InsideJapan Tours has reported strong demand for its small group tours, which resumed again in June after borders were closed to tourists for more than two years amid the pandemic.
The Bristol-based operator – part of Inside Travel Group – said it made more sales in June and August 2022 than in the same months of 2019, while bookings made in July were close to pre-pandemic levels.
Travellers from 98 countries, including the UK, are currently allowed entry on the condition that they are on a fully-guided package tour and obtain a tourist visa.
InsideJapan Tours also expects the Japanese government to make further changes to its international border policy “very soon”.
The specialist has taken more than 50 customers to Japan since resuming operations last month and said the feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive”.
Simon King, co-founder, said: “Our first tour ran from July 3, and it has meant so much to the team, the partners on the ground, the customers, and our agent partners to be able to send people to Japan again.
“With guidelines in place, there was a little concern over customer experience and enjoyment of Japan, but feedback has been hugely positive.
“Everyone has been blown away by the welcome they have received with ryokan guesthouse owners and restaurant owners laying on a little extra, keen to have international business back.”
He added: “Despite additional hurdles for international tourists, we have been able to get people travelling again on small group tours and custom-made, guided exclusive private journeys, not only because of our own ‘Insider’ tour leaders and network of guides across the country, but because we have also been able to support customers with their tourist visa applications by virtue of being a Japanese government licensed operator.
“Our small group tour sales for both June and August have not only been strong but have exceeded the equivalent month in 2019, with July falling narrowly short of its pre-pandemic level.
“It is reassuring to see that demand for travel to Japan in 2022 and early 2023 is so strong.”
Five small group tours took place in July and August, and about will be running between September and December.
King added: “There is only a handful of small group tour places left for 2022 and we want our trade partners to be aware that we can get their customers travelling. It is a special time to be in Japan and after over two years of no travel, we are delighted to be making these tours happen again.”