Japan to lift entry limits for foreign tourists

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that Japan will lift restrictions on entry into the country imposed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from October 11.

The lifting of restrictions will also affect the overall tourist influx to the country, according to the Tokyo-based news service  Nikkei.

Earlier, the Japanese government was reported to be considering the possibility of lifting restrictions on entry into the country, including for tourists. Deputy General Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kiharu then explained that the lower prices made the country more attractive for inbound tourism. The official did not specify when exactly the ban would be lifted, but added that many tourists wanted to visit Japan "this fall and winter".