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CNA
16-07-2025
- CNA
Japan sees record 21.5 million tourists in first six months
TOKYO: A record 21.5 million tourists visited Japan in the first six months of the year, a 21-per cent increase year-on-year, official figures showed on Wednesday (Jul 16), despite visitors from Hong Kong dropping by a third last month over rumours of a quake. "The number exceeded 20 million in six months, the fastest pace ever," the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) said in a statement. The figure in June alone jumped 7.6 per cent to record 3.4 million, due to "increased demand to coincide with school holidays," it said. The number was boosted by a jump year-on-year in tourists from China, South Korea, Singapore, India, the United States and Germany. But the number of travellers from Hong Kong plunged 33.4 per cent in June, with the JNTO citing online rumours warning of a huge quake in Japan. The number of travellers from Hong Hong in the first six months declined 0.4 per cent to 1.27 million people. People from Hong Kong made nearly 2.7 million trips to Japan in 2024. Although it is impossible to know exactly when earthquakes will hit, fear-inducing predictions have spread widely among the Chinese city's residents. Some posts cited a Japanese manga comic that predicts a major natural disaster in July 2025 - based on the author's dream. Japanese authorities have repeatedly said the rumours are false. The government has set an ambitious target of almost doubling tourist numbers to 60 million annually by 2030. Authorities say they want to spread tourists more evenly around the country, and to avoid a bottleneck of visitors eager to snap spring cherry blossoms or vivid autumn colours.
Al Arabiya
16-07-2025
- Al Arabiya
Japan sees record 21.5 mln visitors in first six months of 2025
A record 21.5 million tourists visited Japan in the first six months of the year, a 21-percent increase year-on-year, official figures showed Wednesday, despite visitors from Hong Kong dropping by a third over rumors of a quake. 'The number exceeded 20 million in six months, the fastest pace ever,' the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) said in a statement. The figure in June alone jumped 7.6 percent to record 3.4 million, due to 'increased demand to coincide with school holidays,' it said. The number was boosted by a jump year-on-year in tourists from China, South Korea, Singapore, India, the United States and Germany. But the number of travelers from Hong Kong plunged 33.4 percent, with the JNTO citing online rumors warning of a huge quake in Japan. People from Hong Kong made nearly 2.7 million trips to Japan in 2024. Although it is impossible to know exactly when earthquakes will hit, fear-inducing predictions have spread widely among the Chinese city's residents. Some posts cited a Japanese manga comic that predicts a major natural disaster in July 2025 -- based on the author's dream. Japanese authorities have repeatedly said the rumors are false. The government has set an ambitious target of almost doubling tourist numbers to 60 million annually by 2030. Authorities say they want to spread tourists more evenly around the country, and to avoid a bottleneck of visitors eager to snap spring cherry blossoms or vivid autumn colors. But as in other global tourist magnets like Venice in Italy, there has been a growing pushback from residents in destinations such as the ancient capital of Kyoto.
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Travel + Leisure
09-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I Plan Trips to Japan for a Living—These Are the Best Hidden Gems in the Country
As Japan's popularity soars, many travelers want to experience the country beyond the usual crowded hotspots. I've been on Travel + Leisure's A-list as a top Japan specialist for more than 10 years, and find that there's always more to see in Japan. Recently, I went on a month-long trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. My goal? A crowd-free adventure complete with new destinations, luxe accommodations, and spectacular private experiences. Here are the best underrated neighborhoods I explored along the way—and how you can experience them, too. Tokyo is the most popular tourist destination in Japan, but it's still full of little-known gems. For instance, the funky neighborhood of Sangenjaya is made up of winding streets dotted with tiny bars and cafes catering to locals. Explore bohemian neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama to unearth treasures in vintage clothing shops, independent boutiques, and galleries showing the works of young, emerging artists. Where to Stay : Janu Tokyo, part of Aman's newest brand, boasts eight amazing restaurants and the largest spa in the city. It opened in May 2024, and has quickly become one of the most talked about properties in the city. A view of Tokyo from one of Janu, Tokyo's suites. Kyoto is home to a dynamic nightlife scene. Travelers with insider knowledge can hop to nameless speakeasies or craft cocktail bars down nondescript alleys, or even head to Club Metro, an underground dance club behind a hidden door in the Marutamachi metro station. During the day, visit the birthplace of matcha, Uji, which is just south of Kyoto. Here, visitors can taste matcha from the over-600-year-old Okunoyama Tea Garden, the last of the Muromachi-era Uji Shichimeien (Seven Tea Farms of Uji). Where to Stay : The Shinmonzen is a modern ryokan , or traditional Japanese inn, designed by celebrated architect Tadao Ando. It houses a Japanese-French fusion restaurant by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Located along the Seto Inland Sea and just a 40-minute shinkansen, or bullet train, from Hiroshima, Onomichi is a picturesque fishing port full of tiny temples, local artisan shops, and charming cafes. It's best explored by taking the cable car up the steep cliffs and wandering down the winding, sloping streets. Then, get lost on the nearby Setouchi Islands by biking over architectural suspension bridges, or by taking a private boat. Meander through quaint fishing villages and along stunning powder beaches perfect for picnics by the azure sea. A cable car descending to the town of Onomichi. thanyarat07/iStockphoto/Getty Images Where to Stay : Azumi Setoda is a charming 22-room ryokan by Adrian Zecha, the founder of Aman, who is pioneering tourism to this undiscovered destination. Fukuoka is a vibrant, green city on Japan's southern Kyushu island. Here, you'll find a dynamic mix of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm. Sophisticated travelers can savor world-class dining, from rich Hakata ramen to the most delicious gyoza, or explore modern art, castle ruins, and shops run by local artisans. One of the main draws of this city is that, come November, the Grand Sumo Tournament—Japan's most famous spectator event—moves into the region. Where to Stay : The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is one of the brand's most luxurious properties in Japan, featuring a Club Lounge, four restaurants, and stunning views across Hakata Bay. Instead of skiing in the more well-known town of Niseko, try Hakuba or Nozawaonsen in the Nagano Prefecture for an underrated experience. Then, go for an après-ski soak in nearby hot springs (onsen). In nearby Iiyama, you can get crafty with a gold leaf kintsugi workshop, go ice fishing with a local fisherman, or embark on a silent snowshoe adventure through the woods with a monk. Where to Stay : Travel agencies like The Legacy Untold can organize a stay for you in a privately-owned minka , a traditional farmhouse, restored with attention to western comforts. Or, visit Nagano as a day trip from Kanazawa via train. Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin sculpture on Naoshima Art Islands consist of several small islands in the Seto Inland Sea, like Naoshima and Teshima. Blending art, architecture, and nature, it has become a destination for global art aficionados. Here, you'll find a mix of avant-garde installations, world-class museums like The Chichu Art Museum, and thought-provoking outdoor sculptures like Yayoi Kusama's iconic "Pumpkin' on Naoshima. Where to Stay : Benesse House is both a museum and a hotel on the island of Naoshima. Located on a quiet hillside overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, it's perhaps the most immersive way to take in this emerging region. Someone repairing pottery using the method of kintsugi. Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a small city on central Japan's western coastline that offers the cultural wonders of Kyoto without the crowds. Explore Nagamachi, a preserved samurai district, and stroll through Kenroku-en, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Discover the city's renowned artisans, who specialize in crafts from gold leaf to pottery, and visit a traditional geisha house to drink sake and revel with Japan's most delightful entertainers. While in Kanazawa, don't forget to dine on Kobe beef, perhaps Japan's greatest meal that you can get at a very reasonable price point. Where to Stay: At Korinkyo, an art-gallery-turned-boutique-hotel with an onsite distillery, guests will find peaceful, spacious accommodations with cocoon-inspired interiors. A view of Nagamachi Samurai Lakin is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Japan trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Lakin by contacting him at [email protected] .
South China Morning Post
07-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
Surge in Hongkongers visiting Japan expected after manga ‘megaquake' fears fade
Hongkongers' enthusiasm for visiting Japan is expected to rebound 'explosively' in the coming days and months after fears of a 'megaquake' predicted in a manga proved unfounded, an industry leader has said. Advertisement Steve Huen Kwok-chuen, executive director of EGL Tours, said on Monday that rumours of a July 5 earthquake had earlier caused significant concern among some Hongkongers. Many residents had shelved trips to Japan, leading to a sharp decline in tour group bookings. He said his agency normally hosted 10 daily tour groups to Japan each with 25 to 30 members during the July summer holiday, but on Saturday only three set off, with about 10 people in each. Huen said some Hongkongers were particularly affected by the quake prediction. 'Some media outlets in Hong Kong have been hardworking and reported [on the quake fears] daily,' he said. 'Even people who initially didn't believe it ended up being convinced.' Advertisement He described the situation as 'the darkest hour before dawn'. But with the earthquake rumours dispelled, interest in travel to the country had bounced back 'in an explosive surge'.
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Forbes
10 Must-Know Japan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Fujiyoshida, Japan, 14 November 2019: Chureito Pagoda, a five-storied pagoda, also known as the Fujiyoshida Cenotaph Monument, can be seen on the observatory overlooking Mount Fuji. Fuji on the background getty Japan is one of the most popular international destinations right now. In April 2025, Japan welcomed a record-breaking 3.9 million international visitors, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). One of the most tourist friendly destinations, there is a learning curve to traveling here, and knowing how to navigate and plan accordingly will ensure a better travel experience. From basic etiquette and can't miss public transportation tips to planning the best time of year to visit (and knowing best time of year to avoid), here are ten essential travel tips every first time traveler needs to know to plan the best visit possible to Japan. Consular officer of Japan giving passport to woman, approved tourist visa getty U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Japan. Your passport must be valid at the time of entry and for the duration of your time in Japan. You'll need one blank page in your passport for entry and exit stamps. An international tourist tax in the amount of 1,000 yen ($7 USD) is automatically included in your departure airfare. While the Japanese government has begun discussions over whether or not to implement a 'tourist tax' on foreign visitors which could come into effect as soon as 2026, accommodation taxes in major cities including Kyoto are already under way. Currently, international travelers are exempt from Japan's 10% consumption tax, however starting Nov. 1, 2026, visitors will have to request a refund for Japan's tax-free shopping program. Until that takes effect, by presenting your Passport at the time of purchase, tourists will continues to enjoy tax free shopping across the country. Pro Tip : Fill out your immigration and customs declaration information at Visit Japan Web before your trip if you want to save time at the airport when you land. Once completed, you will receive a QR Code which you'll need to present at immigration in Japan. This simple tip will save you a lot of time when you land, otherwise you will need to fill this out and wait upon arrival. 2. Time Your Trip Right For The Best Experience Asian woman wearing japanese traditional kimono and cherry blossom in spring, Japan. getty Japan is a year-round destination and there's never a shortage of places to go or things to do depending on the time of year. The busiest, and most popular time of year to visit is in the springtime for cherry blossom season. The exact timing depends on the weather, however cherry blossoms typically begin to bloom around mid-to-late March through early April and you can expect hotel prices to be at their highest during this time. Wintertime brings lower temperatures and fewer tourists and is a great time to visit a local onsen (hot spring) or plan a visit to Hokkaido for skiing or snowboarding. Summertime can be busy and hot across mainland Japan, and while nature-centric activities abound, summer is a great time to consider a visit to Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa. Fall is ideal weather-wise and is a great time for leaf peeping and touring thanks to a comfortable climate and plenty of cultural activities and festivals. Pro Tip : There's never a bad time to visit Japan, however if you want to avoid high prices at hotels and lots of crowds, it's advisable to steer clear of Golden Week. Typically, Golden Week starts around the end of April until the beginning of May and is when domestic travelers take their holiday so you can expect to see higher prices, less availability at hotels, and larger crowds at popular tourist sites and attractions. 3. Book The Right Hotel For Your Stay Business concept with aerial view of hotel at tokyo ,Japan getty When it comes to hotels in Japan, from sweeping skyscraper hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans (Japanese inns) to cozy capsules and love hotels, there's truly something for every traveler on every budget. Make sure to book hotel reservations in advance. In Tokyo, staying in a neighborhood like Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza is a great way for first-time visitors to get the most out of their visit. A five-minute walk to Shibuya Station, Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya offers modern Western-style rooms and incredible views in arguably one of the best locations in town. For something a bit more budget-friendly, Shiba Park Hotel is a book themed hotel within walking distance to Tokyo Tower and is a great cost effective option. TRUNK Hotel Cat Street is 15-room boutique hotel located between Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando and is a great respite for the sustainability-conscious traveler. Pro Tip : Many hotels in Japan offer in-room loungewear called a yukata at no additional cost for guests to wear during their stay. 4. Understand The Tipping Culture In Japan Mature landlady greeting young female guests at ryokan. Women are bowing in front of inn owner. They are standing outside hotel. getty Tipping is not a part of the culture in Japan. However you might find that some restaurants, izakaya's (Japanese pubs), and bars in Tokyo's Golden Gai district have a table charge at night that typically ranges anywhere from ¥300 and ¥1,000 (less than $5). This table charge will be added to your tab which is customary and typically disclosed in advance. While tipping is generally not expected at restaurants or for taxis, there are some exceptions to the no tipping rule. If you have a fantastic private tour guide or have the chance to experience dinner with a geisha, tipping at your discretion, while not expected, is appreciated. Pro Tip : When appropriate, you should present your tip and follow it with a polite head bow to the person you are tipping as a sign of respect. 5. Carry Cash—Not Everywhere In Japan Takes Cards Young woman using self-checkout and e-money payment getty While credit and debit cards are widely accepted across Japan, it's a good idea to have plenty of Japanese currency (JPY) on hand. While most credit cards are accepted, many places will not accept American Express so you should plan on bringing multiple bank cards just in case. U.S currency is not accepted in Japan, however you can exchange USD for Japanese Yen at hotels and banks across the country. ATM's are located at convenience stores (Konbini's) across the country and are considered safe to use. Pro Tip: Having a small coin purse on you will help keep smaller change in the form of Japanese yen on hand. 6. Reserve Restaurants In Advance Hipster young man and woman walking into Japanese bar with lanterns, nightlife, date, food and drink getty Japan is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country on earth, and while you don't have to shell out a fortune to eat well, you should plan on making reservations at top-rated restaurants well in advance. Vending machine ramen restaurants are a unique part of the food culture in Japan and are a can't miss experience. Plan on using Japanese Yen for these, along with smaller restaurants, izakaya's, and food markets. If you find yourself in Japan without a reservation, don't fret. With thousands of restaurants to choose from, Tabelog is the county's go-to restaurant reservation app. You can also ask your hotel concierge to help with last minute restaurant requests. No matter where you go, be prepared to queue up. Waiting on line is a part of the dining culture in Japan, and typically, the better or more popular the restaurant, the longer the wait. Pro Tip : Train stations and malls are a great place to find a wide variety eateries and stock up on local snacks and souvenirs. 7. Brush Up On Etiquette And Manners Japanese businessmen bowing in traditional Japanese customs used when greeting colleagues and formalizing deals getty From removing your shoes before entering certain establishments and sacred spaces to bowing as a sign of respect when you're greeting someone, not speaking loudly on your cell phone in public, and bathing rituals at the local onsen (hot spring) there's a learning curve when it comes to understanding Japanese etiquette. There are plenty of resources and books dedicated to Japanese etiquette, and a basic understanding of politeness and punctuality are integral to Japanese life that should be adhered to throughout your time in Japan. Pro Tip : Loudly slurping your soba noodles or ramen is, surprisingly enough, socially acceptable. Don't feel like you're being rude by slurping loudly, it's a part of the culture and these meals are meant to be sipped, slurped and enjoyed without holding back. 8. Use Trains And Buses To Get Around Rail transport in Japan is a major means of passenger transport, especially for mass and high-speed travel between major cities and for commuter transport in urban areas. getty Trains and buses are the best and most cost effective ways to get around in Japan. Public transportation is incredibly safe, clean, and efficient. You'll want to invest in a prepaid subway card called an IC Card which can be downloaded directly onto your smartphone and refilled automatically along the way. Suica and Pasmo are the two most popular IC cards, and they can be purchased, used, and refilled automatically on your phone or at just about every subway station and konbini (convenience stores) around Japan. Your IC Card is good to use for buses, subways, and ferries and can even be used to purchase items at convenience stores and vending machines around the city. It's important to note that an IC Card is different from a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). While IC cards can be used on select shinkansen lines, fares will vary. A Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is a good investment for visitors who plan on traveling extensively throughout Japan. A JR Pass can be purchased in increments of 7, 14, and 21 consecutive days and includes two types of fares: Green Car and Ordinary Car. While your JR Pass will cover unlimited train rides on most JR trains including Shinkansen (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkanzen), limited express, express, rapid, and local trains, it's important to note that some trains do require an additional fee. You can buy your JR Pass in advance of your trip and note that if you're traveling with large suitcases, you will need to purchase and reserve a seat that includes oversizes baggage which is typically at the end of the train car. Taxis and Ubers are also widely available in major cities and very reliable, just note that Uber and taxis operate as the same service. While Ubers and taxis are available, it's a considerably more expensive option compared to public transportation. Go Taxi is Japan's go-to taxi app and is available in nearly every prefecture across Japan. Pro Tip : Every passenger (even children) need their own IC Card, meaning you can't share an IC Card. Public transportation can be a bit confusing for first time travelers and non-native Japanese speakers, however there are always people on hand at train stations and bus terminals if you have questions. 9. Visit A Konbini—A Japan Travel Essential Kawaguchiko, Japan - December 7, 2023: Customers entering a Lawson konbini (convenience store) with Mount Fuji seen behind it at dawn. getty Japanese konbini's (convenience stores) are fundamental to everyday life in Japan. Open 24-7, there are a variety of konbini's to choose from including 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart and they can be found just about everywhere in cities big and small across the country. You can find a little bit of everything at the konbini, from the ever-popular crustless egg sando to onigiri and bento boxes and tickets to popular attractions like Disneyland. You can also refill your IC Card here and use your IC Card like a credit card to make purchases. Pro Tip : Konbini ATM's are a reliable place to withdraw money and unlike many Japanese banks accept most foreign ATM cards. 10. Download These Must-Have Apps For Japan Travel Close up of woman navigating location with smartphone in busy city street at night getty There are a few apps you're going to need during your time in Japan. Google Maps will be your best friend on the ground in Japan and while knowing a few basic Japanese phrases like konnichiwa (hello) and arigato (thank you) is a good start, Google Translate is both helpful and necessary in effectively communicating when you need a bit a of a boost. Your smartphone is also equipped with a camera that can translate from Japanese to English in real time and having a currency converter calculator will come in handy when you're trying to figure out how to quickly convert Japanese Yen to USD. For restaurant reservations, Tabelog is Japan's go to app and has tens of thousands of restaurants divided by city. For transportation, download your Suica Card and refill it on your phone as needed. Pro Tip: WiFi hotspots are widely available across major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, however if you're traveling to smaller cities and more remote regions you might want to consider purchasing a pocket wifi or local SIM card which can be found when you land at the airport in Japan or at local convenience stores across the country. Read More Forbes Forbes This Luxury Hotel Brand Is Opening Its First Hotel In Japan By Michelle Gross Forbes Hotels Across Japan Are Gearing Up For Cherry Blossom Season By Michelle Gross Forbes Japan's First 'Blue Zones' Retreat Is Coming To Okinawa By Michelle Gross
