Japan Considering Hiking Visa Fees For International Visitors

Above, Tokyo's Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign visitors to Japan may end up paying more in visa fees.

This is one way the Japanese government is considering to fight overtourism, which, by the way, was of their own making.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO - Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya says that the government is considering raising visa fees for foreign visitors, as current fees remain low compared with those in the United States and European countries.

The government is reviewing visa fees, Iwaya told a press conference when asked about a report that Japan plans to raise them to levels seen in the United States and Europe as early as fiscal 2026.

"The details of the review are undecided, but we are considering various factors, including a possible impact on inbound tourism," the top diplomat said Friday. "We'll examine the fees set in other countries. I believe Japan's fees are quite low at present."

The number of foreign visitors to Japan from January to September rose 17.7 percent from a year earlier to around 31.65 million, marking the fastest pace on record for surpassing 30 million within a year, a government report showed Wednesday.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors

Above, a gate at Tokyo's Asakusa Senso-ji temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations today.

It is easy to see why. It is a first world nation and the current currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen is a big draw.

Forbes has posted ten must-know Japan travel tips for first-time visitors.

They begin it with:

Japan is one of the most popular international destinations right now.

In April 2025, Japan welcomed a record-breaking 3.9 million international visitors, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). One of the most tourist friendly destinations, there is a learning curve to traveling here, and knowing how to navigate and plan accordingly will ensure a better travel experience.

From basic etiquette and can’t miss public transportation tips to planning the best time of year to visit (and knowing best time of year to avoid), here are ten essential travel tips every first time traveler needs to know to plan the best visit possible to Japan.

 To read more, go here.

Foreign Visitors To Japan Set New May Record

Above, an advertising sign for Asahi Beer in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign visitors to Japan set a new record for May.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - The number of foreign visitors to Japan in May rose 21.5 percent from a year earlier to 3.7 million, a record for the month, government estimates showed Wednesday, as travel demand remained strong even after cherry blossom season.

By country and region, South Korea topped the list with 825,800 visitors, up 11.8 percent, followed by China with 789,900, a 44.8 percent increase, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

To read more, go here. 

Top Things To Do In Tokyo

Above, finding food at a bargain is easy in Tokyo like this restaurant in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one is going to Japan on a vacation trip, there are many places to see and things to do around the country.

However, if one is short on time or on a limited budget, just staying in Tokyo is an option. There plenty there to fill the times.

National Geographic posted a list of top 7 things to do in Tokyo or nearby (such as Kamakura).

Above, the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They begin it with:

Forget the notion that Tokyo is nothing but a concrete sprawl, neon and crowds—that tells only a small part of the city’s story. From centuries-old festivals and calming gardens to cutting-edge galleries and culture classes, these seven experiences will help you discover the many other sides of Japan’s capital. 

To read more, go here. 

Hotel Stays In Japan Hit Record

Above, I stayed at this Tokyo hotel in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first visited Japan in 2001 and seven subsequent visits since, it was relatively easy to get a hotel room in Tokyo and elsewhere in the country.

Due to the exchange rate between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar along with other currencies, Japan is seeing what they are calling overtourism. Several years ago, Japan sought more foreign tourists and had a goal of 10 million tourists. That has been far exceeded during recent years before and after the pandemic.

Now, hotels and other accommodations in Japan are seeing record numbers in hotel stays.

The Mainichi Shimbun reported:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Overnight stays at accommodation facilities in Japan by Japanese and foreign travelers rose 5.5 percent in 2024 from the previous year to a record 651.49 million, preliminary government data showed Friday.

The growth was largely driven by foreign visitors, whose stays at hotels and Japanese inns surged 38.8 percent to 163.48 million on the back of a weak yen, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

Overnight stays by Japanese residents, meanwhile, fell 2.3 percent to 488.01 million, with an agency official suggesting a slowdown in the post-coronavirus pandemic domestic travel boom.

The previous record high was 617.47 million marked in 2023.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Visitors and Spending Hit Records In 2024

Above, Senso-Ji Temple in Tokyo's Asakusa district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to a weak yen, Japan saw record numbers of foreign visitors and spending during 2024.

 Kyodo News reported:

The number of foreign visitors to Japan topped 36 million in 2024 in a new all-time high, boosted by a weak yen and the resumption of flight routes to Japan following the COVID-19 pandemic, while their spending surpassed 8 trillion yen ($50.8 billion) for the first time on record, government data showed Wednesday.

Foreign tourists spent a total of 8.14 trillion yen on accommodation, shopping and other expenses in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 5.31 trillion yen set in 2023, preliminary figures from the Japan Tourism Agency showed.

A record 36.87 million foreign tourists visited Japan in 2024 as peak travel periods, including the seasons for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, contributed to annual visitor numbers from 20 markets setting new record highs, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Visitors Set New Spending Record

Above, the Hozomon Gate at Asakusa's Senso-ji temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Thanks to the weak Japanese yen, tourist spending in Japan has reached record levels. 

Reuters reported:

TOKYO, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Visitor spending in Japan broke an annual record in just nine months, official data showed on Wednesday, demonstrating the economic power of a tourism boom fuelled by the weak yen.

Travellers spent 5.86 trillion yen ($39.27 billion) through September, preliminary figures from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed. That eclipsed the 5.3 trillion yen spent in all of 2023, a record for any 12-month period.

The current exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen is 1 USD = 149.92 JPY.

To read more, go here. 

Speaking of Blimps...

Above, Spirit of America in Carson, California in 2012. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Speaking of blimps (i.e., the Sao Paulo blimp crash), I paid a visit to the Carson, California Goodyear blimp airship operations field back in 2012. There, the Goodyear blimp Spirit of America was moored. 

I took a few pictures of it.

Above, another view of the Spirit of America in 2012. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Spirit of American was replaced by its sister ship, Spirit of Innovation in 2015. This was the interim period before the new semi-rigid generation of Goodyear blimps were put into service.

According to GoodyearBlimp.com:

Carson, CA, July 26, 2015 – Goodyear Airship Operations is retiring its Los Angeles-based Goodyear blimp "Spirit of America." The GZ-20A model airship will be decommissioned in mid-August 2015. The blimp will be replaced in the Los Angeles market by its twin ship "Spirit of Innovation" in late September 2015. The transition is taking place as Goodyear celebrates 90 years of lighter-than-air publicity and introduces a new fleet of high-tech, next generation NT Zeppelin model airships.

Goodyear invites the community to get a final up-close look at the blimp during a retirement celebration, which will be held on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. The event will be free to the public. RSVP at http://goodyearblimp.eventbrite.com.

"Spirit of America" has continued to provide aerial coverage to a series of final events in July including the ESPYS, Crossfit Games and Special Olympics World Games LA 2015 Opening Ceremony. Its final months have involved a 29-day West Coast Tour from Los Angeles to Olympia, Washington for the U.S. Open in June; an honorary flight with NFL Arizona Cardinals 2015 draft pick Gerald Christian for Irrelevant Week on July 9; and an exclusive ground tour for more than 110 Special Olympics World Games athletes representing five countries at the Carson blimp base on July 23. 

"Spirit of America"

Christened on Sept. 5, 2002

Retiring August 10, 2015

Above, a zoom shot of the Spirit of America gondola. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before moving to New Mexico in 2018, I did get some photos of the new Wingfoot Two in Carson.

Here's one:

During my 2015 trip to Japan, I did see a blimp in Tokyo:

Above, an advertising blimp (MetLife) near Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Experts: The Best Time To Visit Japan

Above, Senso-ji temple and pagoda in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just about any time is the best time to visit Japan. Well, "just about" means any time with the exception of the summer season when it gets brutally hot an humid there. Summer is also typhoon season there as well

For those wondering when is the best time to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, Forbes has posted an article on just this topic with expert advice.

They begin it with:

In Japan, fall foliage stretches late into the year, as gingko and maple trees pop with color well into December. Powderhounds flock to ski resorts like Honshu and Hokkaido in the winter months for bucket list ski trips, complete with deep powder and snow that’s light and dry and referred to as “Japow.” Then, spring brings the famous cherry blossom displays to the country.

With all the natural beauty and attractions, it’s no surprise that it can be hard for first-time visitors and repeat travelers to narrow down the best time to visit Japan.

Ahead, experts who specialize in Japanese travel share their advice on the best time of the year to visit Japan and also reveal the times of year you should avoid visiting Japan. 

To read more, go here. 

How To Spend A Weekend In Tokyo

Above, Sensoji Temple is a short walk from the Nakamise Street shopping arcades. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer is fast approaching and people may be considering a trip to Japan for their summer vacation. The dollar is doing great against the Japanese yen, which makes a trip more affordable.

Granted, summer is not the greatest time to visit Japan. It get very hot and humid. But if that doesn't bother you, AFAR has some ideas on what to see in Tokyo in four days.

They begin with:

Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis with 37.4 million people, presents a dynamic contrast of historical and contemporary. I offer market tours here and many of my clients say how much they love the city. It’s hard not to love. People are polite. The streets are clean. The cuisine is outstanding, from high-end sushi shops to a simple egg salad sando at the convenience store. My tip: Have a rough itinerary but allow time to wander and explore the quiet side streets.

It’s best seen on foot. Paul McInnes, editor in chief and creative director of Voyapon, a site about Japan and Japanese culture, says of the city: “Many people don’t realize that Tokyo is very much a walkable city. One of the best books about this very subject is Laura Elkin’s fantastic Flâneuse, which focuses on exploring various cities, including Tokyo. You really get to know more about how Tokyo works and you find various nooks and crannies that you hadn’t realized existed. So, invest in some comfortable walking shoes and explore this great modern city.” (McInnes himself captures the details on Japan in his psychogeography writings of walking through Tokyo and Kyoto.) Here’s how to best spend four days in Tokyo.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Tourism Skyrockets

Above, Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon Temple) in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is wondering how Japan's tourism is doing after reopening the country following the pandemic, one need only to see the following.

In March, a record was broken.

According to Travel And Tour World:

Japan‘s tourism reaches new heights with a record-breaking 3 million visitors in March, marking a surge in global interest.

March witnessed an unprecedented surge in Japan’s tourism as more than three million international visitors flocked to the country, setting a new record for a single month. This surge, highlighted by government data on Wednesday, signifies a remarkable upturn for Japan’s tourism industry. The total count of 3.08 million tourists marks a substantial 69.5 percent leap from March 2023 and an 11.6-percent increase compared to March 2019, pre-pandemic era, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Picks 20 Areas As Models For Addressing Overtourism

Above, Nakamise Street in Asakusa, Tokyo is one model area selected. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is a bit weird that after many years of clamoring for more tourists to come to Japan, now that they have more tourists, they're complaining about overtourism.

The Japan Tourism Agency has selected 20 sites they say are "suffering" from overtouism. These sites will be "models" for dealing with the problem.

According to Nippon.com:

Tokyo, March 27 (Jiji Press)--The Japan Tourism Agency on Tuesday selected 20 areas to implement model projects aimed at addressing challenges related to overtourism, or a surge in tourists that negatively impacts the lives of local residents and the natural environment.

In the 20 areas, local government officials and residents will draw up plans in fiscal 2024, which starts on Monday, to ease traffic congestion and raise awareness about tourist manners.

The areas include Niseko in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, Tokyo’s Asakusa and Iriomote Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa.

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Visitation To Japan Reached Pre-Pandemic Level In January

Above, a photo/movie shoot in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The numbers of foreign visitors to Japan reached pre-pandemic levels in January.

According to Kyodo News:

TOKYO - The number of foreign visitors to Japan soared 79.5 percent in January from a year earlier to about 2.69 million, reaching the level seen in the same month in 2019 before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, government data showed Wednesday.

The number of overseas visitors has been growing after Japan lifted border control measures related to COVID-19 in late April. A weak yen has also been fueling the return of inbound tourists.

The impact of a powerful earthquake that rattled central Japan on New Year's Day has been "limited," although some people in South Korea and China canceled their trips to Japan in the wake of the quake, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

To read more, go here. 

10 Things To Know Before Visiting Japan

Above, Nakamise Street in the Asakusa section of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is currently seeing a big rebound after being shut down during the pandemic.

Many foreigners are flocking into Japan to take advantage of the affordability of the country as the foreign exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies are the most favorable in years.

Outlook Traveller has posted an article with ten "essential tips" for first-time visitors.

They begin it with:

Japan, a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, offers an experience like no other. This island nation in East Asia is not just about its technological advancements or the picturesque cherry blossoms; it's about the harmony of its deep-rooted culture with the fast-paced modern life. What sets Japan apart from the rest of the world is its ability to preserve its culture and tradition in this ultra-modern world or, in other words, striking the right balance between tradition and modernity.

Before you embark on your Japanese expedition, there are certain things to keep in mind. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned one, these tips will make your travel hassle-free and enjoyable.

To read more, go here. 

Condé Nast Traveler: 24 Reasons To Visit Japan

Above, nighttime shoppers at Tokyo's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are many reasons to visit Japan.

I have been there eight times over the past 22 years. Each visit was an enjoyable one, even when I got stuck in a commuter train car overnight between Narita Airport and Tokyo due to a heavy snowstorm in 2014. I just saw it as an interesting adventure.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article giving 24 things to do in Japan.

They begin it with:

Japan was voted the best country in the world in the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Here, resident foodie and travel connoisseur Tokyo Halfie explains 24 reasons why you should visit Japan in 2024.

With a rich cultural heritage that eloquently integrates tradition and innovation, Japan is full of juxtapositions. After a two-year entry restriction that was lifted earlier this year, international travelers are flocking back to explore the splendors the country has to offer.

The diverse landscape unveils its ever-changing tapestry of colors, from the delicate pink sakura cherry blossoms in the spring to the vibrant fiery gradation of koyo autumn foliage. The seasonal transitions are beautifully mirrored in its remarkable dining scene, featuring shun-no-shokuzai (seasonal ingredients).

From the vivacious festivals in cities to serene onsen hot springs in the countryside, there are boundless possibilities for discovery.

To read more, go here. 

2 Million Visitors Arrived In Japan In August

Above, Asakusa's 5-storied pagoda. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's tourism industry is making a steady recovery in the numbers of foreign tourists coming into the country.

Over two million visitors arrived in Japan in August.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO (Reuters) -- Japan welcomed more than 2 million visitors for a third straight month in August, recovering to more than 80% of pre-pandemic levels for the first time, official data showed on Wednesday.

The number of foreign visitors for business and leisure was 2.16 million last month, data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed.

Visitor arrivals improved to 85.6% of the levels seen in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic led to travel curbs around the world.

The August numbers were down from a post-pandemic high of 2.32 million in July, but the recovery is continuing, aided by increases in international flights and a weak yen, which makes trips to Japan more affordable than they have been in decades.

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Arrivals To Japan Top 10 Million

Above, Senso-ji temple in the Asakua section of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign arrivals to Japan is surging for the first time since before the pandemic in 2019.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - Foreign arrivals to Japan from January to June topped 10 million for the first time since the same period in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic, as the country sees a continued recovery in inbound travelers, government data showed Wednesday.

Japan saw 10.71 million arrivals in the six months, equivalent to 64.4 percent of the level seen from January to June in 2019 and exponentially higher than the 507,630 logged in the same period in 2022, the Japan National Tourism Organization said.

By country or region, the most arrivals came from South Korea at 3.13 million, followed by 1.77 million from Taiwan, 972,200 from the United States and 909,700 from Hong Kong, it said.

To read more, go here. 

Most Scenic Night Walks In Tokyo

Above, the Tokyo Skytree, Asahi Beer Hall and Sumida River from Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one suffers from insomnia due to jet lag, taking a night stroll in Tokyo is an interesting and fun experience. I have done so several times over the years and felt completely safe.

Time Out Tokyo has four of the most scenic night walks in Tokyo for visitors to enjoy, one of which is pictured above. 

They begin with:

Let’s face it, Tokyo looks its best at night. It’s impossible to think of the city without seeing the glitzy high-rises of Ginza, the changing colours of Tokyo Skytree or Shibuya’s neon lights. Better still, if you stroll along a river or head down to Tokyo Bay, you get a double dose of the city’s skyline with all the glittering lights reflected on the water.

Exploring the city at night has other advantages, too. Provided you stay away from major nightlife districts, you won’t have to deal with all the crowds you normally see during the day, even at major landmarks.

These are some of the most scenic routes to take around Tokyo at night. They’re generally well lit and surprisingly quiet – just be sure to keep an eye on the time so you don’t miss the last train home.

To read more, go here. 

Toy Sales In Japan Top ¥1 Trillion

Above, an Asakusa toy store in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Buying toys in Japan is one of those pastimes that many foreign visitors indulge in. 

I and many others in Godzilla/kaiju fandom collect Japanese toys of their favorite monsters in the U.S. in stores that specialize in them or at conventions such as the annual G-FEST conventions. The biggest draw at G-FEST, for example, is the dealers room where toys of every size and description can be found. Most dealers price them reasonably. 

Above, I got this 1968 Godzilla toy during my 2015 Japan trip in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those same toys are available in Japan at considerably lower prices. One popular stop for foreign visitors is Mandarake in the Nakano section of Tokyo. I found some good deals there over the years.

Since Japan has reopened to foreign visitors, toy sales there have skyrocketed. It it likely due to pent-up demand from the pandemic closure of the country. According to an article in The Japan Times, toy sales in Japan topped ¥1 trillion for the first time. 

They wrote:

Japan's toy market topped ¥1 trillion ($7 billion) for the first time in the financial year that ended in March, driven in part by solid demand for goods of anime characters and franchises like Pokemon from foreign tourists, an industry body said Thursday.

Sales of card games, stuffed toys, model vehicles and other types of toys totaled ¥952.5 billion, up 6.7% from a year earlier, according to the Japan Toy Association.

Sales of "capsule toys," or miniature toys sold in plastic capsules from vending machines, amounted to ¥61 billion, up 35.6%.

To read more, go here. 

Virtual-Reality Tour of Asakusa

Above, there's plenty of stores to shop in at Tokyo's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my favorite hang-out places in Tokyo is Asakusa's Nakamise Dori shopping area. 

Besides being a historic part of Tokyo, there's plenty of things to see in do in the vicinity along with shopping. For kaiju fans, there's some toy stores to buy kaiju figures.

Nippon.com has posted "virtual-reality" tour video of Asakusa. 

They begin with:

Our new series of 360º virtual-reality tours of Japan’s most popular destinations kicks off with a look at Tokyo’s Asakusa district, home to the popular temple Sensōji and many other iconic views of the capital.

To see the video, go here.