As part of its efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and infections with SARS-CoV-2, the Japanese government has closed its borders for most forms of international travel. However, as a non-citizen resident it is permitted to travel abroad as long as certain restrictions are followed. Most importantly, even after testing negative for the virus at the airport upon arrival a foreign national must quarantine themselves for 14 days ‘at a location designated by the quarantine station chief’. The linked document does not mention it but other Japanese government sources such as the Japanese embassy in Germany indicate that this location may be one’s place of residence. It is not permitted to use public transportation (including taxis) to reach the designated location.
This raises two questions:
assuming my designated location is my place of residence, by what means am I permitted to reach it?
My trip to the closest international airport (KIX) is about two hours by train. I do not own a car but I do have a driving licence. I do not have any friends or family who could pick me up at the airport. Specifically for me: would renting a car to drive to my apartment be a permitted way of getting there?
How strict are the actual quarantine requirements and how strictly are they enforced?
e.g. would I be permitted to buy groceries at the local supermarket or must I order deliveries?
(I am aware that agreements have been reached with a number of countries facilitating travel arrangements between Japan and these countries, especially for business travel. However, the country I would visit is not on this list as of 14/10, so the more relaxed restrictions are not applicable to my case.)
