What Is Japan’s Government Tourism Policy?

By Alice Nichols

Japan is a country that is rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty. With its stunning landscapes, unique cultural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine, it’s no wonder that Japan attracts millions of tourists every year.

However, maintaining a steady flow of visitors requires effective policies and strategies. In this article, we will delve into Japan’s government tourism policy to understand how the country attracts tourists.

Background

Japan’s government recognizes the importance of tourism as a vital industry that contributes to the country’s economy. The government has been actively promoting tourism since the 1960s when it launched the “Visit Japan Campaign.” This campaign aimed to increase the number of foreign visitors to Japan by promoting Japanese culture, history, and nature.

Since then, various initiatives have been introduced to promote tourism in Japan. In 2003, the government established the “Tourism Vision” plan with a Target of attracting 10 million foreign visitors by 2010.

This goal was achieved three years ahead of schedule in 2007. The government then raised the Target to 20 million by 2020, which was achieved in 2016.

Tourism Promotion

To promote tourism in Japan effectively, several measures have been taken by the government. One such example is easing visa requirements for citizens from certain countries. Japan has also introduced multiple-entry visas for nationals from some countries who visit for business or cultural purposes.

The Japanese government has also invested heavily in infrastructure development across many parts of the country to improve accessibility and ensure visitor safety. For example, significant improvements have been made to transportation networks such as airports and bullet trains.

Regional Promotion

In addition to national-level initiatives, local governments are also actively promoting their regions’ unique attractions through various campaigns and events. Prefectures all over Japan have developed unique regional branding strategies that highlight their area’s distinctive features, such as natural scenery, historic sites, and local cuisine.

The Japanese government has also launched the “Cool Japan” campaign to promote Japanese pop culture internationally. This campaign aims to promote exports of Japan’s cultural products such as anime, manga, and video games.

Sustainable Tourism

With a rising number of tourists visiting Japan every year, the government recognizes the importance of sustainable tourism. The government is taking measures to balance economic growth from tourism with environmental conservation and preservation of cultural heritage.

Japan’s government is also promoting community-based tourism projects that involve local communities in developing tourism activities that showcase their unique culture and traditions. These initiatives aim to provide visitors with an authentic experience while supporting local businesses and preserving traditional practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Japan’s government has implemented various policies and strategies to promote tourism in the country effectively. The country’s efforts have paid off, with a significant increase in visitor numbers over the past few years. By adopting sustainable tourism practices and promoting unique regional attractions, Japan is well on its way to becoming one of the world’s top tourist destinations.