Founder Wendy Wu said the Asia specialist had experienced an "unprecedented surge" in demand for late getaways this autumn with the country set to reopen in time for the Koyo season, characterised by its red autumn leaves.

With the Japanese yen currently at one of its lowest levels against the dollar for a quarter of a century and visitor numbers on the ground not yet having recovered to typical levels, the operator said there was no better time to travel to Japan.

From 11 October, international tourists will be able to enter Japan with proof of full vaccination (three jabs) against Covid-19 or a negative test for Covid-19 taken on arrival.

The operator said that as a result of the Japanese government’s decision to ease its Covid border restrictions, interest in the destination in September was up 170% versus August, with September so far proving to be one of Wendy Wu’s busiest months for new Japan holiday bookings since September 2019.

"This is fantastic news for the travel industry and for everyone that has had to delay and defer their Japan travel plans over the past three years," said Wendy Wu.

"We have been working hand-in-hand with the Japanese government and national tourist board to prepare for this so it’s so exciting to finally see this happen and reignite Japan’s place on the global tourism stage.

"September has been one of our busiest months on record for Japan holiday bookings, and now with the lifting of restrictions and news of visa-free travel, we’re adding extra capacity to all tours in 2023 and 2024 as tours are literally selling out as soon as they go on sale."

Wu added people should look to take advantage of an "extraordinarily quiet time" for tourism to Japan before visitor numbers pick up again.

"We’re seeing an unprecedented surge for late getaways this autumn to see Japan’s spectacular autumn colours, as well as a rush for tours in March and April 2023 to witness Japan’s spring cherry blossom festival," she added.

Wendy Wu Tours has just released its new 2023/24 Japan collection, and is offering free flights to Japan and half-price flight single supplements for travel in 2022, 2023 and 2024 on selected tours when booked by 31 October.

The collection is available is available in printed or digital brochure form.