From Tuesday (11 October), Japan will end its daily visitor entry cap and curb its pre-travel tourist visa requirement. In addition, Japan has axed its pre-travel PCR test rules and will limit testing on arrival to non-fully vaccinated visitors.
The changes come just in time for the popular "Koyo" autumn leaf season, which InsideJapan Tours said would boost the Japanese economy. "Japan is properly back as a travel destination," said the specialist on Friday (7 October).
"Demand for autumn travel, the snowy winter months and indeed the first cherry blossom season open to international visitors for four years is high as people long to get back to the Land of the Rising Sun for a dose of culture that has become familiar to many but remains so very uniquely Japanese and different for most.
"Japan has not stagnated during the pandemic, it’s only got better."
InsideJapan has, in recent months, restarted its small group and self-guided touring programmes and received "incredible feedback" with guests delighting in being able to see many of Japan’s most popular landmarks, tourist attractions and historic sites without crowds.
The specialist has picked out nine key tourism experiences and tips agents can flag to their clients, such as encouraging them to stay in traditional lodgings, to seek out Japanese Omotenashi hospitality, get off the beaten track, and take advantage of opportunities to experience Japan’s hot springs, its mountainous regions and samurai towns.
Visitors are also encouraged to utilise Japan’s famously efficient rail network, including new Shinkansen – bullet train – services connecting the southern island of Kyushu and the city of Nagasaki.
In addition, InsideJapan is highlighting the value Japan offers, such as through its highly affordable cuisine and low-cost rail services. It has created a seven-night "price cruncher" itinerary, which leads in from £1,020pp excluding flights.
Other options include its 14-night Traditional Japan (from £2,140pp) and Best of Japan (£1,950pp) itineraries.
