Since the introduction of travel restrictions due to the Corona pandemic at the beginning of 2020, it has not been possible to travel to the Asian country as a tourist for a long time. We welcome travelers from 106 countries, including the Netherlands, as of June 10, as long as they have booked an organized flight. For now, it is only possible to visit Japan as part of a comprehensive tour, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said.

Tourists who have received three vaccinations against corona, and who come from countries where the number of corona infections is low, do not need to be tested. Nor are they obliged to go into quarantine upon arrival. Currently, Japanese nationals, business travelers, and foreign students, among others, are already allowed to enter the country. Japan currently allows a maximum of 10,000 passengers per day, and that number will double as of June 1.

_{The text continues below the image.}

The number of foreign tourists in Japan fell by more than 90% in 2020 from the record high of 31.9 million the previous year.

Small tours of Japan are taking place this week from Australia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States. This trial will end next Tuesday, after which a plan will be drawn up based on the results of the requirements for the Japanese holiday package in June.

This plan should indicate, among other things, the size of groups that can be for each flight. Cabinet official Makoto Shimoraisu also promised clearer guidelines. It is not yet clear when tourists can visit Japan on their own.

This week, the guidelines for wearing face masks were relaxed in the country. While it is still necessary to wear masks in public transportation, hospitals and other public facilities, people can take off masks outdoors when no one is around. Despite the relaxation, even now most Japanese continue to wear face masks when outside.