Surge in tourists unlikely with visa, other rules still in place in Japan

According to The Asahi Shimbun, entry restrictions on foreign tourists were further relaxed on Sept. 7 in Japan, but a sudden surge in such visitors is not expected because some unpopular border rules still apply.
The government now allows small groups of tourists to arrive in Japan without a guide, but individuals must arrange their visits through a travel agency.
Moreover, all tourists still must obtain visas before entering Japan.
Restrictions abroad have also reduced the number of tourists to Japan.

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14713955