

Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!

Recommended places for you

Rukku and Uohei

Sapporo / Chitose

Ginzan Onsen

Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)

Surrounding Areas Of Yamagata

Kamesushi Sohonten

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi

Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars

Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace

ISHIDAYA Hanare

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano

Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya

Inside Ginza's Newest Hotel: The Royal Park Hotel Ginza 6-Chome (Review)

Farewell, Doctor Yellow! Japan’s Legendary Shinkansen Bullet Train's Retirement Announced - Starting 2025

Tokyo Summer 2024: Snooze with Snorlax in a Pokémon Sleep Suite!

Complete Guide to the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass: Your Key to Kanazawa, Fukui, and Japan's Coastal Wonders

Recommended Hotel Near Takayama Station: Stay at the 'hotel around TAKAYAMA, Ascend Hotel Collection™' for the Ultimate 'Good Local’ Experience

BicCamera Coupon! Tax-free, Plus Discount!

Fun and Free: Enjoying Art in Ginza for Zero Yen!

Gyudon, Kaisendon, Oyakodon: These 3 Zesty Japanese Foods Will Have You Booking Your Trip

Kesennuma City Memorial Museum (Ruins of Koyo High School): Telling the Story of the 3/11 Great East Japan Earthquake

(Video) Walking Tour along Narita Omotesando - Quaint Historical Village near Narita Airport!

Visiting the Sacred Japanese Gardens at Entsuin Temple in Matsushima

Tokyo Trip: Most Popular Art Museums in Tokyo and Surroundings (August 2019 Ranking)

• #best sushi japan
• #what to do in odaiba
• #what to bring to japan
• #new years in tokyo
• #best ramen japan
• #what to buy in ameyoko
• #japanese nail trends
• #things to do japan
• #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
• #best coffee japan
• #best japanese soft drinks
• #best yakiniku japan
• #japanese fashion culture
• #japanese convenience store snacks

Português

How To Use Go To Travel Campaign

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Under the banner of a national “Go To Travel campaign” to stimulate travel within Japan to boost the local economies, the Japanese government has announced a series of measures. Here is a quick guide to help you understand such a campaign.

What is a Go To Travel Campaign?

The Go To Travel campaign is a Japanese government subsidy encouraging domestic travel to help boost the economy. It also aims to bring business back to local tourism and hospitality operators, many of whom were forced to close during the coronavirus state of emergency. The discount ONLY applies to domestic trips and can be claimed up to a set limit. For day trips , travelers can receive a discount of up to 7,000yen and coupons of up to 3,000yen per trip. For overnight trips , the maximum discount that travelers can receive is 13,000 yen per person a night, while the maximum amount of coupons that can be received is 7,000 yen per person a night.

How can I get the discount?

To receive the discount, you’ll need to book your trip with businesses that are registered with the campaign. There are several ways to book as follows. 1) Book directly through at a registered hotel First, look for the participating businesses on the official Go To Travel Website here . (Japanese only) Then, book directly through the hotel that you chose. At this point, the prices don't include the promotion. To get the discount, you then need to access StayNavi and create your account to register for the discount.

Once you’ve created your account, go to your personal page on StayNavi and click on the “ホテル” under “Go To トラベルクーポン発券” to apply for the discount. Key in all the details accordingly to what’s written. The page is only available in Japanese so if you need language assistance, ask someone around you that knows the language.

Once you apply, on the personal page, there will be a coupon. Print out the coupon or take a screenshot of the page and bring it with you upon staying at the hotel. If you do not bring this discount ticket, you will have to pay the full amount.

2) Book through Booking.com To search for an eligible hotel, just look for the orange "Go To Travel" flag on the corner of the hotel listing on Booking.com . At the time of your booking, you pay 65% of the total cost for the accommodation or package. Booking through Booking.com, travelers must apply through a different webpage for the 15% coupon issued in electronic form. See details on the next section, "How to apply for electronic coupon".

Screen capture: Booking.com

3) Book through major Japanese travel agencies/booking systems On most major Japanese travel agencies/booking systems, the discounts are included in the promotion and upon booking, you’ll pay the discounted price directly through the agency/system. At the time of your booking, you pay 65% of the total cost for the accommodation or package, while the 15% in coupons will be issued to you by the travel agent or hotel either in physical or electronic form. This will change depending on the agency/system so upon booking, make sure to read the instructions carefully.

Screen capture: Jalan

How to apply for electronic coupon

Open https://goto-travel-ecoupon.jp/ (Japanese only) to visit the Go To Travel coupon page where you can claim your coupon starting from 15:00 JST on your check-in date. Key in all the details from your confirmation number, destination prefecture and travel agent ID. e.g Booking.com travel agent id is listed here . Keep in mind that the coupon will expire after your check-out date. And coupons are non-refundable and you cannot receive change when you pay with the coupons.

Where can I use the coupon?

Go To Travel has released a list of participating businesses and locations. This will include souvenir shops, restaurants, tourist attractions and activities. The list is only available in Japanese but can be found here . To use the electronic/digital coupon , look for the QR code at the participating venues for you to scan. After using the coupon, it will be deducted from your account. For physical coupon , simply hand the coupon at the purchase of your items to the cashier. Keep in mind that both physical and digital coupons will only be valid for use in the designated prefectures and on the designated dates of travel.

Look for these signs to find participating businesses and locations that the coupon can be used

Sample of physical coupon

When does the campaign end?

Tentatively, the campaign is expected to end on January 31st 2021.

How many times can I use the campaign?

There is no limit on how many trips you can make during the campaign period or on the length of each trip.

Who is eligible for the campaign?

Both the Japanese citizens and foreign residents living in Japan are eligible for this campaign. This campaign is only aimed for the residents, not for those visiting from abroad. For foreign residents, they must have their Residence Card (Zairyu Card; 在留カード) with you as a proof of eligibility and your address.

Welcome Suica with JR Lines 1-Day Pass

Update date：2024/06/27

The Tokyo Station Hotel

1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo

Click here for a summary article including this article

プライバシーポリシー ・ 利用規約 に同意の上、ボタンを押してください。

ログイン（無料）すると より便利に利用できます

Change password

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Shopping & Style
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Restaurants & Cafes
• Music & Nightlife
• Neighborhoods
• Los Angeles

Japan will resume its domestic travel discount from January 10 2023

Japan residents can save up to 20 percent on transport and accommodation with the National Travel Discount Programme

Back in October, Japan introduced a nationwide travel subsidy programme for residents, with big discounts on transport and accommodation. The current edition of the National Travel Discount Programme is available across almost all prefectures until December 28 2022, with discounts of up to 40 percent on transport and accommodation. 

Now, the Japan Tourism Agency has announced that the programme will be extended from January 10 2023 , but with reduced discounts. The revised programme offers discounts of up to 20 percent (a maximum of ¥5,000 per person per night) on transport and accommodation.

What are the new deals?

As of January 10, the programme will offer discounts on public transport and accommodation packages  up to ¥5,000 per person per night . If you’re opting for a day trip , you can save up to ¥3,000 per person on transportation. The deal also comes with discount coupons worth up to ¥2,000 on weekdays and ¥1,000 on weekends and holidays , which you can redeem at local restaurants and other attractions. The current paper vouchers will be changed to digital coupons.

How to be eligible for the discount

Note that only those with residency status in Japan are eligible for the travel subsidy . Details regarding Covid-19 prevention measures, such as vaccination certificates and negative PCR test results, have yet to be announced for the revised programme. 

The new campaign with reduced discounts starts from January 10 . The discount deals are limited, so the campaign in each prefecture will end when the capacity has been reached. For details and additional requirements, make sure to check each prefecture’s campaign website here . Note that most of the websites will only be updated in the next few days, so don’t worry if you see campaign-end dates stating December 28.

The easiest and fastest way to book your vacation is via travel booking sites Jalan and JTB . Their official campaign booking sites will be updated in the near future after details have been confirmed by each prefecture.

This article will be updated as soon as new information becomes available.

More from Time Out Tokyo

Guide to Japan’s reopening for tourism: visa-free travel, valid vaccines, PCR tests and more

5 best Japanese films and series coming to Netflix in December 2022

Price increase for FamilyMart's Famichiki fried chicken after Christmas

Tokyo will increase train and subway fares in March 2023

The best times to visit Tokyo in 2023 – according to your interests

Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

Discover Time Out original video

• Terms of use
• Work for Time Out
• Time Out Group
• Advertising
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies

Time Out Tokyo

• Magazine subscription
• Digital edition
• Buy the guide to Tokyo

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Japan to run new domestic travel subsidy program to late Dec.: gov't

Japan will run a new domestic tourism subsidy program from Oct. 11 to late December as part of efforts to spur domestic tourism and revive the coronavirus-hit economy, tourism minister Tetsuo Saito said Monday.

The "National Travel Discount" will provide the equivalent of up to 11,000 yen ($77) in discounts and coupons per traveler per day, which can be used for meals, shopping and accommodation expenses.

The measure comes in line with a plan to remove the daily cap for overseas arrivals, currently set at 50,000, on Oct. 11 as part of easing COVID-19 border control measures.

Japan will also resume individual visa-free travel from abroad that day.

Airports and seaports across Japan will start preparations to resume international operations suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a press conference.

The government will also start a program on Oct. 11 to offer discounts for event admission fees for people who have been vaccinated at least three times or present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said.

Under the program, a 20 percent discount of up to 2,000 yen will be offered for events that are held by the end of January next year at theme parks and sports and music venues, for example, that take antivirus measures.

The National Travel Discount program, which is available to Japan residents only, comes in the wake of the "Go To Travel" subsidy program and expands on similar existing programs operating at the prefectural level.

Under a system where the national government subsidizes the costs borne by prefectural authorities to implement such programs, the 47 prefectures will be allowed to suspend the scheme depending on the infection situation within their jurisdiction.

Prefectural governments will have the authority to determine the scheme's running period or whether to implement it at all, leading to the possibility that it may not be launched simultaneously across the country.

The new program was initially planned to be introduced in July but was postponed due to the nation's seventh wave of infections.

A total of 87.81 million people took advantage of the Go To Travel program from July 22, 2020, until it ended on Dec. 28, 2020, due to the coronavirus spread.

Related coverage:

Coronavirus pandemic latest: Sept. 26, 2022

Japan to remove daily entry cap on Oct. 11

Japan to launch domestic travel subsidy program on Oct. 11

Sep 26, 2022 | KYODO NEWS

Honda to end production of mini bikes amid stricter emissions rules

Jun 22, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

U.S. puts Japan back on currency manipulator watch list after 1 year

Jun 21, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Kyoto hotel's refusal to accommodate Israeli man illegal: city

Japan top court rules transgender woman "father" of girl born after switch, argentina withdraws from 2025 world expo in japan.

More from Japan

Marugame Castle stay added to west Japan city's hometown tax gift choices

2 hours ago | The Shikoku Shimbun

Unique volleyball tournament in muddy rice paddy held in Shiga

2 hours ago | The Kyoto Shimbun

Toyota global output falls in May for 4th month on price war in China

2 hours ago | KYODO NEWS

Japan's Digital Minister Kono intends to run in LDP leadership race

Kyodo News Digest: June 27, 2024

FEATURE: Muscular dystrophy-stricken scientist on quest for life-changing d

Jun 27, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Japan, U.S., South Korea to boost supply chains for industrial minerals

U.N. rights expert expresses concerns over sexual abuse in Japan

Marugame castle stay added to west japan city's hometown tax gift choices.

Subscribe to get daily news

To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox, subscribe here. Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription.

* Something went wrong

Please check your inbox for a confirmation email.

If you wish to change your message, press 'Cancel' to go back and edit.

Thank you for reaching out to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Commerce

• Fact Sheets

Was this page helpful?

Fact sheet: 2022 national travel and tourism strategy, office of public affairs.

The 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy was released on June 6, 2022, by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo on behalf of the Tourism Policy Council (TPC). The new strategy focuses the full efforts of the federal government to promote the United States as a premier destination grounded in the breadth and diversity of our communities, and to foster a sector that drives economic growth, creates good jobs, and bolsters conservation and sustainability. Drawing on engagement and capabilities from across the federal government, the strategy aims to support broad-based economic growth in travel and tourism across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia.

The federal government will work to implement the strategy under the leadership of the TPC and in partnership with the private sector, aiming toward an ambitious five-year goal of increasing American jobs by attracting and welcoming 90 million international visitors, who we estimate will spend $279 billion, annually by 2027.

The new National Travel and Tourism Strategy supports growth and competitiveness for an industry that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, generated $1.9 trillion in economic output and supported 9.5 million American jobs. Also, in 2019, nearly 80 million international travelers visited the United States and contributed nearly $240 billion to the U.S. economy, making the United States the global leader in revenue from international travel and tourism. As the top services export for the United States that year, travel and tourism generated a $53.4 billion trade surplus and supported 1 million jobs in the United States.

The strategy follows a four-point approach:

• Promoting the United States as a Travel Destination Goal : Leverage existing programs and assets to promote the United States to international visitors and broaden marketing efforts to encourage visitation to underserved communities.
• Facilitating Travel to and Within the United States Goal : Reduce barriers to trade in travel services and make it safer and more efficient for visitors to enter and travel within the United States.
• Ensuring Diverse, Inclusive, and Accessible Tourism Experiences Goal : Extend the benefits of travel and tourism by supporting the development of diverse tourism products, focusing on under-served communities and populations. Address the financial and workplace needs of travel and tourism businesses, supporting destination communities as they grow their tourism economies. Deliver world-class experiences and customer service at federal lands and waters that showcase the nation’s assets while protecting them for future generations.
• Fostering Resilient and Sustainable Travel and Tourism Goal : Reduce travel and tourism’s contributions to climate change and build a travel and tourism sector that is resilient to natural disasters, public health threats, and the impacts of climate change. Build a sustainable sector that integrates protecting natural resources, supporting the tourism economy, and ensuring equitable development.

Travel and Tourism Fast Facts

• The travel and tourism industry supported 9.5 million American jobs through $1.9 trillion of economic activity in 2019. In fact, 1 in every 20 jobs in the United States was either directly or indirectly supported by travel and tourism. These jobs can be found in industries like lodging, food services, arts, entertainment, recreation, transportation, and education.
• Travel and tourism was the top services export for the United States in 2019, generating a $53.4 billion trade surplus.
• The travel and tourism industry was one of the U.S. business sectors hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and travel restrictions, with travel exports decreasing nearly 65% from 2019 to 2020. 
• The decline in travel and tourism contributed heavily to unemployment; leisure and hospitality lost 8.2 million jobs between February and April 2020 alone, accounting for 37% of the decline in overall nonfarm employment during that time. 
• By 2021, the rollout of vaccines and lifting of international and domestic restrictions allowed travel and tourism to begin its recovery. International arrivals to the United States grew to 22.1 million in 2021, up from 19.2 million in 2020. Spending by international visitors also grew, reaching $81.0 billion, or 34 percent of 2019’s total.

More about the Tourism Policy Council and the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy

Created by Congress and chaired by Secretary Raimondo, the Tourism Policy Council (TPC) is the interagency council charged with coordinating national policies and programs relating to travel and tourism. At the direction of Secretary Raimondo, the TPC created a new five-year strategy to focus U.S. government efforts in support of the travel and tourism sector which has been deeply and disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the full strategy here

Nationwide travel discount program, a Japanese government’s initiative, was sold out in some regions on the opening day

A nationwide travel discount program began on October 11 2022 as a Japanese government’s initiative to boost domestic travel demand. Several OTAs stopped selling the qualified products on the opening day because of no more availabilities.

The program discounts by 40% a traveler a night. The discounted ceiling  is up to 8,000 JPY for a tour with transportation services and up to 5,000 JPY for others. In addition to the travel discount, the government will subsidize a shopping coupon of 3,000 JPY a traveler for weekdays and 1,000 JPY for weekend. The scheme allows a traveler to benefit a discount of up to 11,000 JPY. 

The program is also expected to decentralize travelers to weekdays by special discount offering for weekdays. 

The reactions from consumers were bigger than initially expected. On the opening day, jalan.net and Yahoo! Travel, Japan’s leading OTAs, had troubles with accessibilities due to too much booking requests. 

As the program limits budgets by prefecture, Yahoo! Travel and ikyu.com announced that they stopped accepting bookings in Miyazaki, Miyagi, Iwate and Nagasaki prefectures. 

In addition, discount contents and conditions vary with prefectures. OTAs could not start selling the program all together nationwide. 

Interestingly, Hoshino Resort has opened its original booking website for the program to start selling on October 25 2022. 

Event discount program, another government’s initiative, was launched at the same time, and is joined by poplar theme-parks, such as Universal Studio Japan, Fujikyu Highland, Moomin Valley Park, Legoland Japan or even Tokyo Disney Resort. 

Tokyo Disney Resort has started selling 20% discounted one-day passes and distributing spend-boosting coupons in the limited period.

Let us hear your VOICE Please feel free to leave any comments or opinions.

Japanese guest nights in august 2022 were up 50% year on year despite the covid-19 7th wave, japanese prime minister kishida orders drawing up of a new tourism promotion plan by the end of march next year, latest news, japanese outbound travelers were 940,000 in may 2024, improving the reduction rate, international travel-tech summit ‘digital travel apac’ will kick off in singapore on august 14 2024 [pr], international visitors to japan exceeded 3 million in may 2024 for three consecutive months, with record-high in 19 source markets, jal launches a platform connecting people between local areas and urban areas to solve local challenges, tourism expo japan will go to aichi in 2025 for the first time, appealing tourism in hokuriku after the devastated earthquake.

Foreigners’ guest nights in Japan were up 17% in April 2024 compared to pre-pandemic

Online sales of travel in Japan amounted to record-high 4.7 trillion yen in 2023, 1.7 trillion yen each for lodgings and air tickets

Total sales of 43 Japanese major travel companies in March recovered to a 6% decrease over 2019

This site uses Cookie to enhance users’ experiences.

• Account Details
• Newsletters
• Group Subscription

Osaka, other Japan cities offer subsidies to boost COVID-hit tourism

National campaign scales back domestic travel assistance after New Year rush

TOKYO -- More local governments in Japan are offering new incentives for domestic travel in addition to national subsidies, hoping to give a boost to an industry still recovering from COVID-19.

The national travel support campaign went back into effect Tuesday, after a pause during the New Year holidays, a busy travel season.

Japan to extend domestic travel subsidy program into 2023

Japan hotel prices surge in hot spots as travel subsidies roll out, jal and ana offer greener flight options, hotel okura to double facilities as southeast asian demand surges, japan hotels shift from business to luxury with hot springs, jacuzzis, japan visitors nearly doubled in november but hotels lack staff, foreign tourist spending on high-priced goods surges in japan, latest on travel & leisure, hong kong disney poised for 1st profit in decade on 'frozen' bump, hokkaido eyes lodging tax as niseko readies its own levy, foreign tourists in japan spending more on experiences: white paper, sponsored content, about sponsored content this content was commissioned by nikkei's global business bureau..

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

[LIVELY HOTELS] National Travel Discount Program 2023

Japan’s government’s “National Travel Discount” program to stimulate tourism demand is finally underway, starting January 10th 2023!

Here are some of the best deals and attractive plans available through the LIVELY HOTELS national travel support program. More eligible plans & discounts will be added soon, so stay tuned!

—– ◆ THE NATIONAL TRAVEL DISCOUNT PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO TO THOSE WITH RESIDENCY STATUS IN JAPAN AND DOES NOT EXTEND TO OVERSEAS VISITORS ARRIVING ON TOURIST VISAS . —–

What is the “National Travel Discount” program？

The “National Travel Discount” is a government program designed to stimulate tourism demand by offering discounts on transportation and accommodations throughout Japan.

The program has expanded from the previous “Prefectural Travel Discount” campaign to include all residents of Japan, regardless of their home prefecture. This includes long-term foreign nationals living in Japan with a properly registered home address.

Local vouchers of up to ¥2,000 per person per day are available for food expenses on weekdays, and vouchers of ¥1,000 per person per day available for food expenses on weekends.

To be eligible for the discount, travelers need to either be vaccinated with three shots or submit a negative PCR test. However, some prefectures may have different requirements for the number of shots needed.

Eligible Period: January 10th ~ March 31st, 2023

Here’s how to make a reservation at LIVELY HOTELS:

◆ Please note that proof of residence in Japan AND proof of 3 vaccinations or negative results will be required at check-in.

List of Eligible Locations

The lively tokyo azabujuban (tokyo).

Try one of our exclusive cocktails while looking at the Tokyo Tower at the hotel’s top-floor bar, featuring some of Japan’s most talented bartenders. Take advantage of the loft room with its own outdoor terrace or the exclusive theater room for a truly immersive home cinema experience.

Click here for the list of the eligible plans at this hotel

THE LIVELY OSAKA HONMACHI (Osaka)

Enjoy a petit luxury hotel stay at The Lively Osaka Honmachi, where you can enjoy authentic French cuisine in a casual setting. The special anniversary plan is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions!

THE LIVELY FUKUOKA HAKATA (Fukuoka)　

The Lively Fukuoka Hakata offers several ways to enjoy the charms of being in Japan’s lively port city. The Croffle breakfast plan includes popular Korean sweets breakfast along with some other delicious baked goods. Whether you visit just before boarding a flight or are in town for business or pleasure, this hotel is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

UNWIND HOTEL&BAR SAPPORO (Hokkaido)

Enjoy an experience that truly lives up to the wonder of Hokkaido’s snow country! Unwind is a lodge-like-themed hotel where you can discover local drinks and food in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy a plan with coupons that can be used at 10 great local restaurants that we recommend.

UNWIND HOTEL&BAR OTARU (Hokkaido)

Enjoy a unique European-style dining experience with seasonal fresh ingredients sourced locally. Choose from either a four-course dinner or high tea – both are accompanied by local wine as well. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at Unwind Otaru, which is spread out over three floors and features historical decor.

SLASH KAWASAKI (Kanagawa)

Watch live concerts, games and sports at slash Kawasaki, the hotel that never sleeps. With every room equipped with its own projector screen, you can transform your space into a private movie theater at your fingertips! Don’t miss the famous “Infinite Popcorn” plan, which allows you to enjoy as many popcorn refills as you like!

ESTINATE HOTEL NAHA (Okinawa)

Enjoy a relaxing stay at ESTINATE HOTEL NAHA, a lifestyle hotel where travelers can meet locals and exchange ideas & travel tips. The Ryukyu Modern Italian Dinner plan includes two meals from our extraordinary Italian fusion menu combined with traditional Okinawa ingredients.

THE MILLENNIALS KYOTO (Kyoto)

Experience the future of capsule hotels with The Millennials and its world-famous “SmartPod” concept, a 3㎡ space with an alarm function that wakes you up with lighting and bed reclining. Enjoy a simple but delicious original breakfast plan and all of this in an inspiring & creative design lounge.

HOTEL GRAPHY GRAPHY (Tokyo)

Take in the sights and sounds of local downtown Tokyo on a bicycle tour. Enjoy the scenery of Ueno and Asakusa, along with Yanesen and Nezu, as you bike around northeast Tokyo. You can capture your memories with the instant camera provided at check-in.

THE MILLENNIALS SHIBUYA (Tokyo)

Experience both the hotel and the city at The Millennials Shibuya, where you can stay in our SmartPods, the future of accommodation. Designed to offer exceptional comfort, our SmartPods provide guests with high livability while remaining incredibly compact. IoT technology and entertainment features offer guests an unparalleled experience.

THE MILLENNIALS FUKUOKA (Fukuoka)

The Millennials Fukuoka was designed to offer travelers an ideal hotel experience during their vacations. With access to all the common areas and restaurants at THE LIVELY FUKUOKA HAKATA, this hotel-in-hotel offers some incredible room experiences plus all the advantages of a regular hotel.

• Notice regarding business hours during the summer season

Let's go to Moominvalley Park at a great price with "Nationwide Travel! Saitama Discount"!

Local sightseeing coupons can be used when purchasing same-day tickets at the Moominvalley Park ticket booth or at stores within the park.

~ Regarding our handling of nationwide travel support ~ As soon as we receive the latest information about the "National Travel Support" from the government, we will inform you on this page. Please note that we cannot answer even if you contact us directly.

Attention point

[xnumx] sightseeing coupons that can be used at moominvalley park, [xnumx] one day bus tour, [xnumx] direct bus tour, [xnumx] accommodation plan.

• Privacy Policy
• Our partners

© Moomin Characters ™

• Experience facility
• Ticket Sales
• Price information

• Why We’re Different
• Social Responsibility

Government Travel Services

• Government Online Booking Tool
• Government Event Management
• Air Services
• Corporate Online Booking
• Corporate Travel Solutions
• Corporate Event Management
• Corporate Hotel Programs
• Corporate Car Rentals
• Corporate Private Jet Rental
• Corporate Incentive Vacation Travel
• Intelligent Traveler
• Reporting Capabilities
• Invoice Lookup
• Government Online Booking
• Agent Pipeline
• Complete College
• Vanguard Inspection
• Report Card
• Visa & Passports
• Flight Stats
• Insider Report

Federal, State, and Local Government solutions built with your security in mind!

National travel has over 40 years of experience working in government travel management and continues to serve some of the largest federal, state, and local government agencies with some of the toughest travel requirements there are..

From deploying thousands of travelers to natural disaster zones, to handling humanitarian teams moving through dangerous countries around the world. We know the job our government travelers are doing is vital work and they know who to trust to handle the travel arrangements.

We know every government agency is a little different and will customize your travel management to fit what YOU need out of your travel!

GSA Certification

View our updated GSA Contract that has led many government agencies to trust National Travel as their preferred travel partner.

Strategic Partnerships

National Travel works with a variety of expense management tools inclosing Concur, ChromeRiver, and many more! These relationships help make your travel program operations smooth and easy to manage.

Policy Enforcement

Our years of government experience have taught us the nuances of government travel policies and our resources help to enforce it!

Airline Ticketing Agency

We help find the most efficient, comfortable, and best route by:

• Comparing alternate origins/destinations to find the best options for you.
• Analyzing connection cities and times to avoid missed connects and create a stress-free flight experience.
• Comparing seat maps across airlines and departure times to find the most comfortable option for you.
• Give instant access to the itinerary via Email, the IT App, or our Website for quick reference.

Additional government travel services for your convenience

• Flight Insurance – We include a standard flight life insurance of up to $250,000 per traveler to cover the unlikely event of an airline accident.
• Frequent Flyer enrollment assistance if requested.
• Save all membership numbers in the traveler’s profile so you don’t need to remember them.
• Seat selection, monitoring, and purchasing, if your preference is not available, we will monitor your flight for a better seat to open up or help in purchasing a better seat at your request.
• Baggage tracking or lost baggage assistance so you can get on with your life while we track down your luggage.
• Traveler’s Rights Advisement, we know what the airlines are responsible for and how to help in any situation.
• Split Ticket Payments – We can accept multiple forms of payment on ticket purchases if needed.
• Flight Stats Monitoring – automated system that watches for any travel interruptions so you know faster and can plan ahead.
• En-Route Assistance – We are here to provide assistance or recommendations throughout your entire travel experience, so you always have a travel expert in your pocket.

Services you can depend on

Special Services

Flight stats monitoring, irregular flight operations, international travel, software that keeps a watchful eye on all our airline reservations to alert of any interruptions, delays, or cancellations so you can rest easy.

Our agents are constantly monitoring the Flight Stats system which alerts us if any reservation we have booked could suffer interruptions. This allows us to alert our travelers as soon as something comes up so we can help you to adapt faster and get back to your business. We will reach out with a phone ca

ll with new flight options already selected to get your travelers rerouted faster so they can always get where they need to be when they need to be there.

A Critical Special Service

Irregular Operations (IROPs) training is a priority for all of National Travel’s advisors. Each traveler’s flight interruption, or potential problem, is acted on in real time. On many occasions, our Travel Specialist will have already selected alternate flights for an itinerary as a backup, before the client is even aware of the issue!

Our advantage is that we research and analyze not only one airline or routing, but on multiple airlines and routing options to find the best solution. On a stormy winter day, it is not uncommon for our Concierge Group to act as triage in routing flight status reports to our Travel Advisors, who may have hundreds of these issues to work through during a daily operation. Our services, including the rerouting and re-booking of itineraries impacted by IROPs, are available 24 hours a day, without charge!

Special Service – International Desk

Our team of globe-trotting agents are able to assist with country specific travel recommendations, cultural advice, restaurant recommendations/reservations, and much more!

Our Agents will assist with:

• Passport and VISA Assistance/Procurement
• Global Entry Payment/Procurement
• Interpreter Procurement and Assistance
• International Currency Exchange
• Country Briefing Protocol
• International Meet and Greet Reservations
• International Black Car Reservations
• Rail Schedules, Ferry Reservations
• Consolidator Ticket Review
• Duty of Care- stay connected with your travelers traveling internationally.
• CDC Bulletins, State Bulletins, Embassy Locations
• In-house Monitoring, Passengers on a Plane

Participating with FedRooms and being a full-service travel agency, National Travel’s Hotel Program presents the most in selections and value.

The benefits of the program are:

• Rates are always at or below per diem
• No hidden service or resort fees unless requested by the traveler
• No minimum stay requirement
• More than 180+ plus chains

Many of the FedRoom properties also offer:

• Free Breakfast
• Free Parking
• Free Internet
• Free Airport Transfers
• Free Shuttle to Your Government Facility
• Generous cancellation policy

Being a Full-Service Agency, our program allows our agent to contact any property and negotiate the best rates on your behalf.  You never have to worry about limited space or budgets, as our agents will always work to find the best location at the best rate for you.

Government Travel Ground Transportation

• Easy Booking with any rental company through our online tool or with an agent.
• Memberships and Preferences are saved so you always get your reward points and do not need to remember any numbers.
• Assistance with Receipts and Refunds so you can get on with your day, while we take care of this for you.
• Negotiate corporate rates to gain company discounts and set up preferred vendors.

Uber and Lyft for Business Use

National Travel has organized an Uber or Lyft for Business arrangement that allows us:

• The ability to schedule rides for travelers in real-time or in advance.
• No need for your travelers to have the Uber or Lyft app.
• We track rides through an online dashboard from start to finish.
• Ability to charge your card after the ride is taken and add this to your invoice.

See why we’re different

National Travel Chase Tower Suite 100 707 Virginia Street East Charleston, WV 25301

800-624-8283

[email protected]

Quick Links

Government Travel Corporate Travel Vacation Travel Intelligent Traveler Reporting Invoice Lookup Government Booking Corporate Booking GSA Rates Report Card Visa & Passports Flight Status Privacy Policy Online Policy

• Subscribe Digital Print

• Tokyo governor race
• Kishida under fire
• Weakening yen
• Latest News
• Deep Dive Podcast

Today's print edition

Home Delivery

• Crime & Legal
• Science & Health
• More sports
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• SUSTAINABILITY
• EARTH SCIENCE
• Food & Drink
• Style & Design
• TV & Streaming
• Entertainment news

Japan to extend domestic travel subsidy program beyond April

The government is planning to extend a domestic travel subsidy program, initially slated to end in March, through the summer in hopes of bolstering the tourism industry’s post-pandemic recovery.

The discounts will also not be applicable to reservations that have already been made for travel from April. But once prefectures officially extend the program, travelers can make reservations with discounts.

“The budget allocated for the program has been carried over from the previous year and is expected to continue through the summer until it runs out,” said Kensuke Dogahana, who is in charge of the program at the tourism agency.

The discount rate will remain the same. Travelers can get a 20% discount maxing out at ¥5,000 per person per night for accommodation that is packaged with transportation. If travelers just book a hotel, the maximum discount will be ¥3,000 per person per night.

In addition, travelers will get ¥2,000 worth of vouchers per person per day if they travel on weekdays and ¥1,000 on weekends, which can be used at restaurants and for souvenirs.

The number of domestic overnight stays in 2022 was up around 43% from the previous year at 453.97 million, and only down roughly 24% compared to the pre-pandemic level in 2019. Most travelers were Japanese, with foreign guests only accounting for 3.7% of the total.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Former first lady Melania Trump stays out of the public eye as Donald Trump runs for president

FILE - Former first lady Melania Trump leaves after voting in the Florida primary election in Palm Beach, Fla., March 19, 2024. After Melania Trump missed key events in her husband’s campaign, she told reporters asking about her thin schedule to “stay tuned.” But in the months since, she has largely refrained from public appearances. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

• Copy Link copied

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — After Melania Trump missed key events in her husband’s presidential bid earlier this year — from the kickoff of the 2024 election in Iowa to Donald Trump’s Super Tuesday victory party — reporters asked the former first lady whether she planned to hit the campaign trail. Her response: “Stay tuned.”

But since making that comment in March, after she and Donald Trump voted in Florida’s primary, Melania Trump has largely refrained from public appearances. The few exceptions have included a couple of fundraisers in April and their son’s high school graduation.

The former first lady noticeably did not accompany the presumptive Republican presidential nominee on any of the days of his more than monthlong hush money trial in New York. She was not there last month for the guilty verdict or the following day for his remarks at Trump Tower. She also did not appear June 14 at a 78th birthday party organized for Trump by his fan club, or at any of the campaign rallies he has held in recent months.

Her absence during the trial and for other important moments is unusual, said Katherine Jellison, a professor of history at Ohio University who studies first ladies. But Jellison said maybe it should not come as a surprise as Melania Trump seems reluctant to follow the traditional public role of a politician’s wife. As first lady, she also kept a low profile and she was not a regular presence on her husband’s losing 2020 presidential campaign.

What to know about the 2024 Election

• Democracy: American democracy has overcome big stress tests since 2020. More challenges lie ahead in 2024.
• AP’s Role: The Associated Press is the most trusted source of information on election night, with a history of accuracy dating to 1848. Learn more.
• Read the latest: Follow AP’s complete coverage of this year’s election.

“But everything the Trumps do seems to be against the standard playbook of how candidates and spouses behave,” Jellison said.

Melania Trump’s behavior deviates from how other politicians have relied on their spouses. Sometimes male politicians turn to their wives to try to reach out to female voters. Candidates also may be joined by their spouses as a way of giving voters more of a sense of what the candidate is like outside the political arena.

During this year’s GOP primary, for example, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ wife, Casey DeSantis, traveled with him, granted interviews and formed a coalition named Mamas for DeSantis before he suspended his bid for the nomination. Vivek Ramaswamy’s wife, Dr. Apoorva Ramaswamy, also was on the campaign trail, often appearing along with their two young children to talk about the importance of family.

The Associated Press reached out to 15 people who have been in major fundraisers or in Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate recently. None said they had encountered Melania Trump on the Florida property.

Her office has not responded to several requests for comment. Her only public statement of late came two days after the Florida Republican Party announced with fanfare that son Barron Trump, 18, was chosen as a state delegate for the Republican National Convention and her office said he could not make it , citing prior commitments.

Reporters at the New York courthouse during Trump’s felony trial repeatedly asked him, “Where’s Melania?” but he never answered. Trump allies cited their son’s school calendar as the main reason for her absence without denying it was a delicate time for the family.

Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, was asked whether there were talks about her accompanying him to court.

“That wasn’t a discussion that I wanted to have,” Blanche responded, speaking to Miami trial attorney David Oscar Markus for his “For The Defense” podcast. “This was a tough case because of the nature of the charges, the evidence that came in, the history, how long it had been.”

Some of the testimony aired how Trump allegedly had sex with porn actor Stormy Daniels in July 2006, about four months after Melania Trump had given birth to Barron; Trump has denied Daniels’ claim. Trump’s former attorney and fixer Michael Cohen testified that Trump did not appear to care about how the story of an encounter he was looking to bury would hurt his marriage as much as he cared about it damaging his 2016 presidential aspirations.

But Hope Hicks, Trump’s 2016 campaign communications chief, testified that Trump was concerned in 2016 about how a story related to Playboy model Karen MacDougal would be viewed by his wife and wanted her to make sure newspapers were not delivered to their residence.

Melania Trump did not post anything on her social media accounts after her husband was convicted on 34 felony counts. That’s in contrast to Trump’s elder sons, who quickly condemned the verdict. Daughter Ivanka Trump posted on Instagram a photo of her as a toddler with a younger Trump and the message “I love you dad.” Tiffany Trump, his younger daughter, accompanied him to the courthouse last month for the trial’s closing arguments.

“I think it’s very hard for her,” Trump said about his wife, in an interview with Fox News after the verdict. “I mean, she’s fine. But, you know, she has to read all this crap.”

Despite her absence on the campaign trail, Trump often mentions her and shares conversations between the two, showing supporters that she is still involved behind the scenes by offering feedback to the former president.

Larry Snowden, president of the “Club 47” fan group, said he last saw the former first lady at a February gala hosted by the “Trumpettes,” a group of female supporters. He said he has never had a one-on-one interaction with her, but that when he saw her there, she was “so charming.”

“She was so happy, and she was smiling and accommodating anyone that wanted to come up and shake her hand or anything,” Snowden said.

Snowden said he does expect Melania Trump to show face throughout the campaign and to make key speeches, but that he also thinks that the former president would “continue to be very protective of her.”

Gomez Licon reported from Miami. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.

Election 2024 Polls: Biden vs. Trump

• Share full article

Who’s leading the polls?

National polling average.

Nate Cohn Chief political analyst

Wednesday’s New York Times/Siena College poll is an outlier: It finds Donald J. Trump ahead by three percentage points among likely voters and six points among registered voters nationally. Our polling averages on this page, which combine many polls together, show Trump with a narrower lead; that’s a safer measure of where the race stands. But don’t forget that sometimes, the outliers are right . Updated June 26

Pennsylvania

North carolina, explore electoral college scenarios.

A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win. If Biden and Trump can hold the states they carried by at least three percentage points in 2020, that leaves seven states that are widely viewed as the key battlegrounds. Let’s zoom in on them.

If the polls change, or miss, in Biden’s favor Biden is also within range: He trails by a slim margin in a few key states, and a shift or polling miss in his favor would not be uncommon, though of course that is not guaranteed.

Ruth Igielnik Staff editor, polling

A few recent polls in traditionally Democratic states have drawn some attention. A Fox News poll this month had Biden and Trump tied in Virginia — a state Biden won by 10 points in 2020 — and a poll in Minnesota showed the reliably Democratic state as potentially competitive. We will add more state averages as more data is reported. Updated June 24

How wrong might the polls be?

It’s normal for polls not to match the final results, sometimes by considerable amounts. The ranges in this chart represent the magnitude of each state’s biggest polling miss in recent elections, shown in relation to the current polling averages.

In 2016 and 2020, the polls underestimated Trump. But in 2012 they underestimated the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, and in 2022 Democrats outperformed polling averages in several key midterm races. Past polling misses can give a sense of the magnitude by which current averages could be wrong, but they are not a guarantee of which way today’s polls may be off.

The latest polls

Every poll here influences the averages above. Polls from “select pollsters,” which meet certain criteria for reliability , count for more. You can filter by state, toggle to show only select pollsters, and choose head-to-head or three-way matchups.

Polls by “select pollsters” are shown with a diamond. These pollsters have backgrounds that tend to mean they are more reliable . Also, polls that were conducted by or for partisan organizations are labeled, as they often release only results that are favorable to their cause.

How the averages have changed

Arrows to the left indicate polling gains for Biden; to the right, for Trump.

Biden began to narrow his deficit in the national polls in the wake of his State of the Union address in March. But Trump is still slightly ahead in battleground state polls ahead of their first debate on Thursday. Updated June 24

William P. Davis Director, Election Data Analytics

Third-party candidates present particular challenges for pollsters, and they can be a significant factor in elections. Here you can get a sense of how Robert F. Kennedy Jr. might affect support for Biden and Trump. Just know that, historically, most polls have significantly overstated support for third-party candidates.

About our polling averages

Our averages include polls collected by The New York Times and by FiveThirtyEight . The estimates adjust for a variety of factors, including the recency and sample size of a poll, whether a poll represents likely voters, and whether other polls have shifted since a poll was conducted.

We also evaluate whether each pollster: Has a track record of accuracy in recent elections Is a member of a professional polling organization Conducts probability-based sampling

These elements factor into how much weight each poll gets in the average. And we consider pollsters that meet at least two of the three criteria to be “select pollsters,” so long as they are conducting polls for nonpartisan sponsors. Read more about our methodology .

The Times conducts its own national and state polls in partnership with Siena College. Those polls are included in the averages. Follow Times/Siena polling here .

Sources: Polling averages by The New York Times. Individual polls collected by FiveThirtyEight and The Times.

By Cam Baker, Nate Cohn, Molly Cook Escobar, Annie Daniel, Ruth Igielnik, Jasmine C. Lee, Alex Lemonides, Albert Sun, Rumsey Taylor and Isaac White. Additional work by Kristen Bayrakdarian, Asmaa Elkeurti, Andrew Fischer, K.K. Rebecca Lai, Jaymin Patel, Ethan Singer and James Thomas.

Keep Up With the 2024 Election

The presidential election is 132 days away . Here’s our guide to the run-up to Election Day.

Tracking the Polls. The state of the race, according to polling data.

Issues Tracker. Where Biden and Trump stand on abortion, immigration and more.

Campaign Tracker. How the candidates are spending their time on the campaign trail.

Biden’s Burden. The president is an old-school politician in a new-school era.

Trump’s V.P. Contenders. The pros and cons of Trump’s top choices.

Advertisement

Election latest: Police to probe potential 'misconduct in public office' in betting scandal - after fiery final TV debate

The Metropolitan Police is taking the lead in a "small number of cases" relating to the scandal around bets on the date of the general election. Last night, Sunak and Starmer traded blows in their final TV debate of the election, as campaigning intensifies with just seven days to go.

Thursday 27 June 2024 09:31, UK

• General Election 2024
• Met Police to probe potential 'misconduct in public office' in gambling scandal
• Starmer says Sunak 'bullied' into action over scandal in fiery final debate
• Jon Craig:  Just like England at the Euros - the final TV election clash was a draw
• Listen to Politics at Jack and Sam's  above as you scroll - and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid | Reform | SNP
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage:  Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts:  Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | How to watch election on Sky News

Sir Keir Starmer has said repeatedly through the general election campaign that he will not be able to give the 35% pay rise the junior doctors are asking for because it is unaffordable.

In reaction to that, co-chair of the BMA junior doctors committee, Dr Rob Laurenson, told Sky News that the Labour leader "would do well not to repeat the mistakes of Rishi Sunak and to empower his health secretary to negotiate in good faith".

He said they have been listening to shadow health secretary Wes Streeting who has been "talking about a journey, not an event".

"We're very much happy to talk about how we get to pay restoration - we've always said all along that we'd be happy to have this in a multi-year pay deal and not all in one go."

But more broadly, he said junior doctors are currently paid £15 an hour, and they want an increase to £21 an hour, which he insisted is affordable.

"The government has spent £3bn on strikes, and pay restoration costs £1.3bn.

"So if an incoming government under Keir Starmer wants to continue lying, then it looks like strikes will have to continue as well."

Junior doctors are on strike today as part of their long-running dispute over pay, and we just spoke with Dr Rob Laurenson, co-chair of the BMA junior doctors committee.

We asked for his reaction to both parties criticising this industrial action, and he replied: "I'm not really surprised that no one's happy about this situation. We're not happy about this situation."

He said it has been four months since they last took industrial action, and they've "tried to negotiate in good faith during that time", but he blamed the government for a resolution not being reached.

Asked if he can understand why some may view the strikes as cynical given that a resolution will not be reached during the election campaign, he replied: "Not at all, and this is precisely why the government is lying to everyone."

He said their ask during this set of strikes is for a "credible commitment" from Rishi Sunak - as with any other manifesto commitment - to restoring their pay to 2010 levels.

"Rishi Sunak's made a big point about making clear plans and giving bold action. But the truth of the matter is he has no plan."

Dr Laurenson called on the PM to "sit down, drop the rhetoric, talk about pay", otherwise the strikes will have to continue.

It was reported yesterday that Labour's Darren Jones told a meeting in his constituency that the party's net zero plans would cost "hundreds of billions" of pounds.

Mr Jones told Sky News after the debate that the vast majority of that money would come from private investment, and the party's shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, reiterated that to us this morning.

She said: "What we know from conversations with businesses is that there is a real appetite and willingness to invest here in the UK, and it's how government can work together with business to drive that investment to drive those jobs and the growth that will be so essential in the years to come.

"So it's not simply about the spending of public money, it's about how you lever in wider private investment."

She added that "everything in our manifesto is fully funded and fully costed".

Asked what happens if that private sector investment does not materialise, she dodged the question, reiterating that Labour has an "ironclad commitment" that they will "not increase VAT, income tax or national insurance".

We just spoke with Bridget Phillipson, Labour's shadow education secretary, and we asked about the junior doctors' strike and how quickly Labour would reach a settlement with them.

She did not give a timeframe, saying it's a "process of negotiation".

"But in order to get to a settlement, you've got to be around the table having that conversation.

"And that's something the Conservatives time and again have failed to do where it comes to our NHS."

She added that negotiations with junior doctors would be "a day one priority" if Labour is elected to government next week.

Asked if it is provocative for junior doctors to strike just days before the general election, she replied: "It's disappointing. I wish the strikes weren't going ahead.

"It represents a long-standing failure to reach an agreement."

As we reported, "money-saving expert" Martin Lewis hit out at the Conservative Party yesterday for tweeting a clip of him talking about a "private" conversation about an unnamed Labour policy that they linked to tax rises.

Asked if that is a sign of desperation, business minister Kevin Hollinkrake replied: "Well, I think if we've tweeted something that's inaccurate, that's wrong. We shouldn't do that.

"We don't need to be inaccurate because the Labour Party has been quite clear. I saw Wes Streeting on Laura Kuenssberg a few, a week or two ago, who said quite clearly the manifesto is not the sum total of its spending plans."

Junior doctors are today beginning a fresh round of strikes in their long-running dispute with the government over pay.

They are asking for a path towards restoration of pay to 2010 levels, which would be a rise of around 35%.

The shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, has said if Labour wins the election on 4 July, he will meet junior doctors on 5 July to reach a solution, and we asked business minister Kevin Hollinrake if the Tories will do the same.

He replied that government "should always have a discussion, always sit across the negotiation table".

He said an offer to resolve the strike has "already been made", a 9% pay increase was given this year, and there were "discussions about a further 3% on top of that", which he described as "fair figures".

But on the broader demand for pay restoration, the minister said: "What the junior doctors are asking for is 35%, which taxpayers, of course, would have to fund.

"I don't think that's affordable. And it'd be interesting to see what Labour would do in the same situation."

Mr Hollinrake went on to say that the timing of this strike is "interesting".

"I'm not going to judge some of his motivations for decisions. But it is interesting timing, and I regret the decision to strike because we know this doesn't help waiting lists, which we want to bring down.

"We are bringing them down now, but part of the reasons why the waiting lists are as high as they are is partially because of the strike."

We've just been speaking to business minister Kevin Hollinrake, and we started with last night's fiery TV debate.

Sky's Wilfred Frost put to him that Rishi Sunak might have showed what could have been, if not for the various distractions and mistakes.

But Mr Hollinrake said the PM was "clear" that "this is a vote about the future, it's not about the past".

He talked about broader challenges over the last four-and-a-half years, such as COVID and the war in Ukraine.

But of Mr Sunak, he said: "You've got somebody with a clear plan, somebody who's proven in the heat of battle, has been able to execute well and put things in place that are important to people - or somebody with no plan and no answers."

He said he understands the "move for change in the country", but in an appeal to the country, added: "It'll be a disaster if Labour will get in. Don't settle for that. Don't settle for that kind of solution. Don't surrender to that."

Frost brought the minister back to the past five weeks and the betting scandal that continues to dominate headlines, and asked if politicians should be banned from betting on politics.

He replied: "I'm not against a ban on politicians betting on politics, but I think we should have a proper debate, proper look at this and make a decision that everyone's clear on what's expected and what's allowed and what's not allowed and to make a decision from there."

Separately, Mr Hollinrake admitted on Times Radio that he had placed a bet on the Tories to win the general election, but "not my seat, I think that would be wrong".

Sky News deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard are in your podcast feeds with their guide to the election day ahead.

This is day 36 of the campaign. Jack and Sam discuss closing arguments, the morning after the final debate, junior doctor strikes, their impact and the Trump v Biden factor.

👉 Tap here to follow Politics at Jack and Sam's wherever you get your podcasts 👈

By Faye Brown , political reporter

Jeremy Hunt has donated a further £32,000 of his own money to his constituency party as he tries to avoid becoming the first sitting chancellor in modern British history to lose his seat.

Figures from the Electoral Commission show in the first quarter of this year, Mr Hunt made three donations to the Godalming and Ash Conservatives.

The chancellor gave £7,794 across two separate donations on 2 January, then another £24,451.30 on 8 February.

The 8 February donation is the largest single donation he has made to the local association, which has received £166,457 from him in total since 2014.

The vast majority of that has been cash donations, official records show, though £8,918 of it was non-cash.

Under electoral rules, MPs and candidates can donate to their local constituency accounting unit if they wish.

The Lib Dems said Mr Hunt is "throwing the kitchen sink at keeping his seat", amid warnings he could be ousted come polling day on 4 July.

The Surrey constituency has been a key target seat for Sir Ed Davey's party as they aim to demolish the Conservative "Blue Wall" in southern England.

Read more here:

​​​​​​​The final TV clash of the election campaign was an ill-tempered shouting match, at least from Rishi Sunak. Sir Keir was more measured. More prime ministerial, perhaps?

As he had to as the underdog, Mr Sunak went on the attack from the start until the very end and unveiled a new campaign slogan: "Don't surrender…"

He said it no fewer than 15 times during the 75-minute debate. That's once every five minutes.

But just like the England-Slovenia Euros match 24 hours earlier, the result was a draw, 50%-50% exactly, according to pollsters YouGov.

And, some would say, that just like the England game, it was a 0-0 draw really.

Read Jon's full analysis here:

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free