Politic Climate Overview
Japan is a country with an incredibly rich and unique culture that has been attracting tourists from around the world for centuries. With its in-depth cultural history and a well-developed travel industry, the “Land of the Rising Sun” has been one of the most desirable destinations for foreign visitors for many years. Despite the fact that Japan has seen an increase in the number of tourists, lately, the political climate has been rather strained and has been raising questions about whether it is safe to visit Japan now.
In 2014 Japan experienced a sharp decline in domestic consumption which contributed to the country entering in a state of recession for the first time in 4 years. In addition, Japan and the United States signed a new economic partnership agreement in the same year, which had a big impact on a number of policies and the general climate in the country.
Furthermore, the political tensions between China and Japan have been rising, and Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe’s nationalist vision for the country raised many eyebrows in the international community. His recognition of the Emperor’s authority to declare war shook the already volatile political atmosphere and caused fear and uncertainty to the people of Japan.
Safety Measures
Even though the political tensions have expressed concern in the international community, there have been important steps taken by the authorities in Japan to ensure the safety of the visitors. The Japanese government has put in place strict security measures to guard against potential insurgency and terrorist attacks, as well as measures to ensure the smooth functioning of the travel industry and the safety of the tourists.
For instance, the Japanese government has increased its police presence in tourist areas, as well as special units to enforce security. Japan has introduced a facial recognition system at airports and other points of entry, which is believed to be the most advanced facial recognition system in the world. The police presence is especially concentrated in popular cities and tourist attractions. The government has also put in place various other measures, such as enhanced background checks for travellers, to ensure the safety of the citizens and visitors alike.
Travel Advice
Despite the concerns and the security measures taken, it is still perfectly safe to travel to Japan. In fact, it is estimated that over 30 million foreign visitors travelled to the country in 2018 and the number of foreign visitors keeps increasing every year. However, it is always advisable to be aware of the political and social climate and to follow the guidelines and advice that are put in place by the authorities.
Apart from general security measures, which are in place in any country, visitors to Japan should also be aware of the cultural and language differences and should always think twice before travelling to certain areas. With this in mind, it is always advisable to stick to more popular and tourist-oriented areas and to avoid the unfamiliar ones.
Travel Statistics
The travel industry in Japan has been considerably improving in the past few years as the number of tourists continues to grow. The Japan National Tourism Organization reported a record 31.19 million tourists in 2018, which is a big improvement from the 15.14 million visitors in 2009. Furthermore, the average expenditure for people travelling to Japan has also been relatively high, reaching nearly USD 6,000 per person in 2018.
The majority of visitors came from East and South-East Asia, accounting for around 70% of the total visitors. The United States of America was the largest outbound source, with over 2.4 million visitors. The number of visitors from Europe is estimated to be around 886,000, with France and the UK having the biggest numbers in terms of visitors.
Travel Industry Improvements
Japan’s travel industry has also improved in terms of services and amenities. As the number of visitors increase, Japan has to face the challenge of making the country more appealing to foreign visitors. The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has been making constant efforts to develop and promote the tourism industry and to attract more people to the country.
The government has been investing in infrastructure and has been creating new projects to encourage foreign visitors to come to the country. These include increasing the number of low-cost carriers and simplifying tourist visas. Also, the authorities are making every effort to improve the quality of services, such as hospitality, that are offered in the country.
Overall Quality and Comfort
Japan is well-known for its kindness and hospitality, which are fine established cultural traits that will further improve the comfort level and the general experience of foreign travellers. Even though the language barrier can be an issue for some tourists, the amount of people with conversational English is steadily increasing, which helps the foreign visitors to get around more easily.
In addition, there are many tourist information centres across Japan, staffed with English speaking personnel, which can help tourists with their needs or provide information about the area. Moreover, Japan has a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from traditional Japanese ryokans to more modern hotels, which can provide all the necessary amenities for the visitors.
Health and Hygiene Issues
Apart from the general worries that tourists might have, there are also several health and hygiene issues that should be taken into consideration when travelling to Japan. First and foremost, there is the risk of infection from infectious diseases, such as influenza or measles, which have recently become more widespread in Japan.
In order to protect themselves from infection, travellers are advised to get vaccinated against the common infectious diseases before travelling. It is also advised to stay up to date with the health and hygiene standards that are in place in Japan, such as hand-washing and avoiding contact with sick people.
Finally, there is also the possibility of being affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes or typhoons. To avoid potential injuries or damage, visitors to Japan should always be aware of their surroundings and should take all necessary precautions for their safety.
Cultural experience
Traveling to Japan is an unique experience that is unlike any other destination in the world and the cultural experience that the country has to offer is one of its best attractions. From the traditional food, architecture and customs to the modern entertainment industry and tech innovations, Japan has something to offer to everybody.
Also, there are plenty of opportunities to take part in festivals, events and other cultural activities that are held in the country throughout the year. Japan is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, which makes it a great place for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Furthermore, there are many art galleries, museums and other cultural attractions worth visiting in the country.
Conclusion
Overall, while there are some issues that potential visitors to Japan should be aware of, travelling to the country is still perfectly safe. With the implementations of stricter security measures and the relative stability of the political climate, Japan has become a desirable destination for tourists from around the world in recent years.
Furthermore, Japan is also a great place for cultural exploration, with its many traditional customs and modern innovations. For those who are interested in exploring the country, there are plenty of opportunities such as festivals, outdoor activities, sightseeing, and art galleries. With proper precautions, precautions taken by the visitors and accurate information, it is safe to travel to Japan.
