Visitors Staying in Nara Reach Record High

Jul 16, 2025 | News On Japan

NARA - The number of people who stayed overnight in Nara City in 2023 reached approximately 2.04 million, the highest figure in the past 15 years.

According to the city of Nara, a total of 2.038 million people stayed overnight in the city last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and marking the highest number since record-keeping began 15 years ago.

Of this total, foreign tourists accounted for 445,000, setting a new all-time high.

City officials attribute the growth to increasing recognition of Nara as a destination worthy of extended stays, as well as the active development of hotel accommodations, including lower-priced options.

The total number of tourists who visited Nara in 2023, including day-trippers, reached 14.87 million—up 21.9% from the previous year.

The city government emphasized that offering travel plans that match public interest will be essential going forward and aims to work closely with the tourism association to better understand visitor needs.

Source: 奈良テレビNEWS

Typhoon No. 31 Accelerates Away From Japan

As of 3 a.m. on November 6, Typhoon No. 31 (In-fa) was moving northeast across the Pacific Ocean east of Japan at 75 kilometers per hour and was expected to become an extratropical cyclone by Friday afternoon, although dangerous swells and high waves could continue along Japan's Pacific coast throughout the day.

Japanese Calligraphy Set to Join UNESCO List

Japanese calligraphy is set to be added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list after an evaluation body recommended its registration on November 5th, paving the way for the traditional art form to become Japan's 24th entry and its first since traditional sake brewing was recognized in 2024.

Japan's Tax Relief Plan Sparks Debate Over Middle Income Threshold

Japan's government is facing growing pressure from opposition lawmakers to clarify who will qualify for a new financial support program and how much they will receive, as deliberations on legislation to reduce the consumption tax on food and introduce payments for low- and middle-income earners enter their final stages in the House of Representatives.

Chaos at Narita Airport as Smartphone Catches Fire

A smartphone caught fire at Narita Airport's Terminal 1 shortly after 7:30 a.m. on November 4th, prompting the dispatch of 10 fire trucks and other emergency vehicles before the blaze was extinguished about 30 minutes later, with no injuries reported.

Tokyo Police Pay Tribute to Fallen Canine Officers

A memorial service was held at a cemetery in Tokyo's Itabashi Ward on the morning of November 4 to honor police and security dogs that served in criminal investigations, disaster rescue operations, and other police duties, with 11 dogs newly laid to rest since late September 2025.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Awaji Island Vacation Rentals Spark Growing Complaints From Residents

Residents of Awaji Island, one of the Kansai region's most popular resort destinations, are facing growing disruption from vacation rentals, with complaints involving late-night drinking, outdoor barbecues, fireworks, illegal parking and garbage disposal violations, while one property operator has been accused of destroying a warning sign installed by neighbors.

Bear Charges at Resident in Western Tokyo

A bear cub charged toward a family standing outside their home in Ome, western Tokyo, on November 3rd, rushing straight toward the front door moments after a high-pitched cry was heard from nearby bushes, in an encounter that left the resident shaken.

Six Pakistanis Arrested Over Illegal Taxi Services in Kyoto

Six Pakistani nationals have been arrested on suspicion of repeatedly operating unauthorized taxi services for foreign tourists in Kyoto and other sightseeing destinations, with police investigating what they believe may be an organized operation involving additional suspects.

Chaos at Narita Airport as Smartphone Catches Fire

Osaka's Winter Illuminations Stretch Four Kilometers

Osaka's annual Midosuji Illumination began on November 3rd, lighting up approximately four kilometers of the city's main thoroughfare from Umeda to Namba with colorful displays celebrating the street's history as one of Osaka's most recognizable winter attractions.

Kyoto's Sagano Romantic Train Enters Final Autumn

Kyoto's popular Sagano Romantic Train is attracting large numbers of foreign tourists for its final autumn season, with the familiar red-and-black carriages set to retire at the end of 2026 after carrying a cumulative 30 million passengers, making way for new trains scheduled to enter service in 2027.

Tokyo's Sensoji Temple Illuminated With 1,400 Years of History

Tokyo's historic Sensoji Temple in Taito Ward was transformed into a dazzling nighttime spectacle on October 30th as a projection mapping event began, bringing 1,400 years of history and culture to life across the temple's main hall and Hozomon Gate.

Imperial Palace Opens Cafe and Rooftop Terrace

A new rest facility featuring the first cafe inside the Imperial Palace opened in Tokyo's East Gardens on November 3, offering visitors a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, exhibits on the Imperial Family, and exclusive souvenirs.

< 2 3 4 5 >