TOKYO, Reuters – Japanese tourists will need to be wearing masks and have private insurance. They also must be chaperoned during their time in Japan, according to the government Tuesday. This is in response two years ago of COVID-19 restrictions.

Only tourists on packages will be permitted in the first phase, which will begin June 10.

According to the JTA guidelines, tour guides are required to remind their tour participants about infection prevention methods, such as wearing and removing masks during each tour.

Masks can be worn outdoors even if people are talking in close proximity.

Japan has implemented some of the most stringent border controls around the globe during the pandemic. It banned almost all foreigners from entering its territory.

Japan has also relaxed its COVID restrictions as the rest of world is freed from COVID lockdowns. Fumio Kishida, Japan’s Prime Minister, has promised to align border controls with those of other rich nations.

Although masks remain ubiquitous, the government recently relaxed the guidelines for wearing them. Before the outbreak of the coronavirus, masks were commonplace in Japan to protect against germ transmission and prevent pollen.

Japan organized “test tours” for 50 participants last month. Most of these were travel agents. However, one participant tested positive to COVID.

James Jang from Australia, who was a travel agent, participated in the test tour. He said that the rules might put off some people for the moment.

Jang stated to Reuters that while clients may wear masks indoors it is acceptable for them to be worn 24 hours a day.

Clients may be discouraged by the cost of hiring a guide all time until they are able to have greater flexibility later.

Japan welcomed 31.9 million visitors from abroad in 2019, spending 4.81 trillion Japanese yen (36.28 billion).

($1 = 132.5700 yen)