Travel restrictions are slowly being easing, at least in terms of how many tourists can enter each day. from the current 20,000, 50,000 are expected to be allowed in each day. Travel will still be limited to tour groups but unescorted, giving some freedom to people wanting to wander. And with these incremental changes comes the hope that tourism can benefit more quickly. In Otsu next to Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture, 'Shisei-an' is busy preparing Funa-zushi for the new year. The fermented delicacy is made from carp, or ni-goro-buna, that come from the lake. The dish is said to ward off ailments, even boost the immune system.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices