Japan are due to lift restrictions further this October. At present, it is not possible to go to Japan as an independent tourist without the aid of a recognised travel agent. Plus you have to send your passport to the Japanese consulate.
I am now busy re-instating the Hokkaido tour I had hoped to operate the past few years, for this January 12 to 22nd. We’re now busy looking at the hotels and I hope to have the tour arranged and advertised hopefully by the end of this month. The first announcement of this trip will be put in my monthly newsletter.