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Japan re-opens for tourists this month try sumo wrestling and stay in a temple

Japan Covid rules are finally being removed for holidaymakers, so Brits can once again plan the trip of a lifetime exploring traditional towns, greeting Geisha's, dining with monks and meeting sumo wrestlers

[ Geisha woman]

Meet a traditional Geisha(Image: Flash Pack)

After years of blocking off its borders to foreigners to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Japan is set to re-open to holidaymakers this month.

Next week, on October 11, restrictions for foreign nationals into Japan will be dropped, authorities have confirmed.

Previously, holidaymakers who wanted to visit needed to be part of a package tour, but this requirement is no longer in force as of last month.

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So, if youve been holding off on visiting the island nation throughout the pandemic you can finally start getting stuck into the planning.

[Two men in a boat]

The tour will take you all around Japan(Image: Flash Pack)

The good news is that theres plenty to do in the country from high-tech cities to traditional villages.

With Halloween coming up, Japans Universal Studios has brought back its Halloween Horror Nights.

It features four haunted attractions and scare zones with the most zombies in history as well as creepy rides and shows throughout the park.

Meanwhile, the Kawasaki Halloween Parade has been celebrated since the 1990s and over 2,500 parade participants draw the crowds in.

[Sumo wrestler]

Learn the sport of Sumo(Image: Flash Pack)

If youre looking to plan further ahead then a tour may be the option for you.

Tour firm Flash Pack has recently launched a 12-day trip to Japan and its one of those 'cant-do-by-yourself' itineraries that lets you see the best of the country.

Guests can stay overnight at a Buddhist temple and join the monks for prayers and experience an authentic kaiseki meal hosted by an apprentice geisha, to immerse themselves in Japan's traditions.

You can also meet an atomic bomb survivor to hear their extraordinary stories and have lunch with a Sumo wrestler to discover more about the national sport.

[Line of people laughing and cooking]

Learn to cook Japanese food(Image: Flash Pack)

You'll also head to Tokyos neon-lit Shibuya and Kyotos bamboo forest as well as master the art of making steaming fresh ramen.

Travellers will be invited to experience the meditative beauty of a matcha tea ceremony and enjoy sushi, sake and even karaoke.

The journey will take you from Osaka to Tokyo with stops in Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto, Koyasan, Lake Ashinoko and more.

Flashback is exclusively for people in their 30s and 40s, but other tour companies also run Japan tours.

[Ramen noodles in a bowl]

Feast on steaming hot ramen(Image: Flash Pack)

Simply Japan runs from Tokyo to Osaka with zen gardens, castles, old towns, and fire ceremonies to enjoy.

While Intro to Japan for 18 to 39-year-olds visits Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

Always check the latest FCDO travel advice and restrictions before booking your holiday and going abroad at gov.uk.

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