Japanese govt plans to begin accepting foreign tourists from June 1

Yomiuri Shimbun file photo
A passenger heads to a COVID-19 testing site after her arrival at Narita Airport in March.

The government is in the final stages to resume entry of foreign tourists on June 1, according to government sources.

Japan will lift its COVID-19 entry restrictions and begin accepting tourists from countries and regions at low risk for COVID-19. Tourists will be limited to those who sign up for tour packages with accompanying guides.

International flights which currently operate at five airports — including Narita and Kansai — will expand to New Chitose and Naha sometime in June.

Japan also plans to raise the cap on international arrivals from the current limit of 10,000 people per day to 20,000 from June 1. In addition, tourists arriving from a list of low-risk countries will not have to be tested upon arrival. About 100 such countries are expected to be included on the list. Tourists will be asked to comply with basic COVID-related measures while in Japan, such as wearing masks.