Japan Exceeded Pre-Pandemic Tourism Levels In October

Above, a view of Tokyo's Sumida River from the Tokyo Sky Tree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's tourism industry received some good news when the October numbers of foreign tourism were tabulated.

Japan tourism numbers has exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time since restrictions were lifted.

From Nippon.com:

Tokyo, Nov. 15 (Jiji Press)--The number of visitors to Japan in October exceeded the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level for the first time, the Japan National Tourism Organization said Wednesday.

An estimated 2,516,500 foreign nationals visited the Asian nation during the reporting month, up 0.8 pct from October 2019, before the spread of COVID-19. The latest figure was up by around fivefold from the same month last year.

After plummeting in 2020, the number of such visitors has been on a sharp rebound since autumn last year, in response to the relaxation and eventual removal of COVID-19-related border control measures and the weakening of the yen.

To read more, go here. 

Most Scenic Night Walks In Tokyo

Above, the Tokyo Skytree, Asahi Beer Hall and Sumida River from Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one suffers from insomnia due to jet lag, taking a night stroll in Tokyo is an interesting and fun experience. I have done so several times over the years and felt completely safe.

Time Out Tokyo has four of the most scenic night walks in Tokyo for visitors to enjoy, one of which is pictured above. 

They begin with:

Let’s face it, Tokyo looks its best at night. It’s impossible to think of the city without seeing the glitzy high-rises of Ginza, the changing colours of Tokyo Skytree or Shibuya’s neon lights. Better still, if you stroll along a river or head down to Tokyo Bay, you get a double dose of the city’s skyline with all the glittering lights reflected on the water.

Exploring the city at night has other advantages, too. Provided you stay away from major nightlife districts, you won’t have to deal with all the crowds you normally see during the day, even at major landmarks.

These are some of the most scenic routes to take around Tokyo at night. They’re generally well lit and surprisingly quiet – just be sure to keep an eye on the time so you don’t miss the last train home.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Hotel Visitors Top 10 Million

Above, the Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Beer Hall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign visitation to Japan is inching up to pre-pandemic levels if the following is any indication.

From The Japan Times:

The number of foreign nationals who stayed at hotels and other accommodation facilities in Japan topped 10 million in April for the first time since January 2020, government data showed Wednesday, buoyed by a weaker yen and an increase in the number of international flights.

The figure rose more than nineteenfold from a year before to 10.38 million, equivalent to 92% of the total in April 2019 before the coronavirus outbreak, according to the preliminary data released by the Japan Tourism Agency.

To read more, go here. 

Pre-Pandemic Crowds Returning To Parts of Japan

Above, a Yakatabune pleasure boat moored on the Sumida River in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Parts of Japan are seeing crowds returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Now that the coronavirus severity level will be downgraded on May 8, many travel and pleasure businesses are breathing sighs of relief.

The Asahi Shimbun reported:

Indoors and outdoors, on land and over water, bustling crowds returned to Japan well before May 8, when the government will downgrade the severity category of COVID-19.

An estimated 168,000 people attended the two-day Spring Takayama Festival, or Sanno Matsuri, held in mid-April in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, the city said. That was more than triple the attendance of 53,000 last year.

The festival’s main event, a parade of floats, was held for the first time in four years, attracting many tourists from in and out of Japan.

The spread of the novel coronavirus hammered the tourism industry, which is now seeing a rebound toward pre-pandemic levels.

Customers are returning to Yakatabune pleasure boat businesses, which were devastated by the pandemic.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Dropping COVID Border Measures Saturday

Above, a yakatabune (屋形船) party boat on the Sumida River in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan has moved up the dropping of COVID border measures from May 8 to this coming Saturday.

According to the Japan Times:

Starting on Saturday, passengers arriving in Japan will no longer be required to submit proof of vaccination or negative test results, according to media reports, as the country braces for an influx of travelers during the Golden Week holidays.

Currently, all incoming passengers — including Japanese nationals and foreign residents — are required to present proof that they have received at least three COVID-19 vaccine shots or have tested negative for the virus within 72 hours before departure.

The government had previously said it planned to end the border measures on May 8, when the category for COVID-19 under the Infectious Disease Law will be downgraded from one similar to Class 2 to Class 5, which is on par with seasonal influenza.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Skytree Marks 10th Anniversary of Opening

Above, the Tokyo Skytree as seen from Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is hard to believe, but today marks ten years since the opening of the Tokyo Skytree on May 22, 2012.

The first time I saw it was during my December 2010 trip to Japan. It was not completed at the time. I visited the Tower in 2014 but didn't go up to the observation deck until the following year.

Above, the Tokyo Skytree under construction in 2010. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The anniversary is being commemorated in Tokyo.

According to nippon.com:

Tokyo, May 22 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward in the Japanese capital, known as the world’s tallest self-sustaining tower, marked the 10th anniversary of its opening on Sunday.

The Tobu Railway Co. group, which operates the 634-meter tower and an adjacent commercial complex, is organizing commemorative events, including the live broadcasting of a show performed by Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo XI at a top section of the tower.

As Tokyo Tower in Minato Ward, which used to be the primary television broadcast tower in the region, faced difficulty in ensuring complete broadcasting coverage after high-rise buildings were built around it, TV broadcasters in Tokyo started considering developing a replacement facility.

Above, a nighttime view from the Sumida River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Tokyo Skytree is so tall that there's hardly a place in Tokyo where it can't be seen. It dominates the skyline of the city.

Above, a view from Kappabashi "Kitchen Town". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Above, the Skytree from its base. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo Skytree Reached Full Height 11 Years Ago

Above, a view of Tokyo Skytree from Roppongi's Tokyo City View. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This month marks 11 years when the Tokyo Skytree reached its full height while it was under construction. Construction of the Tokyo Skytree began on July 14, 2008 and it opened on May 22, 2012. 

Above, Tokyo Skytree under construction in December 2010. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to Wikipedia:

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010 and reached its full height of 634 meters in March 2011, making it the tallest tower in the world, displacing the Canton Tower, and the second tallest structure in the world after the Burj Khalifa.

Above, a view of Tokyo Skytree from ground level. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I first saw the Tokyo Skytree for myself in December 2010. I visited it in 2014 but didn't go up to any of its observation decks until 2015. 

Above, Tokyo Skytree at night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Tokyo Skytree replaced Tokyo Tower as the primary Tokyo broadcasting tower as tall buildings around Tokyo Tower affected its broadcasting signals. 

Above, a view of the Sumida River, Asahi Beer Hall and Asakusa from
 an observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is only blocks away from the Asahi Beer Hall and the Sumida River. 

The official Tokyo Skytree website can be accessed here.

U.S. Government Lowers Japan Travel Warning Level

Above, the Kachidoki Bridge and the Sumida River in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lowered their Japan travel advisory level a notch. But that doesn't mean people can just hop on a plane and go there.

For citizens who must travel to Japan, they should make sure they are fully vaccinated first.

According to SoraNews24:

Last month, the United States’ CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and Department of State placed Japan on its list of Level-4 travel advisory countries, the highest possible ranking and one which carries a “do not travel” warning, due to the country’s coronavirus conditions. Just over two weeks later, though, Japan has now been removed from Level-4 status.

The change, effective as of June 9 (Japan time), is still only one step down, as the CDC and State Department now have Japan at Level 3. That doesn’t mean the U.S. government is encouraging citizens to hop on a plane for Japan, however, as the country’s Level-3 classification reflects a “high level of COVID-19 in Japan” and still comes with a “reconsider travel” caution meant to dissuade nonessential trips.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Go To Travel Campaign Timing Is Way Off

Above, the Asahi Beer Hall in Tokyo next to the Sumida River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For many things in life and business, timing is often the key to success.

Japan's Go To Travel campaign has come under fire as coronavirus is still causing problems within the country.

Many in Japan see starting the campaign now, while COVID-19 still wreaks havoc, as ridiculous.

The Japan Times reported:

With coronavirus cases rising in Tokyo and Osaka, the government will exclude travel to and from Tokyo in its Go To Travel Campaign slated to kick off next Wednesday, tourism minister Kazuyoshi Akaba said Thursday. 

Speaking to reporters at the Prime Minister’s Office, Akaba, minister of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, said the government will launch the campaign as planned under those conditions. 

“We will be excluding from the campaign those who are making Tokyo their tourist destination and those who reside in Tokyo traveling outside the prefecture,” he said. 

Over the past few days, local leaders, opposition party leaders and some within the ruling parties have increased their calls to revise, postpone or possibly cancel the campaign — a central government program with a ¥1.7 trillion budget to promote domestic tourism. 

Local governments fear an influx of visitors from urban areas will lead to a spike in infections they are ill-equipped to handle.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Yakatabune Pleasure Boat Company Resumes Service

Above, a yakatabune pleasure boat docked on the Sumida River in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Taking a yakatabune pleasure dinner boat cruise in Tokyo is one thing that I haven't done yet. I have seen several boats docked along the Sumida River over the years. Maybe I'll do so the next time I go to Japan

Fortunately, others can do so now that coronavirus restrictions are being lifted in Japan.

The Japan Times reported:

A Tokyo yakatabune pleasure boat operator has resumed service after halting operations in mid-January due to a coronavirus outbreak among customers and employees. 

Funasei Ltd. had been hit by negative rumors and comments, as well as numerous reservation cancellations, because it was seen as a spreader of the then largely unknown disease. 

“Now we’ll look ahead to keep the torch of tradition burning,” said manager Yoko Ito, 67. 

On Thursday evening, Ito, clad in a yellowish green kimono, and other Funasei employees were busy cleaning and sanitizing a roofed pleasure boat reserved for about 10 customers ahead of their arrival. 

Social distancing measures were fully in place, with up to four customers accepted for each table for eight. Ventilation and disinfection were conducted frequently. 

That day, the boat sailed alone on the Sumida River and near the Odaiba waterfront area in Tokyo Bay.

To read more, go here.

Kachidokibashi Bridge: A Bridge To Tokyo's Past

Above, the Kachidokibashi Bridge in 2015 as seen from a tour boat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 1954, Godzilla trampled through Tokyo. 

On his way out of the city and into Tokyo Bay, a bridge stood in the way of his path on the Sumida River. So, what else is a giant monster supposed to do? He just toppled it out of his way into the river.

Above, the Kachidokibashi Bridge in Godzilla (1954). Toho Co., Ltd photo.

What bridge was that? It was the Kachidokibashi Bridge.

Today, the bridge still stands over the Sumida River and is now a tourist attraction. I last saw the bridge five years ago as our Sumida Tour boat passed underneath.

The Asahi Shimbun has an article on the Kachidokibashi Bridge.

It begins with:

Kachidokibashi bridge in central Tokyo, a now largely forgotten tribute to Japan's stunning victory in the Russo-Japanese War over a century ago, today stands as a magnet for tourists hoping to snap panoramic views of the Tokyo Bay waterfront. 

Completed 80 years ago, Kachidokibashi in Chuo Ward was once hailed as the greatest drawbridge in Asia. In bygone days, its massive spans were raised five times a day to let large vessels pass. 

Until two years ago when Tsukijiohashi opened, it was the nearest bridge to the vast expanse of Tokyo Bay, where some of the nation's most important ports are located.
The bridge is now the 26th structure from upstream among all 27 bridges available for pedestrians over the Sumidagawa river, which flows in eastern Tokyo. 

Fifty years have passed since Kachidokibashi's spans were raised for the last time. Its history is now celebrated in a museum on the right bank of a stream beside the bridge. The displays recreate what the bascule bridge looked like and how it functioned. 

Kachidokibashi was constructed in 1940, which, according to legend, marked the 2,600th anniversary of the beginning of imperial rule in Japan.

Above, the Kachidokibashi Bridge before passing underneath. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 To read more, go here.

Japan Foreign Visitors Top 16 Million In January-June

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

The numbers of foreign visitors to Japan are breaking and setting new records.

Already, the number of foreign visitors to Japan have passed the 16 million mark.

The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun) reported:

TOKYO (Jiji Press) — The estimated number of visitors to Japan in January-June grew 4.6 percent from a year before to a record high of 16,633,600, topping the 16-million threshold for the first time on a first-half basis, the Japan National Tourism Organization said Wednesday. 

Visitors to Japan continued increasing thanks chiefly to a rise in the number of flights. 

But visitors from South Korea decreased 3.8 percent to 3,862,700 in the first half of 2019, apparently reflecting the deterioration in the bilateral relationship, partly over the issue of wartime labor. 

Total visitors from mainland China surged 11.7 percent to 4,532,500, accounting for the largest share by country or region. 

Visitors from the United States rose 13.1 percent to 875,200 and those from Australia increased 10.7 percent to 326,900. Visitors from Germany were up 11.7 percent at 118,500.

To read more, go here.

Live Japan: All You Need To Know About The Tokyo Skytree

Above, a view of the Asahi Beer Hall, Sumida River and Asakusa from the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While the iconic Tokyo Tower has a secured place in Japanese (and kaiju) history, the Tokyo Skytree is one of Tokyo's biggest tourist attractions.

Live Japan has posted an article about the Skytree so potential visitors could be fully informed about its history and what they can expect to see and do there.

They begin their article with:

Opened in 2012, TOKYO SKYTREE® is one of Japan's newest landmarks. There are lots of fun things to do at the iconic tower other than just going up and enjoying the view, albeit the panorama from the observation deck is impressive! Let’s take a closer look at Tokyo Skytree and its many unique things to experience and discover!

Above, a view of the Tokyo Skytree from Kappabashi "Kitchen Town". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

What To Do In Tokyo At Night

Above, a view of the Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Beer Hall across
the Sumida River from Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Experiencing Tokyo is a event in of itself, but experiencing the city at night is something else.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on things to do in Tokyo at night.

They begin with:

During the day Tokyo is awash with tourists milling about the streets with a seemingly infinite amount of time to spend. But under the cloak of darkness which offers a little respite from the responsibility that day brings, is when Tokyo is at its prime. With the working day all but a distant memory, it’s when the locals actually get to come out and play. 

If you’re looking to discover a different Tokyo, get out of the izakaya and get exploring. From weird touring, late-night book browsing and letting off a little steam at the batting centers, here are some places to start.

To read more, go here. 

Things To Do In Tokyo

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

For tourists visiting Japan for the first time or are an "old hand" at it, planning itineraries for a trip is a fun part of travel.

If one is going to primarily stay in the Tokyo area and are wondering what things there are to do in the city, Time Out Tokyo has a list of 88 things to do.

They begin with:

We get it: Tokyo can be overwhelming. From the observatories, the city seems to go on forever, and to make things more confusing, there isn't a discernible centre for Tokyo. So where do one even start exploring? We say, start with this ultimate checklist, where we have compiled the best things to see, do and eat in one of the world's greatest cities. 

Whether you're into Tokyo's robot citizens, cutting-edge architecture, sensational art scene or world-famous restaurants that would make any chef weak in the knees, there's always something going on in the city. So get out there and enjoy them.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Needs To Get A Better Grip On Tourism

Above, the Kachidoki Bridge and the Sumida River in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like the tides, there's an ebb and flow to tourism, and that goes especially for Japan.

Along with that, while the Japanese travel industry enjoys the increased revenue, there's another (surprising to the government) side of that coin.

According to Nikkei Asian Review:

Japan's tourist boom is the source of great joy to hoteliers, restaurateurs and the renters of kimonos -- yours for the day for as little as 3,000 yen ($26). 

But the country as a whole is in two minds about the huge surge of visitors, that has taken even government planners by surprise. While the income is welcome, the overcrowding in tourist hot spots, especially in the ancient capital of Kyoto, is not. 

According to Japan Natural Tourism Organization, the total number of inbound tourists more than tripled over 4 years from 8.4 million in 2013 to 28.7 million in 2017. The government has announced a target of 40 million annual inbound tourists by 2020, the equivalent of around 30% of the Japanese population. 

This is still well short of the potential if France, a well-established tourist destination is any guide. It received 82.6 million inbound tourists in 2016, the equivalent of 120% of its inhabitants. Japan clearly has both long-term opportunities and challenges in tourism.

To read more, go here.

Tokyo and Kyoto: History and Culture

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

For those considering visiting Japan, The News-Review has a good article on Tokyo and Kyoto.

For modern Japan, Tokyo is the place to visit. For history and culture, Kyoto is the place to go.

They wrote:

Japan is a great choice for travelers who have Asia on their bucket list. It’s a relatively small country with a high-speed train network that makes it easy to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. 

Tokyo, the bustling, cosmopolitan capital, will be your entrée to modern Japan, while Kyoto, the former imperial capital, will immerse you in the country’s ancient history and culture.

Above, the Sumida River and the Asahi Beer Hall in Tokyo from the Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The article includes places in each city to visit.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Revitalizing Water Transportation

Above, the "Hotaluna" cruise boat on the Sumida River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo is preparing for the 2020 Olympics in numbers of ways, one of which is water transportation in the city.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO - Tokyo is stepping up efforts to revitalize water transportation in the capital to draw foreign tourists as well as to respond to an expected rise in traffic during the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. 

The metropolitan government has been conducting a series of social experiments since fiscal 2015 aimed at resuscitating water transportation routes. 

This year, trial cruises were operated on five routes, including a combined tour on the Sumida River in the eastern side of the capital followed by a performance of a Kabuki play in Ginza.

To read more, go here.

Japan, A Budget Traveler's Dream

Above, the Kachidoki Bridge over the Sumida River in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Everyone's heard that Japan is an expensive place to visit. In some cases it can be. In some cases it is actually cheaper than the U.S. Overall, I found it no more expensive than traveling around the United States.

Gaijinpot.com has an article that will put to rest that Japan is too expensive. In fact, they contend that Japan is a "budget traveler's dream."

They begin with:

Gone are the days when travel to Japan was exclusive to hedge fund managers and Nintendo geeks, and with it the assumption that it’s expensive, boring and difficult to travel here. In 2015, the country welcomed a record 19.73 million tourists, and the Abe administration recently doubled its goal to attract 20 million international travelers by 2020 to 40 million. 

As the government carries out measures to make Japan more accessible to international travelers, we’re seeing transport get cheaper, hearing more foreign languages being spoken, watching new facilities being built and cheering as visa restrictions are relaxed. 

What does this mean for thrifty travelers seeking the best in budget adventure? Here’s 5 reasons why you should choose Japan for your next bargain trip.

To read more, go here. 

Cruise Tokyo On A Traditional Yakatabune

Above, a yakatabune boat on the Sumida River in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Taking a dinner cruise on a yakatabune party boat in Tokyo is one thing that I have not done as yet. The opportunity (or it just didn't cross my mind while there). Perhaps on my next trip to Japan I'll try one out.

What's a yakatabune boat?

An article in Japan Today explains:

TOKYO - So, you’re exploring Tokyo on a humid summer day, but looking for a way to do it without the crowded streets, packed trains and sweaty bodies. Now, picture yourself enjoying sashimi and tempura while downing a few cold beers. Oh, and you’re barefoot, too. On a boat. In the middle of Tokyo Bay. Welcome to yakatabune (houseboat) cruising, one of the highlights of summer. 

If you’re new to these all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink waterway cruises, this guide has everything you need to book the best tour for you based on location, price, group type, season and more.

To read more, go here.