Fully vaccinated corporate travellers arriving in Japan will only have to self-isolate for three days, rather than the current 10-day quarantine period, if they can provide proof of their vaccination status.

The lifting of the ban on business visitors is likely to be the first step in a phased reopening of Japan’s borders by the country’s government.

According to reports in Japan, the government is considering a plan to allow international tourists to enter the country in stages, which could see group tours resume by the end of the year.

James Mundy, from specialist operator InsideJapan Tours, said: “With daily Covid cases across the country continuing to fall and remaining low, it is very reassuring for us to see that the newly elected government is taking positive action.

“We hope that this will lead on to a road map to opening very soon. We are certain that this news will encourage yet more people to positively commit to that next trip as it becomes a more realistic opportunity.”

The operator added that it has filled 55% of seats on its 2022 small group tours to Japan, with 2023 tour dates set to be released in December.