Number of Visitors to Japan Hits Record 28.7 Million in 2017 (News)

Tokyo, Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)—The estimated number of visitors to Japan in 2017 rose 19.3% from the previous year to 28,690,900, hitting a record high for the fifth straight year, the Japan National Tourism Organization said Tuesday.

The result reflected a rise in the number of visitors from other parts of Asia, including China, Taiwan and South Korea, thanks partly to an increase in flights operated by low-cost carriers.

Spending by foreign visitors during their stays in Japan last year totaled ¥4,416.1 billion on a preliminary basis, up 17.8%, the JNTO said. Spending on shopping accounted for the largest share of 37.1%, or ¥1,639.8 billion. Accommodation fees came second, at 28.2%, and wining and dining expenses third, at 20.1%.

Meanwhile, spending per visitor declined 1.3% to ¥153,921, down for two years in a row, after hitting a peak in 2015 thanks to bakugai explosive buying, mainly by Chinese visitors.

The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry separately said in a preliminary report that the number of foreigners who visited Japan by cruise ship in 2017 climbed 27.2% from the previous year to 2,533,000, posting a record high for the fourth consecutive year.