japan tourism rates

Japan-bound Statistics

Time series data-set related to Overseas Residents’ Visit to Japan can be downloaded.

Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan 08 March 2024

• According to JNTO, the estimated number of international travelers to Japan in January 2024 was 2,688,100 (at the same level as in 2019).

Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan (Estimated figures)

2,688,100 Visits

YOY　 +79.5％

January to January

1.1 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by month

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

1.2 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by year　 Annual

Overseas residents' visits to japan by country and region 11 march 2024.

• Looking at the number of international travelers to Japan by country/region in January 2024, Korea had the highest number of foreign visitors at 857,000, followed by Taiwan at 492,300, and China at 415,900.

1.3 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by Country and Region

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Figures until November 2023 are provisional. Figures up to December 2023 are estimate.

1.4 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by country or region, 2022　 Annual

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) *Provisional

1.5 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by Region　 Annual

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Figures until 2021 are final. Figures in 2022 are provisional.

Download time series dataset .xlsx

Statistics of Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan (Historical figures/by Country/by purpose)

EXCEL formatted file/ 806kB Modified: 05 March 2024

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Japan hotel rates spike 25% as weak yen draws foreign tourists

Average room rates jump for 26 straight months amid shortage of hotel workers

TOKYO -- A flood of inbound tourists visiting Japan looking to take advantage of the weak yen has caused hotel room prices to spike to rarely seen heights, according to the latest industry data.

The average daily room rate in February stood at 18,915 yen ($124.68), up 25.5% from a year earlier, according to hotel industry tracker STR. Room rates have surpassed year-earlier figures for 26 consecutive months through February.

How tourism can soften hard-line Aceh

Japan's kawasaki heavy offers helicopter trips to attract tourists, japan aims to shorten entry time for foreign arrivals to one minute, three tokyo destinations where the past is delightfully present, inbound tourists drive japanese department store sales to record high, 'dupe destination' boom hits social media, japan to trim red tape for tourism off the beaten path, bento food tourism lures visitors to japan, latest on travel & leisure, macao horse racing ends as casino income hits post-covid high, peninsula hotels group says $130m myanmar project still stalled, sponsored content, about sponsored content this content was commissioned by nikkei's global business bureau..

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Domestic travel will recover up to 108.6% year-on-year

International outbound travel and inbound visitors to Japan will increase to 289.7% and 550.6%, respectively, compared to 2022

・The number of domestic travelers is estimated to be 266 million (108.6% y-o-y, 91.2% compared to 2019).

・The number of overseas travelers is estimated to be 8.4 million (289.7% y-o-y, 40.4% compared to 2019).

・The number of international inbound visitors to Japan travelers is estimated to be 21.1 million (550.6% y-o-y, 66.2% compared to 2019).

　JTB has published the Prospective Travel Trends in 2023 report. For 2023, the report covers, for the first time in three years, estimates for overseas travel and foreign visitors to Japan in addition to those for domestic travel, in response to the COVID-19 infection status and the government's policy including the relaxation of overseas travel restrictions. In 2021 and 2022, when COVID-19 exerted a serious impact, the report covered domestic travel estimates only.

　This survey provides estimates about overnight or multiple night trips (including business travel and family visits) made by Japanese travelers and those made by overseas travelers to Japan, based on various economic trends, consumer behavior surveys, transportation and tourism-related data, and questionnaires conducted by the JTB Group. It has continued since 1981. The projected trends in the travel market in 2023 are shown below.

(Fig. 1) 2023 Annual Travel Trend Estimates

* Domestic travel expenditure refers to the total cost of travel from departure to return. It includes expenditures incurred at the destination, such as those for shopping and meals, but excludes those incurred before or after the travel (e.g. cost for the purchase of clothing and other belongings). * Overseas travel expenditure includes, in addition to the cost of travel (including fuel surcharge), consumption expenditure made at the destination including those for shopping and meals, but excludes those incurred before or after the travel (e.g. cost for the purchase of clothing and other belongings). * For inbound travel, the report covers only the estimated number of travelers and omits the amount of their expenditure. * The estimated numbers of overseas travelers were obtained by adjusting the estimates as of the end of the previous year based on the actual numbers of individuals who entered or left Japan as announced by the Ministry of Justice. * The year-on-year figures were rounded to the first decimal place. The number of domestic travelers is the number of travelers who stayed at least overnight at the destination. * The numbers of domestic and overseas travelers include those who travel for business or family visit purposes.

<Socioeconomic Trends and Circumstances Surrounding Travel>

• COVID-19 Status and Travel Trends up to the End of 2022

　Three years have past since March 2020, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 to be a pandemic. As of January 8, 2023, more than 650 million people have been infected by the virus and more than 6.5 million deaths from the disease have been reported worldwide (announced by the Quarantine Information Office, Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare on January 11, 2023). In the early stages of the outbreak, states of emergency were declared around the world, preventing people from living a normal life and actively engaging in economic activities. Later, in 2022, as vaccination rates rose, a growing number of countries decided to change the direction of policy toward the normalization of socioeconomic activities. Many jurisdictions, those in Europe in particular, began to relax their border control measures (e.g. lifting of entry restrictions and shortening of quarantine period) and international airlines resumed their flights. This move also spread across Asian nations, not only Thailand and Singapore but South Korea, Taiwan, and other countries that were cautious about relaxation. While none of them have declared the end of COVID-19, international travel is gradually returning to the pre-pandemic status.

　Looking to the situation within Japan, since the pandemic explosion in March 2020, the government repeatedly declared a state of emergency and released the pre-emergency measures and requested people to restrict their activities. After that, with infection prevention actions being successfully undertaken and vaccination programs becoming more prevalent, the frequency of these declarations and releases reduced in stages. In the summer of 2022, the spread of the Omicron variant caused the seventh and eighth waves of infection and the number of new patients drastically increased. However, no requests for voluntary restraints on various activities, including traveling, were issued by the government on either occasion, having made it normal for people to enjoy travel while taking anti-infection measures.

　On October 11, 2022, the Japanese government eased border control measures imposed on those who enter into the country, including the lifting of upper limit on the number of new visitors per day, relaxation of entry requirements such as negative COVID-19 report and mandatory quarantine period, and the removal of ban on independent tour by foreign visitors to Japan. These moves made it easier for Japanese travelers to travel abroad and foreigners to visit and travel Japan. In October, the government launched the "Domestic Travel Subsidy Program" as a measure to stimulate nationwide tourism demand. As a result, increase of tourists were seen in various places across the country.

• Economic Environment Surrounding Travel and Household Circumstances

　Looking at the recent economic situation, the yen has rapidly depreciated against the US dollar since 2022, and hit a 32-year low in the foreign exchange market on October 22, 2022, temporarily falling to around 150 yen to the dollar. The currency is still hovering around 130 yen--a depreciation of approximately 20 yen against the dollar compared to the pre-COVID-19 level. This has led to the hikes in prices of energy and imported goods, for example, and such price increases are affecting household budgets. In major items of the consumer price index, an increase is seen in all items other than transportation and communications. In particular, a sharp rise is observed in gasoline and other energy-related prices, as well as in electricity fees (see Figs. 2, 3, and 4).

　As for consumer awareness, consumption related to going out and eating/drinking decreased for some time after the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, affected by the request for self-restraint of activities. As a result, there were growing expectations for revenge consumption. However, as the economic environment changes, the yen is increasingly depreciating and people's living conditions are worsening. According to the "Household Circumstances" section of the Bank of Japan's "Opinion Survey on the General Public's Views and Behavior," the proportion of respondents who answered that they "have become worse off" had been stable up to September 2021. However, since then, the proportion has been on an increasing trend, and, in December 2022, it increased to 53.0%, up 13.0 points from the same month of the previous year. This is the highest percentage since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 (see Fig. 5).

　On the other hand, according to the short-term economic forecast by the Japan Center for Economic Research (JCER), Japan's real GDP growth rate forecast for 2023 was improved to 0.8% in December 2022 from 0.1% in March 2022. JCER commented that the spread of Omicron shares delayed the recovery expected in 2022 and added it to the growth rate of 2023.

(Fig. 2) Key Foreign Exchange Rates against Yen in 2022

Source: Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market/T.T. Selling (Obtained from "Foreign Exchange Market Information" offered by Mitsubishi Tokyo Research & Consulting Co., Ltd.)

(Fig. 3) Changes in Major Consumer Price Index Categories

Source: Created by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. based on the data from the "Consumer Price Index (2020 Base)" released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

(Fig. 4) Changes in Unit Prices of Regular Unleaded Gasoline

Source: Created by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. based on the "Petroleum Product Price Survey" published by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy

(Fig. 5) Changes in Household Circumstances (Level of Being Well-off)

Source: Created by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. based on the "Opinion Survey on the General Public's Views and Behavior" published by the Bank of Japan

• Current State of Travelers

　With regard to domestic travels, if we look at the changes in the total number of overnight guests, which was announced by the Japan Tourism Agency in its "Overnight Travel Statistics Survey," most Japanese travelers restrained themselves from going on a trip whenever a state of emergency was declared or the pre-emergency measures were in place, in order to comply with the central/local government's request. In 2022, the total number of overnight guests have turned to recovery since the pre-emergency measures were lifted in March and no declarations or measures were issued thereafter. Furthermore, the measure to stimulate tourism demand named "Domestic Travel Subsidy Program," which was launched on October 11 (October 20 in Tokyo), achieved a success and led to an increase in the total number of Japanese overnight guests to 105.9% in October and 102.7% in November compared to the same months of the previous year (2019). As a result, the total number exceeded the pre-COVID-19 level, indicating that domestic travel is on the pathway towards a full-fledged recovery (see Figs. 6 and 9).

　With respect to overseas travel, the number of Japanese outbound travelers showed an increasing trend, as a result that part of border control measures for inbound and outbound travelers have been relaxed since around the long holiday season in the spring of 2022 and travel agents gradually resumed the sale of overseas package tours. The relaxation progressed further in October onwards, creating an environment that encourages people to travel abroad. On the other hand, affected by the yen's depreciation combined with the increasingly rapid price appreciation around the world--as well as by the soaring travel costs resulting from the rise in fuel surcharges on air tickets and the unstable geopolitical situation in Ukraine and other parts of the world--the number of overseas tourists is recovering only slowly. According to the preliminary report of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of outbound travelers in December 2022 was 432,100, a modest increase of 82,500 from October. If compared to the same month in 2019, the year preceding the COVID-19 crisis, it remains at 25.2% (see Figs. 7 and 9).

　In contrast to overseas travel, inbound travel to Japan is so far on a rapid recovery trajectory against the backdrop of the yen's depreciation. The number of international inbound visitors to Japan in October alone was 498,646, more than double the number from the previous month, surpassing the number of Japanese outbound travelers. According to the preliminary report for December, the number of foreign visitors to Japan was 1,370,000, a recovery of 54.2% compared to the same month in the pre-COVID-19 year of 2019. Looking at 2022, the top countries and regions in terms of the annual number of international inbound visitors to Japan are, in descending order, South Korea (1,012,700 visitors, 18.1% compared to 2019), Taiwan (331,100 visitors, 6.8%), and the United States (323,500 visitors, 18.8%). Incidentally, as a result that the Chinese government continued to apply the Zero-COVID-19 policy up until 2022, the number of Chinese visitors remained at 189,000 (see Figs. 8, 9, and 10).

(Fig. 6) Changes in the Total Number of Overnight Guests

(Fig. 7) Number of Outbound Japanese Travelers in 2022

* Provisional figures for January through November, estimated figures for December

(Fig. 8) Number of International Inbound Visitors to Japan in 2022

* Provisional figures for January through October; estimated figures for November and December Source: Created by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. based on "Number of Inbound and Outbound Travelers" by JNTO

(Fig. 9) Total Number of Overnight Guests, Outbound Japanese Travelers, and International Visitors to Japan from October to December 2022 and Comparisons with 2019

Source: Created by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. based on the Tourism Agency's "Overnight Travel Statistics Survey" (second preliminary report for October; first preliminary report for November) and "Number of Inbound and Outbound Travelers" by JNTO (the numbers of outbound Japanese travelers are provisional figures for October and November and estimated figures for December; the numbers of international inbound visitors to Japan are provisional figures for October and estimated figures for November and December)

(Fig. 10) Number of International Inbound Visitors to Japan in 2022 by Country and Comparison with 2019 (Top 7 Countries)

Source: Created by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. based on "Number of Inbound and Outbound Travelers" by JNTO (definite values for 2019; estimated values for 2022)

<2023 Travel Market>

• 2023 Calendar and Major Events

　In the 2023 calendar, there are seven times of three or more consecutive holidays. Compared to last year, when there were nine consecutive holidays consisting of three or more days, we have a less number of consecutive holidays this year, as public holidays fall on Saturday for three times. The long vacation season, the so-called "Golden Week," is a 5-day holiday from May 3rd (Wednesday and public holiday) to 7th (Sunday). If one takes a day off on Monday, May 1st and Tuesday, May 2nd, he/she will have nine consecutive holidays from Saturday, April 29 (public holiday) through Sunday, May 7th. In addition to the above, there are three public holidays that will give one four consecutive holidays if he/she takes a day off on Friday, February 24th, Monday, March 20th, and Friday, November 24th, respectively, and has non-working days on Saturday and Sunday. However, the sequence of public holidays is not very encouraging for workers who want to take long holidays in the summer vacation and the year-end/new-year holiday season.

(1) Holding of Long-awaited Large-scale Events

　This year, notable sporting events will be held at home and abroad. The 5th World Baseball Classic™ (WBC), which was originally scheduled in 2021 but postponed, will be held from March 8th to 21st in the US, Taiwan, and Japan under the title of "2023 World Baseball Classic™." During the period, four games of the B tournament will be held from March 9th to 13th and the quarterfinals will be played on March 15th and 16th, both at the Tokyo Dome. Furthermore, the 19th FINA World Championships 2022 Fukuoka (World Championships 2022) will also be held from July 14th to 30th after about two years' delay from the original schedule of 2021. As for overseas events, the Rugby World Cup 2023™ will be held in France from September 8th to October 28th.

　Another major domestic event is the one that commemorates the 40th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort®, scheduled from April 15th, 2023 to March 31st, 2024. In addition, the Jurassic World Exhibition and Tokyo Biennale 2023 are scheduled to be held in Tokyo.

(2) A Series of New Openings of Commercial Facilities and Hotels That Are Hottest Topics among both Domestic and Inbound Tourists

　One of the most-talked-about facilities scheduled to open this year in the Kanto area is Tokyo Midtown Yaesu. The commercial complex will start its operation on March 10th, 2023. Following the Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu, which opened in advance in September 2022, "Bulgari Hotel Tokyo," the hotel chain's first establishment in Japan, will open in April. Moreover, entertainment facilities including movie and stage theaters, live event halls, and a hotel are scheduled to open in Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in Shinjuku, Tokyo, based on the concept of creation of "the place to master one's 'likes' in the things you enjoy." Likewise, as part of the "Toranomon-Azabudai Urban Redevelopment Project," "Aman Residences, Tokyo" will open in parallel with "Janu Tokyo," a luxury hotel opening for the first time in Japan under the brand name of Janu, a sister brand of Aman. In the summer, "Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - Making of Harry Potter" will open at the site of former Toshimaen amusement park grounds. Later in the fall, the "K Arena Yokohama," a facility with a capacity of about 20,000 people, will start its operation in the Minatomirai District, Yokohama. Its prospective tenants include the hotel "Hilton Yokohama."

　In non-Kanto areas, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, a professional baseball team, will move to its new home "ES CON Field Hokkaido" in Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido, in March.

　In Kansai, a new railway platform will be unveiled on March 18th. Built in the basement of JR Osaka Station (Umekita area), the platform will serve as a stopping point for "Haruka," the limited express bound for Kansai International Airport, as well as "Kuroshio," another limited express bound for Wakayama. On May 30th, "voco Osaka Central" will open for the first time in Japan under the premium hotel brand "voco" offered by IHG Hotels & Resorts. In the summer, the "Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel Nara" will open in Nara City in collaboration with a public-private partnership project aimed at preserving, maintaining, and utilizing areas adjacent to Yoshikien. In the fall, Dusit Thani Kyoto, a member of the Thai luxury hotel brand, is scheduled to open in Kyoto (see Fig. 11).

(Fig. 11) Major Facilities Scheduled to Open in 2023

• Domestic Travel Trends *Domestic travel by Japanese residents, excluding international inbound visitors to Japan

For 2023, the number of domestic travelers is estimated at 266 million (108.6% y-o-y, 91.2% compared to 2019), with the average expenditure of 40,300 yen (101.5% y-o-y, 105.8% compared to 2019), and the total expenditure on domestic travel of 10.72 trillion yen (110.2% y-o-y, 96.4% compared to 2019).

　We estimated the number of domestic travelers in 2023 at 266 million (108.6% y-o-y, 91.2% compared to 2019), the average expenditure at 40,300 yen (101.5% y-o-y) taking into consideration the impact of price increases, and the total expenditure on domestic travel at 10.72 trillion yen (110.2% y-o-y). The average expenditure is at its highest since 2000. Considering that the number of infection cases under the eighth COVID wave is still high, the number of travelers will fall below the pre-pandemic level, as a certain number of people will voluntarily refrain from traveling even if they receive no request for movement restrictions. Nevertheless, we project that the average expenditure will exceed the level prior to the outbreak. Partly due to the tourism demand stimulus package "Domestic Travel Subsidy Program," which was launched on January 10, people have a high willingness to travel so far. While there are expectations that the yen's depreciation and the soaring fuel surcharges will lead to a shift in the area of demand from overseas travel to domestic travel, the price hikes will continue to negatively impact the business sentiment.

　While men and women in their 20s continue to be the most motivated group for domestic travel, seniors are also increasingly travel-conscious. According to the "Survey on Attitude towards Travel and Changes in Lifestyle and Mindset Caused by the Pandemic" published in January 2023 by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co., 40.3% of the respondents answered that they were planning or considering to go on a domestic travel in the January to December 2023 period. The most motivated segment was women in their 20s (53.5%), followed by men in their 20s (48.2%), and men over 60 (44.4%). Compared to the previous survey (conducted in July 2022), the percentage of men aged 60 or over increased by 5.7 points to 44.4%, and women aged 60 or over grew by 1.6 points to 34.7%, raising expectations for a recovery in the senior segments (see Fig. 12).

　The Survey also suggests a gradually growing impact on travel and the tourism of the changes in lifestyles and values caused by the pandemic, mainly in the flows of domestic travel, in addition to the above-mentioned events and new openings.

The more people work remotely, the more flexible work and stay styles at family visit and travel destinations become popular

During the pandemic, the remote working style was widely adopted as an infection prevention measure so as to allow people to work outside the workplace and avoid traveling and face-to-face meeting. If people can work remotely on weekdays between holidays, they can work at family visit and travel destinations, allowing them to use their time more effectively and enjoy long-term stay and travel. With the emergence of a travel style called "workcation," which combines work and vacation, the boundaries between "living" and "staying" will become increasingly blurred and more people will be connected to local communities in a manner different from the traditional tourism-based relationships.

Increase in products and services that contribute to carbon neutrality and SDGs

The travel industry has witnessed the emergence of new products and services that contribute to the carbon neutrality and Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). In the field of transportation, Japan Airlines started giving passengers the option to opt out of an inflight meal service on all international flights from December 2022, in an effort to reduce food waste caused by last-minute meal cancellations. Oriental Air Bridge came up with an innovative idea and launched a tour in which passengers take a pleasure flight over Fukue Island in Goto Archipelago aboard an airplane that uses bio-jet fuel manufactured and sold by Euglena Co., Ltd.

(Fig. 12) Percentage of People Planning/Considering Domestic Travel within the Next 12 Months (Comparison of surveys conducted in March, July, and December 2022) (Single answer)

• Overseas Travel Trends

For 2023, the number of overseas travelers is estimated at 8.4 million (289.7% y-o-y, 40.4% compared to 2019), with the average expenditure of 294,900 yen (101.8% y-o-y, 124.3% compared to 2019), and the total expenditure on overseas travel of 2.48 trillion yen (295.2% y-o-y, 52.0% compared to 2019).

　For 2023, we estimated the number of overseas travelers at 8.4 million (289.7% y-o-y, 40.4% compared to 2019), the average expenditure at 294,900 yen (101.8% y-o-y) affected by the yen's depreciation and soaring fuel surcharge, and the total expenditure on overseas travel at 2.48 trillion yen (295.2% y-o-y). While the average expenditure per traveler will reach its highest level since 2000, the recovery in overseas travel is expected to grow at a slow pace in contrast to inbound tourism. As a result of the relaxation of border control measures in October, immigration procedures have been simplified, but it is still necessary to submit a vaccination proof and a negative COVID-19 test report. One of the reasons for the slow growth would be the non-fulfillment of certain conditions that had been met in the pre-pandemic era, which results from the fact that there still are several countries and regions that continuously apply counter-infection regulations and rules.

　In the aforementioned Survey by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co., all respondents--including those who had no plans to travel overseas but excluding those who were not at all inclined to go on an overseas travel--were asked under what circumstances they would like to travel abroad. Top answers to the question were: "If the yen appreciates against other currencies" (27.1%), "If days off can be taken" (22.0%), "If COVID-19 infections subside in the destination country" (21.6%), and "If a reasonable plan and accommodation can be booked" (21.5%). Both men and women in their 20s are the demographic groups that are highly motivated to travel abroad. A large proportion of them showed their willingness to go on an overseas trip during 2023 (see Figs. 13 and 14).

　The Survey also asked the respondents who said that they were planning/considering to go on an overseas travel in 2023 or a subsequent year about the intended destination of their next trip. The top three answers to this question were Hawaii (20.4%), Europe (12.9%), and Taiwan (11.5%). This matches the statistics published by the governments' tourism agencies of each of these countries concerning the numbers of Japanese travelers that visited their countries in November 2022. According to these statistics, the numbers of Japanese travelers who visited South Korea, Thai, Hawaii, or Taiwan were 62,422, 46,020, 27,898, and 21,204, respectively. South Korea is likely to grow further as a desirable destination, considering the fact that its fashion and lifestyles are familiar, particularly to young people, and that the country is located close enough to save the cost and time of travel. In the Survey, 7.7% of respondents said they had not decided (their destination) yet, suggesting that there are a fair number of prospective tourists who are willing to devise ways to make their travel plans a reality by selecting a realizable destination (see Fig. 15).

(Fig. 13) Under what circumstances would you like to travel abroad in the future? (Multiple answers)

(Fig. 14)Timing of Overseas Travel under Planning/Consideration (By gender and age) (Single answer)

(Fig. 15)Destination of Overseas Travel under Planning/Consideration (Single answer)

• Number of International Inbound Visitors to Japan

For 2023, the number of international inbound visitors to Japan is estimated at 21.1 million (550.6% y-o-y, 66.2% compared to 2019).

　After the relaxation of entry restrictions to Japan in October 2022, a rapid recovery is expected in terms of the number of international inbound visitors to Japan particularly from countries that have already eased their exit regulations ahead of others such as South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore. On the other hand, as of January 2023, a full-fledged recovery is unlikely with regard to China, which accounted for the largest percentage of international inbound visitors to Japan in 2019 before the COVID-19 crisis. This prospect is based on the assumption that inbound demand from China will recover at full scale July 2023 onwards, and that the recovery will rapidly escalate following the same pattern as other inbound markets. However, a significant change may take place depending on future developments (see Fig. 16).

　Japan remained as a popular travel destination even during the pandemic. According to a survey released by Development Bank Japan and the Japan Travel Bureau Foundation in February 2022, Japan ranked first by both Asian and Western residents as the country/region where they want to visit as the destination of their next overseas trip. Supporting this trend is the upcoming openings of much-talked-about hotels and commercial facilities, which were referred to in Section 4. Furthermore, there are other locations that are likely to hold new and strong appeal to foreign visitors, including: 1) Shikoku, which was named as the sixth best region in the world to visit by Lonely Planet, the famous travel information magazine, in 2021; 2) "Ghibli Park," which opened in November 2022 in the vacant lot of the 2005 World Expo Aichi Memorial Park in Aichi Prefecture; and 3) Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, which was listed by the New York Times in January 2023 as one of the "52 Places to Go in 2023" (see Fig. 17).

　The recovery in the number of travelers has also highlighted some challenges. One of them is the lack of human resources to support the tourism industry. According to the Bank of Japan's Employment Conditions (BOJ Tankan survey, quarterly), the accommodation and food service sector has continued to face a labor shortage since the October-December quarter of 2021. On the other hand, as seen in the changes in the total number of overnight guests shown in Fig. 6, the number of tourists resurged and almost reached the pre-COVID-19 level in the most recent quarter of October and November 2022. The occupancy rates of hotels in Tokyo and Osaka as of November 2022 has recovered to 80% of the 2019 level, suggesting the possibility of further labor shortage when a rapid rebound occurs in the inbound tourism demand. Moreover, Tokyo's average daily rate (ADR) has already reached the level before the pandemic, and further increases in ADR may exert an impact on domestic travel demand (see Fig. 18, figures are omitted for ADR).

　*Average daily rate (ADR) refers to the unit sales price per guest room. It is obtained by dividing the revenue from rooms by the number of rooms sold.

(Fig. 16) Number of International Inbound Visitors to Japan

(Fig. 17) Countries/Regions to Visit as Desirable Destination of Next Overseas Travel (Top 20, by place of residence, Asia or the US and Europe)

(Fig. 18) Employment Conditions by Industry

*Figures for Jan.-Mar. 2023 are projections. Source: Created by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. based on "BOJ Tankan (Employment Conditions) (All Sized)" (December 2022) by the Bank of Japan.

◆ Estimates for 2004 to 2022 and Prospect for 2023

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Japan aims to revive inbound tourism to pre-pandemic levels by 2025

Japan will aim to have inbound tourism recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2025, the tourism agency said Monday, with travel demand expected to return in line with a recovery in global air traffic.

The plan outlining goals for 2025, presented by the Japan Tourism Agency at a meeting of experts, also seeks to have the number of overnight stays in regional areas by foreign visitors increase from the 2019 total of 43.09 million.

The Cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to approve the plan, which gained a broad consensus at Monday's meeting, at the end of March after considering specific measures.

In 2019, prior to the outbreak of the global coronavirus pandemic, a record 31.88 million tourists visited Japan. But the number fell sharply following the outbreak of COVID-19, totaling only 4.12 million in 2020 and 250,000 in 2021.

The agency expects travel demand to revive in line with forecasts by international organizations, which say that the number of international air passengers will recover to 2019 levels by 2025.

Upcoming international events to be held in Japan the same year, such as the Expo 2025 in Osaka and the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, are also expected to boost visitor numbers.

The government will maintain its existing goal of an annual 60 million foreign visitors by 2030.

As part of its aim of revitalizing regional areas, the agency has also proposed promoting travel outside of metropolitan areas by highlighting historical and natural attractions offered by each region.

Supported by the recent weakness of the yen against other major currencies, the government aims for annual tourist spending to reach 5 trillion yen ($34 billion) as soon as possible, eclipsing about 4.8 trillion yen spent in 2019.

With the plan, the government will also consider measures to increase the amount spent per person and their length of stay in Japan, as well as how to address "tourism pollution" issues that accompanied the rapid increase of foreign visitors before the pandemic, such as congestion on public transportation and littering.

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Tourism In Japan Statistics 2023: The Ultimate Guide

by GoWithGuide travel specialist: Ajitsa A.

Can you believe that right now, you’re one of 21.1 million people predicted to plan a trip to Japan this year? If that doesn’t get your head spinning, the estimated 30+ hours you’re likely to spend combing through websites for the information you need probably will. Before you start massaging your temples and reconsidering your plans, we’re here to help. 

Introducing the ultimate guide to Japan. You'll find it all here, from tourist trends and travel statistics to flavorful foods and locally beloved practices. With a whopping 32 million travelers touching down in 2019, the “Land of the Rising Sun” is one of the most visited countries in the world. 

Though the pandemic drastically dipped visitors to 3.8 million in 2022, the recently reopened nation is headed for a tourism revival, and you could be part of it. So close those tabs and let’s lock into what makes Japan a sightseer’s dream! 

  Why We Love Japan 

​Japan, also known as Nippon, is a large cluster of islands resting along the northwest Pacific Ocean. There are 4 major islands, Honshu (the largest), Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and over 4000 smaller islands! With a population of 126 million and varying climates, Japan is home to several cultural phenomena and visual wonders that have already attracted 4.7 million visitors in the first 3 months of 2023. So, why do so many people go to Japan? Let's break it down. 

  The Culture 

Japan's cultural legacy is as inescapable as its dedication to technological advancement and traditional preservation. Two hundred years of isolation, or Sakoku , built an unshakeable appreciation for Japanese philosophy, society, and values. The result? These elements of Japan bewitch even the most casual traveler; 

• Manga & Anime - Japan’s love affair with animated storytelling dates back centuries to 1765 when color printing was introduced. What started as Gesaku , a playful way to entertain people while delivering socio-political commentary, has evolved into a form of passionate artistic expression with a dedicated fanbase. For a fast-paced deep dive into anime, video game, and manga culture, head to Akihabara in Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward.
• Looking for a calmer, nostalgic journey? Try the Ghibli Museum , dedicated to the brilliant world of Hayao Miyazaki and his beloved characters. 
• Japanese Traditional Architecture - Known as Wayo Kenchiku , Japanese architecture is distinct, featuring wooden structures, sliding doors, cushioned floors, and intricate roof designs. If you're looking for an immersive traditional experience, head to one of the many Ryokan (traditional inns) across Kyoto , Hakone , and some parts of Tokyo. 
• Tea Time - If you’re fortunate enough, you’ve got to experience the art form that is a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony . The attention to detail, hospitality, and reflective nature behind such a simple task is enchanting. 
• Pottery - How can you interact with over 16,000 years of rich pottery traditions? Touring a pottery town, of course! Interactive experiences can be found from Tochigi to the islands of Okinawa . You'll walk away with plenty of knowledge, some pottery skills, and a suitcase full of souvenirs. 
• Swordsmanship Celebrated - Broadly referred to as Kenjutsu, the Japanese art of sword fighting flourished during the Edo period (think Samurai, shoguns, and elaborate castles). You won't get your own katana (sword), but a kendo class will get you pretty energized! 

The Cuisine 

Food is the stuff of life, and it doesn't get any better than Japan's world-star cuisine. Which Japanese dishes should be on your list? 

• Sushi - There's no food more synonymous with Japanese cuisine than this vinegared rice-based dish that comes in different shapes, sizes, and prices. In fact, sushi is so popular that it generated 1.55 trillion yen nationwide in 2019 alone! Nigiri, Gunkan, Norimaki, Temaki, and Inari are just some of the many varieties. 
• Ramen - Warm, hearty, and enjoyed with endless toppings, Ramen is hard to miss no matter where you are in Japan. Each region has its special twist, but Sapporo is known for celebrating the bubbling bowl of goodness with endless options, including the savory miso ramen. 
• Takoyaki -  Made famous in the Japanese street food capital Osaka, Takoyaki is a ball of grilled octopus and flavored batter decorated with different toppings and sauces. The best place to find some fresh takoyaki? Dotonbori district ! 
• Tempura - Did you know that this snack is imported from Portugal? Now a staple in many restaurants, tempura features deep-fried seafood or vegetables accompanied by soba or rice bowls. 
• Wagyu - Looking for a taste of Japanese luxury? Wagyu is where it's at. This high-end beef is expensive for a reason, and every bit worth it. Around 90% of the world's full-blood wagyu cattle are in Japan, so don't miss out on this delicacy. 

Travel Treat: Feeling for fresh food and exciting flavors? It's time for a GoWithGuide Japan Food Tour ! Simply pick your region and taste your way through the nation. 

The Landscapes 

As the brilliant Japanese writer Haruki Murakami says, "Nature grants its beauty to us all, drawing no line between rich and poor". So let's discover the landscapes that inspire Japan's love affair with nature. 

• Mt. Fuji - Located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and a source of spiritual significance for Japanese people. In the summer of 2022 alone, over 160,000 people trekked this sacred mountain, and the park sees millions of visitors each year. 
• The Hokkaido Lavender Fields - Sakura season isn’t the only time to revel in Japan’s flora and fauna. Tucked away in northern Japan lies the rolling purple fields of Hokkaido. To catch the full bloom, plan your trip around late June to mid-July . 
• Kumano Kodo - Be prepared for the nature walk of a lifetime. The Kumano Kodo trails are a network of routes that span 1000 years, hosting countless spiritual pilgrimages. Today, traversing across the UNESCO World Heritage sacred site will bring you face-to-face with breathtaking waterfalls and green rolling hills. 
• Ishigaki Island Beaches - Looking to experience Japanese island living at its finest? Head to Ishigaki island in the Okinawa prefecture, where you'll find several sandy beaches such as Kabira Bay, Yonehara, Sukuji, and Sunset. It's a snorkel enthusiast's dream come true.  
• Ogasawara Islands - This one is for animal lovers. Home to endangered species such as the flying fox , this cluster of islands is recognized by the UNESCO world heritage convention. For an unforgettable trip, clear your schedule and take the ferry from Tokyo to Chichijima . 

  Who Else Loves Japan 

Okay, so clearly Japan is a bucket list nation. So where does Japan rank in top tourist spots? Well, in 2019, Japan was crowned the 11th most visited country in the world. It was also the 3rd most visited country in Asia & the Pacific, beating out top destinations like India, South Korea, and Malaysia! 

So this begs the question, what country visits Japan the most? The winners are…

• China - A whopping 9.5 million Chinese residents traveled to neighboring Japan in 2019. Due to heavy travel restrictions, this number dropped to 189,000 in 2022. 
• South Korea - Coming in second is South Korea, with 5.5 million visitors in 2019. The travel lift in October 2022 saw South Koreans overtake Chinese travelers with 1 million visitors. 
• Taiwan - In 2019, over 4.8 million Taiwanese travelers touched down in Japan. This number dipped to 331,100 in 2022 but has blossomed to 248,500 in February of 2023 alone. 
• Hong Kong - Hong Kong takes 4th place with 2.2 million travelers in 2019. By 2022, Hong Kong held the 5th position with 269,285 travelers . 
• The United States - Rounding out our top five is the United States, with a hefty 1.7 million travelers in 2019. Even with restricted travel in 2022, 392,000 U.S. citizens came to explore the country. So do Americans need a visa for Japan? No. Thanks to the 90-day visa waiver, American citizens can touch down in Japan at any time with a few requirements . 

So Japan is popular all over the world, but want to know who really loves this nation? Japanese people! Domestic tourism in Japan is no joke. So what are Japan's domestic tourism statistics? Well, in 2019 alone, a staggering 587 million domestic trips took place. 

In fact, domestic travel kept the tourism industry afloat during the pandemic, with around 268 million domestic trips taken in 2021, during nationwide travel restrictions. This tourism contributed to 76% of the nation's tourism spending.  

  Japan At A Glance:  Planning The Perfect Trip (Where, When & How)

Blessed with rare landscapes, unforgettable meals, and stunning sites, it's no wonder Japan has a vibrant relationship with tourism. So what percentage of Japan's GDP comes from tourism? In 2019, 7.5% of the nation’s GDP came from this industry. 

Does that mean the nation depends on it? Well, in 2017 alone, the tourism industry employed over 6.5 million people, and 2019's travel and tourism numbers brought in 359 billion USD. It’s clear that tourism and Japan go hand in hand, so how can you create a trip that creates the same chemistry? Let’s find out. 

Japan's Top Destinations

So where do Japanese & international tourists go? Let's see, shall we?

• Tokyo - This one’s for the city lover. With 66 million visitors annually, Japan's capital has something for everyone, from the buzzing streets of Shinjuku to the waters of Lake Biwa. If you know you want to taste the best of Tokyo, but you're unsure where to start, check out this essential Tokyo Tour , or speak to a local Tokyo private guide about creating a personalized Tokyo itinerary. 
• Kyoto -  Welcome to Kyoto, where traditional style meets modern living. Here is where you'll find popular sites such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Nijo Jo Castle, the Kinkakuji Temple, and the Nishiki Market. You can spend days exploring Kyoto, and the lodging is world-class, with several Ryokan (Japanese inns) to choose from. 
• Osaka -  Calling all food lovers , it's time to tour Osaka! Over 39 million visitors flock here to discover the heart of Japanese cuisine. Osaka is also a great base destination for those looking to travel to nearby Nara, Kobe, or Kyoto. For the ultimate thrill, plan a trip to Universal Studios Japan , where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter , the Super Nintendo World ,  and terrifyingly enchanting worlds from anime like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan await.  
• Okinawa Main Island - Okinawan culture is so unique that several residents consider it distinct from Japanese culture. If you're a history lover, you'll enjoy Okinawa's World War 2 experience , and for foodies with a soft spot for fresh ingredients, spend your days along mainland beaches and seaside towns. Our Okinawa guides have interacted with the island for years, giving them a unique perspective on day-to-day living in the popular prefecture. 
• Kanagawa -  You could spend a day getting lost in Kamakura , one of Japan's ancient capitals. Sankeien Garden, the Ramen Museum in Yokohama , and the Hakone Open Air Museum are just some of the many attractions to add to your adventure. 

When To Go: Festive Seasons

When it comes to touring Japan, timing is everything. Here’s the scoop on the best each season has to offer. 

Spring: Sakura Season (March to May)  If you time your trip just right, you'll experience Japan's beloved Sakura (cherry blossom) season. Running from late March to early May, this phenomenon draws in crowds from around the world. Enjoy the view at the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival held from April to May, or the Kakunodate Festival .  

Summer: Bring The Heat (June to August) Japanese summers are known for the legendary festivals that follow. Kyoto’s Gion Festival eclipses the entire month of July with its beautiful lanterns and elaborate floats. Early August brings the Aomori Nebuta Festival where gigantic, human-shaped floats take over Nebuta's streets. 

Fall: Floats, Food & Fun (September to November) Did you miss the Sakura blooming season? Not to worry, it's Momiji (maple leaf) time! The Fujiwara Autumn Festival in Hiraizumi is a three-day celebration full of performances, costume displays, and the opportunity to watch Japan's maple leaves turn color. Fall is also the best time for entertainment enthusiasts to enjoy Tokyo Comic Con and the Tokyo International Film Festival . 

Winter: Fire & Ice ( December to February) Winter isn’t all about chilly nights and damp days. Heat things up with the Nozawa Fire Festival . Every January, a fire-setting battle lights up the night sky.  If you’re a fan of sculptural work, you’ll enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival , where Japan's snow is transformed into beloved characters, monuments, buildings, and historical figures.

  How To Get Around: Japan’s Iconic Transport Systems

It's no secret that Japan's public transport is among the best in the world. Once the innovative Shinkansen (bullet train) took the world by storm, this nation has been ahead of the curve. Want to enjoy the ride? Here are a few transit tips. 

• Shinkansen (bullet train) - With top speeds of 320 km per hour, you could get from Tokyo to Osaka in under 3 hours. For a stress-free trip, we suggest getting a JapanRail Pass at the airport when you arrive. It’s reloadable and easy to use, plus there’s no limit on where you can go. Be sure to pick up an eki-bento box before you board.
• Daily Travel (rail & bus) - Japan's train system is efficient, and timely and makes your day-to-day transport a breeze, especially with a prepaid IC Card . The card takes away the annoyance of cash and change. On top of that, you can recharge it at most malls, shops, and convenience stores, so you'll never be stranded. Not sure where to start with transport cards? Check out a guide's perspective on transport options in Tokyo . 
• Private Car  - Looking to travel with a little more convenience and luxury? A private car is the way to go. Though uncommon in Japan's public-transport dominant culture, private cars give you the freedom of stopping and starting whenever you want. 

What To Expect: Life In The Land Of The Rising Sun 

As Robert Louis Stevenson once said, “there are no foreign lands, it is only the traveler who is foreign”. So let’s get you acquainted with the lay of the land in Japan.

Weather 

Thanks to its closeness to the ocean, volcanic terrain, and position along the Pacific Ocean, Japan experiences a mixture of climates and weather conditions, though they all fall under the 4 seasons structure (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter). Here's what to expect from Japan's major regions . 

Northern Japan  (Tohoku Region)   Destinations: Aomori, Fukushima, Akita, Miyagi, Yamagata,  Temperature lows of -3°C (27°F) can be experienced during the coldest month of February, while average annual temperatures of 9.7°C (49.5°F) can be felt year-round. Winter is the dominant season here, but things warm up around summer with highs of 25°C (77°F). 

Eastern Japan (Kanto Region)   Destinations: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Chiba Eastern Japan sees the highest tour traffic, thanks to locations like Tokyo and Kanagawa. During the winter, the Kanto region can get pretty cold. For example, Tokyo can reach temperatures of 2.7°C (37°F). The summer brings much-needed relief with average highs of 30.5°C (86°F). Overall average yearly temperatures float around the 20°C (68°F) range. 

Western Japan (Kansai/Kinki Region) Destinations: Himeji, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara Western Japan has an intense mix of hot and cold. Temperature highs of 38.6°C (101°F) in August demand sunhats and breathable clothing. Things can get pretty humid from June-August. Fall and Spring temperatures are much cooler with averages of 10.1C (50.2°F). During the winter, average lows of 1°C (31°F) are expected, though, in areas like Kyoto, it can drop to below zero.  

Okinawa & South Kyushu Destinations: Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Okinawa Japan's southern region holds mostly subtropical and Mediterranean weather, so expect high temperatures during the summer, and a fairly cool winter. The two dominant seasons are spring and summer. 

So what is the best month to visit Japan? If you're looking for fun in the sun, try July to August. Japan's winter season is the best for hot spring lovers, so December to February is your target time. Flower fans will enjoy Japanese springtime, which falls between March and May. Lastly, Autumn brings the best of all seasons and festivals, so travel between September and November. 

Do’s & Don’ts 

Japan is one of the most inviting, hospitable countries in the world. With that said, here are some practices to keep in mind.

Conclusion 

Pretty amazing isn't it? And we're not just saying that because Japan is GoWithGuide's mothership. There's never a dull moment when touring the country. You know what can be dull? Getting lost in a process that’s supposed to create relaxation and anticipation. 

Take it easy and let our Japan Private Tour Guides take the reins. With a dedicated guide by your side, you'll discover the places you're truly interested in, avoiding awkward language barriers, social missteps, misinformation, and confusion. On top of that, you'll have a vast pool of knowledge, a flexible itinerary, and endless information at your fingertips. It's time, let's plan the perfect Japan trip together!

P.S .: Looking to travel with companions? The more, the merrier! Share this post with your friends and get them as excited about touring Japan as you are!

Popular Japan Tour Guides

Hello! My name is Akiko from Gifu prefecture. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I like going out with my family, talking with my friends over coffee at a cozy cafe, reading books, baking bread and cake when I have time. I passed the national tour guide test in 2017 and have worked as a guide since then. I have guided in Gifu city, Seki city, Takayama city, Shirakawago , Mino city and Nagoya city. I have lived in Gifu for more than forty years. Gifu prefecture is rich in nature so you can enjoy the rural atmosphere. Gifu city has a beautiful river 'Nagara river' and Mt.Kinka which has Gifu castle on the top. You can go up the mountain on foot or use a ropeway. The view from Gifu castle is so fantastic. At the foot of the mountain , there are many places to visit such as parks, a temple having a big image of Buddha, and a street preserving the historic atmosphere. At Nagara River, you can enjoy seeing a traditional way of fishing ‘cormorant fishing’ which is thought to have started 1300 years ago. Many cafes have unique service called 'morning service' in Gifu along with Aichi In the morning (until about ten thirty or eleven) when you order a cup of tea or coffee, they serve toast and salad ! Near Gifu park , you can find a nice Japanese style cafe where you enjoy good coffee and seeing a Japanese style garden. Seki city is a small city but so famous for its cutlery. At Japanese sword museum in Seki, you can see authentic Japanese swords! Mino city next to Seki city is well known for its hand made Japanese paper 'Hon minoshi' designated as intangible cultural asset by UNESCO . Until recently it was not easy to guide guests because of COVID-19 pandemic; however the situation is getting better. Some strict rules about COVID-19 have been lifted. Please visit Gifu. I am looking forward to seeing you. Please feel free to ask me when you need information about Gifu. Thank you for reading my introduction.                                                                                                                                  

I have been working as a journalist for 37 years in Kyodo News Service, Japan’s most prestigious news agency. From 1989-1991, I was dispatched to Cyprus, Nicosia and working as a Middle East correspondent. I covered the Gulf War during the time. I worked at Kyodo’s New York bureau from 1994-97 covering the Wall Street and the United Nations. Although I am still working as a journalist here in Japan, I would love to have an opportunity to introduce my country to people from abroad as a tour guide. I will show you the best of Tokyo and other noted palce Including Kyoto.                                                                                                                                  

Hi I am Yoji from Kanazawa, Japan. I studied for my master at graduate school in Washington D.C. I have also lived in San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco and Missouri. Since I like to explore the world, I have visited around 40 countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, EU countries, Mexico, Peru and so on. Now I am back to my homwtown and would like to offer a tour to tourists coming to Japan. If you want to have an unforgettable experiece and amazing tour, I will raise my hand to be your tour guide. I am based in Kanazawa, Ishikawa. Kanazawa is called as small kyoto. Kanazawa has historical streets and places to see. You may want to wear Yukata and walk around. Among local Japanese, Kanazawa is well known as fresh sea food city. Everyday, hundreds of peolple are visiting Kanazawa only for seafood. If you love Sushi, you choose the best city for that. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in my tour in Kanazawa, Ishikawa. Look forward to hearing from you soon.                                                                                                                                  

Hello. I'm Yoko Miyake. Please call me Yoko. I'm a licensed guide. I love travelling. I have visited all the prefectures in Japan. Though Japan has many good places to visit, I hope many foreign travellers will visit my hometown Kurashiki and enjoy their stay there. Because I was born in Kurashiki, and I have lived there since then, I know a lot about Kurashiki. Of course I can show you other good places in Okayama Prefecture and near Okayama Prefecture.                                                                                                                                  

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Japan Tourist Arrivals

Tourist arrivals in japan increased to 2788000 in february from 2688100 in january of 2024. tourist arrivals in japan averaged 801123.45 from 1991 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 2991189.00 in july of 2019 and a record low of 1700.00 in may of 2020. source: japan national tourist organization, tourist arrivals in japan is expected to be 2800000.00 by the end of this quarter, according to trading economics global macro models and analysts expectations.,   markets,   gdp,   labour,   prices,   money,   trade,   government,   business,   consumer,   housing,   taxes,   health,   climate.

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First-Time Visitor Info

• Plan Your Trip

Smooth your way with a little forward planning

It is easy to feel a little overwhelmed and disoriented when you visit Japan for the first time, so find out the basics before you fly and get acquainted with the country through our helping you plan guide.

Learn a little more about Japan's customs, culture and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as its seasonal weather, geography and luggage delivery options. Many of the questions first-time travelers might have are answered here, along with insider tips and practical advice to help you navigate the country with confidence.

Japan's official language is Japanese, but English is generally understood in major cities and designated tourist sites.

All of Japan sits within the same time zone, and no daylight saving is practiced. The country is nine hours ahead of GMT.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

Wireless hotspots are popping up all over major cities in Japan, so you should never be too far from a Wi-Fi connection.

Plugs & Electricity

Japan uses two flat parallel prong plugs. For guaranteed charging of your electrical necessities, purchase a plug adapter beforehand.

The Japanese yen is used throughout the country and you can exchange foreign currency at the airports and most major banks.

Tax-Free Shopping

Visitors to Japan are eligible for tax exemption on many consumer goods. The process of receiving your tax back can vary from store to store.

Tipping is not practiced in Japan. In fact, it can cause discomfort and confusion if you do. A service charge is generally added on to the final bill in restaurants.

Credit Cards

Even though Japan is a cash-centric country, credit cards are usually accepted in most shops, restaurants and taxis in major cities.

Weather (When to Visit)

The weather in Japan can vary wildly depending on where you are traveling to. Find out the best times to visit and what to pack.

Please check the latest information on Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website or contact the Japanese embassy/consulate in your country/region of residence.

International Tourist Tax

Visitors to Japan pay a 1,000 yen departure tax to expand and enhance the country’s tourist infrastructure—a small tax that will make a significant difference.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a visitor hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Customs & Duty

The Japan Customs official page is your most trustworthy source to answer any questions or queries related to Japanese customs and duty.

IC Travel Cards

Make your journeys as smooth as the public transportation you will ride on by purchasing a chargeable IC travel card.

Drinking Water

While bottled water is readily available all over Japan—including in the infinite vending machines—the tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

Luggage Storage & Delivery

If you don't wish to haul your luggage around with you, drop your bags and cases off at the delivery service kiosks located at the airports.

Tips for Budget Travels

To stretch your yen as far as possible, research into discounted travel and accommodation, as well as eating options that won't break the bank.

Staying Safe in Japan

If you do find yourself in a situation that requires serious help, dial 110 for an urgent call to the police and 119 for fire or ambulance.

Your embassy is there to help and support you if you should need it. Make sure you know how to get in touch.

Custom & Manners

Following a general travelers code of respect for the people you meet and places you visit will stand you in good stead.

Make sure you are aware of the local laws in Japan as ignorance is not accepted as a valid line of defense.

Business Hours & Holidays

Avoid closed doors and fully-booked hotels by finding out the Japanese business hours for major businesses, services, and facilities, and the dates of the major holidays.

Download a selection of apps to make your trip to Japan run even smoother. Choose from a list of all-round, navigation, sightseeing and accommodation applications.

Postal Services

Instead of just an email, send a postcard back home to let friends and family know about your Japanese adventure.

Telephone Calls

While modern technology enables you to connect with friends and family around the world from the palm of your hand, there still might be times when you need to make use of public telephones.

Book your stay in Japan through one of these useful sites offering a wide range of accommodation options.

At major train stations, airports, and hotels, as well as in most newer shopping centers and theaters in the city, the disabled traveler or wheelchair user should have little trouble getting from place to place.

Traveling With Children

Traveling to Japan with children may seem like a daunting prospect and something best avoided, however, the country is surprisingly accessible.

Japan continues to enhance its hospitality for Muslim travelers through the introduction of Muslim-friendly facilities.

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

Japan tackles overtourism with restrictions for some iconic sites

Mar 27, 2024 • 5 min read

From restricted capacity to increased tourist taxes, options are being considered to counter overtourism in Japan © Jon Hicks / Getty Images

Japan is set to limit visitors at some popular attractions so that sites don't suffer from overtourism. Here's what you need to know.

Japan’s enduring popularity for overseas visitors is bringing consequences as the country seeks to balance the benefits of tourism and the impact on the areas visited, particularly at iconic destinations . 

Recently, tourists have been banned from certain private streets in Kyoto ’s famous historic Gion district , traditionally home to the teahouses where geisha  (geiko) and maiko (apprentice geiko ) performers work, largely due to antisocial behaviour. Unruly tourists have even been blamed for harassing geisha, with the Japan Times  reporting that one had her kimono torn and another had a cigarette butt put in her collar.

What new policies are being considered?

New fees and restrictions have already been introduced on climbing specific trails up Mt Fuji , in order to combat overcrowding, reduce the environmental impact — including cleaning up all the trash that results from so many people on the mountain — and improve safety for everyone doing the climb. 

Kyoto is considering special tourist express bus routes, that will whisk visitors to the city’s most iconic sites in order to reduce overcrowding and improve efficiency on regular local buses, as well as to make what can be a complicated system easier for travelers. 

Higher pricing for tourists is also being considered, having largely been absent in Japan, where many of the most famous cultural attractions are surprisingly inexpensive to enter. For example, Kyoto's famous golden temple Kinkaku-ji costs ¥400 for adults, which is about US$2.50. Changing this would be controversial, and it seems more likely that there would be increases in tourist taxes in order to fund services for visitors.

What are tourist taxes used for?

Local tourist taxes, usually collected as an extra on top of payment for your hotel, are common across many parts of the world, although these are relatively low in Japan compared with, say, destinations in the US like Honolulu and San Francisco.

These aim to fund some of the local costs associated with visitors: Kyoto’s is on a sliding scale based on the price of your hotel room, from ¥200–1000 a night (about US$1–7). The city of Hatsukaichi, home to the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima-jinja , often known as Miyajima and famous for its torii gate standing in the water off the island, recently implemented a ¥100 (about US$0.60) fee to fund the preservation and management of the site.

Japan already has a ¥1000 (about US$7) tourist departure tax that you may have never noticed as part of your plane fare.

How is Japan likely to manage the problems of overtourism?

It seems unlikely that Japan will curtail its overall number of visitors because of overtourism. More likely, we’ll see more examples of capacity restrictions in specific places, like on Mt Fuji, where a certain number of people per day are allowed in.

This already happens in some cases in Japan: the famous Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and the new Ghibli Park in Nagoya both have a ticket maximum to maintain the quality of experience and to avoid overcrowding — the price for the former is just ¥1000 or about US$6.50, so it really is about capacity.

Some trains — specifically the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen between points west of Tokyo — are  not included as part of the Japan Rail Pass , even though the slightly slower trains like the Hikari are. There’s only a few minutes' difference in terms of travel time, but at peak times there can be a half-dozen of the faster trains for every one of the slower ones. This is done for a variety of reasons, including that the clockwork-like efficiency of the shinkansen’s busiest section leaves only the briefest times for passengers to get on and off the train, and confused tourists (often carting large luggage with them) have been known to disrupt operations. Overseas visitors are therefore concentrated into the slightly slower Hikari and much slower Kodama services instead.

A more recent change is the 2020 introduction of  the “Baggage 160” system , where travelers must reserve a space for larger pieces of luggage (over 160cm/63in in combined height, width and depth) on more popular bullet train lines or pay a carry-on fee. The change largely stemmed from the complications of visitors bringing large pieces of luggage onto trains that were not designed with large luggage storage. Japanese travelers tend not to bring large suitcases with them on trains, instead shipping them ahead to their destination via the excellent and inexpensive set of luggage delivery services like Yamato Transport , known as kuroneko  (black cat) after its ubiquitous logo of a black cat carrying a kitten in its mouth.

How will this impact on group tours?

Keep an eye out for capacity management caps or even outright bans to potentially affect group tours first. These can be very unpopular with local people, and indeed with other visitors.

A tour bus full of visitors descending all at once can change the character of a place instantly, and that’s certainly the case in a lot of the most famous Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkaju-ji, Ryōan-ji or Kiyomizu-dera . These groups often have a reputation for behaving disrespectfully, like talking loudly in places where quiet is expected, not following rules, and getting in the way of local people and more respectful travelers.

You’re unlikely to be affected as an independent traveler, and a smart tactic is to visit at times when these groups are either still making their way from their hotels, have been packed off for lunch, or are heading back at the end of the day — and to plan to explore the less-traveled corners of this fascinating country.

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Japan ends era of negative interest rates. A chief economist explains

Japan was the last country in the world to maintain a policy of negative interest rates. Image:  REUTERS/Issei Kato

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Stay up to date:, financial and monetary systems.

• Japan ended its eight-year period of negative interest rates this month.
• Negative interest rates are used by central banks to stimulate economic growth and combat deflation.
• In Japan, negative interest rates were an “extraordinary form of large-scale monetary easing that has continued for many years,” said Seisaku Kameda, the Executive Economist at the Sompo Institute Plus.

The Bank of Japan raised interest rates this month, ending the country’s historic era of negative interest rates.

In a 7-2 majority vote, Japan’s central bank decided to increase short-term interest rates to 0-0.1%. The decision increased rates from the previously held minus 0.1% and marked the first rate hike in Japan in 17 years .

Negative interest rates are used by central banks as a monetary policy to stimulate economic growth and combat deflation. The policy results in charges being imposed on commercial banks and financial institutions for holding large reserves. In turn, banks were encouraged to spend and lend money into the economy, rather than save.

In 2014, while confronting deflationary pressures, the European Central Bank became the first major central bank to implement negative interest rates. In subsequent years, multiple other central banks, including Japan’s in 2016, followed suit and lowered interest rates below zero. With its decision this month, Japan became the last country in the world to end a policy of negative interest rates.

Have you read?

Bank of Japan ends negative interest rate era, and other economic stories to read this week

What is the neutral interest rate and why is it in focus?

The Japanese economy, which has faced deflationary pressures such as wage stagnation, has seen indications of healthy inflation in recent months. In a statement announcing the policy change , the Bank of Japan (BOJ) said that the economy has “recovered moderately” and that it is “highly likely that wages will continue to increase steadily.” The central bank, which also abandoned yield curve control (YCC), did not indicate whether or not more rate hikes can be expected.

In the following questions-and-answer, Seisaku Kameda , the Executive Economist at the Sompo Institute Plus, details the rationale behind negative interest rates and examines the policy’s impact.

Why did the BOJ maintain a negative interest rate policy?

“The action was taken to strengthen quantitative and qualitative easing (QQE) against negative shocks expected from China’s slowdown at that time. The negative interest policy in Japan, however, was only an extraordinary form of large-scale monetary easing that has continued for many years. The history of ultra-low interest rates is much longer and dates back to the late 1990s.

“BOJ decided to implement a zero interest rate policy in 1999. Since then, short-term policy rates have been extremely low, whether it was zero, near-zero or slightly negative. An exception was a short period from 2006 to 2008, when policy rates were low but positive, namely 0.25 to 0.5%. The rates went back to near-zero levels again after the Global Financial Crisis.

“The saga of ultra-low interest rates in Japan reflects the fact that the Japanese economy suffered from secular stagnation and also from mild but persistent deflation for the past 20 years.

“The problem was deeply structural: (i) the burst of the bubble economy and its scarring effect in 1990s, (ii) rapid decrease and ageing of population that no advanced economies had experienced, and (iii) emerging China and the following increases in cheap imports, have all combined and exerted tremendously negative pressures onto Japan’s economic growth and inflation.

“Under the new environment, small non-manufacturing companies kept their businesses by cutting costs, for example by hiring more non-regular workers. This strategy was successful in maintaining the ‘status quo’ of the domestic economy for a while, but it was a fatal mistake for future growth, as innovations to create new business and values were disturbed, and the economy was trapped with a low-wage, low-price equilibrium. This situation has not changed, until just recently.”

Why is the BOJ ending negative interest rate policy now?

“The main driver of this fundamental policy change was, obviously, strong results of the annual spring-time wage negotiations, revealed just a few days before the policy meeting.

“According to the initial press release by JTUC-RENGO, one of the major labour union confederations, the average base wage rate has risen by 3.7%, accelerated from 2.3% last spring that was already historically high. This wage growth has also exceeded current inflation rates: Japan’s CPI this February recorded an increase of 2.8% year-to-year.

“Based on these wage results and related anecdotal information obtained through the network of local branches, BOJ confirmed the virtuous cycle between wages and prices, an indispensable condition for achieving its 2% price stability target.

“BOJ also stated that QQE with YCC and the negative interest rate policy ‘have fulfilled their roles’. We should note, however, that skyrocketing wage growth this year and last year has been brought about by changes in the external environment, rather than by aggressive monetary easing.

“Global inflation and pent-up consumer demand in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic has led to cost-push inflation even in Japan, which in turn pushed up nominal wages, along with effects of strong calls for higher wages from the government and major industrial associations. Monetary policy including negative interest rates played a supporting role, but was not sufficient by itself to create the current wage-price momentum.”

How will this policy change impact the BOJ’s monetary policy and the Japanese economy?

“Although this policy change has a symbolic meaning as a near-exit step of aggressive monetary easing, its direct impacts on financial markets and the Japanese economy are considered to be small.

“BOJ emphasised that ‘accommodative financial conditions will be maintained for the time being’ in its policy statement. This phrase, with the decision of continuing QE, is generally taken by market participants as a sign that a move for the next interest rate hike will not come very soon.

“Given a very small rise in short-term policy rates and virtually no move in long-term rates, the immediate impact upon the economy will naturally be negligible as well. On the other hand, we should bear in mind that this very accommodative policy stance could be reversed unexpectedly, depending on incoming data, especially data on wages and service inflation.

“Extremely strong results in this spring wage negotiations were more than enough for BOJ to exit from negative interest rates. At the same time, however, they could materialise upside risks of higher inflation in service sectors, earlier than BOJ currently anticipates. Unexpected change of policy stance in the near future might then become an adverse factor to financial markets and the economy.

“Lastly, although we are observing a dramatic change in Japan, so far, the change is mainly in progress in nominal terms; wages and inflation. Deflation in the past was probably one of the reasons for secular stagnation of the Japanese economy, but it is not a single absolute reason. In Japan, rapid ageing of population will continue, and innovations, such as digital investment and its wider use, still lag behind other advanced economies. Japan’s problem in real terms remains.”

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

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• Tourism expenditure in Japan 2013-2022

Total value of tourism expenditure in Japan from 2013 to 2022 (in trillion Japanese yen)

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2013 to 2022

100 Japanese yen equal 0.69 U.S. dollars or 0.64 euros as of July 2023.

Other statistics on the topic Travel and tourism industry in Japan

• Number of inbound visitors to Japan 2005-2023
• Number of overseas tourists in Tokyo 2013-2022
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• Monthly number of foreign visitors to Japan 2019-2023

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Statistics on " Travel and tourism in Japan "

• Economic impact of tourism on output in Japan 2012-2021
• Impact of tourism on employment in Japan 2012-2021
• Tourism expenditure by domestic travelers in Japan 2013-2022
• Tourism expenditure of international visitors in Japan 2010-2023
• International tourism balance of payments in Japan 2005-2023
• Number of domestic travels in Japan 2013-2022
• Distribution of domestic travels in Japan 2021, by type
• Number of domestic travels in Japan 2022, by purpose and type of trip
• Number of domestic trips in Japan 2022, by age of traveler
• Most desired destinations for domestic overnight travel in Japan 2023
• Leading sales channels for booking domestic overnight travel in Japan 2022
• Number of Japanese overseas travelers 2013-2022
• Number of monthly Japanese outbound travelers 2019-2022
• Leading overseas travel destinations of Japanese tourists 2022
• Share of Japanese outbound travelers 2022, by age group and gender
• Gender ratio of Japanese overseas travelers 2013-2022
• International travel booking distribution in Japan 2022, by sales channel
• Number of foreign tourists for holiday and recreational reasons in Japan 2013-2022
• Number of inbound travelers for business purposes to Japan 2013-2022
• Number of hotels and inns in Japan FY 2006-2023
• Monthly occupancy rate of accommodations in Japan 2022, by type
• Number of overnight stays by Japanese at accommodations in Japan 2013-2022
• Number of stays at accommodations by foreigners in Japan 2013-2022
• Number of overnight stays by overseas guests in Japan 2022, by prefecture
• Occupancy rate of accommodations in Japan 2022, by prefecture
• Tourism spending in Japan 2022, by travel type
• Domestic day-trip travel expenditure in Japan 2022, by travel purpose
• Domestic overnight travel expenditure in Japan 2022, by travel purpose
• Expenses on overseas travel by Japanese 2013-2022
• Tourism expenditure by foreign visitors in Japan 2023, by expense category
• Average unit price per domestic trip per person in Japan 2013-2022
• Impact of COVID-19 on domestic leisure travel in Japan 2020-2023, by month
• Impact of COVID-19 on outbound travel plans in Japan 2020-2023, by month
• Estimated number of travelers during summer vacation in Japan 2014-2023
• Share of people intending to go on domestic leisure trips in Japan 2023
• Share of people intending to go on overseas leisure trips in Japan 2023
• Leading reasons to suspend overseas travels from Japan 2023

Other statistics that may interest you Travel and tourism in Japan

• Premium Statistic Tourism expenditure in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Economic impact of tourism on output in Japan 2012-2021
• Premium Statistic Impact of tourism on employment in Japan 2012-2021
• Premium Statistic Tourism expenditure by domestic travelers in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Tourism expenditure of international visitors in Japan 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic International tourism balance of payments in Japan 2005-2023

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic travels in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Distribution of domestic travels in Japan 2021, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic travels in Japan 2022, by purpose and type of trip
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic trips in Japan 2022, by age of traveler
• Premium Statistic Most desired destinations for domestic overnight travel in Japan 2023
• Premium Statistic Leading sales channels for booking domestic overnight travel in Japan 2022

Outbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of Japanese overseas travelers 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of monthly Japanese outbound travelers 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Leading overseas travel destinations of Japanese tourists 2022
• Premium Statistic Share of Japanese outbound travelers 2022, by age group and gender
• Premium Statistic Gender ratio of Japanese overseas travelers 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic International travel booking distribution in Japan 2022, by sales channel

Inbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of inbound visitors to Japan 2005-2023
• Premium Statistic Monthly number of foreign visitors to Japan 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound visitors in Japan 2023, by region
• Premium Statistic Number of foreign tourists for holiday and recreational reasons in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound travelers for business purposes to Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of overseas tourists in Tokyo 2013-2022

Hotel industry

• Premium Statistic Number of hotels and inns in Japan FY 2006-2023
• Premium Statistic Monthly occupancy rate of accommodations in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of overnight stays by Japanese at accommodations in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of stays at accommodations by foreigners in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of overnight stays by overseas guests in Japan 2022, by prefecture
• Premium Statistic Occupancy rate of accommodations in Japan 2022, by prefecture

Tourism consumption

• Premium Statistic Tourism spending in Japan 2022, by travel type
• Premium Statistic Domestic day-trip travel expenditure in Japan 2022, by travel purpose
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight travel expenditure in Japan 2022, by travel purpose
• Premium Statistic Expenses on overseas travel by Japanese 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Tourism expenditure by foreign visitors in Japan 2023, by expense category
• Premium Statistic Average unit price per domestic trip per person in Japan 2013-2022

Travel and tourism during COVID-19

• Premium Statistic Impact of COVID-19 on domestic leisure travel in Japan 2020-2023, by month
• Premium Statistic Impact of COVID-19 on outbound travel plans in Japan 2020-2023, by month
• Premium Statistic Estimated number of travelers during summer vacation in Japan 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Share of people intending to go on domestic leisure trips in Japan 2023
• Premium Statistic Share of people intending to go on overseas leisure trips in Japan 2023
• Premium Statistic Leading reasons to suspend overseas travels from Japan 2023

Further related statistics

• Basic Statistic Internal tourism consumption in Hungary 2012-2028
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• Premium Statistic Spending distribution of domestic tourists in China 2017, by category
• Basic Statistic Domestic travel spending in Kuwait 2012-2028
• Premium Statistic Inbound and domestic tourism in the Netherlands 2017-2030, by region
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism expenditure as a share of GDP Saudi Arabia 2008-2021
• Premium Statistic Shopping tourism expenditure share shopping by foreign visitors in Japan 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Tourism expenditure share by foreign visitors in Japan 2023, by expense category
• Premium Statistic Breakdown of domestic tourism expenditure Malaysia 2022
• Premium Statistic Tourism expenditure share for accommodation by foreign visitors in Japan 2014-2022
• Premium Statistic Italy: distribution of foreign tourist expenditure by continent 2017
• Premium Statistic Italy: per capita expenditure of foreign tourists by continent 2017
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism expenditure over exports of goods in Australia 2011-2021
• Premium Statistic Average expenditure per domestic visitor Vietnam 2019, by type
• Basic Statistic U.S. core personal consumption expenditure monthly change 2023-2024
• Basic Statistic Consumer spending on household textiles in Greece 2009-2021

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• Domestic travel spending in Kuwait 2012-2028
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• Inbound tourism expenditure as a share of GDP Saudi Arabia 2008-2021
• Shopping tourism expenditure share shopping by foreign visitors in Japan 2014-2023
• Tourism expenditure share by foreign visitors in Japan 2023, by expense category
• Breakdown of domestic tourism expenditure Malaysia 2022
• Tourism expenditure share for accommodation by foreign visitors in Japan 2014-2022
• Italy: distribution of foreign tourist expenditure by continent 2017
• Italy: per capita expenditure of foreign tourists by continent 2017
• Inbound tourism expenditure over exports of goods in Australia 2011-2021
• Average expenditure per domestic visitor Vietnam 2019, by type
• U.S. core personal consumption expenditure monthly change 2023-2024
• Consumer spending on household textiles in Greece 2009-2021

Japan's economy recovers to full capacity, keeps alive BOJ rate hike prospects

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Japan's central bank just raised interest rates for the first time in 17 years

• On Tuesday, Japan's central bank raised interest rates.
• It marks Japan's first rate hike since February 2007.
• The markets barely reacted to the decision, which had been widely anticipated.

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's central bank raised its benchmark interest rate Tuesday for the first time in 17 years, ending a longstanding policy of negative rates meant to boost the economy.

The short-term rate was raised to a range of 0 to 0.1% from minus 0.1% at a policy meeting that confirmed expectations of a shift away from ultra-lax monetary policy.

It's the first rate hike since February 2007. The negative interest rate policy, combined with other measures to inject money into the economy and keep borrowing costs low, "have fulfilled their roles," the bank said in a statement.

The bank has an inflation target of 2% that it used as a benchmark for whether Japan had finally escaped deflationary tendencies. But it had remained cautious about "normalizing" monetary policy, or ending negative borrowing rates, even after data showed inflation at about that rate in recent months.

Another factor supporting the shift: Japanese companies have announced relatively robust wage hikes for this year's round of negotiations with trade unions.

Wages and profits at companies were improving, the Bank of Japan said, in releasing its latest decision, referring to "anecdotal" accounts as well as data it had gathered lately.

"Japan's economy has recovered moderately," it said.

Related stories

There was scant reaction in markets to the decision, which had been widely anticipated. Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 index gained 0.4%, while the dollar was steady at about 150 yen.

Bank of Japan Chief Kazuo Ueda had repeatedly said the bank would review its negative rate and other easing measures if the 2 percent inflation target was met and was accompanied by wage increases.

The Japanese central bank's policy is quite different from those of the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. Both have been moving to lower interest rates after rapidly raising them to clamp down on inflation.

The Bank of Japan has kept borrowing costs extremely low for many years to encourage Japanese consumers and businesses to spend and invest to help sustain stronger economic growth.

Japan recently became the world's fourth-biggest economy , slipping behind Germany in terms of its nominal gross domestic product, or GDP. The U.S. economy is the largest, followed by China, which overtook Japan over a decade ago.

BOJ officials say they want to make sure inflation is based on domestic factors that can sustain higher wages, not external ones. Analysts expect the Bank of Japan to continue to move slowly on further raising interest rates.

The ultra-lax monetary policy also included huge injections of money into the economy through purchases of Japanese government bonds and other assets. The bank said the BOJ would continue with those government bond purchases at a rate of about 6 trillion yen ($40.2 billion), and adjust quickly depending on economic trends.

But it discontinued or gave timelines for ending purchases of real estate investment trusts and other assets.

The ultra-lax monetary policy that Ueda's predecessor, Haruhiko Kuroda, put in place more than a decade ago was designed to establish what he called a "virtuous cycle" of inflationary expectations that would lead people to spend more both because borrowing costs were low and because they feared prices would rise in the future.

That was meant to counter a spell of deflationary trends where people held back on purchases in hopes of lower prices, which led companies to invest less and to cut back on wages.

The Bank of Japan said in its assessment of the economy that the current recovery was based partly on a "materialization of pent-up demand" even as global demand has weakened.

But it noted that industrial production was stagnant, partly due to cutbacks by automakers. Housing investment was relatively weak and government spending was "more or less flat."

"Concerning risks to the outlook, there are extremely high uncertainties surrounding Japan's economic activity and prices," it said.

Watch: What Happens If The US Hits The Debt Ceiling And Defaults

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Star Wars: Galaxy Of Heroes Is Coming To PC With A Better Framerate And Higher Resolution

Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, the popular free-to-play Star Wars collectible turn-based strategy RPG mobile game, is coming to PC with cross-save functionality and improved performance. Speaking with the developer over e-mail, the team says, "We have been able to double the frame rate to 60 fps, added anti-aliasing, and implemented higher resolution settings so that players can take advantage of the power of a high-end PC." The game's layout has also been adjusted for the PC version.

Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes originally launched for mobile devices back in 2015, and has amassed a following over the years. In that time, players have figured out ways to emulate the game on PC, but this will be an official release. Along with improved visuals, the game will also support mouse and keyboard as well as keybinds (unfortunately "there is no controller support at this time"). Longtime players will also be able to bring all their progress over by linking their mobile account to their EA account when playing on PC for the first time, and all future updates will release on both mobile and PC platforms simultaneously. The teams says, "The PC and mobile version will always be in lockstep and release updates at the same time."

Beta access for the PC version will be available for current mobile players in May before expanding to a larger audience. From the developer: "For those interested, they can head to the Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes website, sign up for the EA App, link their account, and they are now ready to register. There’s a dedicated registration page that can be found on the website the day registration begins! For those selected, you will be receiving an invite via email for access to the Closed Beta." You can learn more here .

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