Travel

Foreign Visitors to Japan Rebound to Over 80% of Pre-Pandemic Levels, Reaching Nearly 25.83 Million Last Year

TOKYO, Jan 26 (News On Japan) - Over 25 million foreigners entered Japan in the past year, recovering over 80% of visitor traffic before the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the preliminary figures released by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the number of foreign nationals who entered Japan last year was about 25.83 million, an increase of 21.63 million or 515% compared to the previous year.

The number of foreign entries had significantly declined due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but last year it recovered to over 80% of the record high of 31.19 million people in 2019. Of these, approximately 23.75 million were new entries, with South Korea being the top country of origin with 6.81 million people, followed by Taiwan with 4.07 million.

In terms of status of residence, short-term stays for tourism accounted for the most with 23.13 million people, followed by technical intern trainees at 180,000 and students at 140,000.

by Brian Dentry

Source: NHK

Osaka-Kansai Expo Faces Construction Delays and Slow Ticket Sales

The Osaka-Kansai Expo is three months away and challenges remain in areas such as pavilion construction and ticket sales.

Tokyo Cedar Pollen Season Starts Record Early Since 1985

Cedar pollen dispersal in Tokyo began on January 8th, marking the earliest start since monitoring began in 1985, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Japan Backs Study on Deep-Sea Oxygen Beyond Photosynthesis

The Japan Foundation has announced a joint research project with a UK research group to investigate the mysterious oxygen produced in the lightless depths of the ocean, known as 'dark oxygen,' which forms through methods other than photosynthesis.

Nintendo to Launch Switch 2 in 2025, Teaser Video Released

Nintendo announced on January 16th that it will release the successor to the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2, sometime in 2025.

Avalanche in Aomori: Foreign Skiers Involved, One Injured

An avalanche occurred near a ski resort in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture, involving 13 people, mostly foreign tourists. All were safely evacuated, with one person sustaining minor injuries.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Ginzan Onsen Implements Vehicle and Entry Restrictions Amid Overtourism

As overtourism becomes a pressing issue in Japan's tourist destinations, Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture has introduced vehicle and entry restrictions starting this month.

Korean Travelers Rush to Saga

Korean tourists are currently flocking to Saga Prefecture, raising curiosity about why they are visiting a region ranked lowest in attractiveness.

Foreign visitors to Japan hit record high in 2024

The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit an all-time high last year, topping the annual record set before the coronavirus pandemic. Spending by tourists also reached a record high. (NHK)

Yomiuriland’s Ferris Wheel Makes Final Spin

Yomiuriland’s iconic Ferris wheel, cherished by visitors for over four decades, marked its final day of operation on Monday, as fans flocked to bid farewell to the beloved attraction and relive old memories.

Off the Beaten Path in Nara: Where History Meets Nature – Discover Asuka & Yoshino

Discover the hidden gems of Nara as I explore the historical charm of Asuka and the natural beauty of Yoshino. From ancient temples to stunning mountain scenery, this journey of where old capital used to be takes you off the beaten path to uncover Japan’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. (Tokyo Kenchan)