Japan has been open to tourists since June 10 last. However, the number of tourists who come is still very small. What’s the factor?
Before the pandemic, Japan was one of the favorite vacation destinations for world tourists. But due to the pandemic, Japan has become one of the strictest countries with all things pandemic.
Reporting from CNN, Monday (1/8/2022) Japan has opened its international gates for travel since June 10, 2022. However, based on data from the Japan Immigration Service Agency, between June 10 and July 10, only 1,500 tourists entered.
Of course, the question is, why is the country most awaited for its opening for a vacation, the number of tourists is very small. Here are some things that affect the number of tourist arrivals to Japan.
1. Come in groups or join an official tour
Although Japan has been opened for holidays, Japan currently only allows holiday tourists to come in organized groups. For many people in the West, who prefer spontaneity and don’t want to stick to a strict itinerary, this is certainly a problem for them.
Many people who usually vacation solo or just a few people to Japan, they turn to Seoul, South Korea.
2. Japan is still strict with the rules
Japan’s not fully open policy doesn’t just apply to visas. The country still has mask regulations in many areas, group tours are expensive, and Japan requires quarantine upon arrival. These things make selling tourism more difficult.
 GOTEMBA, JAPAN – MAY 28: A car park at Mizugatsuka Park, a popular visitor spot for views of Mount Fuji, is completely empty after being closed to discourage visitors to the area on May 28, 2020 in Gotemba, Japan. Local authorities have announced that Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, will be closed to hikers during this year’s summer climbing season to prevent the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus. To date, Japan has recorded 16,651 infections, 858 deaths and 13,973 recoveries from the virus. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Photo: Getty Images/Carl Court |
3. Chinese influence
In 2019, Japan’s largest single tourism market was neighboring China with 9.25 million visits. However, today China still remains closed from the rest of the world. It still has strict quarantine protocols for nationals and foreigners, bringing tourism to a halt.
Japan is not the only country that has been significantly impacted by the lack of Chinese tourists. Popular destinations for Chinese tourists, such as Australia, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea, have all lost revenue.
Maybe most of the people are waiting for Japan to fully open up. The phrase ‘traveling revenge’ may be experienced by Japan after they decide to relax the rules.
People who are eager to come to Japan will save even more so that they can have a satisfying vacation in Japan.
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