Japan has reopened its doors to tourists after two-and-a-half years of tough Covid-19 restrictions, with officials hoping an influx of travellers enticed by a weak yen will boost the economy.
By mid-morning, tourists from Israel, France and Britain were already arriving, including Chris Irwin, 38, on his first trip to Japan. "We have always wanted to come to Japan, and it seemed like the stars just aligned," said Mr Irwin, who arrived at Haneda airport from Britain with his wife.
Adi Bromshtine, a 69-year-old retiree from Israel, said she had been "planning before Covid and waiting and waiting" for the chance to visit Japan. "It's a long, long dream come true," she said.
Japan closed its borders early in the pandemic, at one point even barring foreign residents from returning, and has only recently begun cautiously reopening.