After a two-year closure to tourists, Japan is now welcoming visitors from 98 nations and regions.

It’s the most significant step forward in the country’s gradual relaxing of Covid-19 entrance restrictions so far.

However, some restrictions will remain, such as the requirement to travel with a tour group.

Japan establishes some of the world’s strictest virus-control policies.

It also prohibits on foreign visitors to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, which have been postponed.

For foreign residents and business travelers, travel restrictions had already been eased.

The government recently increased the daily foreign arrivals allowed to 20,000 beginning 1 June.

International students have been allowed to enter since mid-March.

Tour groups will be able to enter the nation starting on June 10th.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, roughly 100 nations and areas, including the United Kingdom, will be placed into three danger categories – red, yellow, and blue – which will determine whether or not visitors can avoid quarantine precautions.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Japan has been largely closed since 2020, which has had a significant impact on the tourism business.

Tourist arrivals, which are an important element of Japan’s economy, plummeted by more than 90% in 2020, essentially eradicating incoming tourism.

“We’re continuing to see a lot of interest in visiting Japan despite it being off limits for nearly two years. I’m sure there will be a rush in bookings as soon as borders are fully open,” said Zina Bencheikh, managing director of Intrepid Travel.

“The Japanese government is being very cautious,” said James Greenfield.

He added, “They want the first tourists to enter on guided tours and we’re ready to do this and to do whatever is necessary to keep our customers happy and to recoup some income after more than two years without any.”