Survey reveals the one thing visitors to Japan find most frustrating
The Japan Tourism Agency reported that 21.9 per cent of over 4,000 tourists surveyed at five major airports listed this as their top complaint.
The survey was conducted between December and January at five major airports – New Chitose, Narita and Haneda near Tokyo, Kansai, and Fukuoka – as travellers prepared to depart Japan.
Although the number of such complaints was about eight percentage points lower than in the previous year, many visitors said they often had no choice but to carry their rubbish back to their accommodation.
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Public litter bins were once common in the country, but many were reportedly removed in recent years due to safety concerns sparked by terror attacks like the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack and the 2004 Madrid train bombings.
Littering is strictly prohibited in Japan and can result in fines or even harsher punishments depending on the offence. Japanese people routinely carry bin bags and take their rubbish home with them if they are planning to eat outdoors, such as at a picnic or sporting event.
Japan welcomed a record 36 million tourists in 2024, according to figures released in January. The Japan National Tourism Organisation estimated that more than 36.8 million people visited the country for business or leisure in 2024, surpassing a previous high of 31.88 million in 2019.
According to the survey, reported by Kyodo News, other common complaints included communication barriers – reported by 15.2 per cent of visitors – mainly due to staff at restaurants and other venues not speaking English and overcrowding at tourist sites, noted by 13.1 per cent.
The recent surge in tourists to Japan has been attributed in part to a weaker yen, which has made the country more affordable for international visitors.
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The soaring numbers, however, have sparked concerns about 'overtourism' at popular destinations, posing challenges in managing visitor flow and preserving local environments.
In January, it was reported that the popular travel destination of Kyoto was significantly raising accommodation tax – a fixed fee paid to the government by non-residents which is collected by hotels and guesthouses – in an attempt to make tourism more sustainable.
In November last year, several Japanese cities were said to be increasing the 'bathing tax' for overnight visitors to hot spring resorts.
Japan has also hiked the entry fees and restricted the number of visitors to tackle overcrowding on the iconic Mount Fuji.
The Japanese government has been urging foreign visitors to travel during off-peak times, explore lesser-known destinations, and adhere to local customs.
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Travel + Leisure
20 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This City Is Known As the ‘Kitchen of Japan'—and It Wants You to Eat Until You Go Broke
Make a wish—and see others' dreams come true—amid thousands of daruma dolls at Katsuoji Temple. Get lost in the glowing orbs of the magical forest installation at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka. Savor every crispy bite of the chef's kushikatsu tasting course at Kushiage Comet. Take in stunning views of the skyline from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, one of the newest hotels in the city. See the city from above with a ride on the massive, 480-passenger Tempozan Ferris Wheel. Walking through the streets of Osaka at twilight is an experience for all the senses. Among the sparkling neon lights of Dotonbori Canal, the scent of freshly fried okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes), and the laughter of locals spilling out from the open-air arcades, it's easy to lose yourself in the rhythm of this lively city. Osaka is always an excellent destination, no matter the reason, but it's an especially good choice for first-time visitors. Located in the central Kansai region, it's easy to take day trips to other nearby, popular cities such as Hiroshima, Nara, and Kyoto. But you may find it hard to leave the city, given the vast amount of (delicious) things to eat, see, and do. It is known as the "Kitchen of Japan," after all. In fact, there's a saying in Osaka known as " kuidaore ," which literally means to eat until you go broke. With a compact layout and hundreds of restaurants, this is the perfect place to stroll between shops, sampling one delicacy after another. I love visiting Osaka, but since I'm based close to Tokyo, I tapped a local to get the insider scoop on what to do here. Chris Xu lives in Osaka and works for a firm that supports foreign employees as they transition to life in Japan. For Xu, a big part of the city's charm is its casual, laidback atmosphere—it strikes a sharp contrast to Tokyo. "There's a high likelihood that the shop staff will strike up a conversation," he says. "They love to make small talk.' Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Osaka. A guest room at the Waldorf Astoria Osaka. With an opening date of April 2025, this is one of Osaka's newest hotels and the first Waldorf Astoria in Japan. This Art Deco-inspired masterpiece was designed by André Fu, the Hong Kong-based architect behind other iconic hotels like the Shangri-La in Tokyo, and Villa La Coste in Aix-en-Provence, France. Each of the 252 guest rooms and suites has floor-to-ceiling windows, with stunning views of the city skyline, Osaka Bay, and the Yodo River. Though there are certainly many places to eat in the city, there are four solid on-site dining options, including Tsukimi, a sushi and teppanyaki spot, and Peacock Alley, which specializes in afternoon tea. The Patina Osaka is a retreat focused on rest and relaxation. You can pamper yourself at the heated indoor swimming pool, book a wellness session complete with an infrared sauna, or press pause on your day by sitting down to a decadent white peach and jasmine afternoon tea. The sky lobby on the 20th floor looks out towards Osaka Castle, making for an interesting juxtaposition of contemporary luxury and the city's historic past. Xu loves staying at hotels near Osaka Castle, such as the Patina. 'While it is still in the middle of the city, it remains so peaceful," he says. When Four Seasons Hotel Osaka opened in Aug. 2024, it became the brand's fourth property in Japan, following outposts in places like Kyoto and Tokyo. Travelers can enjoy all the luxurious bells and whistles that they've come to expect from a Four Seasons, such as standout dining options, luxurious bedding, and top-notch service. There's a grand total of 175 rooms, including 154 Western-style units and 21 Japanese ryokan -style options. As for food, there's the French-inspired Farine for breakfast and Jiang Nan Chun, a Cantonese eatery that serves dim sum classics like salted egg and chicken puff pastry and roast duck, for lunch and dinner. The spa is a true gem, with a robust menu of treatments and ofuros , aka traditional Japanese soaking tubs. The exterior of the Namba Yasaka Shrine in Osaka. John S Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images For an escape from the busy shopping streets of Namba, pop around the corner to the famous Namba Yasaka Shrine. The entrance is unmistakable—just look for the giant lion's head. The open mouth, large enough to fit a crowd of people inside, is wildly photogenic. Local legend says that if you enter the mouth, the lion will swallow your evil spirits, leaving you purified. Open 24 hours a day, the shrine itself is quite small, making it a quick and convenient stop. Pick up a red lion's head keychain to remember your visit, and carry the good luck with you on the rest of your journey through Japan. Also called "Victory Temple," this is arguably one of the most unique temples in Osaka. Visitors will find thousands of daruma dolls here, neatly and carefully placed all around the property. For a little cultural context: daruma dolls are papier-mâché figurines that are used to make wishes. When a daruma doll is first bought, both eyes are white and blank. You fill in one eye when making a wish, and then, when the wish comes true, you fill in the other, and (ideally) bring it back to the shrine you originally purchased it from as an offering. Although this was once a place where warring military leaders prayed for victory in battle in the days of yore, it's now a temple where everyday folks come to wish upon their hopes and dreams. Jun Kataoka is the tour office coordinator for Visitour Japan, a Japan-based, Spanish-speaking tour agency. Kataoka has lived in Osaka since 2003, and Katsuo-ji is one of his favorite places to visit. 'From the moment you step through the gates, you're greeted with thousands of eyes of Daruma,' says Kataoka. He says seeing so many of the little red dolls in one place is unlike anything he—and most visitors—have ever seen. For a surreal evening experience, head to the nighttime open-air museum of teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka. Located in Nagai Botanical Garden, this exhibit sprawls out over the property, with its eye-catching lake and lush foliage. Wander through LED creatures dancing in the trees, lanterns suspended over the water, or translucent orbs that glow with all the colors of the rainbow. The teamLab exhibit is also worth visiting in every season, and is meant to demonstrate humankind's deep relationship with nature. It's easy to get lost in the magic, so plan to spend an hour or two here exploring. Fresh sushi in Osaka, Japan. FrancescoDining at Kirameki is a sublime experience, with first-class teppanyaki cuisine. Guests can indulge in premium rank wagyu, which can be served five different ways and is prepared tableside, so you can sip on a classic Suntory Hibiki Whisky highball while you watch the show. The intimate restaurant is located on a quiet side street of the central tourist area of Dotonbori, making Kirameki the perfect choice for a special evening out on the town. Okay, okay. I know there are hundreds of Japanese dessert options in the city. But after a busy day of exploring Osaka, there's nothing quite like treating yourself to some of the best Italian-style gelato you may ever eat. The owner of Gelateria Circo D'oro trained in Italy, and Sicilian Pistachio is one of the shop's most popular flavors. If you're looking for more Japanese fusion flavors, try the citrusy yuzu sherbet, which uses wild yuzu from Umaji village in Kochi Prefecture. "The gelato is incredibly fresh, and made daily in the back of the shop," Xu says. "The affogato is [also] out of this world." Okonomiyaki is one of Osaka's signature dishes, and a must-try while you're here. A thin batter is mixed with shredded cabbage, heaped high with your choice of thinly sliced pork, beef, or seafood, and grilled tableside. The finished product resembles a cross between a savory pancake and a pizza, and is garnished with a drizzle of mayonnaise, a brush of sweet sauce, and a dusting of powdered seaweed. At Ajikuraya, there are six different okonomiyaki sauces and 20 toppings, so you can experiment with a variety and customize them exactly to your liking. Ajikuraya has tables that seat up to six people, making it an ideal choice for families and larger groups. 'Definitely order one tonpeiyaki to share,' Xu says. 'It's grilled pork belly wrapped up in an omelette. The first time I tried it, I was blown away.' A trip to Osaka wouldn't be complete without a taste of Osaka's soul food, kushikatsu . The dish consists of a variety of skewered meats and vegetables that are lightly breaded and deep-fried. 'Historically, it's always been an affordable street food,' says Xu. He notes that the dipping sauce it's usually served with is similar to sweet Worcestershire. Kushiage Comet is one of Xu's favorite restaurants to eat kushikatsu because he loves the 'premium ingredients such as wagyu beef and specialty vegetables [that are sourced] from all over Japan" The canal flowing through Osaka's Namba district. Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure Many people think of Namba when they picture shopping in Osaka—it's simply iconic. 'Namba is known for being a very lively neighborhood, especially at night,' says Xu. In this popular entertainment district, travelers can stroll along the Dotonbori canal under the glowing neon signs, including the famous Glico Running Man, all while sampling street food stalls and popping in and out of department stores and boutiques alike. Definitely visit Namba to get a real taste of Osaka's high-energy, high-wattage atmosphere. A bustling business district, Umeda is perhaps best known for its towering skyscrapers, such as the Umeda Sky Building with its floating garden observatory and panoramic views of the city. There are dozens of shopping complexes in Umeda, and it ranks as one of the largest commercial districts in Japan. Both the Nintendo Osaka store and the Pokémon Center Osaka are located in Umeda, making it a fun place to visit for all members of your family, young and old. Umeda is centrally located, so it's easy to reach other attractions like Universal Studios Japan in under 10 minutes on the Shinkansen , aka the bullet train. Tempozan Harbor Village offers the best of both worlds, with sweeping coastal views and a busy commercial district. The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world, is located here, as is the Legoland Discovery Center Osaka. Tempozan Marketplace has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon in the area. However, a visit to Tempozan isn't complete without a ride on the giant Ferris wheel, which can hold up to 480 passengers and provides panoramic views of Osaka Bay and Mount Rokkō during a 15-minute ride. Fall foliage around Osaka's Minoh and autumn are arguably the best seasons to visit Osaka, thanks to their mild temperatures and beautiful seasonal displays of cherry blossoms and fall foliage. Spring sees the streets filled with pastel pink sakura trees in full bloom, while autumn brings a collage of reds, oranges, and yellows, and crunchy leaves beneath your feet. If you're looking for smaller crowds (and great deals on hotel rates) winter is a good option as well, with gorgeous illuminations and plentiful Christmas shopping opportunities. While summer brings heat and humidity, there is no shortage of spots to cool off—you can always hop into a shopping arcade or treat yourself to a cool, icy dessert. Aerial view of Osaka station. Dukas/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Shin-Osaka Station is a major rail hub and is serviced by the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. If you're traveling by bullet train, you can get to Osaka from Tokyo in approximately 2.5 hours or in just 15 minutes if you're coming from Kyoto. Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX) is around 32 miles (about a 45-minute drive) from the city center, and has plenty of domestic and international flight optuion. Osaka is also quickly becoming a popular cruise destination, and Osaka Port regularly welcomes ships from all over Japan and the world. People walking around the narrow streets of Osaka, Japan. Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure It is not only pleasant to explore Osaka on foot, but is highly recommended. 'Osaka is very compact,' says Kataoka. 'From Umeda to Shinsaibashi to Namba, you could walk the entire stretch if you wanted. That path has everything: shopping, restaurants, and souvenirs." The city is also served by the Osaka Metro as well as a bus network, with most stations staffed with helpful attendants who are ready to assist travelers should they have any questions. Japan's national transportation cards, Suica and Pasmo, both work across all modes of transportation in Osaka, and can be charged at any convenience store. Better yet, add one of the cards to your phone's digital wallet so you can top it up on the go.
New York Times
3 days ago
- New York Times
Finding Stillness in the World's Biggest City
Tokyo, one of the most populous cities in the world, has mastered the art of compression. During rush hour, white-gloved oshiya, or 'pushers,' squeeze commuters into packed subway cars. Hotel rooms are sometimes barely larger than the bed inside them. Major intersections teem with pedestrians, traffic and flashing billboards. As a photographer and journalist, I was familiar with Tokyo's density but wanted to explore its quieter side. I set out to chronicle the peaceful gardens, cafes, atriums and shrines where people don't just escape the noise; they find pockets of community, solitude and refuge. Hitoshi Abe, a Japanese architect and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, explained that Japanese design excels at creating spaces that evoke tranquillity. 'A little garden the size of a tatami mat can feel like a miniature of nature,' he said. 'Japanese design creates small environments that connect you to something larger: A bonsai mimics a full tree. A tearoom with one flower and the sound of boiling water can recall the feeling of being deep in nature.' This sensibility is rooted in the concept of shichu no sankyo — 'dwelling in the mountain inside the city' — a design philosophy that brings the essence of nature into even the most urbanized spaces. Researchers have established that spending time in nature has health benefits and that quiet, minimalist environments can reduce stress. The tendency to prioritize stillness and connection to nature 'is one of the core aspects of Japanese design,' Mr. Abe added. Tokyo is home to thousands of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, many of which date back centuries, serving both spiritual and ecological purposes. They can be vast in size, like the 170-acre Meiji Shrine and its surrounding forest or compact hideaways — small courtyards shaded by ancient trees, tucked between buildings. When Kenji Kureyama, an artist and yoga teacher, feels the need to unwind, he goes to Setagaya Hachiman, a well-known shrine in the Setagaya area of Tokyo. Green areas in the city feel like small reprieves, he explained, and offer cooler air. 'It's like a desert where you find these oases,' he said. Mr. Kureyama, 40, notes that more developments now try to incorporate greenery. 'It's about making the city, and our well-being, coexist with nature,' said Mr. Kureyama. KITTE Garden is a rooftop park atop a shopping complex, where lawns and views of Tokyo Station, a major railway terminal, invite visitors to pause and reconnect with nature. Light-filled atriums in shopping malls transform commercial hubs into urban sanctuaries where natural light and greenery create a relaxing space. The entrance hall of the Nezu Museum is a popular escape in Tokyo's bustling Aoyama district. The museum's garden feels worlds away from the city. Public gardens and museums' courtyards scattered across the city can also offer a break from the crowded streets. The Nezu Museum, in Tokyo's vibrant Aoyama district, is renowned for its collection of traditional Japanese and East Asian art; its modern architecture designed by Kengo Kuma; and a serene garden featuring bamboo-lined pathways and teahouses. Once a quiet place where locals came to appreciate the art, the museum has become a popular tourist attraction, said Junko Tokoro, who works in communications at the museum. Museum staff encourage visitors to maintain a peaceful atmosphere by refraining from taking pictures inside the gallery and keeping their voices low. In some venues — bookstores, reading rooms, small listening bars — silence is favored. At the book cafe R-za Dokushokan, near a busy shopping street, silence is a commodity hidden on a second floor. To find it, customers climb a narrow stairwell to find an arrow-shaped sign that reads: 'This is a place to spend time quietly. Talking is not allowed.' The owner, Taiki Watanabe, 55, opened the cafe in 2008. He said he wanted people to have a moment to have a conversation with themselves. 'Such conversations are born naturally in moments of stillness,' said Mr. Watanabe. A barista at the book cafe R-za Dokushokan. The cafe is tucked away, and talking is not allowed. The only sounds are ambient. The place is filled with old furniture, books and lush plants. 'These organic elements give visitors the feeling of being deep in a forest, far removed from the real world,' said Mr. Watanabe. Members of the co-working space and gallery in the Nakameguro district may not experience the quiet of the forest, but their office feels like it's encased inside of one, as the building is enveloped in thick ivy. The building's previous owner, Tomomochi Suga, lived there with his mother and became reclusive after she died. Ivy began to creep up the building, and he let it take over. When one of founding members, Tomoji Oya, 42, and his colleagues asked to lease it, they promised to create community and bring in young, creative people. building stands out with its facade wrapped in lush greenery. For Mr. Oya, the space feels like a chinju no mori — the sacred grove traditionally surrounding a Shinto shrine. The grove was a place where outsiders or wanderers could find refuge. The collective now includes Japanese and international members, each of whom was interviewed before joining. 'Good vibes only,' he added, smiling. Tokyo's crowded streets and stations can be overwhelming at times. Yet, Mr. Abe, the architect and professor, believes the city's genius lies in its balance — blending tradition with modern life, and connecting people to something larger. 'It shows how people can live peacefully even in the most intense environments,' he said.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
Inside Look: Aman Tokyo Review
W ith its acclaimed restaurants, cocktail bars and high-end hospitality scene, Tokyo is no stranger to luxury. But one address in the city continues to stand out: Aman Tokyo, the first urban hotel by the famed hotel group. Since opening its doors in 2014, the property has provided a sleek, minimalist escape right in central Otemachi. Like many of the best hotels in Tokyo, Aman is located on the top floors of a skyscraper. But its location is particularly special: It's positioned within the Otemachi Forest, an 'urban forest' incorporating diverse greenery and wildlife. This setting, along with superb service and opulent amenities, truly sets the hotel apart from the rest. Read my full review below. The Aman Tokyo lobby. Aman Reserve At Mr & Mrs Smith Who Will Love It: Couples; solo travelers; business travelers All-Star Amenities: Spa; indoor pool; four restaurants; in-room Bose sound systems; attached shopping mall; outdoor 'urban forest' What Not To Miss: An omakase experience at Musashi by Aman Location: Otemachi, Tokyo, Japan Designed by Australian design firm Kerry Hill Architects, the first thing guests encounter when arriving at the 33rd floor lobby of the Aman is the sleek, minimalist design that seamlessly blends Japanese materials (a giant lantern made out of traditional washi paper in the lobby) with modern, dramatic elements like soaring columns and black granite floors. At check-in, I was offered a cold towel and refreshing welcome drink. As my bags were taken to my room, I relaxed by taking in the direct views of Mount Fuji from the lobby's windows. Aman Tokyo's spa swimming pool. Aman After a 14-hour flight, I was looking forward to experiencing the property's spa, which at 26,900 square feet is the largest in Tokyo. The two-floor facility has a variety of baths, showers and steam rooms, where guests can enjoy a Misogi experience—or a traditional Japanese purification ritual—based on ancient Shinto customs. I enjoyed a quick steam before my Aman Tokyo Signature Journey, a 150-minute head-to-toe treatment starting with a full-body scrub and a 90-minute massage. With absolute relaxation finally achieved, I was ready to fully immerse myself in the Aman experience. Aman Tokyo is home to 84 rooms and suites, all with a variety of different layouts and city views. I stayed in a Panorama Suite, which felt like stepping into a traditional Japanese ryokan : The room featured a separate bedroom, living and dining area, a powder room, and a concealable workspace hidden behind a sliding door, which I thought was a nice touch to separate work time from leisure time. I was most impressed by the large, basalt-lined bathroom, which had a stone furo tub, spacious shower area and beautiful vanity, all behind a set of shoji-style sliding doors. Panorama Suite at Aman Tokyo. Aman There were bowls of Japanese snacks laid out for my arrival, and the mini-bar provided complimentary refreshments like waters, juices and sodas. USB ports were also readily available on all desks and next to my bed, for easy-access charging. The bed, low to the floor in true Japanese style, was incredibly comfortable, and the bedside blackout curtain feature allowed for deep sleep. Best of all, it seemed that no matter what area of the room I was in, I had prime access to some of the city's best views, including Mount Fuji and Tokyo Tower. Food And Beverage Aman Tokyo is home to five dining outlets, including La Pâtisserie by Aman Tokyo, located on the B2 floor of the Otemachi Tower, which houses the hotel; The Café by Aman, offering casual lunch and dinner; The Lounge By Aman, an upscale lobby bar with food; and Musashi By Aman, the property's celebrated omakase table, offering only a few seatings each evening. As a frequent visitor to Tokyo, an essential part of my stays has always been a great sushi experience, so I immediately made sure to book a seat at Musashi By Aman on my first evening at the property. My meal began with a prompt to choose from a collection of crystal sake glasses, which was then filled with Aman's locally made, branded sake. Shortly after, 21 courses of nigiri and sushi paraded out, including rolls of tuna, striped jack, sea urchin, squid and prawn. The meal concluded with miso soup, a mochi dessert and a very content walk back to my room. Another can't-miss meal is the Lounge By Aman's famous wagyu burger, which I enjoyed at lunch one day; it's truly an epic and indulgent meal, but there's no place more fitting to enjoy it than at Aman Tokyo. And each morning, I made sure to visit La Pâtisserie by Aman for with coffee and pastries; the fig tart I had on my last day still lingers in my memories. What To Do In The Area The Aman Tokyo is located in Tokyo's Otemachi neighborhood, which is one of the city's most central areas. It's surrounded by financial offices, restaurants and high-end shopping, and it's about a ten-minute walk from the Imperial Palace or a twenty-minute walk to Edo Castle. There are several trains that stop directly in the Otemachi Tower, where Aman Tokyo is located, which makes it easy to explore other areas of the city. For more great shopping, the Ginza neighborhood is about 10-minutes away on the Marounouchi line, while the neon lights of Shinjuku is about a twenty-minute ride on the Chūō line. And right by the hotel, the famous Tokyo Station is known for its great food, including Ramen Street, which features delectable ramen purchased via vending machines, all located underground. How To Get There Aman Tokyo is about a 40-minute drive from Haneda Airport (HND), and a one-hour drive from Narita Airport (NRT). It's also located about a five-minute walk from Tokyo Station, where travelers can arrive via shinkansen , or a bullet train, from Kyoto, Osaka and beyond.
