Survey Asks Foreign Tourists What Bothered Them In Japan

Above, a view of Tokyo Tower from Tokyo City View in Roppongi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's tourism boom isn't showing any signs of abating. Foreign travelers are still flocking to the Land of the Rising Sun in droves.

That doesn't mean that there aren't a few things that those travelers find bothersome.

A survey found some interesting responses. SoraNews24 posted the results.

They begin with:

Japan’s unprecedented inbound international travel boom isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, and it’s been going on long enough that it’s clear tourists are really enjoying themselves during their time in the country. But no travel destination is perfect, and so the Japan Tourism Agency, part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, has been conducting interviews with foreign travelers as they finish up their journeys in Japan to see what kind of problems they encountered.

Between July and December of 2024 the agency interviewed 4,189 foreign travelers prior to their departures from Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Fukuoka, and New Chitose Airports, Japan’s largest international air gateways. When asked what sort of things had bothered, troubled, or annoyed them during their trip, 6.1 percent said they’d had difficulty finding free Wi-Fi and public Internet service, and 8.6 percent had complaints about immigration processing upon their arrival in Japan, with how long it took for them to go through the process after landing being the primary problem.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Foreign Visitors Top 33 Million In January-November

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

A new record was set in the number of foreign visitors to Japan in January to November of 2024.

According to Kyodo News:

The number of foreign visitors to Japan topped 33 million from January to November, setting a new annual record, driven by a tourism boom and a weak yen, government estimates showed Wednesday.

The total stood at 33,379,900, surpassing the previous full-year high of 31.88 million set in 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

In November alone, foreign visitors rose 30.6 percent year-on-year to 3.18 million. Each month this year has recorded at least 30 percent growth compared with the same period last year.

With airline routes to Japan recovering to 2019 levels, November visitor numbers were further boosted by increased demand during the fall foliage season.

To read more, go here. 

Is Japan Expensive To Visit?

Above, Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The weak yen is attracting visitors to Japan from the U.S.and elsewhere. Some businesses have been raising prices to counter this weakness.

The question, Is Japan Expensive To Visit? has been asked by many for years.

The Planet D delves into that question and has some answers.

They begin with:

Try to find out whether Japan is an expensive country to visit, and you’ll quickly find yourself in a rabbit hole without a definitive answer. There is a lot of conflicting information online about the travel costs in Japan; some swear it’s the priciest country they’ve been to, while others are raving about fantastic $5 meals. 

So, is Japan really as expensive as some people say? It’s both a yes and a no. Some things in the country, like transportation, are very expensive, and others are not. The balance is there, and a trip to Japan is possible on any budget.

We have visited Japan several times and have based this article on our experiences. Here’s what you need to know when budgeting for a trip to Japan!

To read more, go here. 

Visitors To Japan Surge In February

Above, a view of Tokyo Tower from Tokyo City View in Roppongi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Inbound tourism to Japan is still surging according to an article posted by Kyodo News.

They reported:

TOKYO - The number of foreign visitors to Japan rose 89.0 percent in February from a year earlier to about 2.79 million as it continued to rebound from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, government data showed Tuesday, although visitors from mainland China only showed a limited recovery.

The figure represents a 7.1 percent rise from the same month in 2019 when there was no impact from the pandemic, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

The largest number of travelers came from South Korea at 818,500, up 14.3 percent from pre-pandemic levels, followed by those from Taiwan at 502,200, up 25.6 percent.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Worst Tourist Traps and Where To Go Instead

Above, Tokyo Tower. Tourist trap or not? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

No matter where one goes, there are places that could be considered "tourist traps" and some that would be more valuable culturally.

Such is the case with Japan. Japan Today posted an article on what the writer considers "tourist traps" and what places one should go to instead.

It begins with:

TOKYO - The best destinations in Japan include serene traditional streets and ancient temples in places like Kyoto. In Tokyo, iconic “must-see” attractions such as the Tokyo Tower or the “exhilarating” experience of cruising in go-karts are hard to miss.

However, while these activities offer a glimpse into the culture and are undoubtedly enjoyable for some, they only tell part of the story. Japan’s frequently recommended destinations have earned their reputation for good reasons. Yet, they can often be swamped with tourists. These sites sometimes cater so heavily to foreign visitors that they risk becoming mere reflections of travelers’ preconceptions rather than showcasing the authentic essence of Japan.

Thankfully, for those eager to dig a bit deeper, Japan is peppered with innumerable hidden gems. These lesser-known spots can satisfy your wanderlust, providing experiences that echo the allure of the more renowned locales without the crowds.

To read more, go here. 

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.

Japan Times: March 1 Border Rules Explained

Above, Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is set to reopen its borders to foreign national (to a limited extent) on March 1. Foreign tourists will still not be allowed into the country. But, things are slowly creeping in that direction.

The Japan Times has posted an article explaining what Japan's border rules are come March 1.

They start it off with:

Japan is set to ease border restrictions from March, allowing foreign nationals who are not tourists, including students and business travelers, to finally come to the nation.

Another significant change for travelers, including Japanese and foreign residents, is the shortening of the quarantine period for people who are entering the country — from the current seven days to three days.

But navigating the government’s documents and websites to find out exactly who can enter and under what conditions can be tricky.

To see what the new rules will be, go here. 

The Travel: What To Expect In Tokyo

Above, a view of Tokyo Tower from Tokyo City View in Roppongi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the United Nations, Tokyo is the world's most populated metropolitan are at  37.5 million people. 

While it has a lot of people, it is still a great place to visit.

Since foreign tourists are not allowed into Japan at present due to the pandemic, The Travel has posted things one should expect while in Tokyo, in the meantime. Also, they have plenty of photographs to enjoy.

They begin with:

As far as the world's metropolises go, Tokyo is pretty big. Tokyo has grown to become what is generally considered to be the world's most populated metropolitan area. Tokyo is so massive that it dominates Japan and no trip to Japan could be complete without visiting the city.

Perhaps surprisingly, Tokyo does not have a long history (by Asian standards) and there are plenty more historical cities in Japan - like Kyoto. But it is the beating heart of modern Japan. Before one goes to Japan, it may be beneficial to learn some essential Japanese words and phrases for first-timers.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Tower To Headline New Retail District

Above, Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Plans are underway to make Tokyo Tower the centerpiece in a new retail and cultural development project.

Nikkei Asia reported:

TOKYO -- Opened in December 1958 as a multipurpose radio tower, the 333-meter high Tokyo Tower has stood as a landmark of the capital for over six decades. 

But with the taller Tokyo Skytree (634 meters) opening in 2012, taking over the role as the main broadcasting facility, Tokyo Tower is looking for a new purpose in its second life. 

Real estate developer Mitsui Fudosan has been tasked with developing the area around the red-and-white tower. The company was recently chosen among five bidders by the tower's owner, The Tokyo Tower Company.

The plan involves developing a 25,000 sq. meter area around the tower by 2030. With an eye on recovering international tourism in the post COVID-19 era, the area is set to be one of Tokyo's most iconic shopping districts.

Mitsui and The Tokyo Tower Company will form plans to develop buildings that house retail stores as well as cultural facilities. Mitsui specializes in incorporating parks into its development, and the neighboring Shiba Park, a public park, is expected to play a major role in the project.

The cost of the project and the completion date will be determined in line with the overall recovery from COVID. But the companies expect the new facility to be running by 2030. 

To read more, go here. 

Top 10 Reasons to Come Back To Tokyo

Above, a view from Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The time will eventually come when tourists can go back to Japan and savor its delights. Whenever that'll be, tourists will be ready with lists of things to see and do. Right now, Japan is having a difficult time getting the coronavirus under control.

One source posted today the top ten reasons to come back to Tokyo. 

It is Modern Diplomacy and they compiled a good list.

They begin with:

Rediscover Japan’s captivating capital with these top 10 experiences, curated by the Concierge team at Four Seasons.

To see what their ten best reasons to come back to Tokyo, go here. 

Japan Received 8,700 Foreign Visitors In August

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

Japan saw a doubling of inbound foreign visitors in August, but the total numbers are very far from the numbers seen during the same period last year. All courtesy of COVID-19.

The Japan Times reported:

Japan received an estimated 8,700 foreign travelers in August, down 99.7 percent from a year earlier, amid the coronavirus pandemic, though showing a month-on-month pickup in volume, government data showed Friday.

The number of visitors more than doubled from the previous month’s estimated 3,800 and increased even further from May’s 1,663, the lowest figure since the government began compiling such statistics in 1964, according to the data released by the Japan Tourism Agency.

Still, the latest figure marked the 11th consecutive monthly decline since last October, when the number of South Korean visitors fell sharply on the back of souring political relations between Tokyo and Seoul over wartime issues.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Tower Is Open

Above, a view of Tokyo Tower from Tokyo City View. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo's iconic Tokyo Tower had been closed for nearly two months due to COVID-19, but now it has reopened.

Stars and Stripes reported:

TOKYO — A popular, landmark tourist spot reopened in Tokyo with the recent easing of a state of emergency imposed by the Japanese government nearly two months ago to curb the coronavirus pandemic. 

Tokyo Tower, an iconic red and white communications and observation structure in central Tokyo, opened its doors Thursday for the first time since April 8, according to the tower’s website. 

However, the popular tourist destination will operate with shorter hours than usual, with the main deck open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m daily. 

The number of visitors riding the elevator at one time will be limited as an anti-coronavirus measure, the tower’s website stated.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo: How To Save Money At The Tokyo Skytree

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

The Tokyo Skytree is one of Tokyo's top tourist attractions. Small wonder, the views from the observation decks are spectacular.

I visited the Skytree five years ago and enjoyed it. The lines to the ticket windows weren't bad at the time. 

Above, the Skytree ticket windows. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted an article on how to save money when visiting the Skytree.

They begin with:

We generally recommend free, less-crowded alternatives to Tokyo Skytree, but since the cheapo tribe has spoken and it seems y’all are going anyway, we thought we’d put together a list of tips and tricks that you can use to save money at the super-tall tourist attraction. One could say we’ve reached new heights with this article (we can’t promise not to be punny, but you should keep reading anyway). 

You’ve probably heard that Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in the world, built like a pagoda, and all sorts of other stories. Parts of these are true. Firstly, it is the tallest structure in Japan, currently, at 634m. It’s the second-highest in the world, falling short of the 829.8m Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai—but since the Middle Eastern building is technically classed as a skyscraper, Tokyo Skytree wins the title of the world’s tallest tower. Now you know. And yes, it was built using the same principle as pagodas; relying on a central pole to keep everything nice and stable. 

Despite the massive crowds that suggest the contrary, Skytree’s primary use is that of a broadcasting tower. It beams out both TV signal and radio waves for national broadcaster NHK, as well as TV Asahi, TV Tokyo, and a number of other channels. Until Skytree officially opened in 2012, the 332.9m Tokyo Tower was the main structure in the business of transmission.

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

To read more, go here. 

Japanese Economy Taking A Coronavirus Hit

Above, Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

World stock markets are taking a big beating thanks to the outbreak of the coronavirus in China, which spread to other Asian nations and in other parts of the world.

The U.S. stock marked dived over 450 points alone yesterday.

The Japanese economy is reeling from the outbreak since China is their second largest trading partner.

Many cruises and tours to China have been cancelled.

According to the Japan Times:

Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura warned Tuesday that corporate profits and factory production could take a hit from the coronavirus outbreak in China that has rattled global markets and chilled confidence. 

Asian stocks extended a global selloff as the outbreak in China, which has killed over 100 people and spread to many countries, fueled concern over damage to the world’s second-largest economy and an engine for global growth. 

“There are concerns over the impact to the global economy from the spread of infection in China, transportation disruptions, cancellation of group tours from China and an extension in the Lunar New Year,” Nishimura told a news conference after a regularly scheduled Cabinet meeting. 

“If the situation takes longer to subside, we’re concerned it could hurt Japanese exports, output and corporate profits via the impact on Chinese consumption and production,” he said. 

China is Japan’s second-largest export destination and a huge market for its retailers. Chinese make up 30 percent of all tourists visiting Japan and accounted for nearly 40 percent of total spending by foreign tourists last year, according to an industry survey.

To read more, go here. 

Visiting Tokyo: 11 Insider Tips

Above, Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's hard to believe, especially if where you're sitting snow surrounds you, but spring is only a couple of months away. And springtime is a good time to take a trip to Japan.

Town & Country has an article with 11 insider tips for visiting Tokyo.

It begins with:

One of the best times to visit Japan, cherry blossom season, is expected to arrive earlier than usual this year, around late March. So, here's a T&C tested and approved guide to get you started on your first trip to Tokyo. Keep in mind that spring and fall are the best months to visit the city, because the summers tend to be hot and humid. As a bonus, visiting a ryokan, or soaking in an onsen, the country’s famous hot springs, are more enjoyable in cooler months. After dates are selected, it is best to book hotels as quickly as possible. Tokyo is a large city, so picking a hotel near the sights at the top of your list is wise (a few favorites, below). Once the hotel is booked, its concierge can make restaurant reservations for your trip; most of the fine dining experiences in Tokyo are reservation-only and—in most cases—the reservation can only be made by the hotel. Send a list of restaurants to the concierge once the booking is confirmed. From there, you are ready to plan the rest of your trip.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Tower Hits 61 Years Today

Above, Tokyo Tower from Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It had been demolished by Mothra, Gamera and Godzilla over the years, but Tokyo Tower still lives.

In fact, Tokyo Tower is celebrating its 61st anniversary since it opened on this day in 1958.

From the Japan National Tourism Organization:

Seeing the bold red and white stripes of Tokyo Tower will tell you that you have, at last, arrived in Metropolitan Tokyo. 

Tokyo Tower is both an active broadcasting facility and an ideal spot for travelers to take in the dazzling cityscape below. The structure's modernist charm can be appreciated from the outside as it lights up at night, but the real thrill comes as you climb to the top to catch dynamic views of the city. 

At the base of the tower, you'll find a shopping complex called Foot Town, which features an array of international shops and restaurants, and even an aquarium and an anime theme park. 

Due to construction work, one side of the main observation deck (the lower deck) will be closed through late 2019. The other three sides are still open. 

Renovation work recently finished on the top deck and it fully reopened in March 2019.

To read more, go here. 

Seeing Tokyo From An Observation Deck

Above, a view from Tokyo City View atop Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Believe it or not, Tokyo has a population of over 38 million people.

To fully appreciate the city's population and all of the buildings necessary to house and employ them, one should go to any one of Tokyo's several observation decks.

I've been to three observation decks in Tokyo over the years:

• Tokyo Tower
• Mori Tower (Roppongi Hills)
• Tokyo Skytree

Above, a view from Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Today has posted an article on seeing panoramic view of Tokyo. Some observation decks charge a fee and some have free access.

They begin with:

TOKYO - Tokyo is a gigantic concrete jungle built on layers of tradition and culture. It's difficult to grasp the enormity of Japan's capital in just a few days. 

One way to gain some perspective on the complex city is to get above it — way above it. 

Skip the sidewalks and subways and take an elevator to any one of the observation decks that dot the cityscape for a stunning vista. No two perches offer the same view, but they are all spectacular.

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

To read more, go here. 

Hotels That Capture The Spirit of Japan

Above, a view looking towards Shinjuku from Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In Japan, as in everywhere else, there are hotels and then there are HOTELS.

For me, I usually stay at budget hotels. I just need a room to sleep in, not spend my vacation time inside.

But for those who prefer to splurge, The Telegraph (U.K.) has ten hotels spotlighted that "best capture the spirit of Japan". Included is the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku that was made famous in the Bill Murray comedy, Lost In Translation.

They begin with:

Between them, these stylish retreats encapsulate all that makes Japan so special, whether it's the simplicity of a country ryokan, the inspirational creativity of an art house, or the utter bliss of an onsen spring.

To see them, go here. 

Make The Most of Tokyo's Hot Summer

Above, a summertime view of Shinjuku from Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer in Tokyo, I've only experienced it once. That was plenty enough for me. It was hot and humid. (I must note that Kyoto was even more humid.) That's why I generally go there during the autumn or spring months, which are far more comfortable.

However, some people don't have that luxury and have to go into the summer. But, there's some tips available.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on making the most out of summer months in Tokyo.

They begin with:

We won’t lie to you—summer in Tokyo can be pretty intense. As temperatures soar and the humidity reaches rainforest levels, the city is united in its one goal: staying cool. Luckily, this can be achieved in a number of ways. Some choose the ice-cold beers, steady supply of ice cream and minimal movement option. Others embrace the season, taking advantage of the myriad festivals and events scattered across the city. 

Whatever your tactics, we’ve got you covered with our guide to summer in Tokyo. What to wear, what to eat and drink, the best festivals and events, all right here.

To read more, go here. 

Best Tokyo Observation Decks

Above, Tokyo Tower from Tokyo City View atop Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you have been to Tokyo before, but have never viewed the city from a high observation deck, taking the time to check out the skyline from up high is something that should be included on your next visit.

Time Out Tokyo has a list of places that offer the best views of the city.

They start with:

To realise how massive Tokyo is, it's best to head up to one of the many observation decks in the city, where you can look out at our megalopolis, with views that stretch out to as far as the iconic Mt Fuji, Yokohama or Chichibu on a clear day.  

The landmark Tokyo Tower is a popular option, especially since it has recently opened the Top Deck, which is at 250 meters high. Tokyo Skytree attracts a fair share of the tourist crowd too; its Tembo Galleria, at a height of 450m, makes the concrete jungle below look like a miniature world − definitely not for those who are afraid of heights. 

While a visit to some of these observation decks often come with prices as lofty as the view, we have also included a free option on our list. Here's our guide to the best vantage points in Tokyo, where you can expect to be dazzled by the sprawling cityspace and beautiful architecture.

To read more, go here.