FUKUOKA (Kyodo) When Chinese pick Japanese cities as travel destinations they tend to prioritize nature, while South Koreans are more inclined toward tradition, according to a survey by a research institute.
Most of the Chinese polled said they would like to "feel rich natural environments" when asked what attracts them in selecting Japanese cities.
Having the chance to experience "traditional local culture and festivals" topped the list of attractions cited by South Koreans.
The survey of 875 people was conducted by the Fukuoka Asian Urban Research Center, a group affiliated with the Fukuoka Municipal Government, to help improve the city's tourism sector.
Tokyo was the most well-known city among both Chinese and South Koreans. In China, Yokohama came in second and Osaka third, while the poll in South Korea ranked Osaka in second place and Sapporo in third.
The survey found that cities in Kyushu were relatively unknown, with Fukuoka ranked eighth and Nagasaki failing to make the top 10 among either Chinese or South Koreans.
"Provincial cities need to come up with better tourism strategies that accommodate tourists' needs and preferences in efforts to boost their brand power," said Eiko Yamashita, an official of the Fukuoka research center.