Inbound Tourism

Foreign visitors to Japan, infrastructure and overtourism.

39 Articles in this topic
Travel

JR East Pass Overhaul: New Full-Line Pass at ¥35,000 for 5 Days—What Foreign Visitors Need to Know

JR East unveils major rail pass reforms starting March 2026. The new JR EAST PASS covers all JR East lines at ¥35,000 for 5 days or ¥50,000 for 10 days. With price increases and expanded coverage for other passes, Japan prepares its transportation infrastructure for the 40-million-visitor era. A comprehensive look at what's changing and why.

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Business & Economy

Japan's No.1 Starry Sky: Achi Village Attracts Tourists Even in Freezing Cold, a Successful Astrotourism Business Model Drawing 130,000 Visitors Annually

Achi Village's "Heavenly Night Tour" in Nagano Prefecture has welcomed over 1.2 million visitors. This article explores the rural revitalization success story leveraging Japan's No.1 starry sky certified by the Ministry of Environment. Discover why tourists flock here even in freezing temperatures, the synergy with hot springs, and global astrotourism trends.

Society

Japan to Raise Foreign Visa Fees Fivefold in 2026, Eyeing ¥120 Billion in Revenue

Japan's government announced plans to raise visa fees for foreign nationals by approximately five times starting in fiscal year 2026. The move, part of the initial budget approved on December 26, 2025, aims to align fees with Western standards after remaining unchanged since 1978. The policy is expected to generate ¥120 billion in revenue while addressing overtourism concerns and rising administrative costs.