Travel time: Japan's Foreign Affairs Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi and Chief Secretary Donald Tsang announce in Tokyo that from April 1, HKSAR passport holders can visit the country for up to 90 days visa-free.

HKSAR passport holders can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days from April 1.

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang made the announcement today after meetings in Tokyo with Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi and other officials.

"This is a landmark arrangement that will produce significant benefits for both Japan and Hong Kong by strengthening our economic and cultural links," Mr Tsang said.

"It also demonstrates the Japanese government's confidence in Hong Kong's immigration controls under One Country, Two Systems. Hong Kong travellers are law-abiding and are trouble-free money-spenders."

He said the move is the result of several years of discussions between Hong Kong and Japanese officials.

"Since 1997, our officials have been lobbying diligently to achieve this visa-free arrangement. I am grateful to all those in Japan and Hong Kong who have worked so hard to conclude this breakthrough."

129 countries now offering visa-free access

Including Japan, 129 countries and territories have now agreed to grant HKSAR passport holders visa-free access.

"This is an important milestone in the HK Government's efforts to enhance travel convenience for Hong Kong residents," Mr Tsang said.

Last year, about 480,000 Hong Kong people visited Japan - one of the top five sources of visitors to the country.

Currently, HKSAR passport holders require visas to enter Japan. Visa fees for both multiple and single entries are $71. Japanese nationals can enter Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days.

During his Tokyo visit, Mr Tsang also spoke to the Japan-HK Parliamentarian League, updating Japanese lawmakers on Hong Kong's post-SARS economic recovery and on CEPA.

He also visited the new Roppongi Hills redevelopment project, which is a large-scale arts and culture district, and officiated at the Travel Man of the Year Award Ceremony organised by the HK Tourism Board.

Mr Tsang returns to Hong Kong tomorrow.