When the Japan Tourism Agency opened for business on Oct. 1 to attract more Asian travelers, the timing could hardly have been worse.
Since then, the yen has strengthened nearly 10 percent against the dollar, making it more expensive for overseas tourists to visit. Ski resorts in Hokkaido and golf courses are already feeling the effect.
Golfers from South Korea used to shop for top-of-the-line Maruman clubs, but not any more, said Norio Maruta, manager of Taiga Country Club in Fukushima Prefecture. Conditions are becoming tougher.