Japan has confirmed it will increase entry numbers and allow visitors to travel without a guide when it reopens early next month.

Entry numbers have been increased from 20,000 to 50,000 a day.

InsideJapan, which was the first UK tour operator to have customers back in Japan on small group July, has welcomed the news.

Co-Founder Simon King said: “Since June 10, travellers have only been allowed to travel Japan accompanied by tour leaders and guides and as such has limited travel to group tours and high-end fully guided private trips.

“The easing of restrictions means that self-guided travel will be possible but, there will still be a requirement for tourism visas meaning only organised international travel booked with a licensed tour operator or agent will be possible.

“Japan is back. We are back. We have been waiting such a long time for this announcement and this is great news for us as a specialist whose business is 80% self-guided tailored travel.”

He added: “The fact that the restrictions are eased in time for the peak autumn departures is such a relief for us and all our partners on the ground that rely on our customers business.

“The feedback from travelling customers this summer has been incredible. All our partners and locals alike have been so welcoming to customers. To be in Japan in time for the Koyo season with temple gardens and mountainsides lit up with the red of autumn leaves will be special. 

“Japan has not lost its magic and we can’t wait to show people again.”