Japan to reopen to foreign tourists after two-year pandemic closure

Government to allow in tourists from 98 countries and regions next month - but only as part of tour groups

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Japan has announced it will end a two-year pandemic closure and reopen to tourists from 98 countries and regions next month, but travellers will only be allowed in as part of tour groups.

The decision comes after the government last week said it would test allowing small group tours with visitors from the US, Australia, Thailand and Singapore from this month.