Tag - tourism

 
 

TOURISM

A supermarket worker puts up a sign asking purchasers to buy only one bag per person, in Tokyo on July 25.
JAPAN
Aug 22, 2024
Why it's hard to find rice at Japan's supermarkets right now
In recent weeks, store shelves have often been barren, with many shops displaying signs asking purchasers to stick to one bag per person.
The introduction of a two-tier pricing system which charges foreign tourists more than local residents is being considered at Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture.
JAPAN
Aug 22, 2024
More Japan tourist hot spots consider two-tier pricing system
However, experts have warned that the system may lead to discrimination if it is not carefully thought out.
European Union member flags are hoisted in front of the European Parliament building in Luxembourg. The country hosts key EU institutions and has recently concluded a working holiday visa program with Japan.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Aug 22, 2024
Luxembourg opens door for Japanese working holiday visitors
The working holiday program is available to Japanese nationals between the ages of 18 and 30.
Visitors walk through the Hozomon Gate as they visit Sensoji temple in Tokyo earlier this month.
JAPAN / Society
Aug 21, 2024
Japan sees record number of visitors for second straight month
The estimated number of tourists visiting Japan surged 41.9% from a year earlier to 3,292,500 in July, hitting a second-straight monthly high.
A huge black screen was set up to block a view of Mount Fuji from across a convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, on May 21. The screen was removed last Thursday.
JAPAN
Aug 20, 2024
Screen blocking view of Mount Fuji removed to avoid typhoon damage
Town authorities had erected the screen on May 21 to dissuade tourists from flocking to the spot, following local residents' complaints about visitors' bad manners.
Climbers converge in front of Mount Fuji's 5th Station, which leads to the popular Yoshida trail, in Narusawa, Yamanashi Prefecture, on Aug. 11.
JAPAN / Society / FOCUS
Aug 20, 2024
Mount Fuji’s new measures bear fruit in tackling dangerous 'bullet climbing'
Restrictions implemented on the popular Yoshida trail have significantly reduced the number of "bullet climbers" and reduced bad behavior associated with the practice.
Tourists enjoy the beach in Malaga, Spain, on Aug. 14.
BUSINESS
Aug 20, 2024
Package deals make comeback in Europe among budget-conscious sun seekers
The combination of a cost-of-living crisis and disruption from strikes and glitches has added to the appeal of a fixed-price package without unexpected add-on costs.
People wait to board a Tokaido Shinkansen train at Tokyo Station on Aug. 10.
JAPAN
Aug 20, 2024
Bon holiday train passengers up 7% despite quake and typhoon worries
The possibility of a megaquake and news that a powerful typhoon was approaching Japan did not dissuade people from traveling for the holidays.
The beauty of 'kaiseki' (Japanese haute cuisine), chef Shinichiro Takagi says, is that it represents the best elements of Japan's culinary traditional all working in tandem.
LIFE / Food & Drink
Aug 18, 2024
Shinichiro Takagi sees a way forward for fine dining in Japan
The two-Michelin-starred chef sees two ways forward for fine dining in Japan: fostering domestic talent and adapting to international diners.
Tourists line up to board the sightseeing ship Nijiiro Sakana-go at Misaki Port in Miura, Kanagawa Prefecture, in June.
JAPAN / Society / FOCUS
Aug 16, 2024
Japanese fishing communities aim to harness appeal
The Fisheries Agency plans to boost its sea industry promotion team to better support regional revitalization across Japan.
Japan is divided into many different regions, sometimes distinguishing areas of the country by old borders or climate.
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Aug 16, 2024
When it comes to Japan, do you know your 'Kanto' from your 'Kanto-koshin'?
Japanese people tend to travel to their hometowns around this time of year, and asking where they went is an easy conversation starter.
The Kappabashi Bridge in the Chubusangaku National Park is just one of many sites the Japanese government is hoping will serve to draw tourists to a planned nationwide rollout of luxury resorts.
LIFE / Travel
Aug 16, 2024
Japan sets 2031 target for luxury hotels at all 35 national parks
"We are aiming for world-class national parks based on the understanding of local communities and the idea of environmental conservation."
Tourists at a water fountain at the Acropolis archaeological site during extreme hot weather conditions in Athens in July 2023.
BUSINESS
Aug 16, 2024
Extreme weather drives travelers to cooler destinations this summer
Cruise operators, hotel companies and airlines are adding trips and accommodations to meet rising demand for temperate destinations.
Officials of JR Kyushu Jet Ferry bow at a news conference in Fukuoka on Wednesday.
JAPAN
Aug 14, 2024
JR Kyushu ferry unit found covering up leak problem
The jet ferry service has been suspended since Tuesday, seen affecting about 22,000 people in the middle of the Bon summer holiday season.
 Tourists walk through Nakamise shopping street near Sensoji Temple in Tokyo in April
JAPAN
Aug 13, 2024
Japan to revise consumption tax exemption for overseas tourists
A revision of the current system is being considered to prevent goods bought tax-free from being resold within the country.
A beach closed due to a megaquake alert in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, from Friday to Thursday.
JAPAN / Society
Aug 13, 2024
Japan's tourism industry hit by cancellations after megaquake alert
Concerns over a potential disaster have prompted many visitors to cancel their plans and city's to cancel events.
A container-sized cabin produced by Zheng Weirong's company
BUSINESS / Economy
Aug 13, 2024
Chinese swap handbags for trips as ‘experience economy’ booms
Consumer spending in China is still constrained by modest income growth and falling home prices, which make homeowners feel less wealthy overall.
Visitors take selfies at Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple in Kyoto.
BUSINESS
Aug 13, 2024
Overtourism isn’t the conundrum it’s made out to be
142 countries are projected to exceed their pre-pandemic tourism performance this year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Officials of the transport ministry speak to a driver suspected of engaging in illegal taxi operations at a tourist spot in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture.
JAPAN / Society / Regional voices: Chubu
Aug 12, 2024
Gifu struggles to crack down on illegal cabs at tourist hot spots
Cashless payments make it hard to catch such drivers in the act and some are worried they may be mistaken for a legal ride-hailing service.
Disney resorts division head Josh D’Amaro
BUSINESS / Companies
Aug 12, 2024
Disney plots villains-themed land and new cruise ships in resorts push
Disney is providing details after announcing plans for its parks and resorts unit last year that included doubling capital investment to $60 billion over 10 years.

Longform

Professional cleaner Hirofumi Sakurai takes a moment to appreciate some photographs in a Gotanda apartment whose occupant died alone.
The last cleanup: Life and death in a lonely Japan