According to official statistics, the number of visitors to Japan reached a record 17.78 million in the first half of 2024. This figure is expected to surpass the previous record of 31.88 million tourists set in 2019.
Certain communities have instituted measures such as tourist levies, visitation quotas, and alcohol sales bans to combat the negative impacts of excessive tourism.
Last month, tourism officials in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, known for its picturesque landscapes and ski resorts, urged companies to offer discounted rates to residents.
The mayor of Himeji, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Himeji Castle, is contemplating charging international visitors six times the local entrance fee.
In June, a new restaurant called Tamatebako opened in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. Tamatebako offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with over 60 different kinds of seafood.
Pricing at Tamatebako is straightforward, with a single price for the unlimited food and drink option. Weekdays and lunchtime are more affordable than weekends and evenings. However, prices also depend on your origin; locals pay less, and international visitors pay more.
The concept of “inbound pricing” is now trending in Japan.
The lifetime dream of visiting Japan has come true for many, thanks to a confluence of factors, including the yen’s steep decline to its lowest value in decades, making international travel to Japan more affordable than ever. Foreign visitors are taking advantage of the favorable exchange rate. As a result, several eateries serving dishes that locals find exorbitantly priced have managed to stay on the menu due to the overwhelming demand from foreign visitors.
One restaurant in Tokyo offers a 1,000 yen discount to Japanese customers. Everyone else pays the full price.
According to the proprietor, the price difference covers the cost of teaching foreigners the correct manners at a Japanese restaurant.
