Happy New Year, everyone!! 2024 has opened in Japan with the heartbreaking news of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and the collision at Haneda Airport. First, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to those affected by the earthquake. The areas affected by the quake are still suffering from intermittent strong aftershocks. I hope that calm days will return to the affected areas soon.
The earthquake has put us out of the festive mood for the New Year, but what will happen to Japan's inbound market this year? According to data from the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of inbound tourists to Japan has been steadily recovering, and we expect it to continue at this rate. So, for those of you considering visiting Japan in 2024, I am sure you have many things to worry about. Although I am not a professional industry analyst, I would like to share with you some of the changes and prospects for 2024 that I have experienced firsthand as a guide for various visitors to Japan at the beginning of the year.
Over-tourism
The number of foreign visitors to Japan in November 2023 was 2,440,800, almost the same as in 2019, exceeding 2 million for the sixth consecutive month. The total number of visitors through November reached 22,332,000, surpassing the 20 million mark. The number of visitors to Japan has been recovering steadily since the end of the Corona. If the recovery continues at this rate, the annual number of visitors will likely exceed the pre-corona peak of 31.88 million in 2024.
This steady recovery is gratifying for those involved in the tourism industry, such as myself. Still, I suspect that "over-tourism," as I experienced during my visit to Kyoto last autumn, will become more of a problem in many places. Venice, Italy, has already announced that it will experimentally introduce measures to curb tourism for about 30 days between April and July of this year, during the peak season of consecutive holidays and weekends. While there may be many ways to curb the number of visitors, the admission restrictions are the last measure.
According to market surveys, Japan is always in the top class of favorability as a travel destination, and its popularity is extremely high. The number of tourist destinations will eventually get into the same situation as Kyoto due to the steady spread of social media.
At the same time, the Japanese government has designated 11 model tourist destinations, including Matsumoto, Takayama, Kagoshima, and Aso, to curb the concentration of tourists in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. However, many problems still need to be solved, such as preparing these 11 regions as new tourist destinations and disseminating information about them. However, from a different perspective, you can do a little research on these 11 areas ahead of time and visit them before they become more popular.
The Nasu area in Tochigi prefecture, which is the closest to the Tokyo metropolitan area, is a place I like very much. It is close to Tokyo, and you can take a day trip easily. It has abundant nature, mountains, hot springs (some of which have a strong sulfur smell), and many other attractions.
Revival of Chinese tourists
The turnout of Chinese tourists, symbolized by the pre-Corona term "shopping spree," has been surprisingly slow. Although the Chinese government lifted the ban on travel to Japan last August for group tours only, the growth in the number of visitors could have been faster, probably due to political factors in Japan-China relations and the economic situation that China is facing. According to some experts' analysis, the number of visitors from China will not return to the 2019 level until 2025.
The current situation will change drastically once the influx of Chinese tourists starts earnestly. Tourist destinations in various regions will likely be overcrowded. On the other hand, since the movement of Chinese tourists will be in full swing by next year, this is the best time to visit Japan.
Diversification of destinations
Last January, Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture was featured along with Fukuoka City and other cities in a New York Times article titled "52 Cities in the World You Should Visit". Craig Mod wrote Morioka's part. Craig Mod, a Japan-based writer, provided unique perspectives and insights to foreign tourists. This case may symbolize that many local cities in Japan have attractions and possibilities for foreign visitors. The problem is a need for more information. Hence, visitors to Japan tend to rely heavily on social media, which has many followers, as a source of information, making it easy for unexpected places to become popular depending on PR strategies. In this sense, how data is collected is essential.
People in my position have a great responsibility in this area. I want to present more about less well-known places worth visiting. I also need to make our newsletter more informative. Therefore, the perspectives of repeat visitors are critical, and I would love to hear from you about the places you would like to visit and the experiences you would like to have. I would love to hear your comments.
Disaster management
A powerful earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in the Hokuriku region of Japan on New Year's Day. Rescue operations are still underway in the affected areas. As I was involved in news reporting when the Great East Japan Earthquake struck in 2011, I hope that assistance will reach the affected areas as soon as possible. There were reports that foreign travelers were also caught up in the quake. Many readers have also considered what would happen if they encountered a major earthquake while traveling. The Hokuriku region attracts many tourists during this season for its abundant seafood, as typified by crab, and hot springs. Winter is the best season to visit Hokuriku. However, the disaster is believed to have significantly affected the region.
Japanese meteorological authorities use the expression "possibility of a catastrophic earthquake in 30 years" in certain places to alert the public that a catastrophe could occur in the not-too-distant future. Thirty years is a relatively "imminent" time in the earth's long history. I will leave the details for another time. Still, I want to remind travelers that Japan is an earthquake-prone country, and that the Noto Peninsula earthquake on New Year's Day allowed travelers to think of this. Just by going on a trip with this awareness, the measures you can take in case of an emergency will change drastically.
Finally
Although this may sound a bit daunting to those from countries where earthquakes rarely occur, the key words to consider when planning a trip to Japan in 2024 are as follows.
Over-tourism
The beauty of unknown local cities
Disaster Management
The spring cherry blossom season is just two and a half months away, but there is still time for the autumn leaves season. Especially for repeat visitors, why don't you aim for a trip only you can make?
I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan. Please leave comments.
Hola , Lo Primero Dar El Pésame A Todos Los Japoneses Que Han Perdido Aún Familiar , En Estos Dos Graves Sucesos Que Comentas , Esperó Una Pronta Recuperación A Los Heridos También. Sobre El Turismo , Es Una Gran Industria Que Mueve Millones , Pero Como Bien Dices Tiene Sus Consecuencias , En España Éste 2023 Más De 85 Millones De Personas Visitaron El País, Casi El Doble Que Su Población. Empieza A Ser Un Problema Ambiental , Barcos Turísticos Que Cada Día Que Pasan En Un Puerto , Contaminan Como Un Millón De Coches Diésel , La Falta De Agua , Llevamos Más De Dos Años De Sequía Y Las Aglomeraciones En Los Centros De Las Ciudades Y En Los Parques Naturales , Que Afectan A Vecinos , Flora Y Fauna. Un Saludo.