Low Yen and Cherry Blossom Season... Over 3 Million Foreign Visitors to Japan for Two Consecutive Months

The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan surpassed 3 million for two consecutive months. This is attributed to the combined effects of the weak yen and the demand for visits during the April cherry blossom season. By nationality, Korean visitors recorded the highest number.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Local media, including TV Asahi, reported on the 16th citing the Japan National Tourism Organization that the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan in April was counted at 3,042,900. This is the second highest monthly figure following March, when the number first exceeded 3 million at 3,081,600.

The cumulative number of foreign tourists visiting Japan from January to April this year reached 11.6 million, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 2019. TV Asahi stated, "Factors include demand for visits during the cherry blossom season and tourists during the Islamic Ramadan period," adding, "The Middle East region, France, and Italy saw the highest monthly number of tourists ever."

By nationality, Korea led with 661,200 visitors, followed by China (533,600), Taiwan (459,700), and the United States (228,900). China has recovered to about 73% of its pre-pandemic 2019 level.

However, the rapid increase in foreign visitors has raised concerns about so-called overtourism. In some tourist spots, additional fees are being charged to foreigners and tourists, and to prevent overcrowding, some scenic views such as Mount Fuji are deliberately being blocked, sparking controversy.

Meanwhile, the number of Japanese nationals traveling abroad in the same month was 888,800, which is only 53.3% of the pre-pandemic level.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.