Japan tourism booms as COVID curbs end
TOKYO, Dec 22 (inverelltimes.com.au) - Visitor arrivals to Japan have jumped to almost one million in the first full month since the country scrapped COVID-19 curbs that effectively halted tourism for more than two years.
Data released on Wednesday showed the number of foreign visitors, for both tourism and business, rose to 934,500 in November, almost double the October figure, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) said.
Still, arrivals were down almost two-thirds compared with pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
"The demand for Japan out of North America is very strong right now," Air Canada vice president of international sales Virgilio Russi told Reuters before Wednesday's numbers were released.
Passenger demand from Canada to Japan is more than double what it was in 2019, Russi added, citing a shift away from China among business travellers as well as tourists taking advantage of the current weakness of the yen. ...continue reading
China to allow visa-free entry for 6 countries, but not Japan
NHK - Nov 26
China will soon allow visa-free entry for citizens of six countries, in a move widely seen as an attempt to spur the faltering domestic economy.
Tokyo's Imperial Palace opens for autumn
News On Japan - Nov 25
Inui Street, the famed autumn walk within the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, opened to the public from Saturday.
Kyoto stuns with 'sea of autumn leaves'
News On Japan - Nov 25
Tofukuji Temple, home to 2,000 maple trees and renowned as one of Kyoto's premier autumn hotspots, features the Tsutenkyo Bridge, and the breathtaking 'sea of autumn leaves'.
Northern Japan hit by heavy snowfall
News On Japan - Nov 25
The strongest cold snap of the season has brought a dramatic drop in temperatures to northern Japan, where snow began falling Friday morning, with up to 50 cm expected in Hokkaido and Tohoku by Saturday evening, and a chance of blizzards.
Tourists flock to Kyoto's autumn hotspots
News On Japan - Nov 23
As Kyoto's autumn foliage reaches its peak, swarms of tourists have converged on the ancient capital, captivated by stunning displays like Wednesday evening's illumination at Kiyomizu Temple.
Naked Festival set for full revival after four years
News On Japan - Nov 22
In the crowded halls of the Nishi-Achiyama Kannon-in Temple in Okayama City, men, completely devoid of clothing, press tightly against each other. This is the famous "Naked Festival."
Japan to introduce tuberculosis testing for travellers from Philippines, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar
visaguide.world - Nov 22
In 2024, the Japanese government aims to mandate tuberculosis tests for individuals from six countries seeking to enter Japan for over three months.
Japan's weather officials forecast warmer than normal winter
NHK - Nov 22
Japan's weather officials predict warmer-than-normal temperatures and less snow across the country in its three-month-period forecast of December through February.
Roppongi Christmas Lights 2023
VIRTUAL JAPAN - Nov 20
Checking out the first weekend of the Christmas lights in both Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills.
Japan sees shift to domestic travel amid weakening yen and aging population
News On Japan - Nov 20
Preparations for the New Year are underway across Japan, with a noticeable shift from overseas to domestic travel for the year-end and New Year season, stemming from the yen's historic decline.
Tokyo's Odaiba hosts Japan's largest beach projection mapping
News On Japan - Nov 19
Japan's largest projection mapping event was launched Saturday night on the sandy beaches of Odaiba Seaside Park, Tokyo.
Toei subway completes platform door installation, employee idea slashes costs
News On Japan - Nov 19
The introduction of platform doors at Nishimagome Station on the Toei Asakusa Line marks the completion of platform door installation across all Tokyo Metropolitan Government-managed subway stations.
Trash cans make techy return to Japan as tourists flood cities
taipeitimes.com - Nov 19
Japan has long managed to keep its streets spotless despite having no trash cans in sight, but cities are now turning to “smart” bins as tourist numbers — and the amount of garbage — surges.
Snow falls 30 days early in Fukuoka
News On Japan - Nov 18
Fukuoka City, on the northern shore of Japan's Kyushu Island, observed its first snowfall of the season on Saturday, 30 days ahead of average.
Travel to Japan is increasing to new levels!
ONLY in JAPAN - Nov 18
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported that travelers to Japan passed the record for October set in 2019! That’s a huge accomplishment for several reasons which we will discuss today - in Tokyo’s November rain.
Exploring Harajuku, The Center of Japanese Pop Culture!
Ordinary Adventures - Nov 18
We are exploring the Harajuku, this is one of the most kawaii areas of Tokyo Japan. But before we get to the cute stuff we’ll explore the beautiful and historic Meiji shrine.
