Tehran: A Japanese tourist released by his abductors is safe and on his way to Tehran, an official said on Sunday.

Satoshi Nakamura was abducted in October last year while travelling in Iran’s Kerman province. He was then taken to Pakistan. He was released on Saturday.

"He is in Iran's custody and safe. He is in good health and will be transferred to Tehran on Sunday," the official said.

A Japanese diplomat in Tehran also confirmed Nakamura had been freed: "We had a chance to talk with him over the phone. Judging from the conversation he is fine."

An Iranian Foreign Ministry official said Nakamura was expected to return home on Monday night.

"His family are travelling to Iran on Monday to take him to his country," the official said.