The Japan National Tourism Organization and 18 other institutions took part in an international trade fair in Moscow on Wednesday to attract more Russian tourists to Japan.
About 50,000 people have been visiting Japan from Russia annually for sightseeing or on business, but the number declined last year to about 34,000 in the aftermath of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and subsequent Fukushima nuclear crisis.
At the four-day fair, JNTO plans to highlight Japan's reconstruction efforts, aiming to lure back Russian tourists.
Participants from Japan, including the Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Edo Wonderland in Tochigi Prefecture, as well as travel agencies, will also showcase the country's tourism spots and regional souvenirs at the fair.
