Japan has experienced a surge in tourism in the first half of 2024, welcoming a record-breaking 17.78 million foreign visitors. This influx surpasses pre-pandemic levels driven by a weakened yen that has made Japan an attractive destination for tourists.
The Japan National Tourism Organization announced this figure which exceeds the previous high of 16.63 million set in 2019.
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In the first half of 2024, Japan welcomed 17.78 million foreign visitors. This figure is more than a million higher than the previous record of 16.63 million in 2019.
The surge in tourism has provided a boost to Japan’s economy, which has struggled with stagnant growth for decades.
Foreign tourists spent a record ¥2.1 trillion ($13.4 billion) in the April-June quarter. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aims for foreign visitor spending to reach ¥8 trillion ($50 billion) in 2024.
The largest group of visitors came from South Korea totaling 4.4 million arrivals. Huge numbers of tourists also came from China, Taiwan and the United States.
The yen’s depreciation has transformed Japan from a pricey destination to an affordable tourism hotspot. The currency hit a 38-year low against the dollar.
The government is considering a new preclearance system to expedite immigration processes, starting with tourists from Taiwan.
This system will allow visitors to complete most immigration screening before departure reducing entry procedure times upon arrival.
Prime Minister Kishida highlighted the need to use technology to manage congestion at airports and popular destinations.
The yen’s decline to a 38-year low against the dollar has made Japan an appealing and affordable destination for international travelers.
Extended holidays in countries like Taiwan and the US have contributed to the increased number of tourists.
South Korea is leading with 4.4 million visitors in the first six months of 2024. China is the second place with around 3 million visitors.
Taiwan and the United States ranked third and fourth, respectively with both countries setting new records for visitor numbers in June.
Popular destinations such as Kyoto and Mount Fuji are experiencing overcrowding leading to new crowd control measures and entry fees.
Residents in Kyoto have reported issues with tourists harassing geisha and some areas now restrict access to private alleys. In Himeji, the mayor suggested charging foreign tourists higher fees to visit the city’s famous castle.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has addressed the need to direct tourists to rural regions to alleviate pressure on popular urban areas.
Plans are in place to attract luxury hotels to Japan’s 35 national parks to diversify tourist destinations. Emergency measures are being considered to address jet fuel shortages caused by the surge in air travel demand.
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The tourism boom has led to issues such as traffic congestion, pollution and the disturbance of local residents.
Kyoto’s local council has banned tourists from entering narrow alleyways in the Gion district due to reports of harassment towards geishas.
Authorities in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture have erected barriers to prevent tourists from overcrowding popular viewing spots for Mount Fuji.
The government is promoting travel to lesser-known regions to tackle overcrowding in major tourist hotspots. Financial support programs are being considered to expand flights to regional airports.
The country is projected to see a record 35 million foreign visitors in 2024 surpassing the previous annual high of 31.88 million in 2019.
The government plans to attract 60 million foreign visitors annually by 2030. Efforts are underway to promote sustainable tourism and ensure that popular destinations are not overwhelmed.
Some local people have expressed frustration with the growing influx of tourists. Himeji’s mayor suggested charging foreigners six times more than locals to enter the city’s UNESCO-listed castle.
Authorities are working to educate tourists on local etiquette and rules to minimize disruptions.
Airlines are expanding routes in response to booming travel demand. ANA Holdings Inc. announced new routes from Haneda to Milan, Stockholm and Istanbul.
The airline also increased flights to Paris and Munich and plans to restart its Haneda-Vienna route.
While the weak yen attracts tourists, it also contributes to the strongest inflation cycle Japan has seen in decades.
The government is balancing the benefits of increased tourism against the impact of inflation on domestic consumer spending.
The government has selected 20 regions as pioneering models to manage overtourism and promote sustainable practices.
Guidelines to address overtourism are expected to be compiled by the end of the year.
The country plans to attract 35 million overseas visitors in 2024 with a long-term goal of 60 million tourists annually by 2030.
The country is on track to surpass the previous annual record of 31.88 million visitors set in 2019.
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