Only visitors on package tours will be allowed in during the first phase of reopening, from June 10, the Japan Tourism Agency said, adding that travel agency guides accompanying visitors will have to ensure they wear their masks.
"Even outdoors, the wearing of masks should continue in situations where people are conversing in close proximity."Japan has imposed some of the strictest border controls in the world over the course of the pandemic, banning the entry of almost all non-residents. The government has recently begun relaxing mask guidance for the general public although the coverings are ubiquitous. Wearing masks to prevent the spread of germs and fend off pollen was common in Japan before the coronavirus pandemic.
James Jang, a travel agent from Australia who took part in one of the test tours, said the rules would likely put some people off for now.