Tag Archives: travel

Foreign visitors to Japan surpasses 3 million for the first time in March

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Record number of tourists in the month of March | Photo: Storyblocks


If anyone came to visit Japan during the Cherry Blossom season, you might just be included in these figures that acknowledge the highest influx of foreign visitors in history.

March marks a historic milestone as the number of foreign visitors to Japan surpasses 3 million for the first time. With 3,081,600 visitors entering the country, this figure reflects a 10% increase compared to pre-COVID levels, marking the highest recorded number to date.

The Japan National Tourism Organization reported on the 17th that March 2024 witnessed a record-breaking influx of foreign visitors, exceeding 3 million in a single month for the first time in history. 

This represents a significant increase of about 1.7 times compared to the same month the previous year and an 11.6% rise from March 2019, before the onset of the COVID pandemic.

The surge in visitors can be attributed to various factors, including heightened interest in Japan during the spring cherry blossom season and the start of the Easter holiday at the end of March, which contributed to the spike in foreign visitors.

Among the top countries/regions sending visitors to Japan in March, South Korea led the pack with 663,100 visitors, followed by Taiwan with 484,400, China with 452,400, the United States with 290,100, Hong Kong with 231,400, and Thailand with 131,700.

While countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong have surpassed their pre-COVID levels, China experienced a decline of 34.6% compared to March 2019 figures.

Vietnam, India, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, and the Nordic region achieved record highs for single-month visits, while a multitude of countries including South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and the Nordic region recorded their highest visitor numbers for the month of March.

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More delays are in store for the new Linear Shinkansen

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JR Shinkansen | Photo: Fikri Rasyid



Construction for the new Linear Chuo Shinkansen has more hiccups as estimates for its completion gets pushed back to 2031 or later.

The construction project on the new Linear Chuo Shinkansen has been plagued by multiple setbacks and now it’s been announced that construction will likely be extended to 2031, a full 4 years longer than the original plan to open in 2027.

This comes on the heels of Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Heita Kawakatsu’s hesitation to allow construction along a narrow section through the prefecture. In lieu of essentially bring construction to a standstill in the region, Kawakatsu was quoted as saying he will be stepping down from his position after the June legislative season.

Photo: The Asia-Pacific Journal

The announcement of the extended construction period to 2031 has disappointed local residents, who have voiced concerns regarding a lack of explanation. The project’s stance on disclosing information to local residence has often been question. The longer construction is delayed, the more pressure will put on local residents; therefore, it is necessary to be as open as possible with information, including the nondisclosure of work-related accidents as well.

JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa stated, “A delay with starting construction in Shizuoka will directly lead to a delay in the opening in Nagoya.”

Once the new Chuo Shinkansen is completed, it will connect Tokyo with Osaka in a little over an hour traveling at a maximum speed of 314 mph (505 km/h).

▲ The trip on the current Shinkansen takes roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes.

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The hit musical “Come From Away” to open in Japan this March

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Performances of Come From Away, the hit musical based on a remarkable true story, will be opening to audiences in Japan later this March!

The hit musical depicting the true story of stranded travelers during the horrific events of 9/11 makes its way to Japan.

Here’s a translation of the play’s description:

This heartwarming tale offers a glimpse of hope for our world.

The acclaimed Broadway musical Come From Away, recipient of numerous prestigious theater awards, is set to make its debut in Japan in March 2024 with an impressive cast, marking the conclusion of Nissay Theater’s 60th-anniversary celebrations.

With only 12 performers seamlessly portraying nearly 100 roles, the narrative weaves together in a captivating manner. The production unfolds in a brisk 100 minutes, creating an intense and engaging experience from the moment the curtain rises.

Having garnered accolades such as the Tony Award, Laurence Olivier Award, and New York Times Critics’ Award, this play is situated in a quaint Canadian town in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Drawing inspiration from a remarkable true story in Newfoundland, the narrative unfolds over five days, swiftly conveyed through music, serving as a beacon of hope that transcends boundaries of race, country, and religion.

Don’t miss the Japan premiere! These 100 minutes promise to be an unforgettable and uplifting experience for all.

Confetti web

▶︎ The Details

  • Dates: Thursday, March 7 – Friday, March 29
  • Venue: Nissay Theater (日生劇場)
  • S Seat Tickets: Weekday = 15,000 yen / Weekend or Holiday = 16,000 yen
  • A Seat Tickets: Weekday = 10,000 yen / Weekend or Holiday = 11,000 yen

Ticket reservations are through the website only.

▶︎ The Cast

▶︎ Satoshi Hashimoto is the voice of Terry Bogard from the Fatal Fury franchise

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