Japan's 2013 Goal: 9 Million Tourists

Above, Asakusa Crossing.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan fell slightly short of its 2012 goal of 9 million visitors at 8.37 million.

Now, Japan has set its 2013 goal.

According to Kyodo News:

The Japanese government on Tuesday embarked on a plan to craft measures by this spring to achieve its goal of attracting 10 million foreign tourists in 2013. 

"In addition to revitalizing the economy, tourism is extremely important in promoting friendly ties with other countries," transport minister Akihiro Ota told the first meeting of a new task force aimed at coming up with programs to attract foreign visitors. 

The task force, headed by Ota and composed of senior officials of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, will discuss what they can be done in areas such as aviation, rail transport and city planning to allow foreign visitors to stay more comfortably in Japan.

It is possible that Japan can reach this year's goal, especially with an influx of American tourists.  The U.S. dollar has been gaining in value against the Japanese yen and it stands today at about 90.79 yen per dollar (give-or-take) exchanged.  This makes a Japan vacation more affordable to Americans.

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