Gulf Groups to Japan: What the JNTO and Emirates MOU Changes

The Japan National Tourism Organization and Emirates have signed a new memorandum of understanding to grow travel from the Middle East to Japan, as Travel Voice reported on 2 October 2026. Our Japan team covers the agreement itself in its JNTO and Emirates note. This note is for agents in the Gulf and the wider region who sell Japan alongside other Asian destinations.

What Has Actually Changed?

• Promotion, not policy. The MOU covers joint tourism promotion and marketing. It does not change visa or entry rules.
• Capacity is already in place. Emirates added a second daily Dubai to Tokyo Narita service from 1 May 2026, for 28 weekly flights to Japan across Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Osaka.
• A long relationship. The two signed a memorandum of cooperation for a Gulf consumer campaign in October 2019, and JNTO has run its own Dubai office since November 2021.

How Should a Gulf Group Programme Be Built?

• Arrive in one city, leave from another. Emirates serves both Tokyo and Osaka, so a programme can land in Tokyo and fly home from Osaka without backtracking. Check fares and seats before building on it.
• Keep the first day light. After a long overnight flight, a short afternoon and an early dinner work better than a full sightseeing day.
• Fewer hotel changes. Families and multi-generational groups move more easily with two or three bases than with a new hotel every night.

What Do These Clients Ask About First?

• Food. Halal and Muslim-friendly options exist in the main cities but need booking ahead, especially for a coach group at lunch.
• Prayer. We plan prayer times into the day and identify quiet spaces at hotels, airports and venues in advance.
• Season. Many Gulf families travel in the summer school holidays and around Eid. Eid moves with the lunar calendar, so check each year's dates before holding rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the JNTO and Emirates agreement change entry rules?

No. It covers joint tourism promotion and marketing between Japan and the Middle East. Visa and entry rules for each nationality are unchanged and should be checked separately.

How many Emirates flights serve Japan?

Emirates has operated 28 weekly flights to Japan since adding a second daily Tokyo Narita service on 1 May 2026, across Narita, Haneda and Osaka. Confirm current schedules with the airline before quoting.

Can Explera plan halal-friendly group programmes in Japan?

Yes. Our Japan team arranges halal or Muslim-friendly meals, prayer time in the daily plan, and a gentler pace for families and multi-generational groups.

When should agents start planning Eid or summer departures?

Early. Summer school holidays and Eid periods fill quickly, and Eid dates shift each year, so we check them before proposing a season.

Sources: Travel Voice, 2 October 2026 and Dubai Media Office, 5 February 2026.

Where Explera Fits

Our Japan team plans the ground programme, books coaches and guides, and builds meals and prayer time into each day. Proposals are B2B only, for travel agents and tour operators.

Write to b2b@explera.jp or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341).