Survey reveals the one thing visitors to Japan find most frustrating
A recent government survey found that foreign visitors to Japan ranked the scarcity of public bins, especially in places like train stations, as the most frustrating thing about their trips to the country.
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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Forbes
7 hours ago
- Forbes
A Japanese Whisky Check-In With The President Of The House Of Suntory
Every year, the Yamazaki Distillery attracts visitors from all over the world. Suntory Global Spirits Suntory (and by extension, commercial Japanese whisky as a distinct style) celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. Once an unassuming domestic spirit that rarely left its local market, Japanese whisky has become an international cultural phenomenon in the 21st century. The rapid growth of the category, especially in the Western world, caught many by surprise. Today, Suntory's Japanese whisky products have a foothold in many key regions, but the global whisky consumer market has matured significantly over the last decade. Suntory is focusing its efforts on authenticity, innovation and reaffirming its commitment to quality over quantity. What does the Japanese whisky category look like today, and what will it look like years from now? I recently spoke with the new president of The House of Suntory to find out. The walk from Midtown Manhattan to 11 Madison Ave on a 70-degree April afternoon buzzed with the classic mid-week hustle and bustle of New York City. After a brisk walk through busy city streets, my arrival at the building's lobby was a welcome respite. It was cool, quiet and nearly spotless, with walls adorned from floor to ceiling in stunning marble. Hibiki 30 Year was a willing photo subject at Suntory Headquarters in NYC. Chris Perugini The feel of the lobby was merely a primer for the moment the elevator doors opened to the 12th floor. Suntory Global Spirits headquarters is a transformative sensory experience, and for a brief moment, I was in another world. The lobby was filled with greenery, a flowing fountain, and a 'signature scent' that was faint yet distinctly floral. There were plenty of office activity during my visit, but aside from the people I was actively talking to, I barely heard another sound the entire time I was there. After a brief tour of the office, I was led to a tech-enabled conference room that adjoined another space used for traditional tea ceremonies—a true East-meets-West dichotomy. That's where I sat down to speak with the man in charge of the most successful Japanese whisky brands in the world. In addition to being the new president of The House of Suntory, Masaki 'Mory' Morimoto just relocated to New York City after spending the vast majority of his life in Japan. Throughout his thirty-year career with Suntory, Mory has had a direct hand in transforming the company's Japanese whisky portfolio from humble beginnings as a domestic product to the global powerhouse it is today. What drew Mory's interest in Suntory in the first place? Masaki "Mory" Morimoto is the new president of the House of Suntory Suntory Global Spirits 'I was attracted by Kakubin when I was a university student. I decided to join Suntory because I was interested in beer and liquor products,' says Mory. 'When I worked in the Tokyo office, I was in charge of almost all our whisky products as a brand manager, as a senior manager, and as the president of the business in Japan.' Mory spent the last few years in Singapore before relocating to New York City in early 2025, after his appointment as the new president of The House of Suntory. The move to the United States will give him first-hand access and exposure to their 'most important' market. American whisky drinkers, in particular, have been drawn to Japanese whisky for over twenty years. The allure of Asian culture in the United States is nothing new, and Japanese whisky appears to be no exception. In hindsight, the global success of the category shouldn't have surprised anyone, but raises an important question. If Japanese whisky has been around since the 1920s, why did it take until the 21st century for the category to permeate American whisky pop culture? Japanese whisky wasn't internationally recognized throughout the 20th century, so it was never thought of as an export product. 'We could not sell our products outside of Japan. Most of our sales came from the Japanese market,' recalls Mory. That all changed shortly after the turn of the century, when in 2003, Yamazaki 12 Year Old was awarded the gold medal at the International Spirits Competition in the UK. As was the case for 'off-the-radar' international whisky brands in the early 2000s, competitions like these were widely covered, and award-winning brands were thrust onto a global stage. Yamazaki 18 Year was Suntory's first product exported to the United States in 2004. Suntory Global Spirits For Mory and his team, the ISC victory was proof of concept that Japanese whisky could succeed in international markets. As he recalls, 'It was a big trigger to start exporting and marketing outside of Japan.' Mory wisely chose first to target a large export market that was culturally resonant with Japan. 'I was a brand manager of the Yamazaki and Hakushu brands, and I decided to promote those brands in the United States first.' The rest, as we know, is history. Yamazaki was first launched in the U.S. in 2004. Just ten years later, Suntory Holdings purchased Beam Inc. for $13.6 billion to form Beam-Suntory (now Suntory Global Spirits). 'The integration of Beam and Suntory was an opportunity to expand our product distribution, deliver our brand story and share the history and uniqueness of our Japanese whisky brands.' says Mory. In 2019, this partnership was tangibly celebrated in the U.S. in the form of Legent—a bourbon born from the collaborative efforts of seventh-generation Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe and Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory's longtime Chief Blender. With over 20 years of true export experience under its belt, Suntory had every opportunity to do what many distilleries did during the market's concurrent growth period: greatly increase production. Distilleries all over the world have invested heavily in production equipment, infrastructure and staff—all in an attempt to meet insatiable consumer demand. More fermenters, more stills, more warehouses and round-the-clock production are way more common now than they were just a few years ago. Suntory has invested in production as well, but not solely to make as much whisky as possible. 'Suntory wants to prioritize quality first. We've planned our production from a long-term point of view, while gradually improving the supply situation,' says Mory. 'Suntory adopts a very traditional method of whisky making.' The still room at Yamazaki Distillery features direct fired stills. Suntory Global Spirits Japanese whisky is generally characterized by a light and delicate distillate, achieved through precise distillation techniques that, compared to other distilleries around the world, are more of a science than an art. 'Suntory revived a very traditional fermentation system and distillation process. I think that balance is critical to create a quality whisky,' says Mory. Suntory's distilleries still use wooden fermentation tanks and direct fire pot stills, production techniques long forgotten across much of the global whisky industry. In 2023, during their 100th anniversary, they introduced floor malting at both Yamazaki and Hakushu as well as a new process to cultivate yeast at Hakushu. That's not to say that increasing production isn't part of the long-term strategy. Mory continues, '[Over] the last 10 years, we have invested money to build a new warehouse. Last year, we built a new facility with floor malting and developed an R&D center to test our spirits.' Suntory has warehouses at Yamazaki, Hakushu and their Ohmi Aging Cellar, and has expanded capacity across their storage locations multiple times over the last decade. Suntory is also committed to sustainability and conservation, and has increased these efforts throughout the 21st century. 'Most of our products are made from water,' says Mory. 'We spend a lot of water, so we are investing in water.' Suntory launched their "Natural Water Sanctuary" program in 2003. These conservation areas around their plants recharge more than double the groundwater used by their Japanese facilities. Suntory aims to become net water positive by 2050, meaning they will cultivate more water worldwide than their plants consume. In 2024, Suntory announced another breakthrough in an effort to decarbonize its whisky manufacturing, with a successful trial of direct-fired distillation at Yamazaki using 100% hydrogen instead of conventional natural gas. 'We spent a lot of money to develop [this] new distillation system,' says Mory. The company plans to first bring this technology online at commercial scale at Hakushu distillery, with expanded implementation across their facilities as their final goal. The ascent of Japanese whisky on the world's stage came with an unfortunate side effect: a more deceptive counterpart masquerading under the same name. Hakushu Distillery Suntory Global Spirits As a domestic product, Japanese whisky was largely self-regulated, with the understanding that the basic concepts of whisky classification in other countries should also apply in Japan. Under these unwritten rules, single malt Japanese whisky was understood to be made at a single distillery from 100% malted barley—distilled, aged and bottled in Japan. Similarly, blended Japanese whisky was to be made from a combination of malt and grain whiskies sourced from multiple distilleries. By the middle of the 2010s, however, Japanese whisky had become so popular that some spirits producers decided to skirt some (or in some cases, all) of these assumed production requirements. Their main target? A relatively unassuming U.S. market. Store shelves became flooded with unknown products that looked the part claiming to be 'Japanese whisky.' (I explored the concept of 'fake' Japanese whisky in depth in 2024.) Many of these bottles are are actually shochu labeled as 'single grain whisky.' Worse still, other bottles contained whisky that wasn't made in Japan at all. 'We want to protect and maintain our reputation and the integrity of Japanese whisky rather than our market share,' says Mory. Casks of Yamazaki whisky aging in a Suntory warehouse. Suntory Global Spirits Suntory is a member of the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA), which established guidelines in 2021 to standardize Japanese whisky's production requirements. These standards officially took effect in April 2024, but they aren't protected by the Japanese government or industry-wide oversight. Without these protections, there are no enforceable penalties for breaking the rules defined by the JSLMA. That hasn't stopped the organization from trying to highlight whisky that follows their standard. 'The JSLMA has announced two initiatives,' says Mory. 'The first is [the development of] a trademark for Japanese whisky. Members will be allowed to use this logo on their label. Ideally, by the end of this year, we will be able to apply it to our products.' The JSLMA's second initiative centers around broader legislative efforts to protect the category and to that end, Suntory is working with both the Japanese and U.S. governments to recognize the category legally. Now in its second century of operation, Suntory is further diversifying its global marketing approach, continuing its focus on established markets while expanding into new regions with significant growth potential. Suntory Toki is made for mixing and was designed with Tokyo's highball-centric culture in mind. Suntory Global Spirits 'In an advanced whisky market, we want to focus more on quality and storytelling in the U.S. and key markets in Europe and Japan. Looking outside these markets, there's a huge opportunity to expand our business, especially in Asia and South America.' With immense resources and capital at their disposal, Suntory has the ability to take their business in any direction the want. After a candid, informative conversation with Mory to learn about the long-term strategy for their portfolio, I expect Suntory to continue their reign as the torchbearer of the Japanese whisky category for many decades to come. This interview was edited for clarity. Follow me on Instagram at singlemaltsavvy.
Skift
8 hours ago
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India International Visitor Spending Hits Record High
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The report indicated domestic tourists contributed nearly 84% of the total visitor spending in 2024. India's total travel and tourism GDP contribution in 2024 stood at US$249.3 billion, up 20% over 2019, about 6.6% of the national economy. Japan welcomed more than 3.9 million foreign visitors in April 2025, driven by U.S. demand and major cultural events. That is a new record, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization, and up 28.5% from April 2024. Arrivals from the United States were up 43% year-over-year, with visitors from the U.S. already topping one million in the first four months of the year. Thailand's government is on a full-court press to try to offset the negative perception and reception to their casino entertainment complexes plan. The expectation had been a quick passage so they could get them open before MGM opens their massive IR in Osaka, Japan. That has all changed. The government's press conference on the matter laid out plans for passage of the bill in 2026 (originally expected very early 2025), looking like fewer properties than before with higher budgets, opening in 2030-2031, right around the time MGM is expected to open in Japan. It also seems like they are changing their tune on the locals being allowed to gamble as the previous, very unpopular by the industry, plan to only have those with a lot of money in the bank to be allowed to gamble changed to only those on a negative list, such as self-exclusion or family exclusion being unable to enter the casino. Those areas without casinos will be viewed as potential for entertainment facilities like stadiums and cruise/yacht terminals. Next month is when lawmakers will start debating the bill, and there is still the Senate study, which is looking like it will have a negative bias, so this is definitely still not a sure thing. Hilton Tokyo announced it will redo its ballroom as part of a multi-million dollar phased renovation of event spaces to meet the growing demand from international and domestic markets. The remodel will transform the Shinjuku property's entire fourth floor, comprising a total floor space of 1,422 square meters, to create modern, tech-ready areas for flexible event experiences. This follows the completion of renovations on the third floor last year, which added 200 square meters of meeting space to the existing 1,000 square meters. This latest phase is due to be completed in October. The Kiku Ballroom will be remodeled to allow for partitioning into four sections. The hotel has 830 guest rooms and is known as a premier destination for events. IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its hotel management portfolio in Vietnam by signing an agreement with Nha Trang Bay JSC, a member of the GreenSpark Group. IHG will manage the voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang – By IHG, opening around the end of this year. The 250-unit property will have 28 floors, located less than an hour's drive from Cam Ranh International Airport. Amenities will include a swimming pool, restaurant, bars, and meeting facilities, and will be IHG's fourth hotel in the region. They have 20 hotels across eight brands scattered across the country. Dusit Princess Melaka, Dusit International's debut property in Malaysia, held its grand opening on May 29th. The hotel unveiled one of the largest meeting and event spaces in Melaka, further enhancing the city's appeal as a regional MICE destination. The 296-room hotel is located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage City. Pontiac Land Group, developer and owner of Capella Sydney, is looking for more mixed-use projects in Australia. Pontiac said they were attracted to the NSW capital due to high government spending on infrastructure, such as the metro, Australia's biggest public transport project. The 192-room Capella Sydney was opened two years ago. City Developments Ltd. agreed to sell its 50.1% stake in the South Beach mixed project in Singapore to its Malaysian partner, IOI Properties Group, for about S$834.2 million. The deal values the complex at S$2.75 billion, including the S$1.16 billion in liabilities. The project in Singapore's CBD includes retail space, a 34-story office tower, and a 45-story building housing JW Marriott Hotel Singapore. Far East Orchard Ltd. announced the termination of its joint venture agreement with Real Hospitality Group Asia Co. Ltd. The JV had been formed to establish a hospitality management business in China, but Far East said the JV had been unable to find suitable opportunities, so it was terminated. 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Travel Weekly
21 hours ago
- Travel Weekly
Four islands, four approaches to Airbnb
Arnie Weissmann Of all the disrupters that have entered the travel industry so far in the 21st century, none has been as disruptive -- and ubiquitous -- as Airbnb. Hospitality companies that must adhere to strict local development guidelines and pay bed taxes have begged regulating jurisdictions to level the playing field by addressing unregulated vacation rentals. Communities that lost housing stock to Airbnb conversions have seen rents increase and the fabric of their neighborhoods thin. The residents of some cities blame the company for contributing to overtourism. Municipalities, even countries, have responded. This year Spain will implement regulations that include requiring that a permit be obtained before a property can become a vacation home. Oahu and New York have banned stays of less than 30 days. Amsterdam capped the number of nights a host can rent to 30 per year. Airbnb issues become more complicated for countries whose economies are tourism-dependent. This week was Caribbean Week, when tourism ministers and the heads of destination promotion bureaus descend on New York to raise awareness of their islands. In a series of back-to-back-to-back-to-back interviews with representatives of Caribbean islands, I found that they each looked at Airbnb's presence differently. Antigua and Barbuda was the most supportive of vacation rentals. "They are good for us," said the country's tourism minister, Max Fernandez. "We have seen a plethora of interest, and that means that a lot of people are getting involved in the industry. If you don't have people from all strata involved in tourism, especially in terms of ownership, then it's not sustainable, and sustainability is the key." To keep housing affordable as more properties convert to vacation rentals, Fernandez said the government is supporting a large-scale home-building initiative. "It's about creating a balance," he added. Airbnb serves another supportive role, Fernandez believes. "In economic downturns, the high-end is less likely to be affected. But at the same time, we believe that short-term rental properties like Airbnb can offer the kind of mix to make it balance out," he said. "That's the way we are looking at it." On Anguilla, vacation rentals are regulated for two reasons, tourism minister Cardigan Connor said. First, they are monitored to see if they meet required standards, and second, guest information is gathered to help keep track of where visitors are staying in case of a hurricane. "Anything that happens on the island is a responsibility of government," Connor said. "And as long as proprietors of the Airbnb properties understand that, then they know we're protecting each other as well as guests." St. Martin -- the French side of the island -- creates its balance by actively looking for unregistered vacation rentals but in some instances allowing them to operate in neighborhoods where they're not supposed to be. "We need 3,500 rooms," said St. Martin tourism minister Valerie Damaseau. "We see that there's a lot of purchasing of villas and vacation rental homes. They're listed [on Airbnb's platform] but are registered to us as their personal home. We know that some are not fully paying their taxes. "So we have several teams that visit these sites; they're just going to show up," she continued. "The situation exists, and we want to structure it. We don't want visitors who stay in these properties to say that they're not good, so we can assist the homeowner to make sure that the product is as renovated as possible and that it has the amenities that everyone is seeking." Many of the St. Martin vacation rentals are in areas where they're forbidden to be, but Damaseau is not shutting them down. "We're working on some text to try to regulate them," she said. "We need those rooms to bring [the island inventory] up to 3,500. We shut our eyes because those extra rooms have saved us over the years. We'll tighten the screws a little, but we need to find the right balance." "Villas are a tricky one," said Turks and Caicos tourism minister Zhavargo Jolly. "It's a catch-22. We're a high-end luxury destination, but we get six or seven people staying in a villa because it's less expensive than six or seven hotel rooms. But then they can't afford the amenities that generate the [per person] revenue we expect. And they complain about the affordability of the island." Paul Pennicook, CEO of Experience Turks & Caicos, added that it's one reason they are focusing on the travel trade, which doesn't typically attract the same clients as Airbnb. "Also, with the Airbnb scenario, we're not ever sure that everyone is paying their fair share of taxes. But I had a discussion with Airbnb and got a commitment that they were willing to collect taxes for us," he said. "But they're not prepared to give us the details about who they collected the taxes from; they'll just send a lump sum. My attitude is: just take the money."
