Japan’s Silent Sightseeing Spots
Just a few months ago, Japan was enjoying a tourism boom. What does the future hold for the industry now?
It was all set to be another record-breaking year for Japan’s tourism industry.
The country had welcomed nearly 32 million visitors from abroad in 2019, and with the Tokyo Olympics set for the summer, the government’s 2020 target of drawing 40 million travelers seemed attainable.
That was until a deadly virus began sweeping across the world. Japan saw a 93 percent plunge in overseas arrivals in March. By April, once-bustling tourist spots in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto were eerily deserted.
With many travel restrictions still in place, Member and Japan travel specialist Sandra Isaka ponders tourism’s uncertain future in Japan.
How badly has the pandemic hit Japan’s tourism industry?
The effect has been devastating. Business for industries linked to tourism like accommodations, transportation and food and beverage is nonexistent. Here in Kyoto, many hotels and ryokan [inns] are dark and have posted “temporarily closed” signs in their windows.
Before the pandemic, there was concern about overtourism in places like Kyoto. What has been the key takeaway?
There are a lot of lessons to be learned. However, now that cities and governments are desperate, I worry that overtourism is the last thing on their minds. As a resident of Kyoto, I strongly recommend that expats and Japanese—as soon as it is safe to do so—revisit the city before inbound tourists return. Temples like Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji are now a delight to explore.
Many ryokan were already struggling. How serious is the situation for them now?
Those that catered to local tourists may survive if domestic travel resumes, so long as they can adapt to the new normal. The future does not look good for ryokan targeting inbound tourists. Many in the countryside were already barely surviving, hoping that the Olympics and overtourism in places like Kyoto would push tourists in their direction. In addition, successful ryokan that poured money into expensive renovations for the Olympics are having difficulty paying their debts.
Where is Japan’s untapped tourism potential?
There was already a move to encourage tourists to explore impressive, lesser-known areas in the countryside. A reluctance to visit crowded places may help facilitate this drive. Adventure tourism and its connection to nature was also starting to grow and has excellent potential. Heartland Japan, a company I consult and lead excursions for, focuses on fantastic, off-the-beaten-path locations. They are shifting their focus from inbound tourists to expats.
When do you see tourists returning to Japan?
Almost everyone agrees that a coronavirus vaccine or an effective treatment must be developed before inbound tourist numbers can recover. On the positive side, Japan has a reputation as an incredibly clean, safe and stable country. When people start to travel again, it is expected they will be more cautious about where they choose to go. This should work in Japan’s favor.
Words: Nick Jones
Image: Sandra Isaka
Top image: Kyoto’s Yasaka Street
