Last updated on August 27th, 2024 at 08:18 pm
Japan has happily greeted a 17.78 million foreign visitors in the initial six months of 2024 which is notably higher than the previous peak of 16.63 million noted in 2019 as, per the Japan National Tourism Organization.
The yens depreciation is believed to boost the purchasing ability of travelers using currencies according to the report which also mentioned that visitors from South Korea totaled 3 million people, with China,Taiwan and the United States following behind them closely.
The recent increase in tourism has provided an uplift to Japans economy which has been facing challenges due to prolonged periods of slow growth. However the influx of tourists has also led to dissatisfaction among some locals. In May Fujikawaguchiko town, in Yamanashi prefecture introduced a barrier to regulate crowds at a frequented viewing location of Mount Fuji.
Authorities in Kyoto have restricted access to alleyways in the Gion district due to incidents of tourists disturbing geishas in the area. At the time in HImeji City the Mayor received backlash for proposing higher entry fees, for foreigners compared to locals to visit the UNESCO designated castle.