COVID travel: Japan to start limited "test tourism" from this month

In a bid to restart tourism in the country, Japan has announced that it will start conducting "test tourism" in the form of limited package tours from this month. It will be a way of collecting all the important information before a full re-opening of tourism in the country. Tourism plays a vital role in Japan's economy, but since the onset of the pandemic, the Japanese government has completely banned the entry of foreign travellers since 2020.

A few rules were bent just for the students and business travellers to enter, however, no individual tourists were allowed to step inside. Now, on Tuesday, the Japanese Tourism Agency stated that it would allow people to visit the country in small group tours from later in the month of May as "test cases". It will help them gain information for a broader resumption of tourism in future.
In the statement, the tourism board mentioned clearly that only tourists who are fully vaxxed with a booster dose from the United States, Australia, Thailand and Singapore will be permitted to take part in the tours. The tour will be fully planned with travel agencies and tourists will be accompanied by tour conductors throughout the trip.

The statement mentioned, "This venture will allow us to verify compliance and emergency responses for infection prevention and formulate guidelines for travel agencies and accommodation operators to keep in mind".
In Japan, 30000 people have died from COVID-19 till date.

1. Is Japan allowing tourists?
   No not yet.
2. What is the best time to visit Japan?
   The best time to visit Japan is between March and May (spring) and, September to November (fall).
3. Which month is cherry blossom in Japan?
   Cherry blossom is the most magical time in Japan. Visit between late March and mid-April, or even early May.