An annual record of over 33 million inbound foreigners visited Japan between January and November 2024 amid a tourism boom and a weak yen. Local governments and businesses are making efforts to promote traditional culture, offer unique experiences, and address the issue of overtourism. Here are examples of travelers making memories in Japan as well as measures against problems deriving from a surge in their numbers.

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'Slam Dunk' manga fans less of a nuisance at east Japan crossing amid security boost

KAMAKURA, Kanagawa -- A railway crossing here known as a sacred spot for fans of the popular basketball manga "Slam Dunk" has drawn throngs of foreign visitors, sparking concerns of "overtourism" as photo-snapping tourists spill over onto roads, among other problems. But recently there has been a marked drop in such problematic behavior. The Mainichi Shimbun looked into the reasons for the improvement. Full story.

Town near Mt. Fuji blocking view of peak at Lawson store photo spot amid 'overtourism'

KOFU -- A corner of Fujikawaguchiko, a town in Yamanashi Prefecture with a view of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji, has been hit with waves of foreign tourists. At one spot in the town, the country's tallest peak appears to sit on top of a Lawson convenience store, and after the site attracted attention as a photo spot, camera-toting tourists began showing up in droves. Full story.

Japan university, consulting firm enter medical tourism market for wealthy foreigners

TOKYO -- Juntendo University and the medical institution management consulting firm CUC Inc. announced they have teamed up to launch their full-scale entry into "medical tourism" to provide advanced medical services to foreign visitors to Japan. Full story.

New Osaka sumo hall show lets spectators step into ring, learn sport's history from pros

OSAKA -- A sumo hall dedicated to conveying the appeal of sumo, Japan's unofficial national sport with an over 1,500-year history, opened on May 30 in this city's Naniwa Ward. Foreign visitors can experience the full impact of the sport at shows featuring head-on bouts between veteran former sumo wrestlers who've set foot in major rings. Full story.

Limited express sightseeing bus service begins in Kyoto to ease 'overtourism' problem

KYOTO -- The city of Kyoto has started operating limited express sightseeing buses that stop at only major tourist spots to ease the so-called "overtourism" problem, including tourists overcrowding city buses which are a means of transportation for local residents. Full story.

More auto currency exchangers being set up in Nara amid surge in foreign tourists

NARA -- More automated currency exchange machines are being installed in this west Japan city amid the effects of the foreign tourist boom, the weak yen and other factors, according to the company that operates them. Full story.

Japan looks to boost foreign tourist spending with unique nightlife experiences

OSAKA -- As the number of foreign tourists increases, driven by the weak yen, Japan is seeing a growing movement to lure visitors and their wallets to after-dark activities such as bar tours, sumo shows and evening motorboat races that make the most of the country's unique culture. Full story.

'Kyoto's kitchen' tests measures to tackle littering, other effects of overtourism

KYOTO -- As the number of foreign tourists to Japan increases to beyond pre-pandemic levels, workers in one tourist hotspot in Kyoto are sounding the alarm about "overtourism." What measures are being taken there? Full story.

4 central Japan prefectures to help foreign tourists return home in event of disaster

KOFU -- Four prefectures in central Japan have agreed to prepare a system to help foreign tourists go home in the event of a natural disaster, as part of response for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake and other major disasters. Full story.

Increasing number of abandoned suitcases puts burden on Japan's Kansai Int'l Airport

IZUMISANO, Osaka -- As passenger numbers recover at Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture following the coronavirus pandemic, the number of suitcases abandoned or discarded at its terminals is on the rise again, putting a burden on workers. Full story.

Foreign tourists in uniform attend traditional Japanese classes at abandoned school

KIMITSU, Chiba -- Inbound tourists dressed in traditional Japanese uniforms experienced nostalgic school life in Japan during a unique one-day program at a former school building here. Full story.