NEWSWORTHY
Cherry blossom-seekers spur Japan tourism in April to record high
The number of foreign visitors to Japan in April rose 0.9 percent from a year earlier to 2,926,700, marking a record high for any month, government data showed Tuesday. The increase was partly due to European, American and Australian tourists who took advantage of the ...
The Cultural Affairs Agency on Monday announced 16 additions to its Japan Heritage list of tangible and intangible cultural properties that have been preserved based on unique regional histories and traditions, including narratives. The list now contains 83 sets of properties in 46 of the ...
Private equity sees hot opportunity in Japan's traditional onsen inns
For Japan's growing flood of foreign tourists, one of the top internet search terms is onsen, the traditional hot springs where travelers have soaked since the days of the samurai. Now some of the world's oldest businesses are attracting big new money. Private equity funds ...
Tight security expected for G20 summit in Osaka, with no lockers or trash cans at stations
Osaka will be put under tight security during the Group of 20 summit in late June as local authorities plan to suspend the use of trash cans and coin lockers at stations and limit road traffic as a preventive measure against terrorism. From June 24 ...
Chinese tourists to Japan switch from shopping sprees to medical services
A few years ago, Chinese tourists engaged in bakugai (explosive shopping spree) in Tokyo's Ginza district made headlines. But that seems to be a thing of the past, as more Chinese tourists now seek services and experiences unique to Japan. And one of the most ...
Sumo's popularity abroad has exploded over the past few years. That's due in large part to recent changes making it possible to watch bouts in real time. A greater level of awareness of sumo has caused a spike in tourist demand for access to the sport. ...
Narita airport saw record number of travelers during Golden Week
A record number of people passed through Narita airport near Tokyo during the Golden Week holiday period despite a drop in overseas visitors, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau said Monday. The number of travelers leaving from Narita airport peaked on April 28 at around 63,000, ...
With Japanese food products becoming increasingly popular with foreign tourists, especially those from Asia, the country's agricultural sector has a bright future if it can change its policies to embrace technological innovation and entrepreneurship, an OECD report on the country's agricultural productivity and sustainability ...
Kyoto firms target rich foreign travelers with exclusive accommodations and services
Expensive guided tours and accommodations that give wealthy visitors to Japan rare opportunities to experience traditional culture in the historical city of Kyoto are picking up steam. Services include the company of traditional female entertainers, known as maiko and geiko, a rare experience for non-Japanese ...
Exhibit celebrating Akita dogs opens in breed's hometown of Odate in northern Japan
A permanent exhibit showcasing the Akita dog breed opened Wednesday in Odate, Akita Prefecture, the city that is regarded as the home of the internationally popular breed. "I hope a big circle of people who like and keep Akita dogs will spread around the world," ...
Japan plans to tap high-wealth tourists with bid to attract luxury superyachts from abroad
The transport ministry is boosting efforts to attract superyachts, owned by wealthy foreign individuals, to Japan in the hope that their port calls bring a major boost to the country's economy. The ministry hopes that visits by superyachts, or large cruisers with a length of ...
Japan's tourist hubs struggle to find polite ways to stop people eating while walking
Tourist destinations are struggling for ways to ask tourists to stop eating while walking without offending them. One such place is Nishiki Market, which for over 400 years has been known as the kitchen of Kyoto. The municipal government estimates that around 30 percent of ...
