Japan Visitors Set New Spending Record

Above, the Hozomon Gate at Asakusa's Senso-ji temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Thanks to the weak Japanese yen, tourist spending in Japan has reached record levels. 

Reuters reported:

TOKYO, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Visitor spending in Japan broke an annual record in just nine months, official data showed on Wednesday, demonstrating the economic power of a tourism boom fuelled by the weak yen.

Travellers spent 5.86 trillion yen ($39.27 billion) through September, preliminary figures from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed. That eclipsed the 5.3 trillion yen spent in all of 2023, a record for any 12-month period.

The current exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen is 1 USD = 149.92 JPY.

To read more, go here. 

Experts: The Best Time To Visit Japan

Above, Senso-ji temple and pagoda in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just about any time is the best time to visit Japan. Well, "just about" means any time with the exception of the summer season when it gets brutally hot an humid there. Summer is also typhoon season there as well

For those wondering when is the best time to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, Forbes has posted an article on just this topic with expert advice.

They begin it with:

In Japan, fall foliage stretches late into the year, as gingko and maple trees pop with color well into December. Powderhounds flock to ski resorts like Honshu and Hokkaido in the winter months for bucket list ski trips, complete with deep powder and snow that’s light and dry and referred to as “Japow.” Then, spring brings the famous cherry blossom displays to the country.

With all the natural beauty and attractions, it’s no surprise that it can be hard for first-time visitors and repeat travelers to narrow down the best time to visit Japan.

Ahead, experts who specialize in Japanese travel share their advice on the best time of the year to visit Japan and also reveal the times of year you should avoid visiting Japan. 

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Arrivals To Japan Top 10 Million

Above, Senso-ji temple in the Asakua section of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign arrivals to Japan is surging for the first time since before the pandemic in 2019.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - Foreign arrivals to Japan from January to June topped 10 million for the first time since the same period in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic, as the country sees a continued recovery in inbound travelers, government data showed Wednesday.

Japan saw 10.71 million arrivals in the six months, equivalent to 64.4 percent of the level seen from January to June in 2019 and exponentially higher than the 507,630 logged in the same period in 2022, the Japan National Tourism Organization said.

By country or region, the most arrivals came from South Korea at 3.13 million, followed by 1.77 million from Taiwan, 972,200 from the United States and 909,700 from Hong Kong, it said.

To read more, go here. 

Virtual-Reality Tour of Asakusa

Above, there's plenty of stores to shop in at Tokyo's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my favorite hang-out places in Tokyo is Asakusa's Nakamise Dori shopping area. 

Besides being a historic part of Tokyo, there's plenty of things to see in do in the vicinity along with shopping. For kaiju fans, there's some toy stores to buy kaiju figures.

Nippon.com has posted "virtual-reality" tour video of Asakusa. 

They begin with:

Our new series of 360º virtual-reality tours of Japan’s most popular destinations kicks off with a look at Tokyo’s Asakusa district, home to the popular temple Sensōji and many other iconic views of the capital.

To see the video, go here. 

Japan Is Finally A More Affordable Travel Destination

Above, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan has been known to many as a very expensive place to visit.

I never found that this was the case. I found Japan no more expensive than anywhere else. It is comparable to the U.S. for hotel rooms, transportation (the Japan Rail Pass makes it even more affordable) and food. One just has to know where to look and go to.

HuffPost has posted an article whose premise is that the country is more affordable post-COVID than during pre-COVID times for foreign visitors. This is true since the dollar now gets more yen in foreign exchange.

They start with:

Japan, high on the bucket list for many travelers due to its popular culture, food, history and art, but often unaffordable for many or overcrowded for others, is now in a “sweet spot” to visit.

Japan was among the countries that took longer to reopen to foreign travelers after COVID pandemic closures, finally welcoming visa-free tourism in October 2022. And the first foreign tourists to return to historically expensive Japan have found a much more affordable country to visit.

To read more, go here. 

What It's Like To Be Traveling To Japan Today

Above, a geisha photoshoot in Asakusa, Tokyo near Senso-ji temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign tourists are now allowed into Japan. But there is a process for doing so.

Traveller.com has posted an article on what it's like to be traveling in Japan today. It is from an Australian perspective, which I find interesting to read.

They begin with:

It's not ideal to spend a week in Japan with a Cher song stuck in your head. Still, these last seven days I've been walking around Kyoto, around Hamamatsu, and around Tokyo humming the same chorus to myself: "If I could turn back time…"

Because being in Japan right now is like turning back time. Remember Australia about a year ago? Remember the way we thought about COVID-19 back then, the way we treated it, the way we planned our lives and our lifestyles around it? That's Japan, now.

Getting into Japan as a foreign tourist is very reminiscent of getting into Australia back in December last year. Then, Australia had the DPD, the dreaded, buggy app that every prospective entrant into the country had to deal with, to register all of their personal details and upload their vaccination certificate and scan their passport and start the whole thing afresh for every trip.

Now, Japan has Japan Web, a less-buggy website that performs essentially the same function, and is equally laborious – this time with the extra spice of cross-cultural confusion. You get there, in the end. But it's a process.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Reopening For Normal Tourism October 11

Above, Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is going to scrap all entry requirements and allow foreign tourists next month as it did before the pandemic, it has been announced.

Yes, it is for real this time.

According to Travel Off Path:

Beginning October 11, Japan will scrap nearly all its remaining entry requirements and allow for normal tourism after over 2.5 years of stringent restrictions. During a news conference in New York on Thursday, September 22, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that Japan will be getting rid of its cap on daily arrivals. Further, the country will allow individual tourists to enter visa-free, allowing Americans to enter the country without having to go through the cumbersome process of obtaining a tourist visa.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Reopening Causing Confusion

Above, Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The reopening of Japan to foreign tourism last Friday should have been a happy occasion.

But, as the following article shows, it has caused confusion and some travel agencies are not at all happy with what Japan requires. The reopening either wasn't fully thought out or it was designed by control freaks.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- As Japan resumed visa procedures to accept foreign tourists last week, travel companies have been thrown into confusion over the lack of communication regarding entry procedures and last-minute COVID-19 guidelines.

The government's sudden moves have generated discontent among many in the travel industry, with some domestic companies pulling out of operating tours for inbound tourists amid the prolonged coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on May 26 that Japan would reopen to foreign tourists from last Friday, initially limiting eligible tourism arrivals to guided tours from 98 countries and regions deemed to have the lowest risk of infection.

A main crux of the problem is the visa requirement.

"Overseas agencies had been looking for tour participants on a spur-of-the-moment basis, so they were confused after discovering visas would be required," said the manager of a Japanese company supporting inbound tourism.

Before the pandemic, Japan offered visa-free travel for tourists from 68 countries and regions including the United States, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia.

But border restrictions due to COVID-19 mean that currently "everyone needs a visa," according to the Foreign Ministry.

Many overseas travel agencies were also unaware that, in order to apply for a visa, they first needed to input the traveler's details into Japan's health ministry system, which did not begin operating until midnight Thursday.

There are other restrictions and requirements that Japan is imposing, so much so that people are backing away.

To read the full article, go here. 

Confusion Over "Lifting" of Japan's Travel Ban

Above, Asakusa's Senso-ji temple in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My last blog post on Japan tourism stated that Japan has "no plan" for reopening of the country to foreign tourism. That seems to be rather explicit, right?

Apparently, there is some confusion over lifting of their travel ban. 

The following comes from The Independent (U.K.):

Japan delighted its many travel fans the world over on Wednesday, when it announced that it would lift its blanket travel ban on foreign visitors from 106 countries, including the UK and US.

However, don’t book a ticket just yet - it also appears that travellers arriving for the purpose of tourism are still barred. 

The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the lift of the travel ban, which came into effect at midnight last night, saying: “The following 106 countries will not be subject to denial of permission to enter Japan from 0.00 am (JST) on 8 April 2022.”

The list of countries includes the UK, US, Canada, and 42 European nations.

Most African nations, along with European countries including Russia and Armenia, remain banned.  

But the devil is in the detail: with visa exemption agreements still suspended and embassies abroad still restricting visas, tourists remain unable to get in.

 To read the full article, go here.

Japan May Fully Lift COVID-19 Quasi-Emergency Restrictions

Above, filming near Senso-ji in Asakusa in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan appears to be slowly creeping back to some semblance of normalcy.

The country may fully lift COVID-19 quasi-emergency measures. Will allowing foreign tourists into Japan be not too far behind?

According to Time Out Tokyo:

As the number of new Covid-19 infections continues to drop, the government is considering lifting the current quasi-state of emergency in 18 prefectures including Tokyo. The emergency measures, which were extended for an additional two weeks at the beginning of March, are set to expire on Monday March 21.

The Japan Times reports that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida could make an announcement as early as this Wednesday if the government decides to fully remove the quasi-emergency on March 21. 

To read more, go here.  

2021 Japan Visitation Plunged To A Record Low

Above, the grounds of Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since Japan has banned foreign tourists from entering the country since 2020, the only real surprise in the following is that there were any foreign visitors at all.

Foreign visitation in 2021 plunged to a record low.

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

Travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have throttled Japan's tourism industry, with the estimated number of foreign visitors plummeting to an all-time low of 245,900 last year.

The figure released by the Japan National Tourism Organization on Jan. 19 broke the previous record low of 352,832 marked in 1964, when the organization began keeping records.

The latest figure plunged by 99.2 percent from the 31,882,049 recorded in 2019 before the novel coronavirus pandemic hit the country and forced officials to seal off their border to virtually all foreign visitors.

The figure for the first quarter of 2021 also plummeted by 94 percent from the 4,115,828 tallied during the same period in 2020, when foreign tourists were still allowed to enter Japan for sightseeing.

To read more, go here. 

What Will Japan Travel Look Like In 2022?

Above, Asakusa, Tokyo's Senso-ji temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just when things were starting to look promising for a reopening of Japan tourism, the omicron variant appeared and Japan re-tightened restrictions in response.

How will Japan's travel and tourism industry look in 2022 is anyone's guess, but the Japan Times writes about what they see travel will look like in 2022.

Here's snippet:

Just as the battered travel and tourism industry thought it saw a light at the end of the tunnel, it is being rattled again as nations introduce flight restrictions to contain the spread of the new variant.

Less than a month after easing border controls in November, the Japanese government imposed new bans for inbound international visitors to the dismay of travelers, airlines and hotel operators alike. As of early January, it remains unclear when the restrictions will be lifted. Meanwhile, the number of reported coronavirus cases are seeing a spike, raising concern of a new wave of infections.

Still, with COVID-19 treatment pills starting to be distributed to medical institutions and the nation rolling out its third round of vaccinations, Hoshino [Resorts] and others in the sector are hopeful that travel will regain its footing this year while incorporating the lessons learned from the past two tumultuous years.

To read more, go here. 

Number of Visitors To Japan Down 90% In March

Above, a movie/photo shoot at Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since Japan has been a hotbed for coronavirus cases, thanks to China, the number of visitors to Japan had plummeted during March.

NHK reported:

Japan's Immigration Services Agency says the number of foreigners who entered the country in March fell by more than 90 percent from the same month last year, due largely to refused entries attributed to the coronavirus. 

Preliminary data from the agency shows that 152,162 foreigners arrived in Japan. That number excludes people who were given permission to re-enter. The figure was 2,504,193 in March, 2019.

To read more, go here. 

Most Popular Activities In Asakusa

Above, Studio Nanairo Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Asakusa's Nakamise Street (Nakamise Dori) is a big tourist draw, but there are other things to see and do in Tokyo's historic district.

Thanks to the folks at Live Japan, they have listed the most popular activities in Asakusa. The ranking are as of November 2019.

They begin with:

Here are the best Activities in Asakusa, with travel tips and more, according to LIVE JAPAN, a top-class travel website for visitors to Japan. Our ranking is based on the most popular pages viewed by foreign visitors in a given category. 

For instance, Studio Nanairo Asakusa, Tokyo Japan Fishing, Asakusa Kimono Rental『DAIKICHI』 and other related spots will be listed. Be sure to check them out during your visit to Asakusa!

Above, yours truly at Studio Nanairo Asakusa in 2015.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto Imposes Ban and Fine On Geisha Photography On Private Streets

Above, a geisha photo taken at Asakusa's Senso-ji temple grounds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign tourists to Japan have been causing problems in some areas.

One of which is in Kyoto's Gion geisha district. Overeager and rude tourists have been harassing geishas for photographs on private streets.

Four years ago, we traveled to Kyoto and my traveling companion wanted to take a photo of a geisha. Instead of just snapping a picture, she asked for permission first. The geisha consented and the photo was taken.

Unfortunately, other foreign tourists aren't being as courteous.

As the problem of rude tourists has escalated, a fine has now been imposed, roughly $100.

Time Out Tokyo reported:

The Gion district is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions, famous for its well-preserved heritage roads flanked by wooden machiya (teahouses), which conserve the neighbourhood's Edo-period charm. The picturesque streets are one of the best areas to spot geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to work. However, in recent years, tourists have been racing around like paparazzi to take photos of geisha or maiko, sometimes even trespassing on private property to get the best shot.  

Kyoto has had enough with the unruly tourist behaviours. Japan Today reports that an ‘association made up of local residents and shop owners has forbidden photography on private roads'. Beginning October 25, there will be a ¥10,000 fine for photos taken on private streets. Right now, the rule is announced on flyers and signs, and enforced through video surveillance. It’s okay to take pictures on the main roads, such as the well-known Hanami-koji, the historic Shirakawa-dori and the atmospheric Sannenzaka Slope which leads to Yasaka Pagoda (pictured top) – but not on the more tranquil alleys branching off from the main roads. Yes, those streets may look more alluring and are less tourist-filled, but the residents' privacy is much more important than a photographic souvenir. 

To read more, go here. 

Condé Nast Tokyo Guide & Tips

Above, the big incense burner at Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not anyone has visited Tokyo, there are plenty of things to see in do in Japan's capital city.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted a guide about the many places to stay, eat & drink, activities, shopping and other things.

They start with:

Being there is a fever dream that you don't want to wake up from. The city's real pleasures—the yakitori, underground whisky bars, the elegance of your daily interactions—are a collection of small and subtle discoveries.

To see more, go here. 

Gaijinpot: Five Best Night Views of Tokyo

Above, the Kaminarimon (雷門 "Thunder Gate") of Senso-ji in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The nighttime lighted advertising signage in Tokyo are sights to behold. They must really consume a lot of electricity and run up huge bills.

But, we as visitors, can just kick back and enjoy the views.

Speaking of views, Gaijinpot has an article on five of the best night views in Tokyo.

They begin with:

It’s hard to describe the landscape of Tokyo without falling into the trap of cliches about how the city’s futuristic architecture juxtaposes its historical landmarks, or the excitement of uncovering the hole-in-the-wall ramen joints tucked down laneways. 

Still, when you boil it down, these elements are exactly what makes the city so beautiful to look at. 

But for a fresh perspective on the capital, exploring the city at night is an expansive way to look beyond the obvious. In the neon-lit shadows, bustling tourist attractions become eerie echo chambers, the glittering skyscrapers look like ripples on moonlit water, and locals share midnight secrets. 

So, whether you’re wanting to snap gleaming streetscapes from above or get down and dirty with basement bar owners, here’s our pick of where and how to experience some of the best night views in Tokyo.

To read more, go here.

Kappabashi and Asakusa

Above, the giant chef marks the spot of Niimi, the shop that
 has everything a restaurateur needs. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Anyone vacationing in Japan should definitely visit Tokyo's Kappabashi ("Kitchen Town") and Asakusa.

Kappabashi is where all kinds of kitchen tools can be found and Asakusa will give one many cultural flavors. People will know they are in Kappabashi when they see the giant chef above the Niimi shop.

Live Japan has an article on both. It even features my favorite Japanese knife shop, Kama-Asa.

They begin with:

You could easily spend an entire day wandering Tokyo’s “kitchen town” known as Kappabashi. Sandwiched between Asakusa and Ueno, Kappabashi consists of 170 specialty shops lining an 800 meter-long stretch of a road called Kappabashi Dougu Street. 

We teamed up with veteran tour guide Kozue Hisaoka of True Japan Tours to give you an exclusive look at 9 must-see shops. As a bonus, we’ll even show you how to enjoy neighboring Asakusa like a local!

Above, Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.