Edvard Vondra’s Post

160 Yen Well, that mark got broken today, back down, below 160, but still. At the same time, tourists are overunning the country's hotspots. On a walk last night in Minato-ku, we saw group after group of foreign tourists taking selfies of anything that moved (ok, mainly Tokyo Tower but still) The solution? Higher-end tourists, people will money to burn. As the article states, Japan is primed for luxury tourism. Except it isn't. The infrastructure is simply not there, spotty wi-fi, mislabeled menus, hotel directions, everything. High-flying tourists expect to be pampered and have little patience and outside of the 5-star hotels in Tokyo, this will be a tough road ahead. 1% of tourists driving 14% of tourist dollars (like a reverse 80/20 rule), is a great target, but will be costly and difficult. However, with all the foreign money pouring into Japanese companies, perhaps things will be sped up a little more than usual and this opportunity can be captured. The Japan Times #tourism #highrollers #japantourism https://lnkd.in/gDUBSAFP

The contrasting realities of visiting Japan. I took the image on the left while in Tokyo on Saturday and the image on the right while assisting with a 'yamabushi' - mountain ascetic - experience near my home in Nagano yesterday. As a full-time guide in Japan, I find it quite staggering on the insistence of inbound tourism to tread the same old tired route of Tokyo, Hakone, Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka. Media coverage of overtourism in all of those destinations is hard to miss yet relatively few inbound visitors factor it in to their plans nor travel to other regions, such as Central Japan. Having lived in Japan for more than 10 years and guided for more than 7 years, I can say with confidence you'll have a better time and garner a more complete understanding of this country by getting out of the cities and into places such as this. If you're coming to Japan or know anyone who is, I really encourage you to follow this advice. You'll have a much better experience. #getoutoftokyo #japantourism #visitjapan #overtourism

If you are visiting Japan this year, take note! 🇯🇵 Japan is considering a dual pricing system for residents and foreign tourists due to the surge in visitors and the yen's decline. Existing two-tier systems at public facilities like hot springs offer discounts to locals, but extending this to foreign tourists is contentious! Critics argue it could appear discriminatory For example: 🏞️ In Hokkaido, known for its stunning landscapes and winter resorts, the local tourism organization advocates for discounted rates for locals to maintain accessibility to popular destinations like Niseko. 🏰 Himeji's mayor proposes raising the entrance fee for foreign tourists at the historic Himeji Castle to about $30, compared to $5 for residents, citing preservation concerns amidst rising tourist numbers. 🍣 Tokyo's Tamatebako restaurant has already implemented such pricing, charging foreign tourists more for services due to additional language support requirements. Find the full story at https://lnkd.in/efNuUqbz 💬 What do you think about this approach to managing tourism and local accessibility in Japan? Join the discussion! #Travel #Japan #TourismPolicy #TrinityCollegeDublin #AsianStudies

Japan Welcomes Over 3 Million Visitors in May 2024 We are pleased to share the latest data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) for May 2024. Japan recorded an impressive 3,040,100 international visitors, reflecting a +60.1% year-over-year increase. This marks the third consecutive month with over 3 million visitors, underscoring Japan's continued appeal as a global travel destination. 📊 Key Statistics for May 2024: - Total Visitors: 3,040,100 - Year-over-Year Increase: +60.1% - Top Countries of Origin: - South Korea: 738,800 visitors - China: 545,400 visitors - Taiwan: 466,000 visitors - USA: 247,000 visitors These figures highlight the diverse interest in Japan's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant cities. We are dedicated to maintaining this positive trend by ensuring an exceptional experience for all visitors. For more detailed insights, please refer to the full report from the JNTO. https://lnkd.in/eqs5-pjU #JapanTourism #TravelStatistics #InboundTourism #TourismData #JNTO

The Japan Tourism Organization announced on April 17 that the number of foreign visitors to Japan in March (estimated value) was 3,081,600, exceeding 3 million for the first time in a single month, an increase of 11.6% from the same month in 2019. The number of visitors to Japan has continued to increase since last fall. We do not derive any direct economic benefits from the increase in the number of short-term visitors to Japan. Nevertheless, we will continue to see that the increase in the number of tourists visiting Japan will deepen the stimulus to the economy of Japan as a whole. #visitorsjapan #inboundjapan #3millionpeople #visitorsmarket #japantrourism 

In 2023, Tokyo has built many new tourist attractions, and tourists are returning after three years of being banned from entering Japan. That is good news. However, there is a gap between customer expectations from different countries and traditional Omotenashi. Omotenashi is not only Yokoso, with a nice smile, cheap restaurants, clean streets, and free oshibori, but means various services and adaptations to specific customers' needs. Customer Journey can not be the same for everyone (not anymore), and individualization requires various services and know-how. Yes, covering the cost only has to be adjusted with more value for higher prices. The last one is the use of technology and immigration which is obviously needed to maintain tourism as an important export industry in Japan. #Tokyo #tourism #omotenashi

Chiba: There’s a lot more to Japan’s international gateway than you might expect #TheRealJapan #Japantravel #Japantrip #Japan #Japanguide #Travel #Japantravelplan #japantravelplanning #japantripplan #planjapantrip #armchairtravel

#VantageOnFirstpost Japan Erects Wall Blocking Mount Fuji View to Ward off Tourists | Vantage with Palki Sharma Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain. But soon, its view will be blocked. Japan is erecting an 8-foot wall to ward off tourists. Because tourists misbehave and overcrowd a popular photo spot near Mount Fuji. Japan is witnessing "overtourism" amid a travel boom. 33 million people are expected to visit Japan this year. In a first, Japan saw more than three million tourists in march. But this nation is hardly the only one. Tourism will break records globally in 2024. It will add $11.1 trillion to the global economy. But at the same time, overtourism will create an array of problems including overcrowding, infrastructure problems, and soaring housing costs. So many countries are battling overtourism with over-the-top solutions. Palki Sharma tells you how. --- Japan | Overtourism | Mass Tourism | Mount Fuji | Firstpost | World News | News Live | Vantage | Palki Sharma | News #japan #mountfujiview #overtourism #firstpost #vantageonfirstpost #palkisharma #worldnews

It's unlikely your brand or destination is struggling because your offers lacks quality. That's rarely the problem. Your weak points are usually value creation, differentiation, and experience design. When these three elements work in harmony, you will have a unique magnetic pull that tourists can't resist. Drop me a message if I can help 📩 Or, register your interest on my website (link in comments) 👋 _________________________________ I help brands & destinations to attract inbound and domestic tourists in Japan. Visit Point North to learn how you can dominate Japan's travel market 🌏 #strategy #Japan #tourism

Japanese authorities are taking drastic measures to combat overtourism at Mount Fuji, installing a massive black barrier to block the iconic volcano from view at a popular photo spot. The 8-foot-high mesh net, equivalent to the length of a cricket pitch, is a response to overcrowding and misbehavior by tourists, including littering and ignoring traffic regulations. The move reflects a growing global trend of destinations grappling with the negative impacts of tourism, from Kyoto's geisha district banning visitors to Venice charging day-trippers for entry. As Japan sees record numbers of overseas tourists, authorities are implementing measures to protect both iconic landmarks and local communities from the pressures of mass tourism. #Japan #MountFuji #Overtourism #TourismManagement #DestinationManagement #TravelTrends #ResponsibleTourism #TouristBehavior #GlobalTrends #EnvironmentalImpact #CulturalHeritage #CommunityProtection #TouristAttractions #TravelIndustry #SustainableTourism #HindustanHerald #heraldnews #hindustan #herald