Record-Breaking Surge in Japan’s Post-Pandemic Tourism

Japan has seen a remarkable surge in tourism, hitting a new record of 1.78 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2024. This number surpasses pre-pandemic levels by a million, according to the national tourism organization.The weakened yen has been a significant factor, attracting tourists eager to experience Japan's rich culture, from donning traditional kimonos to enjoying exquisite cuisine. This influx, however, has sparked concerns about overtourism in popular spots like Kyoto and Mount Fuji.South Korea leads the visitor count with 4.4 million tourists, followed by China, which saw a fivefold increase to around three million from the previous year. Taiwan and the United States rank third and fourth, respectively.In 2023, Japan welcomed 25 million visitors after lifting strict pandemic-era border restrictions. The country aims to attract 60 million tourists annually by 2030, a target deemed achievable by Japan National Tourism Organization's head, Ichiro Takahashi.Despite the benefits, some residents are frustrated with the influx. Measures such as barriers near Mount Fuji and proposed higher fees for overseas tourists in Himeji highlight the growing need for crowd control.

Japan has seen a remarkable surge in tourism, hitting a new record of 1.78 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2024. This number surpasses pre-pandemic levels by a million, according to the national tourism organization.The weakened yen has been a significant factor, attracting tourists eager to experience Japan's rich culture, from donning traditional kimonos to enjoying exquisite cuisine. This influx, however, has sparked concerns about overtourism in popular spots like Kyoto and Mount Fuji.South Korea leads the visitor count with 4.4 million tourists, followed by China, which saw a fivefold increase to around three million from the previous year. Taiwan and the United States rank third and fourth, respectively.In 2023, Japan welcomed 25 million visitors after lifting strict pandemic-era border restrictions. The country aims to attract 60 million tourists annually by 2030, a target deemed achievable by Japan National Tourism Organization's head, Ichiro Takahashi.Despite the benefits, some residents are frustrated with the influx. Measures such as barriers near Mount Fuji and proposed higher fees for overseas tourists in Himeji highlight the growing need for crowd control.

Japan has seen a remarkable surge in tourism, hitting a new record of 1.78 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2024. This number surpasses pre-pandemic levels by a million, according to the national tourism organization.

The weakened yen has been a significant factor, attracting tourists eager to experience Japan’s rich culture, from donning traditional kimonos to enjoying exquisite cuisine. This influx, however, has sparked concerns about overtourism in popular spots like Kyoto and Mount Fuji.

South Korea leads the visitor count with 4.4 million tourists, followed by China, which saw a fivefold increase to around three million from the previous year. Taiwan and the United States rank third and fourth, respectively.

In 2023, Japan welcomed 25 million visitors after lifting strict pandemic-era border restrictions. The country aims to attract 60 million tourists annually by 2030, a target deemed achievable by Japan National Tourism Organization’s head, Ichiro Takahashi.

Despite the benefits, some residents are frustrated with the influx. Measures such as barriers near Mount Fuji and proposed higher fees for overseas tourists in Himeji highlight the growing need for crowd control.