Two years of tight border restrictions will soon be ending for Japan! The country will finally be reopening to independent travelers from October 11. The full reopening means that tourists can visit without a visa and there’s need to go through a travel agency no longer exists. Also, the daily entry cap will be lifted entirely.

Japan’s reopening to international tourism has been slow and cautious. It wasn’t until June that tourists could visit as part of guided tour packages. Then in early September the restrictions were further eased and the need for a guide was eliminated, but booking through a travel agency was still required as well as getting a visa.

The reopening on October 11 is highly anticipated by many international travelers The reopening comes at just the right time, the yeah is weak and it’s fall foliage time. The autumn is a peak time for travel to Japan.