Tokyo wants more Russian tourists

Jan 25 (NHK) - The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has held its first tourism promotion event in Moscow.

Representatives of about 65 firms, including Japanese and Russian tour operators and Japanese hotels, came together at a hotel in the Russian capital.

The head of Tokyo's Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, Yuji Fujita, said the city has been making dramatic changes in preparation for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

Officials showed off the city's sights and promoted the country's culinary delights, traditional culture and natural treasures.

About 77 thousand Russian tourists visited Japan last year. That's up 41 percent from 2016. Officials say the increase was helped by an easing of visa requirements.

Even more Russian visitors are expected in 2018, which is designated as a year of Japan-Russia exchange.

An official of a tour operator in Moscow said he hopes the opening of a branch in the Far East region will lead to the creation of more Tokyo tours.

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