Japan's Tourism Boom Hits Record High Amid Weak Yen

Japan set a record for monthly visitors in June, driven by a weak yen that spurred tourism. Japan saw 3.14 million visitors, surpassing previous records. Visitor spending could reach 8 trillion yen in 2023. The government aims to double annual visitors by 2030, despite concerns about overtourism.

Japan set a new record for monthly visitors in June, official data released on Friday shows. The weak yen has fueled a tourism boom, making Japan a top destination for both business and leisure travel. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors last month reached 3.14 million, surpassing the previous record of 3.08 million set in March and up from 3.04 million in May.

The first half of 2023 saw 17.78 million arrivals, a record half-year figure. This surge is on track to break the annual record of 31.9 million set in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida estimates visitor spending to hit 8 trillion yen ($50 billion) this year, emphasizing measures against 'overtourism'. The tourism sector is expected to become Japan's second-largest export industry by 2024.

With the yen at a 38-year low against the dollar, Japan has become a bargain destination for overseas travelers. Notably, visitors from Taiwan and the United States hit all-time highs for any month, though arrivals from China were down by 25% compared to June 2019. Despite economic benefits, increased crowds and littering have prompted local concerns. Measures like admission fees for Mt. Fuji and higher charges for foreign tourists at Himeji's castle are being implemented to manage the influx.

Prime Minister Kishida aims to nearly double annual visitors to 60 million by 2030, along with visitor spending reaching 15 trillion yen. Infrastructure investments in regional airports and other facilities are planned to support this growth. Kishida stressed the importance of promoting regional tourism while mitigating overtourism.

(With inputs from agencies.)