In this first phase of the ‘opening’, from June 10, only visitors traveling in organized groups will be allowed, as announced by the Japan Tourism Organization (JTA).
Foreign tourists visiting Japan will be required to wear masks, have private health insurance and be monitored throughout their stay in the country, the government announced today as it plans a gradual opening of two years of restrictions on COVID-19.
In this first phase of the ‘opening’, from 10 June, Only guests traveling in organized groups will be allowedas announced by the Japan Tourism Organization (JTA), adding that tour guides accompanying visitors should ensure that tourists wear their masks.
“Tour guides should frequently remind those involved in the journey of the necessary anti-contamination measures, including the use and removal of a mask, at every stage of the journey,” the JTA said in a statement. “Even outdoors, mask use should continue in situations where people are close to each other.”
Japan imposed some of them stricter border controls in the world during the pandemic, barring entry to almost all non-residents.
As much of the rest of the world ‘opens’ from COVID lockdowns, Japan is also relaxing its rules. Prime Minister Fumio Cisida has pledged to align measures at the borders with those of other rich nations.
The government has recently begun to relax the mask instructions for the general public, although its use is widespread. The use of a mask to prevent the spread of germs and protect against pollen was common in Japan before the coronavirus pandemic broke out.
Last month, Japan conducted “test tours” of groups of about 50 peoplemost of whom were travel agents, but one of them tested positive for COVID.
James Zhang, an Australian travel agent who took part in one of these test tours, said the rules were likely to deter some visitors at this time.
“Customers will be OK to wear a mask indoors but wearing it 24 hours a day will be a hassle,” Zhang told Reuters. “The cost of having a tour guide all the time may discourage customers until later when they have more flexibility.”
In 2019, Japan welcomed 31.9 million foreign visitors, spending 4.81 trillion. yen ($ 36.28 billion).
