Small group tours to begin in May as Japan tests protocols ahead of full reopening.

Japan is set to begin “test tourism” in May, allowing limited package tours as a precursor to the full reopening of the country to international visitors. Since implementing strict border controls in 2020 at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Japan has kept its borders largely closed to tourists. While some business travelers and students have been allowed entry, individual tourists have remained prohibited, despite industry calls to restart tourism.

The Japanese Tourism Agency will permit small groups of vaccinated tourists from the United States, Australia, Thailand, and Singapore to participate in guided tours. These tours will be strictly monitored by travel agencies and accompanied by tour conductors to ensure compliance with infection prevention measures. The program aims to gather information on effective protocols and refine guidelines for travel agencies and accommodation providers ahead of a broader reopening.