Japan records highest tourist inflow in January 2015

Japan is casting a positive spell as far as visitor numbers are concerned. The Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) has recorded the highest number of tourists ever in January 2015.

The figures as stated by JNTO, 1,218,400 foreign tourists up to 29.1 per cent more than January 2014.

The increase has been attributed to weak yen, easy visa regulations for countries in the South East Asia and more international flights arriving and departing from the Haneda Airport.

The list of duty free products has grown which has been a huge attraction for buyers and sales have increased by 2.5 times from 2013.

South Koreans accounted for the highest number with 358,100, followed by Chinese (226,300) and Taiwanese (217,000). The JNTO said this year was the first time ever that the number of Korean tourists to come to Japan during a one-month period exceeded 300,000, since tourism statistics began being recorded in 1964.

Visitors from Australia totaled 48,600 which was also a historical best. JNTO officials said Australians were flocking to ski resorts in Hokkaido and other parts of Japan.

The Chinese Lunar New Year will bring in more tourists, so February numbers will rise considerably predicts JNTO.