Japan will allow tourists from four countries, including Singapore, to enter the country on package tours this month, said its Government on Tuesday (May 17). 

The move is part of a trial to gather information before Japan fully reopens its borders to leisure travel. The other countries participating in the trial are the United States, Australia and Thailand.

About 10 to 15 group tours comprising about 50 tourists from the four countries have been planned for the trial this month, reported the Yomiuri Shimbun. 

Tourists participating in the trial must purchase their own medical insurance before entering Japan. They must also show proof that they have received three doses of vaccines approved by Japan. 

All tours must follow fixed itineraries pre-approved by the government and tour group activities will be managed by accompanying tour guides. 

The trial will help the Japanese government to study concrete measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when border controls are further eased, said Japan’s Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Tetsuo Saito. 

The data gathered from the trial will help the government compile guidelines for travel agencies and accommodation facilities, such as measures to be taken when someone is infected with COVID-19. 

Under the current border controls, only 10,000 people are allowed to enter Japan a day, limited to business travellers, students and foreign residents. The government plans to double the cap to 20,000 people a day and increase the number of tourists entering the country in stages from June.