Japan Tourism 2026 Transformation

Above, Fukuoka Tower in Kyushu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For years, Japan has endeavored to increase tourism to the country. Now that they have (with the Japanese yen adding a big incentive), they can't seem to handle the influx in foreign visitors.

This influx presents two differing patterns.

It is interesting to note that first-time visitors prefer visiting familiar cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. But, experienced Japan visitors are looking for something new and venturing out in the countryside.

Travel and Tour World has posted an article on this.

They begin it with:

Japan’s tourism sector is entering a new phase in 2026.  Travel behaviour is changing quickly. Visitors are no longer following the same fixed routes. Instead, they are making choices based on experience and familiarity. This shift is creating two distinct  travel patterns.

Industry observations show that first-time visitors prefer famous cities. Meanwhile, repeat travellers are exploring beyond them. This change is influencing how travel companies design packages. It is also shaping how destinations promote themselves.

Tourism planners now focus on offering both classic and unique experiences. This balanced approach helps attract a wider range of global travellers.

To read more, go here.

Japan Visitors Exceeded 40 Million In 2025

Above, a view from the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Years ago, Japan was working to exceed 10 million tourist visitors a year. After awhile, they finally reached that goal and then exceeded it.

Then the pandemic hit in 2020 and Japan was slow to reopen to tourists. Since then, due to the exchange rate of the yen against other currencies, people started coming in droves, which led to the coining of the term, overtourism (especially in places like Kyoto). 

Last year, Japan topped 40 million visitors in 2025, a new record. 

According to The Japan Times:

Foreign visitors to Japan hit a record 42.7 million last year, topping the 40-million mark for the first time, tourism minister Yasushi Kaneko said Tuesday, steadily inching toward the government’s goal of 60 million by 2030.

The number of foreign visitors has been rising after Japan reopened the borders following COVID-19-era restrictions. The figure was a record-high for two years in a row, with 36.87 million foreign visitors coming to Japan in 2024. Foreign travelers have been a boon for the Japanese economy, spending a record ¥9.5 trillion in 2025, up from ¥8.1 trillion in the year before.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Visitors Top Over 30 Million

Above, the Godzilla mural at Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is funny how Japan had pushed for more tourism in recent years and the result in many areas is overtourism. It seems Japan is the "victim" of their own success.

Kyoto, for example, is hiking its hotel room taxes to supposedly fight overtourism. 

This year, foreign tourism has topped over 30 million visitors, the fastest pace ever. 

According to the Japan Times:

The number of foreign visitors to Japan in January to September exceeded 30 million, passing the line at the fastest pace ever, the Japan National Tourism Organization said Wednesday.

The figure jumped 17.7% from the same period last year to a little over 31.6 million.

It crossed the 30-million mark one month earlier than in the previous year, when the annual total hit a record high of 36.87 million, according to the JNTO

This year, the figure may exceed 40 million for the first time, with the autumn foliage season and winter holidays coming up.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto Hikes Hotel Tax To Deal With Overtourism

Above, Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the past 25 years, I have been to Kyoto, Japan twice. But each time I stayed at hotels in neighboring Osaka. It was not that I was avoiding Kyoto, it just happened to work out that way (one was with a tour).

Over the past several years, Kyoto has been hit with hordes of tourists. The Japanese refer to it as overtourism. 

Kyoto is taking a stand against overtourism by reforming their hotel tax. 

According to Travel and Tour World:

In a decisive move to address the growing challenges posed by overtourism, Japan has introduced a groundbreaking hotel tax reform in Kyoto, one of its most iconic and historically significant cities. This bold initiative aims to manage the surging influx of international visitors, which has put immense pressure on the city’s infrastructure and local communities. With tourism in Kyoto reaching unprecedented levels, the new tax is designed not only to generate vital revenue for preserving the city’s cultural heritage but also to ensure sustainable tourism practices. By introducing a tiered tax structure based on accommodation costs, Japan seeks to balance the needs of tourists and residents, safeguard Kyoto’s historic charm, and improve the quality of life for locals, setting a powerful precedent for other destinations grappling with similar issues worldwide.

In a significant move to address the growing challenges of overtourism, Japan has approved an overhaul of its hotel tax. This measure follows a sharp rise in international visitors to the country, particularly in Kyoto, one of its most popular tourist destinations. The government’s decision to introduce the highest-ever hotel tax in the city comes in response to a rapid increase in tourism that has placed significant pressure on local infrastructure and residents.

Currently, the accommodation tax in Kyoto is capped at ¥1,000 (approximately £4.90) per night. Under the new rules, however, the city’s accommodation tax will increase dramatically, with projections suggesting a rise from ¥5.2 billion (around £25.5 million) to ¥12.6 billion (approximately £61.7 million) in annual revenue—a staggering 142% increase. The new tax system will vary depending on the price of accommodation, ensuring that higher-end hotels contribute more toward managing the impacts of tourism.

To read the full article, go here. 

Travel + Leisure's Essential Guide To Kyoto

Above, a view of Kyoto from Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have been to Japan eight times over the years. I usually try to see different places on each trip.

I have been to Kyoto twice. The first was with G-TOUR in 2004 and the second time was in 2015. Each visit was enjoyable and well worth a trek there.

Travel + Leisure has posted an essential guide to Kyoto.

They begin it with:

Kyoto is the very image of traditional Japan: gold-clad temples and shrines with tunnels of red torii gates, kimono-clad geisha gliding down cobblestone alleys, grassy matcha tea served by the exquisitely choreographed rules of ancient ceremony.

As the imperial capital for over a thousand years, the city was a magnet for wealth and culture, and that rich history remains alive today in traditions like kaiseki cuisine, Kyo-ware ceramics, Yuzen silk dyeing, sake brewing, and classical drama forms like kabuki and noh (a type of theatrical dance). And yet Kyoto is also a modern city with modern comforts, where people live and work amid the legacy of centuries, sustaining and sustained by a living heritage.

This tangible atmosphere of refined culture and history is why Kyoto routinely makes the top of dream destination lists. With thousands of ancient temples and shrines, retro streets lined with shops and teahouses in the city’s unique kyo-machiya townhouses, a world-class food scene with 75 Michelin-starred restaurants, and an ever-growing number of five-star hotels, Kyoto has plenty to draw in the crowds—and draw it does. The city welcomed over 56 million visitors last year, including a record high of nearly 11 million overseas travelers. 

So, how to make the most of a visit without getting bogged down in mobs of tour groups and Instagrammers jostling for the iconic shot? We talked to Cindy Bissig, a Kyoto-based photographer and sake-focused food writer, and got her recommendations on lesser-known spots to enjoy the lesser-known side of the city.

Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Kyoto, Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Japan’s Summer Holiday Travel Rush Is Here

Above, the famous Miyajima Island torii gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The summer travel rush in Japan has just started. 

Tourists, foreign and locals, are flocking to places around the country and filling up bullet trains and other public transportation.

According to Travel and Tour World:

Japan’s summer travel surge is here, and it’s feeling hot literally and figuratively. Trains and planes to Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka are sold out. Families are reuniting, tourists are sightseeing, and everybody is moving, moving, moving. Long check-in lines, crammed concourses, and sold-out flights tell you this season is all systems go.

Last Saturday, JR Tokyo Station buzzed loud. Every Nozomi shinkansen seat zooming to Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka disappeared. Travelers formed long queues for unreserved seats on other lines, turning platforms into crowded waiting zones. Doesn’t stop there: expressway bumper-to-bumper jams sent drivers cursing. Many ducked into waiting rooms and concourses, seeking A/C relief from the summer furnace.

I have been to Japan during the summer once (that was the first G-TOUR in 2004) and it was very hot, especially in Kyoto. My preferred seasons for Japan travel are spring and autumn.

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Tourists Outnumber Japanese Ones In Kyoto Hotels In 2024

Above, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion in Kyoto in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time I was in Kyoto, Japan was in October 2015. It was during a day trip to see places like Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu-dera,

We stayed in nearby Osaka during this trek. 

SoraNews24 reported that Kyoto hotels has seen more foreign tourists than Japanese ones in 2024.

They wrote:

Japan’s former capital experiences a historic first as inbound travel boom continues and Japanese travelers avoid staying in the city.

Recently, with Japan experiencing a surge in inbound international travelers, it’s not unusual to hear locals remark “These days, it feels like there are more foreign tourists in [sightseeing place] than Japanese people!” Oftentimes this is an exaggeration, but in the case of hotels in Kyoto, it’s the statistical truth.

The Kyoto municipal government recently released its tourism-related numbers for 2024, reporting that during the year 8.21 million foreign travelers stayed in hotels within Kyoto City. That’s the largest number ever, and a 53.2-percent increase from the previous year. It’s also the first time in history for more foreign travelers than Japanese ones to stay in Kyoto hotels, which received 8.09 million Japanese guests in 2024.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's "Golden Route" For First-Timers

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been to Japan, there are several websites that will greatly aid in one's vacation planning. 

One such site has posted an article on "The Golden" route that is aimed to first-time visitors. It was posted by Japan Today.

It begins with:

TOKYO - The Golden Route is the quintessential travel itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan. It traditionally includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and (sometimes) Hiroshima, offering a well-rounded introduction to Japan’s modern and historical sites. This route is ideal for first-time visitors as it provides a mix of modern cityscapes, historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences. The entire journey typically takes 7 to 14 days, depending on how long you stay in each location.

The Golden Route is well-connected by the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train, making travel between major stops fast and convenient. Local train lines, buses and subway networks will also make accessibility a breeze in each city. Many travelers opt for the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which offers unlimited travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen services, making it a cost-effective option.

This guide provides a summary of each destination in the order you would travel, including practical travel information.

To read more, go here. 

The Utimate Japan Travel Guide For First-Timers

Above, Kyoto's Kinkakuji "Golden Pavilion". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since 2001, I have been to Japan eight times over the years. Each time I try to go to places I haven't been to during previous trips. In 2010, I published The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

There are those who would like to visit the Land of the Rising Sun for the first time. To help get them there, GMA Network has posted their "ultimate Japan travel guide for first-timers",

It begins with:

Traveling to Japan soon? This guide will help you plan your trip from acquiring a visa to setting your itinerary.

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, everyone is making up for the lost time. People are now in their “revenge travel” era--a period when travelers are eager to explore the world after being restricted for years.

One country has emerged as one of the top destinations after the pandemic--Japan. The Japan Embassy in the Philippines has been receiving a high volume of tourist visa applications since January this year. From the usual processing time of less than a week, tourists are now advised to apply for a visa at least two months prior to their intended travel date. To address this demand, the Japan Embassy introduced a new visa application center which will start processing applications on April 7, 2025. This means other accredited agencies have until April 6 to submit directly to the embassy.

If you're planning a trip to Japan, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of all the things you need to know from applying for a visa to budgeting and travel tips.

Above, Godzilla peers over a building in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full guide, go here. 

Why Everyone Will Be Going To Osaka In 2025

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle in 2015.

Besides Tokyo, Osaka, Japan is a big draw to foreign visitors. One also has to include nearby Kyoto. Usually, one doesn't visit Osaka or Kyoto without going to the other. 

The last time I visited Osaka was in 2015. Of course, we also had to visit Kyoto, but we stayed in Osaka during that portion of the trip. 

The highlights of the visit to Osaka were Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori district.

Above, Japan's food capital is Osaka's Dotonbori district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article on why everyone will be traveling to Osaka in 2025.

They begin it with:

With a long history as Japan's mercantile heart and major port of call, Osaka is dense and delightfully in your face. Now, as it gears up to host World Expo 2025 this month and welcome more travelers than ever before, the neon-lit metropolis has been reinventing itself. It has launched several ambitious urban renewal projects—like the Grand Green Osaka, a 22-acre mixed-use development that is transforming a freight terminal into verdant public spaces—to draw leisure seekers beyond the usual tourist haunts. The city has also lured some of hospitality's most luxurious names: The Four Seasons arrived last August, and the Waldorf Astoria opens its first hotel in Japan this month. Star chefs from Japan and abroad are shaking up the dining scene with inventive gastronomy, though delicious casual eats from rough-and-ready street stalls and mom-and-pop shops are still Osaka's calling card. Among Japan's major cities, Osaka remains unique: unpretentious, energetic, and ready to show you a good time—as long as you know where to go.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto To Hike Lodging Tax

Above, Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Visitors to Kyoto, Japan will be paying more when staying in the city's hotels and other accommodations.

The municipal government will be hiking the lodging tax up to ¥10,000 per person per night starting in March 2026.

According to Kyodo News:

KYOTO - The city government of Kyoto said Tuesday it will raise its lodging tax for people staying at hotels and other accommodations from March 2026, setting the maximum rate at a sharply higher 10,000 yen ($64) per person per night.

The new rates will range from 200 yen to 10,000 yen, compared with the current ones of between 200 yen and 1,000 yen, it said. The top rate will be the highest for fixed amounts imposed by municipalities, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The city introduced a three-tiered accommodation tax system in 2018, with 200 yen levied on rooms costing less than 20,000 a night and 1,000 yen on those priced at 50,000 yen or higher.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Travel Tips To Avoid Crowds

Above, the stage at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since Japan reopened the country following the pandemic, it has been seeing a surge in foreign visitors that are setting records.

With more visitors coming into the country, there is also a downside: crowds.

The Points Guy has posted an article with tips on avoiding crows while traveling in Japan.

Some snippets:

Six decades after hosting the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics — when Japan rapidly rolled out new infrastructure like its Shinkansen bullet train and accommodations like Hotel New Otani Tokyo to welcome the anticipated influx of foreigners — the country remains one of the most beloved leisure destinations in the world. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 17.78 million foreign visitors arrived in the first half of 2024, breaking 2019's previous record of 16.63 million. And there are no signs of a slowdown: Japan aims to nearly double 2019's end-of-year record of 31.88 million tourists to a staggering 60 million annually by 2030.

Though there are countless reasons for Japan's sustained popularity — from tantalizing regional cuisine to safe public transportation systems — the recent surge can largely be credited to a slump in the Japanese yen. In early July, it hit its weakest level since 1990, and while the yen has recovered slightly in the past two months, the dollar remains very strong in Japan. 

Naturally, demand for Japan-bound flights is also booming. "In 2023, Expedia data revealed that the top trending global flight route was LAX to Tokyo, with a surge of 430% compared to the year prior," Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson told TPG. "This fall, Tokyo continues to be a trending destination, with a 50% increase in flight searches."

While Japan is now within reach for more people than ever, there is a downside: relentless crowds. In response, local authorities have instituted a tourism tax for climbers on Mount Fuji, installed barriers to block Instagram-famous views of that same mountain and closed off some private alleys to tourists in Kyoto's geisha district.

Follow these tips to help alleviate the overcrowding and still have an enjoyable vacation in Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Nijo Castle Building Reopening After 17 Years

Above, one of the gates to Nijo Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I saw the following story, I had to think a bit about when we visited Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan with the first G-TOUR.

That was in 2004, 20 years ago. We toured the castle and experienced its "nightingale floors" which were designed to alert the castle's residents of possible assassins by their squeaks during Japan's feudal period.

Asahi Shimbun posted an article on the reopening of one of the palace buildings after 17 years.

They begin with:

KYOTO—One of the main buildings at Nijo-jo Castle here, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will reopen to the public on Sept. 1 after being closed for 17 years, the city government announced on June 17.

The castle’s Honmaru-goten Palace was closed to the public in 2007 due to concerns about its earthquake resilience, following damage caused by the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.

Since 2017, the city has invested 1.56 billion yen ($9.89 million) to reinforce the structure and to restore its paintings. The renovation work was completed in March this year.

This will be the first time that the palace has been open to the public year-round. Prior to its 2007 closure, it was open only twice a year.

To read more, go here. 

Things To Know If Travelling To Japan This Year

Above, the Mitsukoshi department store at Ginza Crossing in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer

It is funny how Japan for years clamored for more foreign tourists. Now that foreigners have coming into the country in droves, Japan is deeply concerned with overtourism.

Much of this overtourism is due to the weak yen. This is drawing foreigners as Japan is seen as a huge bargain as a result. One the other side of the coin, the weak yen is keeping Japanese citizens to refrain from foreign travel (Hawaii is a good example).

Condé Nast Traveller has an article on what four things we should expect if one is planning to travel to Japan this year.

They begin with:

Japan is experiencing a serious boom in tourism since the pandemic. With visitor numbers crossing three million in March this year, parts of the country are taking several measures to fight overtourism. Tourists must pay a fee and reserve a spot to hike Mt. Fuji’s Yoshida Trail. The alleys of the geisha district are also out of bounds. Here’s what you need to know if you travel to Japan this season.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Braces For New Surge In Overtourism

Above, the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the weak yen making Japan travel more attractive, the country is bracing itself for a new surge of overtourism.

It is interesting that ten or more years ago, Japan was trying to get more foreign tourists to visit. Now that they are flocking in, Japan has opened a Pandora's Box. They are having a difficult time in coping with the influx.

This is happening from Kamakura to Kyoto. 

Nikkei Asia posted:

TOKYO -- Major tourist destinations in Japan have been scrambling to prepare for the strain that visitors will put on public transit systems during the upcoming Golden Week holidays, the first since major pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Packed city buses have become a constant in Kyoto. So from April 27 to May 6, the city is calling on riders to make free transfers from the buses to the city-run subway system via special tickets. A rider will need only pay the 230 yen ($1.46) bus fare to take advantage of the service.

In particular, the free subway program aims to decrease the crowding on buses connecting the Kinkakuji temple to Kyoto Station. The route runs through the center of town, and ridership is high even among Kyoto residents alone.

The addition of tourists -- many with bulky luggage in tow -- has led to a critical overcrowding of buses.

For Golden Week, Kyoto is also increasing the frequency of buses connecting Kyoto Station to the Kiyomizudera temple. Buses will make arrivals every three to four minutes. Direct-service buses will launch in June.

To further ease crowding, there will be higher frequencies of buses serving other tourist destinations in Kyoto, such as the Heian-jingu Shrine.

Kamakura, another temple city, has been experiencing a large influx of tourists because it is easily accessible from Tokyo. Crowds of international visitors have milled in front of stations, obstructing foot traffic.

To read more, go here. 

Outrage Over Japan Tourism Ban

Above, tourists flock in the shopping area below Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Weeks ago, I blogged about the ban on tourism in Kyoto's geisha district streets due to over tourism and unruly tourists.

Apparently, according to NewsBreak, this has angered some tourists and led to a backlash.

They reported:

With its unique culture, jaw-dropping landscapes, world-famous historical sites, and mass outpouring of cultural exports, Japan is one of the most fascinating and most popular countries in the world to visit. I've been very outspoken about how much I've enjoyed my travels to Japan, and I would gladly return any chance I get. With international tourism significantly increasing over the past few years, Japan continues to grow in popularity among tourists with each passing year.

Unfortunately, that influx of overtourism is starting to lead to backlash, and this April, a strict tourism ban went into effect in one of Japan's most popular locales. Though there's solid reasoning for this ban, and it's not exactly as grim as it sounds on the surface, it's enough to leave many international tourists outraged!

To read the full article, go here. 

Kyoto Implementing More Tourist Rules

Above, a Gion street near Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto still allowing tourists. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kyoto has been putting up with overcrowding and misbehaving tourists for some time. Now they are starting to crack down.

The city is implementing more rules for tourists. They include bans on tourists entering the Gion geisha private alleys not far from Kiyomizu-dera.

Travel + Leisure reported:

The Japanese city of Kyoto is banning tourists from some private alleys in its geisha district.

The city will place signs in both English and Japanese around the area, called Gion, warning tourists to stay clear as well as fine anyone who doesn’t listen, The Associated Press reported. The fine will amount to 10,000 yen ($67.97). 

The public streets in Gion will remain open.

“We are going to put up signs in April that tell tourists to stay out of our private streets,” local district official Isokazu Ota told the wire service.

The decision to ban visitors from these blocks comes as the city has dealt with overcrowding and misbehaving tourists, the AP noted.

This isn’t the first time Kyoto has tried to protect geisha, the women who dress up in traditional kimonos and makeup and perform for customers while they dine. In 2015, the city handed out pamphlets warning against “nuisance activities,” which included taking photos of geisha, CNN reported. And in 2019, Gion again put up signs prohibiting photography and warning of potential fines.

To read more, go here. 

How To Avoid Tourist Hordes In Kyoto

Above, tourists pack the Kiyomizu-dera stage in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time I was in Kyoto, Japan was in October 2015. The pandemic was five years away and Japanese locals were beginning to complain about overtourism in the city, while at the same time, enjoyed the money tourists brought to their economy.

When we were in Kyoto, there were many people visiting the main attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkakuji. We signed up for a bus tour to visit those places at the JR Kyoto Station (famous for the final battle between Irys and Gamera in Gamera 3 in 1999). 

Above, our tour group posed for a photo at Kiyomizu-dera. 

Although crowded, we still enjoyed the tours.

The Australian Financial Review has posted an article on how to avoid tourist hordes.

They begin it with:

It’s 5.30am when I pull back the sheets and greet the dawn from my sumptuous sanctuary at Kyoto’s Park Hyatt hotel.

It is not easy prying myself from this serene 45-square-metre room with its views over a manicured Japanese garden, but the Park Hyatt’s ultra-convenient location means some of Japan’s most picturesque streets are literally on my doorstep.

And there is only one way to beat the crowds in Japan’s former ancient capital – get up ridiculously early.

Even before Japan’s plunging yen started attracting post-lockdown visitors in record numbers, the country’s ancient capital was suffering from serious over-tourism. There are now queues and selfie-stick-wielding masses clogging top sights such as the Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha with its famous red gates year round.

To read more, go here. 

Japan: An Ideal Destination For Elderly Travellers

Above, yours truly at the Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto in 2015.

It is hard to believe that in less than a week I will be saying goodbye to my sixties. 

For my age, I am in reasonably good shape. My weight is down (I am around 160 lbs.). I am following my cardiologist's instructions on getting exercise. I am regularly taking my medications. I still travel. 

For those still in middle age, don't laugh. Before you know it, you will be reaching retirement age.

One place that is an ideal destination for those in their "golden years" is Japan. I have been there eight times and plan on heading back.

Outlook Retirement has an article on why Japan is so ideal for seniors.

They begin it with:

With its harmonious blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, Japan emerges as a perfect haven for elderly travellers seeking a unique and enriching experience. From serene temples and historic gardens to efficient public transportation and age-friendly amenities, Japan offers a multitude of reasons why it stands out as an ideal destination for those in their golden years.

 To read more, go here.

Japan Sees Record 2.73 Million Visitors In December

Above, Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tourism has pretty much recovered in Japan after the pandemic.

December saw a record number of visitors according to Reuters.

They wrote:

TOKYO, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Japan welcomed a record number of visitors in December, official data showed on Wednesday, closing out a year of rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The number of foreign visitors for business and leisure rose to 2.73 million last month from 2.44 million in November, data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed.

It was the highest-ever number of tourists for the month of December and about 8% higher than the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019. 

To read more, go here.