Japan tourism

Editorials Feb 7, 2015

The goal of attracting 20 million foreign visitors to Japan annually by the time Tokyo hosts the 2020 Summer Olympic Games is no longer considered the stuff of dreams if the tourism industry doesn't forget the basics.

Editorials Oct 18, 2014

Knowing your nearest volcano

There seems to be a deep-seated reluctance on the part of Japan's tourism industry to highlight the dangers of volcanic eruptions, out of concern that such information could be bad for business. Japanese authorities could learn a thing or two from other countries about ...

Editorials Oct 1, 2014

Drawing more tourists to Japan

Aided by robust travel demand from East Asian countries, the number of foreign visitors to Japan reached 8.63 million in the January-August period, and officials estimate the annual figure will reach 12 million.

Editorials May 31, 2014

Tourists rate Tokyo top city

Tokyo has been voted the world's most satisfying of 37 major world cities for 2013, but the tourist industry needs to work on increasing accessibility to Japan's cultural attractions.

Business | YEN FOR LIVING May 3, 2014

Golden Week activity influenced more by logistics than by economics

by Philip Brasor and Masako Tsubuku

This year’s Golden Week holiday isn’t as golden as it normally is owing to the way the national holidays that make it possible fall in relation to the days of the week.

Digital Apr 7, 2014

A day-trip date with the virtual romantics of 'New LovePlus+'

by Francesco Fondi

While Japan’s video-game industry no longer dominates the world, there is still one niche of digital entertainment that this country does better than any other: romantic man-machine interaction. Love with a virtual being is something plucked straight out of science-fiction.

Food & Drink Feb 11, 2014

Tourists offered a rare glimpse of the Japanese dining table

by Angela Erika Kubo

For visitors to Japan, a ride on the subway or the high-speed shinkansen can take you to almost any corner of the country. But those who want to learn about the daily lives of the Japanese rather than look at temples may find it ...

Editorials Jan 6, 2014

Attracting more tourists to Japan

If Japan is really serious about attracting 20 million tourists a year by the time of the 2020 Olympics, the nation has a lot more to do to make visitors feel more welcome.

Editorials Oct 1, 2013

Attracting 10 million tourists to Japan

The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan, thanks to a cheaper yen and waived visa requirements in some countries, could top a government goal of 10 million this year.