Specialist operators expect a surge of interest in Japan as it became one of the last countries in the world to fully reopen borders to foreign tourists.
Japan announced that the removal of all its pandemic border restrictions will come into effect on October 11.
A daily entry cap will be abolished together with a requirement for travellers to apply for tourist visas.
The abolition of final Covid border controls was confirmed by Japan’s prime minister Fumio Kishida in New York and came as the yen slumped to its lowest levels against the dollar for almost a quarter of a century.
The easing of restrictions comes in an attempt to fully open to international tourism in time for the ‘Koyo’ autumn leaf season and to aid a flagging Japanese economy.
Visitor numbers hit a record of almost 32 million in pre-Covid 2019 but slumped to less than 250,000 last year.
The Japan National Tourism Organisation UK website highlights a range of operators that feature the country.
Specialist firm InsideJapan was one of the first western tour operators to get travellers back into the country on small group tours in early summer.
The company has been organising self-guided cultural adventures across Japan from earlier this month.
Inside Travel Group and InsideJapan Tours co-founder Simon King said: “After two and a half years of various restrictions, Japan is now fully open to tourists without the hassle of visas.
“For our customers and agents, this removes the final barrier to travel and any uncertainty around travel allowing them to plan and look forward to their trips.”
The new rules mean that travellers from countries such as the UK, US and Australia can now enter the country and be given a visa on arrival.
Triple vaccinated travellers do not need to test before they travel, nor on arrival.
But unvaccinated travellers will still need to provide proof of a negative test before they depart.
King added: “Despite being one of the last few countries in the world to keep restrictions in place and the impression that may give, Japan really is very keen to welcome visitors again.
“Our recent customer feedback has shown that the welcome they received from ryokan owners, restauranteurs and locals alike has been incredible. Japan really does not disappoint.”
InsideJapan saw a huge increase in enquiries and bookings after the previous announcements in late August, with tour bookings exceeding the same month in 2019. Web traffic also saw a 250% increase on August 2019 levels.
King said: “Demand for our cultural adventures has been huge, and despite the easing of restrictions, we do not expect that to change for both our self-guided trips or small group tours as people look to make the most out of their time in Japan and are reassured by our on-the-ground the support should they need it.
“The removal of the visa process also frees up the equivalent of at least two full-time roles and allows us to do what we do best – creating incredible trips to this amazing place.”
A 14-night Best of Japan tour leads in at £1,950 per person, excluding international flights.