Tag - tourism

 
 

TOURISM

The number of car accidents in Japan resulting in death or serious injury that were caused by foreign drivers in the first half of 2025 totaled 258, up by 19 from a year earlier and exceeding 250 for the first time since 2008, according to the National Police Agency.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jul 30, 2025
Ratio of serious car accidents caused by foreign drivers hits record 2.1%
A total of 258 of such accidents, which caused death or serious injury, occurred in the first half of 2025, according to National Police Agency data.
Citing strong vehicle sales and a rise in domestic and foreign tourists, the Finance Ministry upgraded its economic outlook for Okinawa Prefecture.
BUSINESS / Economy
Jul 29, 2025
Finance Ministry upgrades economic view on Okinawa
For production, the ministry downgraded its view on the Hokuriku region and the Kinki region but upgraded that on Okinawa.
In the village of Harie, private "kabata" springs are fed from natural groundwater for a unique take on sustainable living.
LIFE / Travel
Jul 26, 2025
How a single current keeps Shiga’s ‘village of water’ in concert
The quiet community less than an hour from Kyoto makes for a pleasant day trip away from the ancient capital’s crowds.
In Junglia’s Dinosaur Safari attraction during a media preview on Thursday, a casual drive through a habitat for the prehistoric creatures goes haywire when several Tyrannosaurus rexes break out of containment.
JAPAN
Jul 24, 2025
Junglia, Japan’s newest theme park, opens in northern Okinawa
Open from July 25, the new Junglia theme park turns an old golf course into 22 dinosaur- and adventure sports-themed attractions.
Japanese passport holders have visa-free access to 190 destinations out of 227 globally.
JAPAN / Society
Jul 24, 2025
Japan ties with South Korea for second most powerful passport
Japan continues to hold the world’s second most powerful passport — tied with South Korea — according to a new global ranking.
Sohei Kamiya, founder of the Sanseito, which campaigned on a “Japanese first” message and tough immigration rhetoric, speaks at a rally in Gunma Prefecture on July 6.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 23, 2025
Ignore the election hype, foreign residents are here to stay
While the number of foreign residents reached a record high last year, it’s still barely over 3% of the total population, low by international standards.
Delta Air Lines last week reported a 5% year-on-year jump in its second-quarter premium ticket revenue, compared to a 5% decline in main cabin revenue.
BUSINESS
Jul 21, 2025
U.S. airlines reap rewards from premium travel strategy amid demand slump
Strong demand from affluent travelers is helping airlines offset a pullback in spending by price-sensitive customers.
An event featuring maiko (young female entertainers) is held at the Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu in the city of Kyoto.
JAPAN
Jul 20, 2025
Experiential tourism key to driving inbound spending in Japan
The consumption patterns of visitors to Japan have been shifting as their enthusiasm for purchasing luxury items appears to be waning.
Rescue personnel gather around a capsized tourist boat in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, on Saturday.
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 20, 2025
Death toll from Vietnam tourist boat accident climbs to at least 38
The vessel capsized Saturday afternoon carrying 48 tourists and five crew members in one of the worst boating accidents in recent years in the popular tourist area.
One of the entrances to Pao Compound, a nine-story Silk Road-inspired complex in Tokyo's Higashinakano neighborhood
LIFE / Lifestyle
Jul 19, 2025
Touring the Silk Road — without leaving Tokyo
Located near Higashinakano Station, Pao Compound is an eclectic mix of restaurants, event spaces and an affinity for cultural exploration.
Pasona Group has relocated some of its headquarters functions from Tokyo to Awaji Island, developing leisure, restaurant and other facilities there.
BUSINESS
Jul 17, 2025
Pasona to open resort on Awaji Island
The opening ceremony for Hatake no Resort Sansan Villa was held on Wednesday.
Visitors crowd Nakamise shopping street in the Asakusa district of Tokyo on June 22.
JAPAN
Jul 16, 2025
Japan tourism growth slowed as quake rumor deterred Hong Kongers
Fears of an earthquake on or around July 5 originated from a manga by Ryo Tatsuki, whom some claim to have foreseen Japan’s disastrous 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Tokyo police arrested Yuga Matsuoka, an employee at a leasing company, Wednesday on suspicion of attempted arson after he allegedly tried to set fire to a tourist go-kart company’s property.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jul 16, 2025
Tokyo police arrest man for attempted arson at tourist go-kart company
Yuga Matsuoka, the 28-year-old suspect, confessed to the crime, calling the sound from the karts’ engines “noisy” and “stressful.”
The new administrative body would serve as a cross-agency "control tower" to respond to issues such as crime and overtourism involving foreign nationals, according to the government.
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 15, 2025
Japan launches government body to address concerns over foreign nationals
The body will serve as a cross-agency “control tower” to respond to issues such as crime and overtourism involving foreign nationals, the government said.
Foreign tourists at Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo. More than 1 million international visitors have a medical issue in Japan every year.
BUSINESS / Tech
Jul 13, 2025
Tourists in Japan have telemedicine options before calling 119
More than 1 million foreign visitors a year experience a medical event during their stay.
An intricate and massive wooden ring encircles the 2025 World Expo site in Osaka on April 9.
JAPAN
Jul 13, 2025
Visitors to Osaka Expo likely to exceed 10 million soon
The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition is working to reach its target of 22 million visitors, the Osaka Expo’s break-even point in terms of operating costs.
Pick up some country-style bread from Boulangerie Aman on your road trip in Kamikawa, Hokkaido.
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jul 13, 2025
Road-tripping through central Hokkaido? Don’t miss these bakeries
Slice through lavender fields and flaky croissants on your drive through the scenic region of Kamikawa.
People check out Mie Prefecture's exhibit inside the Kansai Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in May.
JAPAN
Jul 12, 2025
Local governments leverage Osaka Expo to attract tourists
Officials of local governments are feeling confident about their promotion activities, with some events to introduce local food and culture at the expo proving popular.
Bullet trains at Tokyo Station earlier this year
JAPAN
Jul 11, 2025
Summer vacation budget for Japanese hits record high
The average budget grew 26.4% to mark an increase for the fourth straight year.
Climbers complete their entry procedures at the fifth station of the Fujinomiya trail in Shizuoka Prefecture on Thursday.
JAPAN
Jul 11, 2025
Mount Fuji opens to climbers in Shizuoka
The mountain is open for climbing until Sept. 10.

Longform

The Terasaka Rice Terraces are seen with Mount Buko in the background.
What Yokoze can teach Japan about rural revival