Post Quake, Japan Struggles For Normalcy

Above, the Saikai Bridge in Kyushu that was featured in "Rodan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

An interesting article on the state of Japan's tourism industry caught my attention.

The article is titled, "Post Quake, Japan Struggles For Normalcy."

Here is an excerpt:

Tourism has dwindled in Japan, where under normal circumstances, hotels could name their fees and anything amounting to a serious discount is generally unheard of.

Now, hotels and tour groups in Tokyo are offering major discounts in the hopes that a good deal will make potential visitors forget about things like earthquakes and leaky nuclear plants. The industry is simultaneously facing the double challenge of trying to offset the Yen's rise against the US dollar.

"Even top-class hotels have reduced their prices," said Yonehara Ryozo, president of the Institute for Japanese Cultural Exchange and Experience, who is among those tasked with getting things back on track.

Indeed, a four-star hotel room in the city's glittering Ginza district can now be had for between $120 - $150 a night, including all taxes. Not convinced? How about free breakfast and a room upgrade? No?

As regular Rancho readers know, I've been promoting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan for those interested in making an autumn visit. To sweeten interest, I'm even offering the guide at a 20% discount starting on the Autumnal Equinox on September 23.

Also, as regular readers know, I've also been monitoring the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen. The dollar has taken a big hit in recent months with the current exchange rate at 1 USD = 76.7700 JPY (Source: Universal Currency Converter).

However, if deals can be had as the article states, they will take the sting away from the poor exchange rate. It is definitely something to look into if you are contemplating an autumn visit to Japan.

Besides the deals that can be found, travelers will enjoy the moderate temperatures an autumn visit will provide.

By the way, where did the article come from? Al Jazeera.

To see the full article, go here.