Tourists are flocking to Japan to take advantage of the weak yen, with the latest statistics from the Japan National Tourism Organization reporting visitor numbers to exceed pre-pandemic levels. Last week, JNTO revealed that tourist numbers in May were up 9.6% compared with May 2019. This marks the third consecutive month this year in which visitor numbers have topped 3 million.
Inbound tourism is a big contributor to local economies, with Reuters reporting that spending by visitors to Japan is set to reach 5 trillion yen in 2023, but some businesses and destinations are struggling to keep up with the numbers. In an attempt to offset rising inflation caused by the weak yen and mitigate some of the effects of overtourism, many have adjusted their prices, but others are mulling more controversial solutions.
Here are some examples we’ve seen so far and how this could affect tourism costs in Japan: It’s worth noting, however, that while discussion around the topic has picked up steam recently, price hikes for tourists remain rare and infrequent.
Photo: Krisada Wakayabun/Dreamstime
Mount Fuji is limiting visitor numbers and mandating admission fees
Starting this year, Mount Fuji will charge 2,000 yen to climb the popular Yoshida trail, in addition to a voluntary donation of 1,000 yen for conservation and maintenance. Yamanashi prefecture has also capped the number of climbers, limiting it to 4,000 per day.
Two-tier ticket system under consideration for some attractions
In Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considering a two-tiered pricing system for admission. General admission is currently set at 1,000 yen per adult, but the mayor of Himeji is considering lowering the fee for local residents and raising it for foreign tourists.
Under the proposed plan, entrance fees for foreign tourists will be revised to 4,000 yen, to cover the maintenance and preservation costs that local residents already pay as taxes.
Photo: Toyoshima Kisa Toyosu Senkaku Mandai
Restaurants in high-traffic areas are raising prices
Nadai Fuji Soba, a restaurant chain known for its affordable 500 yen set meals, recently changed its menu to include dishes costing as much as 2,300 yen. Manager Shinya Yamamoto told NHK the decision was to ease the strain on staff at the restaurant, in one of Tokyo’s busiest tourist destinations, who need high turnover to maintain the affordable menu.
Recently opened complexes such as Toyosu Senkaku Bandai are also trying to meet demand by charging higher prices – such as a ¥10,000 sea urchin bowl – but these prices could alienate local customers.
To attract local customers, some restaurants have implemented a two-tiered pricing system on their menus: ABC News reported that a restaurant in the downtown Shibuya area had a note at the bottom of its menu saying that Japanese residents would get a 1,000 yen discount off the total bill.
Osaka to introduce hotel fees ahead of 2025 World Expo
According to Kyodo News, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura is currently in discussions to introduce a flat rate for tourists visiting Japan starting in spring 2025. The proposed fee would apply to tourists who plan to stay overnight within the prefecture.
This would be in addition to the current accommodation tax of 100 to 300 yen per night on rooms priced over 7,000 yen. If the proposal is approved, it could be introduced in April next year, ahead of the 2025 Osaka World Expo.
Continued from timeout
Yokohama’s life-sized Gundam to move to Osaka Expo 2025
Three fireworks festivals will be held this summer in Saitama Prefecture, next door to Tokyo.
Shinjuku projection mapping show will also serve food and drinks on weekends
Two Japanese airlines ranked among the world’s top 10 airlines for 2024
Murakami Takashi and Min Heejin appear at LINE Friends Square Shibuya
Want to be the first to know about the latest news from Tokyo? Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news from Tokyo and Japan.
