Japan's Tourism Boom Reaching The Burbs

Above, Atami, Japan is an hour away from Tokyo on the shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's no denying that the current boom in tourism to Japan has been a benefit to the country. It is, however, questionable that areas outside of the major tourist centers (such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto) are reaping any of those benefits.

I've read conflicting reports on whether foreign visitors are going outside of those and other cities.

Nikkei Asian Review has a new article stating that the tourism boom is reaching "the burbs".

They wrote:

TOKYO -- Japan is getting an influx of visitors, and big cities are not the only places reaping the benefits. 

Tourists are spending more time -- and money -- in prefectures that neighbor Tokyo and other major centers. New flight routes have made it easier to reach the numerous small airports that dot the country. The higher traffic is boosting sales at terminal shops, propelling state-run airports back to profitability after years of losses. Inns and other local businesses are doing better, too.

To read more, go here.