Foreign Tourists Visiting Japan Remain Low Despite Entry Easing
The number of overseas tourists coming to Japan has remained at a fraction of the level before the coronavirus pandemic despite the easing of entry restrictions in June.
Japan had banned tourists from abroad for more than two years due to the pandemic. It resumed accepting tourists from 98 countries and economies on June 10, on condition that they be restricted to escorted group tours.
The Immigration Services Agency said 252 people visited Japan in June and 7,903 in July.
By contrast, about 2.39 million foreign nationals visited Japan for short-term travel or business in January 2020, before the surge of virus infections hit Japan.
One reason for the slow recovery in the number of overseas visitors is attributed to Japan's strict entry measures. Foreign nationals who want to visit Japan are required to obtain a visa and submit a negative PCR test result, which take times and effort to prepare. Foreign tourists are also required to join guided tours.
Tour companies say such restrictions discourage Western tourists from coming to Japan in particular, as they prefer an individual style of traveling. They say some potential visitors are choosing other destinations.