Japan will scrap nearly all its remaining entry requirements and allow for normal tourism after over 2.5 years of stringent restrictions.

Travelers have kept an eye on Japan to reopen earlier this year. During that time, Japan only made minuscule adjustments that allowed for travel under very strict conditions. The country did not allow foreigners to enter for tourism purposes.

Travelers who wanted to visit Japan could only go through by booking with a tour operator. While in the country, they could not leave their tour group for any reason. Additionally, travelers had to comply with all local regulations or instructions from their tour guide.

But some restrictions are still in place. Specifically, visitors entering Japan will either need to have received three shots of a Covid-19 vaccine or take a pre-arrival PCR test. Fully vaccinated individuals will not have to take a pre-departure test and can travel to Japan much like they could before the pandemic. Mask use is still strongly recommended by the local government in certain situations, such as most public transportation. Travelers should bring a few for the journey, just in case.