Spending by visitors to Japan exceeds 4 trillion yen in 2017
Jiji -- Jan 17
Spending by visitors from abroad during their stays in Japan exceeded 4 trillion yen for the first time on record in 2017, the Japan National Tourism Organization said in a preliminary report on Tuesday.

The amount of spending rose 17.8 pct from the previous year to 4,416.1 billion yen, representing the fifth straight year of record results.

The expansion in consumption was backed by growth in the number of visitors to Japan, mainly from China, Taiwan and South Korea, amid increased flights by budget airlines.

The number of overall visitors to Japan climbed 19.3 pct to 28,690,900 in 2017, hitting a record high for the fifth consecutive year, the JNTO said in an estimate.

Spending on shopping accounted for the largest share of 37.1 pct, or 1,639.8 billion yen. Accommodation fees came second, at 28.2 pct, and wining and dining expenses third, at 20.1 pct.

News source: Jiji