Japan eases travel restrictions

Business travellers will only have to self-isolate for three days, rather than the previous 10-day quarantine period, if they can provide proof of their vaccination status. This is likely to be the first step in a phased reopening of Japan’s borders by the government. According to reports in Japan, the government plans 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.” 

Meanwhile, many will perceive Tokyo 2020’s tourism legacy to be overwhelmingly negative, due to it taking place during a pandemic; however, some positives can still be drawn according to GlobalData.