Japan: Surge In Tourists Unlikely With Visa

Above, Narita Airport departure counter. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If the Japanese government thought that their latest actions on foreign tourism would be a big boost to tourism, they were sadly mistaken.

The Asahi Shimbun reported (some snippets):

Entry restrictions on foreign tourists were further relaxed on Sept. 7, but a sudden surge in such visitors is not expected because some unpopular border rules still apply.

The government now allows small groups of tourists to arrive in Japan without a guide, but individuals must arrange their visits through a travel agency.

Moreover, all tourists still must obtain visas before entering Japan.

Restrictions abroad have also reduced the number of tourists to Japan.

But a source at another travel agency said a surge in trips to Japan will come only after the visa requirement is lifted.

The limited number of direct flights to and from Japan has led to one-way tickets costing about 300,000 yen ($2,080). But Wang said many inquiries were still being made about possible trips to Japan.

The rule banning individual tourists from arranging their own trips also remains a huge barrier.

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