Tourists are flocking to Japan to take advantage of the weak yen, and the latest figures show… Japan National Tourism Organization Visitor numbers are reported to be exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Last week, the JNTO revealed that tourist numbers in May were up 9.6% compared with May 2019, marking the third consecutive month this year in which visitor numbers exceeded three million.
Inbound tourism contributes greatly to the local economy, Reuters With tourist spending reported to reach 5 trillion yen in 2023, some businesses and destinations are struggling to keep up with the numbers. In an attempt to offset rising inflation caused by the weak yen and mitigate some of the effects of tourist overcrowding, many have adjusted their pricing, while others are mulling more controversial solutions.
Here are some examples we’ve seen so far and how this could affect tourism costs in Japan: It’s worth noting, however, that while discussion around the topic has picked up steam recently, price hikes for tourists are still rare and infrequent.
Mount Fuji is limiting visitor numbers and mandating admission fees
Starting this year, Mount Fuji will charge 2,000 yen to climb the popular Yoshida trail. A voluntary donation of 1,000 yen is required for conservation and maintenance, and Yamanashi Prefecture has also capped the number of climbers, limiting them to 4,000 per day.
Two-tier ticket system under consideration for some attractions
In Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considering a two-tiered pricing system for admission. General admission is currently set at 1,000 yen per adult, but the mayor of Himeji is considering lowering the fee for local residents and raising it for foreign tourists.
Under the proposed plan, entrance fees for foreign tourists will be revised to 4,000 yen, to cover the maintenance and preservation costs that local residents already pay as taxes.
Restaurants in high-traffic areas are raising prices
Nadai Fuji Soba, a restaurant chain known for its affordable prices The restaurant, which previously sold set meals for 500 yen, recently changed its menu to include dishes for 2,300 yen. Japan Broadcasting Corporation The decision was reportedly made to ease the strain on staff, who face high turnover necessary to maintain an affordable menu in one of Tokyo’s busiest tourist areas.
Other area businesses, such as the recently opened Toyosu Senkaku Bandai Charge a higher premium To meet demand, they launched a variety of products, including a sea urchin bowl for 10,000 yen, but these prices could have alienated local customers.
To keep local customers, some restaurants have implemented two-tiered pricing on their menus. ABC News A report on a restaurant in the Shibuya shopping district noted a notice at the bottom of the menu saying that Japanese residents would receive a 1,000 yen discount off the total bill.
Osaka to introduce hotel fees ahead of 2025 World Expo
according to Kyodo NewsOsaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura is currently discussing introducing a flat rate for tourists visiting Japan starting in spring 2025. The proposed fee would apply to tourists who plan to stay overnight within the prefecture.
This would be in addition to the current accommodation tax of 100 to 300 yen per night on rooms priced over 7,000 yen. If the proposal is approved, it could be introduced in April next year, just before the restrictions begin in 2025. Osaka Expo.
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