Big rise in Japan inbound tourism

Inbound visitor numbers to Japan surged again in August, up by 63.8% from a year ago.

The Japan National Tourism Organization said 1,817,000 arrived last month, beating 2014’s previous high of 1,109,569.

The weaker yen and easing of visa restrictions were a direct result of increased inbound traffic, according to the JNTO.

The slow tourism recovery in South Korea following the MERS outbreak was also a likely factor.

Japan Tourism Agency commissioner Akihiko Tamura said Japan could reach 19 million arrivals by the year-end.

Visitors from mainland China more than doubled in August but the economic slowdown could have an impact for the remainder of the year.

JNTO officials noted continued strong demand for shopping in Japan after the government last year expanded the range of consumer goods available at zero tax for foreign tourists.