Japanese Towns Where Foreign Tourists Have Exploded

Mar 12, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - A ranking of popular Winter tourist spots in Japan among foreigners has been released. Although foreign tourists tend to choose winter sports destinations during the colder months, surprisingly, Inuyama City, which is not associated with snow, ranked first.

Why the Fourfold Increase in Tourists?

This winter, the number of foreign tourists in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, has quadrupled.

Aviation and travel analyst Kotaro Toriumi: "The reason for the popularity of Inuyama is that it can be seen as part of a travel route for foreigners."

If you head to Shirakawa-go, a famous tourist spot in Japan, from Chubu Airport, Inuyama is on the way. In other words, the perfect stopover spot for travelers tired from a long journey.

Japan's Oldest Castle Tower, a National Treasure: Inuyama Castle

Inuyama is popular for its castle town and tea rooms where you can enjoy matcha, offering a taste of Japan's historical atmosphere.

Akaigawa Village in Hokkaido Ranked Second

Next, the second-place tourist spot with an increase in foreign visitors is Akaigawa Village, located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, an area with heavy snowfall.

Otari Village in Nagano Ranked Third

The third biggest increase in tourist numbers is Otari Village in the northwestern part of Nagano Prefecture, a popular spot for skiing.

The ranking of these tourist spots is based on the usage of apps by foreign tourists, comparing last winter and this winter.

Source: ANN

Typhoon No. 25 Threatens Kanto and Izu Islands

Large Typhoon No. 25 was moving northwest over waters south of Japan at 3 p.m. on September 19 and is forecast to strengthen as it approaches Kanto and the Izu Islands from September 20 through September 21, bringing the risk of torrential rain, violent winds and further damage in areas still recovering from last year's typhoon.

Bear Sighting Raises Alarm at Popular Tokyo Hiking Spot

A black bear has been spotted near one of the most popular hiking trails on Mount Takao in western Tokyo, prompting authorities to urge visitors to take precautions ahead of the five-day Silver Week holiday and the approaching autumn foliage season.

Starbucks Considers Selling Majority Stake in Japan Business

Starbucks is considering selling a majority stake in its Japanese business, potentially valued at as much as $3 billion, or about 470 billion yen, as the U.S. coffee chain seeks to concentrate management resources on its struggling North American operations.

Halloween Jumbo Lottery Goes on Sale With 400 Million Yen Top Prize

Japan's Halloween Jumbo Lottery went on sale nationwide on September 16, offering a combined top payout of 400 million yen for the first prize and its adjacent-number prizes.

Shinkansen Introduces New Luxury Private Compartment

A new top-tier "Supreme Class" offering fully private compartments above the level of Green Car service will debut on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen on October 1, with passengers able to experience the new seating at a demonstration booth at Shin-Osaka Station.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Kyushu Shinkansen Back on Track for Silver Week

The Kyushu Shinkansen will resume operations along its entire route on September 18 after suffering extensive track and other damage in the Kumamoto earthquake, raising hopes that the long-awaited restoration will help revive tourism in disaster-hit areas ahead of the Silver Week holiday period.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Tourism Ahead of Silver Week

Prolonged rain is disrupting tourism ahead of Japan's Silver Week holidays, forcing Nagatoro's popular river cruises to remain suspended for an 11th consecutive day while increased water flow at Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture is drawing more visitors.