Japan welcomes record number of visitors through first half of 2024

The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) has advised that the country received a record 17.78 million overseas visitors in first half of 2024 - bursting past pre-pandemic levels

With a weak yen helping draw visitation, the figure is more than one million more people than the previous high of 16.63 million in 2019.

Japan welcomes record number of visitors through first half of 2024

The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) has advised that the country received a record 17.78 million overseas visitors in first half of 2024 - bursting past pre-pandemic levels.

With a weak yen helping draw visitation, the figure is more than one million more arrivals than the previous high of 16.63 million in 2019.

South Koreans were the biggest visitor group, totalling 4.4 million arrivals, followed by Chinese, Taiwanese and Americans.

The influx of visitors has delivered a much-needed boost to Japan’s economy, which has struggled with stagnant growth for decades, but also prompted grumbles from some locals.

In May, authorities in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture erected a barrier to stop tourists from swarming a popular viewing spot for Mount Fuji.

Kyoto’s local council has also banned tourists from entering alleyways in the traditional district of Gion following reports of visitors harassing geishas.

Last month, the Mayor of Himeji, Hideyasu Kiyomoto, generated significant media interest when he said he would consider charging foreigners six times as much as locals to enter the city’s UNESCO-listed castle.

Images: The image of tourism at Japan's My Fuji (top) and the reality (below). Credit: Shutterstock.