The number of visitors to Japan reached an all-time high in March, with over 3 million foreign tourists visiting. Due to the influence of a weaker yen, Japan is now a more affordable travel destination compared to other developed countries. This situation has particularly brought significant changes to inbound tourism, increasing the number of attractive spots and experiences for visitors to Japan.
7 Recommended Spots for Foreign Visitors
1. Kamakura (Kanagawa Prefecture)
The ancient city of Kamakura is dotted with numerous temples and shrines, offering a chance to enjoy Japan’s traditional architectural beauty. Popular tourist spots include the famous Great Buddha at Kotoku-in and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Surrounded by nature, Kamakura also offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
2. Takayama (Gifu Prefecture)
With its historic townscapes remaining, the city of Takayama retains a strong Edo-period atmosphere. The ‘Old Town’ area, lined with ancient houses, provides a sensation akin to time travel. Additionally, the local crafts and food culture are rich, with good access to the gassho-zukuri villages of Shirakawa-go.
3. Matsumoto (Nagano Prefecture)
Centered around Matsumoto Castle, the city of Matsumoto is culturally rich with numerous museums and the national treasure, Matsumoto Castle itself. Surrounded by the Alps, it offers ideal conditions for mountain climbing and hiking. Local products are featured in menus at cafes and shops within the city.
4. Nara (Nara Prefecture)
One of the oldest cities in Japan, Nara is known for the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple and the World Heritage Site, Kasuga-taisha. Nara Park allows for unique experiences like enjoying nature while interacting with wild deer.
5. Tsuwano (Shimane Prefecture)
Located in the San’in region, Tsuwano is often called “Little Kyoto” for its tranquil atmosphere and historic buildings. Attractions include the ruins of Tsuwano Castle, numerous ancient temples, and beautiful townscapes. The area also offers ample opportunities to engage with local culture and traditional performing arts.
6. Tsugaru Peninsula (Aomori Prefecture)
Situated at Japan’s northernmost point, this area is known for its unique culture and rich natural landscapes. Especially in winter, one can enjoy live performances of the Tsugaru Shamisen, participate in the Aomori Nebuta Festival, and visit Hirosaki Castle during cherry blossom season. The region is also known for its picturesque snowscapes and local apple cuisine in winter.
7. Shiretoko (Hokkaido)
Registered as a World Natural Heritage Site, the Shiretoko Peninsula is rich in wildlife, particularly known for bird watching and as a habitat for brown bears. Offering untouched nature, visitors can experience it through cruises and canoeing. Ice floe watching in winter provides a unique experience.
Trends and Impacts on Foreign Visitors
The increase in the number of visitors to Japan is significantly affecting the local tourism industry, especially in rural areas where signs and menus in English are becoming more common. The Japanese government is promoting inbound tourism through visa requirement relaxations and enhancements to tourism infrastructure.
However, over-tourism is also emerging as an issue, especially in popular spots like Kyoto and Mount Fuji, where congestion can lead to conflicts with local residents. In response, local governments are exploring sustainable tourism policies aimed at dispersing tourist flows and promoting environmentally friendly tourism.
Outlook for Japan’s Tourism Policy
Following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Japanese government is looking to further boost inbound tourism. Despite temporary setbacks due to the pandemic
, the tourism industry is gradually regaining its vitality. The government has set a goal to increase the number of foreign visitors even more by the 2025 Osaka Expo, implementing strategies that promote tourism in conjunction with regional revitalization.
These policies include expanding multilingual tourist information centers, enhancing the capabilities of international airports, improving access to regional airports, and strengthening the provision of tourist information through digital means. Furthermore, active campaigns are being conducted to promote attractive tourist destinations domestically and internationally.
Seasonal Attractions of Japan
- Spring (March to May): The cherry blossom season is a defining symbol of Japan, with cherry blossom festivals held nationwide. The mild weather also makes this an ideal time for tourism.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is the season of festivals in Japan, with fireworks and Bon dance festivals occurring nationwide. Hokkaido offers a cooler climate, while marine sports are popular in the tropical Okinawa.
- Autumn (September to November): Known for its beautiful autumn leaves, historic areas like Kyoto and Nikko are popular for leaf-viewing. The season is also rich in food culture, with new rice and seasonal delicacies available.
- Winter (December to February): This is the season for skiing and snowboarding, with famous resorts like Niseko in Hokkaido and Hakuba in Nagano. Additionally, hot spring baths with views of the snowy landscape offer a quintessential winter experience.
Advice on Traveling to Japan
When visiting Japan, it is important to respect the local culture and manners. Japan is known for its polite society, and consideration is expected in public places regarding behavior and volume. Since English may not be widely spoken outside major tourist areas, learning some basic Japanese phrases can be helpful.
To avoid crowds at tourist spots, visiting during off-peak times or booking in advance can be effective. Also, Japan has many lesser-known spots offering deep cultural and natural experiences, so visiting smaller towns and rural areas is highly recommended.
Considering all this information, visitors to Japan can thoroughly enjoy the diverse attractions the country offers. Each region of Japan has its unique culture and traditions, which can enrich your travel experience. Exploring smaller cities or villages can provide insights into the everyday life of the Japanese people, offering valuable experiences not typically found in major tourist areas.
Efforts to Promote Tourism in Rural Areas in Japan
The Japanese government and local authorities are intensifying efforts to encourage foreign tourists to visit more rural areas. This includes improving transportation networks for better access, providing tourist information in multiple languages, and promoting local specialties and food culture. Workshops showcasing traditional crafts and participation in local festivals are also actively promoted.
These initiatives not only offer new discoveries for visitors but also create significant opportunities for economic revitalization in the regions. For example, Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture is highly regarded by foreign tourists for its historical architecture, museums, and traditional crafts, contributing to an increase in tourist numbers.
The Importance of Sustainable Tourism in Japan
On the other hand, the urgent need to promote sustainable tourism arises to avoid the adverse effects of over-tourism on local communities and the environment. Many tourist destinations in Japan are starting to implement environmentally conscious practices, and visitors are encouraged to participate in protecting the natural and cultural environment. Practices such as waste separation at tourist sites, using public transportation, and choosing meals made with local ingredients are recommended.
By each tourist being mindful of their environmental impact, the beautiful nature and culture of Japan can be preserved for future generations. Additionally, paying respect to cultural heritage and traditions, and building good relationships with local people, can significantly enhance the travel experience.
Japan offers a variety of attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the different seasons. By visiting at various times of the year, tourists can experience different aspects of Japan. Whether through culture, nature, food, or interaction with locals, gaining a deeper understanding and enjoyment of Japan is a rewarding experience for any visitor.
