The explosive growth in tourist numbers in Japan
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that, following a professional visit to Japan in 1998, I’ve just made a return visit as a tourist for a more extensive trip.
In 1998, there were 4.1M foreign visitors to Japan. By 2014, there were 13.4M. By 2024, the figure was 36.9M. This is a staggering rate of growth, but the government is aiming for 60M.
Already I found parts of Japan – especially Kyoto – overtouristed. I find it hard to imagine how the extra numbers will be absorbed.
You can find full details of tourist figures here.