With its pristine beaches, ancient temples, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder that Japan has become a top tourist destination in recent years. In fact, the Japanese tourism industry is currently experiencing a boom, with the number of foreign visitors reaching a record high of 31 million in 2018. So, what’s behind this surge in popularity? Let’s take a look at some of the factors driving the growth of the Japanese tourism industry, according to analysts like Kavan Choksi and others.
Why it is booming
The relaxation of visa requirements has been a boom for Japan’s tourism industry, as it has made it much easier for people from neighboring countries to visit. In 2013, Japan relaxed its visa requirements for citizens of China and South Korea, two of its closest neighbors. This made it much easier for people from these countries to visit Japan, and as a result, the number of Chinese tourists increased by nearly 50% between 2013 and 2017. The number of South Korean tourists increased by 60% over the same period. The Japanese government has also implemented a number of other initiatives to encourage tourism, such as establishing tourist visas for citizens of Indonesia and Vietnam. As a result of these efforts, the number of foreign visitors to Japan has reached a record high in recent years. In 2018, over 31 million foreigners visited Japan, an increase of nearly 10% from the previous year. With its convenient location and rich culture, Japan is well-positioned to continue attracting increasing numbers of foreign tourists in the years to come.
Another major factor contributing to this growth is the increasing availability of direct flights to Japanese cities from other countries. In the past, travelers would often have to make a stopover in another country before reaching their final destination. However, a number of major airlines now offer direct flights from various cities around the world to Tokyo, Osaka, and other Japanese cities. This has made it more convenient and affordable for people to travel to Japan, leading to a significant boost in tourist numbers. Additionally, the growing popularity of Japanese culture abroad has also played a role in fueling the growth of Japanese tourism. As more and more people become interested in learning about Japanese traditions and experiencing Japanese cuisine, the number of people traveling to Japan is likely to continue to increase in the years to come.
Finally, Japan’s hosting of major sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup and the Olympics has also helped to raise its profile as a tourist destination. The Rugby World Cup was held in Japan in 2019, and Tokyo will play host to the Summer Olympics in 2020. These events are expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world to Japan, further boosting its economy.
Closing thoughts
There are a number of reasons behind the current boom in Japanese tourism. From improved visa policies to direct flights and major sporting events, more and more people are coming to experience all that this beautiful country has to offer. With so many things to see and do, it’s no wonder that Japan is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.