tourist news in japan

Japan is swamped with tourists. Now visitors are going off the beaten track

Tour operators are touting Japan’s less explored regions as surging visitor numbers put strain on popular sites.

Tokyo, Japan – When Paul Christie started conducting tours on Japan’s Nakasendo, an old trade route along the post towns of Nagano Prefecture’s Kiso Valley, few travellers frequented the trail.

Christie, who has lived on and off in Japan since the late 1980s, viewed the route as a great opportunity for tourists to see a more authentic side of Japan, allowing them to explore the country’s history, nature and geography on foot.

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Since taking over as CEO of tour operator Walk Japan in 2002, Christie has been on a mission to spread tourists more evenly across the archipelago.

“We’ve been doing this for 20 years and we tend to go to places that are not touristy, so we’re teasing out the interesting parts of Japan,” the United Kingdom native told Al Jazeera.

“This addresses the problems Japan is experiencing with ‘overtourism’.”

“Overtourism” was a common talking point in Japan’s tourism industry before the COVID-19 pandemic.

After eight consecutive years of inbound growth, Japan received a record 32 million visitors in 2019.

But the rising tide did not raise all boats. Most travellers flocked to the Golden Route, running from Tokyo through the Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe conurbation, putting historical districts, Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and popular museums under strain.

Since Japan lifted its pandemic-era border restrictions in October last year, concerns about unsustainable tourism have returned.

Visitors have rushed back in droves: 2.3 million foreign tourists arrived in July, the highest figure for any month since 2019.

China’s decision last month to lift its three-year ban on group tours to Japan is expected to result in a further spike in arrivals.

In 2019, 9.2 million Chinese tourists travelled to Japan, accounting for nearly one-third of all visitors, spending 1.8 trillion yen ($12.2bn) in the process.

“Our head office is located in the centre of Kyoto and we feel there are as many tourists as before COVID,” Hiroshi Kawaguchi, the general manager at tour operator Oku Japan, told Al Jazeera.

“This is a similar situation where major sightseeing spots are overcrowded and public buses are lining up.”

Though Kawaguchi says his company’s vision is not focused on alleviating overtourism, Oku Japan’s business model is attuned to such concerns.

“The main part of our itineraries are off the beaten track,” Kawaguchi told Al Jazeera.

“More importantly, every tour we offer includes the element of community interactions… We call these experiences fureai, and this is particularly important not only for the enjoyment of clients but also the local community.”

Tour operators focused on less-explored regions also believe in the power of tourism to have a positive impact on rural communities and spur chiho-sosei, or regional revitalisation.

In 2007, Walk Japan launched the Community Project to reinvigorate two neighbouring valleys on the Kunisaki Peninsula, where the company is based.

Alongside conducting group tours in the region, Walk Japan carries out development projects, from helping local farmers cultivate rice and shiitake mushrooms, to providing English education for schoolchildren and refurbishing old buildings.

Revitalisation is “part of the company DNA,” Christie said.

“We want to provide an example of what’s possible and perhaps inspire others.”

As Japan’s population greys, many small villages are on the brink of extinction. For such communities, tourism can be a welcome and much-needed rejuvenating force.

“With the right support, some communities genuinely want [tourists] to experience their hospitality and their local lifestyles and find out about their region, as long as they aren’t overwhelmed by visitors and the quality of life isn’t degraded,” Alex Bradshaw, founder and chief consultant at travel and tourism consultancy Gotoku, told Al Jazeera.

“Even if a village doesn’t survive into the future, the fact that it’s been remembered by somebody is incredibly powerful; that people lived here and they had this lifestyle and we shared a little time together. That kind of human interaction is very important.”

Overtourism is not restricted to Japan’s urban areas.

Rural World Heritage sites, subtropical islands, popular hiking trails and national parks have also been negatively affected.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu, for example, receives nearly half of all national park visitors in Japan, owing to its proximity to Tokyo and as the site of Mount Fuji.

Michelle Lyons, founder of Point North, a specialist branding firm supporting businesses passionate about Japanese culture, is working on a campaign to spread tourism – and its economic benefits – more equitably among Japan’s 34 national parks.

“I wanted to find a way to promote all the parks as though it’s a network of destinations that are all equal to each other,” Lyons told Al Jazeera.

“And by presenting them in this way I’m hoping the more popular parks will help raise the profile of the less popular parks.”

Lyons is developing collectable pins and patches for each park and a trading card game. She wants these collectable souvenirs to showcase the individual merits of each park and serve as educational tools.

“The management of the parks is really fragmented, so it’s difficult for them to coordinate their efforts… There needs to be a series of different solutions that creates value for the unique groups involved; a blanket approach isn’t going to work,” she said.

“In terms of increasing expenditure in the parks, gift shops could play a big part in that if they’re more strategic with what they’re selling, and think about what tourists actually want and find appealing.”

Stereotypical images

It’s a common refrain in the industry that Japan does not understand how to market itself to foreign travellers but Bradshaw thinks Western media is also at fault for presenting stereotypical images of the country.

“I see how Japan is presented and I’m kind of confused by it. I just wonder what part of Japan that is, because they do rely on the kitsch, the odd side of it, or culture tropes… It’s all maid cafés, geisha, tea ceremonies and ninja,” he said.

“It would be my hope that people would find a deeper side of Japan. But I understand why that is difficult for the tourism industry as well. When you’ve got to prioritise what sells as opposed to what’s authentic and necessarily good for regional communities.”

Some areas have implemented initiatives to specifically tackle overcrowding.

Kyoto, known as Japan’s cultural capital, is set to abolish its One-Day Bus Pass for tourists, sales of which will cease in October.

Iriomote, widely feted as the most beautiful of the Ryukyu Islands, has limited the number of daily visitors to 1,200.

In Yamanashi Prefecture, the local government has considered restricting the number of hikers on Mt Fuji’s Yoshida trail if it becomes too congested.

Last month, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that the government would devise nationwide countermeasures to mitigate overtourism this autumn.

Kumi Kato, a tourism professor at Wakayama and Musashino universities, said the government has made moves in the right direction – such as organising cross-ministry meetings on spreading the benefits of tourism – but there is much work to be done.

“Destination wellbeing should be the goal and benchmarking concept,” Kato told Al Jazeera.

“Promoting the night and early morning economy and secondary destinations will disperse tourism into regional areas but that alone cannot lead to successful regional tourism.”

“It’s critical that the target should be clearly set… high-end tourists, or tourists with wealth, are often talked about, but it should not be misunderstood that only wealthy tourists are valuable,” Kato added.

“Value should be added to high-quality products and authentic experiences [which will] raise visitor spending rather than increase numbers. The government does set a target stay – number of days – and spending per visitor, but strategically ‘what kind of tourists’ should be clearer.”

Weak Yen Drives Japan’s Record-Breaking Tourist Arrivals

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 17th, 2024 at 10:11 AM EDT

The depreciation of the Japanese yen against major currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar, has played a pivotal role in driving unprecedented levels of tourist arrivals to Japan.

Peden Doma Bhutia

Japan’s tourist arrivals soared to a record-breaking high last month, with over 3 million visitors exploring the country, as reported by the Japan National Tourism Organization on Wednesday.

Contributing to this milestone were a weak yen, currently trading at a 34-year low against the dollar, along with the influx of travelers eager to see Japan’s famed cherry blossoms.

This is  the first time Japan has surpassed the 3 million-visitor mark in a single month, surpassing the previous high of 2.99 million in July 2019.

Compared to the same period last year, March arrivals increased by almost 70%, and were up approximately 12% compared to March 2019.

Top Source Markets

South Korea emerged as the leading source market for Japan’s tourism, contributing over 663,000 arrivals, followed by Taiwan and China.

Despite Chinese arrivals remaining 35% below 2019 levels, tourist numbers from 17 markets, including Europe, the U.S., Australia, Vietnam, and India, hit an all-time high. Tourism arrivals from Australia went up 87%, while the U.S. experienced a surge of over 64%.

For the first quarter of this year (January-March), Japan welcomed over 8.5 million tourists. During this period, international travelers collectively spent JPY1.8 trillion ($12 billion), averaging approximately JPY210,000 ($1,358) per person per stay — a record-breaking figure.

As Japan aims to attract 60 million foreign visitors annually by 2030, the country looks to surpass its pre-pandemic high of 32 million arrivals by 2025 .

In 2023, Japan hosted around 25 million visitors, who collectively spent a record JPY5.3 trillion ($34 billion), with an average tourist spending approximately JPY210,000 ($1,360) per stay.

The China Focus

As Chinese arrivals are still below pre-Covid levels, Japan has been wanting to increase tourism numbers from China.

On Monday, China’s biggest online travel company Trip.com Group announced that it will be working with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) to support the recovery and growth of Japan’s tourism industry.

As a leading global travel service provider, https://t.co/QnNAnxosSn Group has been working closely with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and various Japanese prefectures to support the recovery and growth of Japan's tourism industry. With a focus on attracting… pic.twitter.com/odRfr4ai2b — Trip.com Group (@tripcomgroup) April 15, 2024

“With a focus on attracting affluent Chinese travelers aged 20-40, our collaborative efforts aim to showcase Japan’s natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse experiences,” the company said in a release.

In 2023, Trip.com Group noted encouraging signs of recovery, with passenger numbers reaching 58% of 2019 levels.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa

This month, Japan also introduced the digital nomad visa tailored for remote workers, requiring a minimum annual income of JPY 10 million ($68,300) to qualify.

Citizens from 49 countries and territories with either a tax treaty or reciprocal visa-exemption with Japan, including all EU nations, U.S., UK, Turkey, Australia, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, can apply.

Holders of the digital nomad visa can stay in Japan for up to six months.

Applicants must be tourists working remotely for overseas companies or freelancing for international clients. They must possess private health insurance. Accompanying spouses and children are permitted to stay for the duration of the visa.

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Tags: asia monthly , asia newsletter , china , coronavirus recovery , currency , japan , japan national tourism organization , tourism , trip.com group

Photo credit: Japan's famed cherry blossoms. Yu Kato / Unsplash

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Japan unveils new overtourism countermeasures

As foreign visitors return in droves following the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan has outlined new plans to counter problems associated with overtourism, including bolstering transportation systems in major cities and drawing visitors to lesser-known rural areas.

The new plan includes a measure to strengthen infrastructure — especially boosting bus and taxi fleets — in order to welcome tourists and better cope with overcrowding in popular cities. Taxi companies in some cities are struggling to keep up with demand.

The plan suggests sending support to areas that experience a significant uptick in tourists during certain seasons — such as Niseko, Hokkaido, during ski season — so that taxi companies can offer increased service during those times.

It also suggests setting up direct bus routes to popular tourist destinations from major stations specifically for tourists. Another suggestion is to change fare prices depending on the time to incentivize travel during nonpeak hours.

The ministry also emphasized the importance of herding visitors away from major hotspots like Tokyo and Kyoto to lesser-known areas in order to reduce the concentration of tourists.

The plan elaborated on the efforts of the 11 model tourist destinations — places such as Ise-Shima in Mie Prefecture and eastern Hokkaido — that were chosen earlier this year as locations where visitors can experience nature and other unique attractions that cannot be found in big cities.

In these areas, the ministry plans to support local municipalities in promoting specific experiences such as adventure tourism in untouched, natural areas or overnight stays in historic villages.

Inbound tourism is on the rise, with the number of visitors to Japan returning to pre-pandemic levels. The total number of tourists in September this year was back to 96% of what it was in 2019, with over 17 million people having visited between January and September, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

Yet, the majority of tourists tend to stay in Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, resulting in overcrowding in popular tourist spots and a strain on transportation systems.

“With tourism minister Tetsuo Saito at the center, I would like all related ministries to work to incorporate the content of the prevention plan into economic policies in order to create a sustainable tourist location where everyone can ‘live, visit and accept (tourists),’” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at the meeting on Wednesday.

The ministry also expressed its intention to support local municipalities and residents by sharing information on overtourism countermeasures being considered in different areas around Japan to provide inspiration, as well as setting up a consultation counter where municipalities can ask for advice.

Staff writer Gabriele Ninivaggi contributed to this report.

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Ghibli Park's final Valley of Witches area opens to public

A theme park in central Japan based on world-famous Studio Ghibli characters and scenes from hit anime films such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away" on Saturday opened its Valley of Witches area, completing the attraction after more than three years of construction. Ghibli Park's final attraction is based on anime films "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Kiki's Delivery Service," and features the park's first rides -- a traditional carousel featuring motifs from the studio's films and a flying carousel inspired by a traveling fair. In the Valley of Witches section, located within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, visitors can purchase baked goods at a replica of the bakery at which protagonist Kiki works while enjoying the European-style scenery from the movie. A carousel in the Valley of Witches area of Ghibli Park in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, on March 16, 2024. (Kyodo) Electric vehicles modeled after the Cat Bus featured in the 1988 film "My Neighbor Totoro" also began operating. "I simply wish that (the park) will be loved for a long time," Goro Miyazaki, a film director who supervised the construction of Ghibli Park, said in a ceremony marking the opening of the new area. "After a film has been created, it is entrusted to the audience. But in the case of a facility, everything starts after it has been built," said Miyazaki, the son of Studio Ghibli Inc. co-founder and legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki. Photo taken on March 16, 2024, shows a baked goods shop in the Valley of Witches area of Ghibli Park in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture. (Kyodo) Hayao Miyazaki recently won a U.S. Academy Award for a Studio Ghibli film "The Boy and the Heron." Visitors can also venture inside the 20-meter-tall Howl's castle, which a few times an hour emits smoke and has parts of it that move. Tomomi Hagita, a 55-year-old longtime Ghibli fan, said, "It is my fifth time at the park. I just want to fully enjoy the atmosphere of the new area." The plan to build the park was first announced in 2017. The park opened its first three areas -- Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest -- in November 2022, and a year after, added the Mononoke Village, based on its classic movie "Princess Mononoke." A family is pictured in the Valley of Witches area of Ghibli Park in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, on March 16, 2024. (Kyodo) Related coverage: Ghibli Park unveils new "Valley of Witches" area, to open in March Ghibli "Cat Bus" electric vehicles unveiled at central Japan park Ghibli Park in central Japan opens "Princess Mononoke"-themed area    

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Reports mainly on pharma, retail and breaking news in Japan. Previously worked at U.S. Department of State and Bloomberg News before that. New College of Florida and University of Hawaii alum. Former Poynter and JAIMS fellow.

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‘A free-for-all’: Japan divided as return of tourists brings Instagrammers and litter

A year after travel restrictions were lifted, authorities are straining to cope with millions of visitors, especially those who don’t respect the environment and local customs

At the height of the Covid pandemic, the restaurateurs and shopkeepers of Tsukiji market in Tokyo must have dreamed of days like these.

Columns of smartphone-wielding visitors shuffle along the narrow streets, pausing to inspect hand-forged kitchen knives and tsukemono pickles, and to sip gratis samples of green tea. Restaurants tempt the lunchtime crowd with sticks of grilled wagyu , boiled crab legs and, for dessert, plump strawberries encased in chewy mochi rice.

But there are indications that Tsukiji’s multinational clientele are not always on their best behaviour. Signs in English implore them not to eat outside storefronts or leave their litter behind. Staff hold aloft signs reminding diners where to queue for their 12-piece, ¥2,700 (£14.40) sushi lunch. Here, as in many other popular destinations around the world, booming tourism is a double-edged sword .

Almost a year after Japan lifted all pandemic travel restrictions, foreign visitors are back with a vengeance, drawn by a weak yen, world-beating cuisine, and the promise of a holiday of a lifetime in a country that was once considered a tourism backwater.

“Everything is cheap, the service is incredible, and the food is the best you’re going to have, and at a fraction of the price you’d pay in America,” said Tommy Buchheit, an American who was visiting Japan for the first time.

Those and other attractions tempted 25.8 million foreign visitors to Japan last year, according to immigration authorities – a sixfold rise from 2022. Together they spent a record ¥5.3tn (£28.3bn), according to the Japan Tourism Agency. Japan’s government wants more, setting an ambitious goal of 60 million visitors – and ¥15tn of spending – by the end of the decade.

But critics say Japan is ill prepared for higher tourist numbers, citing even more strain on accommodations, public transport and the service industry, at a time when the country is battling an acute labour shortage .

In his vision for a new “tourism nation”, prime minister Fumio Kishida said sustainable tourism depended on welcoming visitors without adversely affecting the quality of life for local people. Proposals outlined by the government last year include boosting the number of buses and taxis, raising public transport fares during peak hours, and opening new bus routes.

It also earmarked 11 “model” destinations, including rural eastern Hokkaido and the sub-tropical island of Okinawa, it hopes will draw visitors away from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, which together accounted for 64% of overnight stays by foreign visitors in the first eight months of last year. The stress will be less on consumption and more on cultural immersion, from experiencing mountain asceticism and Zen meditation, to making pottery and saké.

“Tourism pollution” is most visible in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital and home to some of the country’s most famous temples and shrines, and the geisha district of Gion. In 2022 the number of tourists visiting Kyoto exceeded 43 million – about 30 times the city’s population.

Peter MacIntosh, a longtime Canadian resident who organises geisha-themed walking tours, said residents were struggling to reconcile the disruption caused by hordes of visitors with a dramatic uptick in spending.

“The problem is that people here want the best of both worlds – to have a quieter life and make money – but it is only going to get worse as more people arrive. Kyoto is becoming a free-for-all,” said MacIntosh, who added that tour groups of up to 40 people were not unusual.

The boom has seen less well-known locations wrestling with travellers eager to gather social media content. They include a railway crossing in Kamakura, southwest of Tokyo, which has been inundated with fans of Slam Dunk , a popular manga comic and anime TV series about high school basketball. The crossing, which appears in the anime’s opening credits, is considered a “sacred site” among fans.

Some local authorities are taking matters into their own hands, amid concern that overtourism is damaging sites of historical and ecological interest.

Visitors to Itsukushima Shrine, a Unesco world heritage site, must pay ¥100 (53p) admission, while later this year, tourists heading to the Taketomi islands will be charged an as-yet undecided sum to help protect their pristine beaches.

From this summer, visitors planning to hike to the summit of Mount Fuji, another Unesco site, will be charged ¥2,000 (£10.70), as local authorities attempt to take the strain off crowded trails trodden by more than 5 million people in 2019.

“Japan has become a bucket-list destination,” said Karlÿn de Bruin, who was visiting Tokyo from the Netherlands with her father and brother. “I can imagine that local people get fed up, so we try to mind our own business. But you can feel the social media vibe … people dressing up and taking photos in certain ways because it makes good content.”

Kenichi Kondō, a Tsukiji fishmonger, was beaming as he served grilled fillets of black cod to hungry passersby. “Our takings are up tenfold compared to a couple of years ago,” said Kondō, whose business has occupied the same spot for more than 50 years. “First we had a lot of people from North America and Europe, but now they are mainly from Southeast Asia, and we’re expecting a lot of Chinese visitors when they celebrate their new year soon.”

While he welcomed the shot in the arm tourism has given his store’s 10 employees, Kondō conceded that littering had become a big problem. “We try to get around that by offering to take people’s rubbish off them if they buy our fish. There are exceptions, but the tourists here are generally well behaved.”

Lizzie Jones, an American on her fourth trip to Japan, was sanguine about the crowds she encountered at Tsukiji on an unseasonably warm February day. “You expect it when you do all the touristy things … when you come to this market you know it’s going to be packed.”

But like many locals, she took exception to litter louts and nuisance influencers who trample on local customs and treat busy locations like their personal photo studio.

“I think it’s a generational thing,” she said. “The first few times I came here, there was no trash and now there’s a lot. There’s also a sense of an entitlement … people do whatever they want and don’t teach themselves about local customs. They don’t care. These places don’t just exist for your Instagram story.”

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Japan records best-ever monthly visitor numbers

M ore than three million foreigners visited Japan in March, a record for a single month, government data showed Wednesday in a major boost for its tourism sector.

The total of 3.08 million represented an increase of 69.5 percent from March 2023 and a 11.6-percent gain compared to March 2019 before the pandemic battered global tourism, the Japan National Tourism Organization said.

"This was the highest single month on record and the first time the number of visitors exceeded three million," the government agency said.

On top of generally rising tourism demand, factors included the spring cherry blossom season and the Easter break helped boost visitor numbers.

Record numbers arrived from overseas including from India, Germany, Taiwan and the United States.

Tourism to Japan has been booming since pandemic-era border restrictions were lifted and the government has been working hard to boost visitor numbers.

But this has not been universally welcomed, including in Kyoto where locals have complained of snap-happy tourists harassing the city's immaculately dressed geisha.

These "women of art" work for a living -- as they have for centuries -- in teahouses in Kyoto's picturesque Gion district where they perform traditional Japanese dance, music and games.

This summer, hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji will be charged $13 each, with numbers capped to ease congestion and improve safety.

The mayor of the western metropolis Osaka has also said he is considering charging a new fee to foreign tourists, separate to an existing tax on hotel stays.

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Awa Odori Museum gets full makeover in time for Kansai expo

April 17, 2024

Famed Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens for the season

April 16, 2024

USJ opens permanent ‘Detective Conan’ anime attraction

Naruto’s famed 'uzushio' whirlpools now at peak season

April 12, 2024

Lisa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan/ Ogasawara islands: An extraordinary chain of islands lying to the far south of Tokyo

April 9, 2024

Foreign visitors back in droves to enjoy the cherry blossoms

April 6, 2024

‘Flesh-eating’ bacterium no cause for alarm, Japan tells world

April 5, 2024

JR East to start southern Tohoku excursion train in April

March 27, 2024

12-language translation device runs at station in Tokyo

March 26, 2024

Spring exhibition to reveal rarely shown cultural treasures

Fantasy Springs at DisneySea will offer attractions not seen elsewhere

March 20, 2024

Lisa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan/ Kasuga Taisha: Vermilion and candles glitter on a sacred path

March 19, 2024

Visitors invited to enjoy Imperial Palace sakura from March 23

March 13, 2024

Urayasu city to add lodging tax around Tokyo Disney parks

Botchan train sightseeing runs to resume in Ehime Prefecture

March 12, 2024

Accor’s first Hokkaido hotel opens in historic brewery district

March 11, 2024

Kyoto’s picturesque geisha district fights back against over-tourism with keep-out signs

March 8, 2024

Two Mandarin Oriental hotels to open in Kagawa in summer 2027

New 2,000 yen fee set to ascend Mt. Fuji, no ‘bullet climbing’

March 5, 2024

Lisa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan/ Mount Fuji: Privately owned, publicly sacred peak that a ‘fool’ climbs twice

Mount Koyasan town eyes charging visitors with special tax

March 2, 2024

Biofuels tested in steam, diesel locomotives to cut CO2 levels

February 28, 2024

Thousands of gorgeous hina dolls take over a city in Chiba

February 26, 2024

Spend vacation indoors reading comics in hotel’s unique rooms

Stay along the rails in new hotel options to open in rural Tokyo

February 25, 2024

Where’s the beef? No problem to fly it home on Zipair Tokyo flights

February 21, 2024

Lisa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan/ Munakata Shrine: Evolving rituals tell the story of Shinto

February 20, 2024

Famed torch ceremony at Todaiji temple to allow spectators

February 19, 2024

Hundreds of photogs click away to capture ‘Diamond Fuji’

February 15, 2024

Flowers ripe for the picking at colorful fields in Chiba Prefecture

February 12, 2024

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Travel Japan - The Official Japan Guide

Spring in Japan: Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024

Where & when to enjoy sakura in Japan

Go Beyond Japan’s Major Cities: Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension in 2024

Sakura and Beyond: Famous Japanese Flowers to Check Out in 2024

Explore Royal Artwork at The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan

Guiding your trip to new adventures in Japan

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New rail pass: Kansai Sanin Area Pass

A basic overnight guide to Kyoto

The Kansai Thru Pass got replaced by a new pass

Cycling, Stand Up Paddleboarding, and Tea Tasting in Shizuoka City

Four places to experience sake in Niigata

West is Best: Discover the Enchantment of Kyushu, Japan

A long awaited expansion to Tokyo’s largest fish market

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Where to stay and what to do around Tokyo’s Ueno district

Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route to open this autumn

Craft beer and sake in central Japan

Embark on a culinary journey through 3 untamed corners of Japan

An overnight getaway to peaceful Izu

teamLab Borderless newly opened on February 9 in Tokyo

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Bullet train network to be expanded on March 16

Our rail pass calculator is now handling regional passes

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Preview of the Japan Mobility Show

Sake brewery hopping in Kobe

Toranomon Hills completed in central Tokyo

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Musashi Japan - Crafting Elegance and Sustainability in the heart of Asakusa

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Japan’s hottest outdoor activity reopens

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Upopoy - the best place to experience Ainu culture

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A record three million foreigners visited in March

Thursday, 18 Apr 2024

Related News

Eight reported injured after Japan quake

Oracle to invest over $8 billion in japan in cloud computing, ai, japan records best-ever monthly visitor numbers in march.

Popular destination: Tourism to Japan has been booming since pandemic-era border restrictions were lifted. — AFP

More than three million foreigners visited Japan in March, a record for a single month, government data showed yesterday in a major boost to its tourism sector.

The total of 3.08 million represented an increase of 69.5% from March 2023 and an 11.6% gain compared to March 2019 before the pandemic battered global tourism, the Japan National Tourism Organisation said.

“This was the highest single month on record and the first time the number of visitors exceeded three million,” the government agency said.

On top of generally rising tourism demand, factors included the spring cherry blossom season and the Easter break helped boost visitor numbers.

Record numbers arrived from overseas including from India, Germany, Taiwan and the United States.

Tourism to Japan has been booming since pandemic-era border restrictions were lifted and the government has been working hard to boost visitor numbers.

But this has not been universally welcomed, including in Kyoto where locals have complained of snap-happy tourists harassing the city’s immaculately dressed geisha.

These “women of art” work for a living – as they have for centuries – in teahouses in Kyoto’s picturesque Gion district where they perform traditional Japanese dance, music and games.

This summer, hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji will be charged US$13 (RM62.20) each, with numbers capped to ease congestion and improve safety.

The mayor of the western metropolis Osaka has also said he is considering charging a new fee to foreign tourists, separate to an existing tax on hotel stays. — AFP

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Best places to visit in japan.

Known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan's civilization dates as far back as 30,000 years. Today, the archipelago seamlessly blends its rich history with its ultra-modern present. And while its capital, Tokyo, is a must-visit for first timers, Japan has so much more to offer travelers of all types, from cherry blossoms to white sand beaches to soothing onsen (hot spring spas). U.S. News took into account cultural attractions, culinary options and accessibility (among other factors) to bring you the best places to visit in Japan. Have a favorite? Vote below to help decide next year's ranking.

Izu Peninsula

This metropolis is a feast for the senses. Neighborhoods like Ginza and Akihabara buzz with flashing lights and larger-than-life shopping, while Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Imperial Palace give you a look into Japan's storied past. There are also a number of green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which acts as a place to escape from the chaotic, concrete jungle. What's more, Tokyo is regularly regarded as a top foodie city thanks in part to its abundant Michelin-starred restaurants (the most you'll find in any city in the world), so come hungry.

Travelers most interested in Japan's history and traditions should head to Kyoto. Centrally located on the archipelago, Kyoto has long been considered the cultural capital of Japan. Here, you'll find more than 1,000 Buddhist temples and 400-plus Shinto shrines (you can't miss the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha), including a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can also stroll through geisha districts like Gion and Miyagawacho, admire classic wooden architecture and visit traditional teahouses before checking out more modern attractions, such as the Kyoto Aquarium.

Nikko is the place to go to see lavish architecture surrounded by nature. Head to Nikko National Park, one of Japan's oldest national parks, to enjoy an up-close look at traditional structures situated alongside mountains, lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. The park is especially beautiful in fall when its trees display vivid shades of yellow, red and orange. The 103 Edo-era (1603–1868) temples and shrines in Nikko include world-renowned sites like Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.

Situated about 35 miles southwest of Kyoto, this port city is worth a visit for its food alone. One of the city's most famous dishes, the tasty pancake-like okonomiyaki (which means "grilled as you like it" in Japanese), is made with batter, cabbage and your choice of meat and other toppings. After you've gotten your fill of the delectable local cuisine, explore the flashy Dotonbori neighborhood, check out the reconstructed 16th-century Osaka Castle or head to contemporary sights like Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

As Japan's second most populous city, Yokohama is often touted as a more approachable and more affordable alternative to Tokyo (located 22 miles northeast). As one of the country's first ports to open to international trade, Yokohama features unique culture fusions, including a sizable expat population, Western-style buildings in the Yamate area and the largest Chinatown in Japan (it has more businesses than residents). While here, visitors can explore Minato Mirai 21, the city's modern central district teeming with skyscrapers and shopping malls, and visit museums ranging from the Cup Noodles Museum to the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum.

More than 160 islands comprise Okinawa, a top destination for snorkeling and diving. The Japanese prefecture boasts proximity to multiple coral reefs teeming with fish, manta rays and hammerhead sharks that you can access from beautiful beaches like those found on Okinawa's Kerama Islands. These 20-plus islands are also ideal places to see migrating whales between January and March. Back on the main island, visitors will find one of the world's largest aquariums, several castle ruins and a museum that focuses on Okinawa's unique history and culture. And on the less developed Iriomote Island, adventurous travelers can hike to awe-inspiring waterfalls.

Spared from World War II air raids and the major natural disasters that have affected other Japanese cities, Kanazawa on the western coast is home to some of the country's best-preserved architecture from the Edo period. Sites like Kanazawa Castle, Seisonkaku Villa and Myoryuji temple are popular among visitors, as are the Higashi Chaya geisha district and Nagamachi Samurai District. Plus, no trip to Kanazawa would be complete without a visit to the resplendent Kenrokuen Garden. With its water features, bridges and a variety of flowering trees that add beauty to any season, Kenrokuen is often described as the perfect garden.

Nestled in the mountains of the Gifu prefecture, Takayama is ideal for visitors looking for a rural retreat with a dose of history. Start your visit with a rickshaw ride through the well-preserved old town, which features sake breweries, traditional residences and shops that date back to the feudal ages. Then, head to the Hida Folk Village, a former farming village with 30 gassho-style houses. When you've worked up an appetite, indulge in must-try local specialties including Hida beef and Takayama ramen. To further immerse yourself in Takayama culture, visit during the Takayama Festival, held for two days every spring and fall.

The country's tallest mountain and one of its most iconic landmarks is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. For centuries, Japanese artists and poets have been inspired by Mount Fuji's almost perfectly round form. The Fuji Five Lakes region at the foot of this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes a great base for the thousands of climbers who visit each year. Enjoy the area's museums and amusement park during the warmer months. Or, arrive in winter to soak in the onsen and ski Mount Fuji's slopes.

Located on Kyushu (Japan's third-largest island), Fukuoka offers travelers a mix of urban sprawl, sandy coastlines and ancient temples and shrines. Can't-miss sights include Tochoji Temple – home of the largest sitting wooden Buddha in Japan – and Nokonoshima Island, which features colorful flower fields and beautiful views of the surrounding bay. Fukuoka is also known for its incredible Hakata ramen, so be sure to try this tasty dish at one of the city's many food stalls. Plan your visit around one of Fukuoka's lively festivals, such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, which takes place throughout the first half of July.

Head to the smallest of Japan's four main islands if you're looking to get off the beaten path. Shikoku is best known for its 88 Temple Pilgrimage – a nearly 750-mile loop that covers sacred sites around the island. Whether you're trekking this path or creating your own, you'll encounter Shikoku's natural beauty (think: forest-covered mountains and an unspoiled coastline). Meanwhile, the city of Kochi features cheap eats and a well-preserved castle. If you're visiting in mid-August, add Shikoku's cultural pinnacle, Awa Odori, to your itinerary. One of the most famous festivals in Japan, this dance celebration in the city of Takushima is a must-do.

Mountainous Hakone is one of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations. Nestled within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the town features 17 different hot springs, plus a hot spring theme park with unique baths like one with coffee and another with mulled wine. After you've dried off, visit one of Hakone's art museums, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Okada Museum of Art or the Hakone Museum of Art. No Hakone vacation would be complete without enjoying spectacular views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashinoko and the Komagatake Ropeway.

After an earthquake caused significant damage to the city in 1995, Kobe rebuilt itself into a thriving cosmopolitan city. You'll want to remember to bring your appetite when you visit. Kobe is famous for its namesake beef, as well as its sake. It's also considered one of Japan's most attractive cities, with sleek architecture and beautiful green spaces like Sorakuen Garden. For some of the city's best views – especially at sunset – go to the top of Mount Rokko or ride the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway. End your evening exploring Nankinmachi (Kobe's compact Chinatown) or dining at one of Kobe Harborland's waterfront restaurants.

For many, Hiroshima brings up memories of war, as the city is where the world's first atomic bomb attack occurred in 1945. But today, Hiroshima is a city of peace, with the vast Peace Memorial Park as the center for monuments and memorials like the  the Children's Peace Monument and the UNESCO-certified Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome). It is also a city of great beauty. Travelers can take a scenic stroll through Shukkeien Garden, peruse the exhibits at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art or visit Sandankyo Gorge to hike or boat past its beautiful waterfalls, caves and coves.

Tourists flock to the island of Miyajima (formally named Itsukushima) for its prime attraction: Itsukushima Shrine and its postcard-worthy torii gate. To see the shrine at its most picturesque, try to visit during high tide, when the gate appears to float on the water. Since the island is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima, it makes for a great day trip. However, visitors may want to stay the night at a charming ryokan (Japanese-style inn) to experience Miyajima at its most serene and walk by the illuminated shrine at night.

An outdoor-lover's delight, Matsumoto is just 22 miles east of Kamikochi, an awe-inspiring valley in the Hotaka mountain range. But though it serves as a gateway to the Japanese Alps, this city in central Japan should not be skipped over. As the birthplace of contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, known for polka dots and pumpkins, Matsumoto pays her tribute at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Meanwhile, those who prefer more ancient masterpieces can visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest and grandest castles in the country.  

Japan's first permanent capital is famous for housing the Great Buddha, a nearly 50-foot-tall bronze statue of Buddha. You'll find this jaw-dropping national treasure in Nara's Todaiji temple, which is the one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. While on the temple grounds, explore the deer-filled Nara Park and the ornate Kasuga Taisha shrine. Also save time for visiting Yakushiji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples that dates back to A.D. 730.

This peninsula situated 62 miles southwest of Tokyo makes a great getaway from the busy city. It is popular among locals and tourists alike thanks to its relaxing hot springs and stunning beaches. These, along with various museums and ryokans, can be found in cities like Atami and Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula's eastern coast. During spring visits, travelers will also want to check out Kawazu's vibrant pink blooms at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Meanwhile, on the southern and western coasts, vacationers will find more rugged yet equally scenic coastlines, such as Cape Irozaki and Dogashima.

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Japan visitors exceed 3 mln in March, a monthly record, tourism agency says

Monthly visitors to Japan hit a record high in March and crossed 3 million for the first time ever, official data showed on Wednesday, as tourists flocked to see its famous cherry blossoms and take advantage of the yen's slide to a three-decade low.

The number of foreign visitors for business and leisure rose to 3.08 million from 2.79 million in February, data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed.

The March figures exceeded the previous high of 2.99 million set in July 2019. Japan welcomed a record 31.9 million visitors that year.