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	<title>🇯🇵 Japan - Travel Tomorrow</title>
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	<description>Travel Tomorrow is a global media outlet reporting on the travel and tourism industry.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:09:25 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Japan’s new luxury prison hotel is open but keeps guests behind bars</title>
		<link>https://traveltomorrow.com/japans-new-luxury-prison-hotel-is-open-but-keeps-guests-behind-bars/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:09:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Resorts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Where to stay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[🇯🇵 Japan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=182643</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Japan’s HOSHINOYA Nara Prison Hotel has opened its doors and rooms to guests, who are free to come and go as they please as long as<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japans-new-luxury-prison-hotel-is-open-but-keeps-guests-behind-bars/">Japan’s new luxury prison hotel is open but keeps guests behind bars</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Japan’s <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japans-former-nara-prison-to-reopen-as-luxury-hotel-in-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HOSHINOYA Nara Prison Hotel</a> has opened its doors and rooms to guests, who are free to come and go as they please as long as they pay the bill, lest they end up spending the night in a rather less luxurious detention centre.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The architects behind the redesign made a deliberate choice to keep as much of <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/historic-japanese-prison-soon-to-reform-into-luxury-hotel-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the original prison</a> intact as possible. From the small barred windows and austere lines to the museum on the grounds, it is genuinely hard to forget where you are.</p>



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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbDUTX5p2Kz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbDUTX5p2Kz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbDUTX5p2Kz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by HOSHINOYA｜星のや【公式】 (@hoshinoya.official)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It starts at the entrance, where the old guard posts still stand, overlooking five cellblocks fanning out from the central core like spokes. The long corridors that once held rows of prisoners’ cells are now hotel hallways.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rooms are, naturally, former cells, but combined: nine, ten or eleven cells joined into a single suite. While knocking down the walls between them may have provided the space needed for a luxury hotel room, it has not entirely erased the building’s original purpose. The rooms remain long and narrow, and the corridors are unmistakably institutional.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Even guests who liked the hotel experienced that psychological dissonance. One described a “sense of tension” that made him “sit up straight” from the moment the heavy entrance gate opened, with traces of the former cells remaining in everything from the concrete walls to the position of the windows and height of the ceilings.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1280" height="854" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_007_1_zajqzi-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-182649" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover;width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_007_1_zajqzi-copy.jpg 1280w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_007_1_zajqzi-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_007_1_zajqzi-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_007_1_zajqzi-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_007_1_zajqzi-copy-112x75.jpg 112w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_007_1_zajqzi-copy-480x320.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© Hoshino Resorts Inc.</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another guest felt that rather than simply pursuing luxury, the hotel placed value on “the experience of history itself”. The century-old bricks, reportedly made and laid by inmates themselves, remain intact, allowing guests to “feel the weight of history so closely”.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The architects and designers behind the transformation wanted the building to retain its sombre historical character. <em>Japan Times</em> journalist Owen Ziegler described its atmosphere as “sterile” and “morose”, with 4.88-square-metre single cells containing little more than a washbasin and a small window.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In that spirit, there is no pool, fitness centre or meeting rooms and no “Kids’ Club”. The rooms do not have televisions either. One guest described it as a place “for adults to quietly savour the space and its history” and “not really suitable for children”.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="1280" height="854" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_009_kpakm0-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-182650" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover;width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_009_kpakm0-copy.jpg 1280w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_009_kpakm0-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_009_kpakm0-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_009_kpakm0-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_009_kpakm0-copy-112x75.jpg 112w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_009_kpakm0-copy-480x320.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© Hoshino Resorts Inc.</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the five wings has been preserved in its former state and transformed into a museum which is open to the public during the day. It is hard not to draw comparisons between a stay here and the lives of those who slept in the same building before. While hotel staff now make the beds, inmates were given precise instructions on how to fold their futons when not in use. The contrast extends to mealtimes: the museum displays prison meals, while the hotel’s own menu has received great praise online.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Manga artist Kazuichi Hanawa, who was imprisoned in Nara in the 1990s, chronicled his experience in <em>Doing Time</em>, which is now displayed in the museum’s final section devoted to artworks by inmates.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="1280" height="854" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_043_ncijl8-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-182651" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover;width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_043_ncijl8-copy.jpg 1280w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_043_ncijl8-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_043_ncijl8-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_043_ncijl8-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_043_ncijl8-copy-112x75.jpg 112w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hoshinoya_nara_prison_043_ncijl8-copy-480x320.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© Hoshino Resorts Inc.</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The luxury comes at a price. One guest described it as “by far the most expensive hotel” she had ever stayed in, but also “by far the most memorable”. Suites range in price from $350 for a nine-cell room to $610 for the 11-cell Deluxe, not including breakfast.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A placard in the museum perhaps best sums up the experience: “It may be us, on the outside, who have lost sight of what is truly irreplaceable and important in everyday life.”</p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japans-new-luxury-prison-hotel-is-open-but-keeps-guests-behind-bars/">Japan’s new luxury prison hotel is open but keeps guests behind bars</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Hello Kitty gets a hotel in Tokyo where guests can check in but not stay</title>
		<link>https://traveltomorrow.com/hello-kitty-gets-a-hotel-in-tokyo-where-guests-can-check-in-but-not-stay/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:28:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Hotels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Where to stay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[🇯🇵 Japan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=181948</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Though cats have long been regarded in Japan as symbols of good fortune and protection, Hello Kitty’s creator probably never imagined her cartoon cat character would<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/hello-kitty-gets-a-hotel-in-tokyo-where-guests-can-check-in-but-not-stay/">Hello Kitty gets a hotel in Tokyo where guests can check in but not stay</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Though cats have long been regarded in Japan as symbols of good fortune and protection, Hello Kitty’s creator probably never imagined her cartoon cat character would become such a global sensation that she’d end up as the theme of a hotel where you can check in… but not stay.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Conceived by Yuko Shimizu in 1974, Hello Kitty is now the face of a growing trend in immersive attractions that blur the line between museums, exhibitions and themed entertainment. At Hotel Floria Tokyo, visitors collect a “room key”, explore elaborately designed hotel suites inspired by Sanrio characters and take photographs throughout the venue without spending the night, rather like a museum tour, but staged as a hotel and built around characters dear to Sanrio fans worldwide.</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The latest Sanrio-themed hotel opened in Tokyo’s Shinjuku-ku ward. It is currently hosting the Hotel Floria Tokyo-Sanrio Characters Exhibition at the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. The show should run until May 2027.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Set in a hotel filled with the characters’ dreams, each room and installation allows visitors to discover their distinctive personalities and charm,” a Hotel Floria Tokyo spokesperson told Euronews Travel.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The concept was born in Seoul, created by Korean digital design and art company D’strict. This iteration has 11 themed rooms, each designed around a different character created by Japanese entertainment company Sanrio, including Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompopurin, and Cinnamoroll.</p>



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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dax6UNozczE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dax6UNozczE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After the obligatory check-in, visitors receive a character-themed Luc-Key entry pass. Rather than selecting their favourite character, each guest is assigned one at random, a neat marketing touch for anyone hoping to walk away with their favourite.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Each room allows visitors to enter the imagined “private” world of one of the Sanrio characters through carefully reimagined settings. Guests are invited to step into their everyday surroundings and explore them for themselves.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Beyond taking photographs, guests can walk through, explore and experience these worlds for themselves”, Hotel Floria says. “This creates the feeling of becoming part of the story.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The idea is to attract both adults and children, according to Hotel Floria Tokyo, allowing adults to “reconnect with fond childhood memories and a sense of nostalgia, while children can enjoy discovering them for the first time”.</p>



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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbIS08DE8_t/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbIS08DE8_t/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbIS08DE8_t/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ホテルフローリア トーキョー (@hotelfloria.tokyo)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Beyond the rooms, the grounds include a garden, a pond, an art gallery, a dedicated Photo Zone and even an indoor beach.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The team is especially proud of the Beach Zone. “Rather than merely viewing the dreamlike scenery imagined by the Sanrio characters, visitors can walk through it and experience it with all their senses. This is what makes the Beach Zone so special,” organisers told Euronews, adding: “As they walk across real sand, the visuals, sound and sensation beneath their feet naturally come together as one seamless experience.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hotel Floria is the latest example of how Japan has transformed one of its best-known cultural exports into a travel experience. Beyond merchandise, Hello Kitty has inspired themed cafés, <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/hello-kitty-now-has-her-own-airport-as-part-of-japans-world-expo-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">airport installations</a>, exhibitions and, until recently, her own bullet train.</p>



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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbSl__RE087/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbSl__RE087/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbSl__RE087/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ホテルフローリア トーキョー (@hotelfloria.tokyo)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Considering Japan’s long-standing love affair with cats, the concept may not be quite as surprising as it first appears. From the <em>maneki-neko</em>, the beckoning cat found at the entrance of shops and restaurants across the country, to Hello Kitty herself, Japanese people have a deep affection for their feline companions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A recent example of that devotion is the appearance of quirky yellow road signs warning drivers to beware of cats darting into the road. Installed not by the authorities but by local communities and individuals, the signs have taken <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbmNhF0E7XY/?img_index=3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media</a> by storm.</p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/hello-kitty-gets-a-hotel-in-tokyo-where-guests-can-check-in-but-not-stay/">Hello Kitty gets a hotel in Tokyo where guests can check in but not stay</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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		<title>Japanese tourism declines amid sharp drop in Chinese visitors</title>
		<link>https://traveltomorrow.com/japanese-tourism-declines-amid-sharp-drop-in-chinese-visitors/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:34:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[🇯🇵 Japan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=181541</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Japan’s meteoric post-COVID-19 tourism growth has experienced a drop in visitor numbers for the first time in six years, with the decline blamed on a whopping<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japanese-tourism-declines-amid-sharp-drop-in-chinese-visitors/">Japanese tourism declines amid sharp drop in Chinese visitors</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Japan’s meteoric post-COVID-19 tourism growth has experienced a drop in visitor numbers for the first time in six years, with the decline blamed on a whopping fall in visitors from China.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Official figures from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reveal foreign arrival numbers fell by almost half a million in the first two quarters of 2026, to hit 21 million, two percent lower year-on-year.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Chinese visitor numbers fell by 56% following a Chinese government travel advisory late in 2025, urging its citizens to avoid Japan due to geopolitical tensions over the status of Taiwan. Flight capacity between the two nations was also slashed.</p>



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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1287" height="372" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162104.png" alt="" class="wp-image-181543" style="width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162104.png 1287w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162104-300x87.png 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162104-1024x296.png 1024w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162104-768x222.png 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162104-150x43.png 150w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162104-480x139.png 480w" sizes="auto, (max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:1287px) 100vw, 1287px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© Japan National Tourism Organization</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">China is usually a top source market for Japan but has since been overtaken by South Korea and Taiwan. South Korea took the top spot, sending 5.46 million visitors, an increase of 18.6%. Taiwan sent almost four million, the second-highest number of visitors, and a rise of 21%.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Vietnam and Malaysia sent more visitors than the previous year, and overall, Southeast Asia represented 11.2% of all visitors to Japan (351,000 in total). But, like China, Thailand and the Philippines declined as source markets.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite the drop in visitors, commentators note that overseas travellers in Japan spent around 2.5096 trillion yen (US$14.49 billion), a 0.2 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.</p>



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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1282" height="352" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162347.png" alt="" class="wp-image-181546" style="width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162347.png 1282w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162347-300x82.png 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162347-1024x281.png 1024w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162347-768x211.png 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162347-150x41.png 150w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162347-1280x352.png 1280w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Captura-de-ecra-2026-07-27-162347-480x132.png 480w" sizes="auto, (max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:1282px) 100vw, 1282px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© Japan National Tourism Organization</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Part of the explanation is that other markets continued to show steady growth. US visitor numbers, the highest spenders, increased by 2.7% to around 354,000, and visitor numbers from France, Italy, the Nordics, Spain, and the UK all reached new records in June. Visitor numbers from India also went up an impressive 26%, and the Middle East sent nearly 30% more visitors than the same period in the year before.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Foreign visitors to Japan numbered a record 43 million in 2025, after a 16% year-on-year increase. Despite some concerns about overtourism that have led to increases in tourist taxes, tourist charges for Mount Fuji walking trails, and clashes between tourists and geisha culture in Kyoto, Japanese tourism officials are still looking to boost visitor numbers to 60 million by 2030.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-wp-embed is-provider-travel-tomorrow wp-block-embed-travel-tomorrow"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="VNxu391Asf"><a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-triples-departure-tax-and-raises-visa-fees-for-international-visitors/">Japan triples Departure Tax and raises visa fees for international visitors</a></blockquote>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Their strategy is to spread footfall, promote repeat visits, and encourage higher tourist spending—some of which the latest data shows is working, but Da Zhigang, a research fellow at the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies of the Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday that there are “realities” at stake that the Japanese government will be “well aware of.” He explained that “The importance of the Chinese tourist market cannot simply be replaced by an increase in visitors from other countries,&#8221; and urged the government to work on improving China-Japan relations.</p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japanese-tourism-declines-amid-sharp-drop-in-chinese-visitors/">Japanese tourism declines amid sharp drop in Chinese visitors</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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		<title>Japan triples Departure Tax and raises visa fees for international visitors</title>
		<link>https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-triples-departure-tax-and-raises-visa-fees-for-international-visitors/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:46:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[🇯🇵 Japan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=181141</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>On 1 July 2026, Japan has tripled the amount of its Departure Tax, also known as the Sayonara Tax. When combined with the increased visa fee,<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-triples-departure-tax-and-raises-visa-fees-for-international-visitors/">Japan triples Departure Tax and raises visa fees for international visitors</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On 1 July 2026, Japan has tripled the amount of its Departure Tax, also known as the Sayonara Tax. When combined with the increased visa fee, tourists should be prepared to pay significantly higher levies than before when visiting the country.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Since 2019, Japan has been applying a so-called International Tourist Tax or Sayonara Tax to anyone leaving the country by air or by sea. Both locals and tourists have been paying 1,000 yen (€5.4) upon departure ever since. More often than not, the tax is incorporated into airlines’ and cruise operators’ ticket prices. On a yearly basis, the levy raised approximately 50 billion yen (€269 million).</p>



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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHYC5GUMwbM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHYC5GUMwbM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; 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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, since 1 July 2026, Japan has tripled the amount of the Departure Tax, which now amounts to 3,000 yen (€16.1). The tax only applies to tickets bought on 1 July 2026 or later, meaning that those with tickets predating the introduction can still benefit from the previous tariff. Children aged two or younger, transit passengers leaving within 24 hours, airline and ship crew members, and some diplomatic travellers are exempt from the tax.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Expected to bring in some 120 billion yen (€648 million) per year, according to Business Standard, the extra revenue of the Sayonara Tax will be used to fund overtourism countermeasures, to promote lesser-visited regions, to enhance accommodation capacity, and to strengthen Japan’s overall infrastructure.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The amount of the International Tourist Tax has been raised at the same time as <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-set-to-raise-foreign-visa-charges-fivefold-from-1-july/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Japan’s visa fees</a>. This is the first increase in five decades; tourists and corporate arrivals from nations that do not benefit from a visa waiver will now have to pay five times as much as before to enter Japan. Single-entry visas will go up from ¥3,000 (€16) to ¥15,000 (€80), while a multi-entry visa has gone up from ¥6,000 (€32) to ¥30,000 (€160).</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-wp-embed is-provider-travel-tomorrow wp-block-embed-travel-tomorrow"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="MEzdwhyfcr"><a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-set-to-raise-foreign-visa-charges-fivefold-from-1-july/">Japan set to raise foreign visa charges fivefold from 1 July</a></blockquote>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Moreover, some of Japan’s local authorities have been introducing or increasing their own taxes over the past year in order to deal with the larger number of visitors. For example, <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/kyoto-to-introduce-japans-highest-hotel-tax-for-tourists-in-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the city of Kyoto raised its hotel tax tariffs in March 2026</a>. Instead of a maximum of 1,000 yen (€5.39) before, visitors can now be charged up to 10,000 yen (€53.9) per person per night for hotel rooms that are priced over 100,000 yen (€539) per night.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Meanwhile, however, passport fees for residents have gone down from 15,900 yen (€85) to JPY 8,900 (€48) when applying for a 10-year passport online.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Departure Tax and visa fee increases come at a time when Japan has been experiencing a sharp rise in international arrivals. In 2025, 42.4 million visitors arrived in the country, while authorities are aiming to attract 60 million foreign tourists per year by 2030. Some of Japan’s most popular destinations, including Mount Fuji and Kyoto, are, however, already having a hard time dealing with the large influx of visitors, as the local infrastructure and accommodation capacity are not necessarily equipped for such an increase.</p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-triples-departure-tax-and-raises-visa-fees-for-international-visitors/">Japan triples Departure Tax and raises visa fees for international visitors</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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		<title>Japan&#8217;s West Express Ginga sleeper train returns with tickets from €52</title>
		<link>https://traveltomorrow.com/japans-west-express-ginga-sleeper-train-returns-with-tickets-from-e52/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Rail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[🇯🇵 Japan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=180704</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Japan&#8217;s seasonal West Express Ginga sleeper train has returned for its summer service, giving travellers another opportunity to explore the country&#8217;s Kii Peninsula by rail. Operated<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japans-west-express-ginga-sleeper-train-returns-with-tickets-from-e52/">Japan&#8217;s West Express Ginga sleeper train returns with tickets from €52</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Japan&#8217;s seasonal West Express Ginga sleeper train has returned for its summer service, giving travellers another opportunity to explore the country&#8217;s Kii Peninsula by rail. Operated by JR West, the sightseeing train will run between Kyoto and the coastal city of Shingu from 3 July until 30 September 2026. The train offers both overnight and daytime services, combining transportation with sightseeing and regional experiences. Reserved seats start from ¥8,670 (€52), making it an affordable way to discover one of western Japan&#8217;s most scenic regions.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="976" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-180706" style="width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-300x114.jpg 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-1024x390.jpg 1024w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-768x293.jpg 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-1536x586.jpg 1536w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-2048x781.jpg 2048w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-150x57.jpg 150w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-480x183.jpg 480w" sizes="auto, (max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© West Japan Railway Company</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The West Express Ginga follows a route through Wakayama Prefecture, an area known for its mountains, dramatic coastline and cultural heritage. Shingu, the train&#8217;s final destination, is considered one of the gateways to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, a network of ancient trails recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is also home to historic temple towns, hot spring resorts and coastal landscapes that are less visited than Japan&#8217;s major cities. By connecting Kyoto with Shingu, the seasonal service encourages travellers to explore a different side of the country beyond the popular tourist hotspots.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The journey is designed to be more than simply travelling from one destination to another. Throughout the trip, onboard staff introduce passengers to the history and culture of the region, while guides share information about Wakayama&#8217;s geoparks and natural landscapes. Travellers can also learn about the area&#8217;s links to Japan&#8217;s space industry through onboard presentations about rockets. These activities turn the train into a moving sightseeing experience, giving passengers a better understanding of the places they pass before arriving at their destination.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1100" height="826" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-180707" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover;width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1.jpg 1100w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-768x577.jpg 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-100x75.jpg 100w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-960x720.jpg 960w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-480x360.jpg 480w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-640x480.jpg 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:1100px) 100vw, 1100px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© West Japan Railway Company</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Several extended station stops allow passengers to leave the train and experience local attractions along the route. At Wakayama Station, travellers can pick up the city&#8217;s famous Wakayama ramen from a nearby restaurant before continuing their journey. The train also stops at Kushimoto, where passengers can book a tuna cutlet burger meal or take a shuttle bus to the striking Hashigui-iwa rock formations, a group of towering rock pillars stretching into the sea. After arriving in Shingu, visitors can join a guided tour of Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three grand shrines that form the sacred Kumano region. On the daytime return journey, the train also stops at Kainan Station, where passengers can sample regional specialities such as pike conger sushi and hayanarezushi, a traditional fermented fish dish.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1100" height="826" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-180708" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover;width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2.jpg 1100w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-768x577.jpg 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-100x75.jpg 100w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-960x720.jpg 960w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-480x360.jpg 480w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-640x480.jpg 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:1100px) 100vw, 1100px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© West Japan Railway Company</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Passengers can choose from several seating and accommodation options depending on their budget and travel style. Standard tickets include reserved reclining seats, while other carriages feature compartments with two bunk beds for travellers who prefer to sleep during the journey. Families can reserve larger compartments with bench seating that converts into a mattress suitable for up to four people. Those looking for extra comfort can book a Green Car private compartment from ¥11,450 (€69), with some premium private rooms available from ¥15,380 (€92). These tickets include spacious seating that converts into a bed, while passengers travelling in the first carriage also have access to a private lounge. The train is also equipped with washrooms, accessible seating and toilets, communal seating areas and a women-only seating section with a dedicated changing room.</p>



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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DG2s6HXMtwO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DG2s6HXMtwO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; 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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The summer service began on 3 July and will continue until 30 September 2026, completing 24 round trips during the season. Overnight trains from Kyoto and Osaka to Shingu operate on Mondays and Fridays, while daytime services from Shingu back to Osaka and Kyoto run on Wednesdays and Sundays. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 am one month before each departure and can be purchased through JR West&#8217;s e5489 online booking platform or at station ticket offices. With the first departure of the season already selling out, travellers planning to experience one of Japan&#8217;s most distinctive seasonal rail journeys are encouraged to book well in advance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japans-west-express-ginga-sleeper-train-returns-with-tickets-from-e52/">Japan&#8217;s West Express Ginga sleeper train returns with tickets from €52</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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		<title>Japan set to raise foreign visa charges fivefold from 1 July</title>
		<link>https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-set-to-raise-foreign-visa-charges-fivefold-from-1-july/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:54:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[🇯🇵 Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Highlight]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=179750</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Japan is set to raise its visa fees for the first time in five decades, in what officials say is a bid to align visa prices<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-set-to-raise-foreign-visa-charges-fivefold-from-1-july/">Japan set to raise foreign visa charges fivefold from 1 July</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Japan is set to raise its visa fees for the first time in five decades, in what officials say is a bid to align visa prices with the true costs of immigration admin, staffing, and infrastructure.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The historic move means that from 1 July 2026, tourists and corporate arrivals from nations that do not benefit from a visa waiver will pay five times as much as before to enter Japan. Single-entry visas will go up from ¥3,000 (around €16) to ¥15,000 (around €80). The fee for a multi-entry visa with a validity period of between one and five years, allowing stays of 90 days at a time, is being hiked by the same ratio, from ¥6,000 (€32) to ¥30,000 (over €160).</p>



<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@hiro_no_tabi/video/7653343459373354258" data-video-id="7653343459373354258" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@hiro_no_tabi" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@hiro_no_tabi?refer=embed">@hiro_no_tabi</a> <p>Japan visa price hike</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound  - Hiro | Japan Food + Travel" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Hiro-Japan-Food-Travel-7653343507574246151?refer=embed">♬ original sound  &#8211; Hiro | Japan Food + Travel</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although the Japanese economy has been famously stagnant since the national asset and real estate bubble burst in the early 1990s, officials have blamed the visa price increase on inflation and shifts in exchange rates.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although it will affect major source markets like <a href="https://www.businesstraveller.com/news/china-tourist-tax-refund-rules-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China</a>, India,&nbsp;the Middle East, and the Philippines, even the planned five-fold increase in visa costs is unlikely to negatively impact visitor numbers in Japan, which has seen booming arrivals since the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>



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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An Indian restaurant owner in Japan breaks down after his visa was rejected forcing him to return to India<br><br>&quot;My kids only speak Japanese. I&#39;ve worked hard for 30 years and bought a house. I haven&#39;t committed a crime and did my best. Is this humane?&quot; he asks in a viral clip <a href="https://t.co/7hWkK3T29o">pic.twitter.com/7hWkK3T29o</a></p>&mdash; Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) <a href="https://x.com/MattooShashank/status/2059625173922500991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The country—once closed to all but a limited amount of foreign trade for the 220-year Edo period— has now become so popular with foreign guests that <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/over-30-of-tourists-to-japan-experienced-effects-of-overtourism-in-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overtourism</a> is a growing concern. The introduction of visitor access charges for certain shrines, hiking trails around <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-tackles-overtourism-by-introducing-entry-fee-for-mount-fuji-hiking-trails/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount Fuji</a>, increased <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-rail-pass-price-to-rise-in-october-pushing-tourist-travel-costs-higher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rail tickets</a><strong>, </strong>and even political <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japanese-tourism-declines-for-first-time-in-four-years-as-chinese-visitors-cancel-trips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tensions with China</a> have <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-welcomes-record-tourist-numbers-in-2025-despite-sharp-decline-in-chinese-visitors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">failed to significantly calm the tourism sector</a>, and so the visa increases are not expected to be off-putting either, officials say.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Indeed, the creation of a new Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or JESTA, that comes alongside the visa price increase, could make it easier for travellers to apply to visit. From 2028, would-be visitors to Japan from 74 visa-waiver nations will be able to submit identity and travel information online for screening before they depart.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-wp-embed is-provider-travel-tomorrow wp-block-embed-travel-tomorrow"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="SIZmNPev7E"><a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-to-fast-track-e-visa-system-for-71-countries/">Japan to fast-track e-visa system for 71 countries</a></blockquote>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On top of the changes for tourists, immigration fees are on their way up too, from ¥10,000 (€58) to ¥100,000 (€583) for residence and visa renewals, and up to ¥300,000 (€1,750) for permanent residency applications. These prices are yet to be confirmed and are predicted to be rolled out in spring 2027. Part of the funds raised by this adjustment are reportedly earmarked for Japanese language lessons for foreigners. Japan’s foreign resident population reached a record&nbsp;4.13 million at the end of 2025.</p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-set-to-raise-foreign-visa-charges-fivefold-from-1-july/">Japan set to raise foreign visa charges fivefold from 1 July</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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		<title>Japanese bullet trains to feature ‘supreme class’ private cabins from autumn 2026</title>
		<link>https://traveltomorrow.com/japanese-bullet-trains-to-feature-supreme-class-private-cabins-from-autumn-2026/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:51:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Rail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[🇯🇵 Japan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=179649</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Japan’s famous bullet trains are getting an upgrade in autumn 2026, with the introduction of a new “Supreme Class” offering lockable, private suites and reclining chairs<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japanese-bullet-trains-to-feature-supreme-class-private-cabins-from-autumn-2026/">Japanese bullet trains to feature ‘supreme class’ private cabins from autumn 2026</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Japan’s famous bullet trains are getting an upgrade in autumn 2026, with the introduction of a new “Supreme Class” offering lockable, private suites and reclining chairs that are being compared to First Class accommodation on planes.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Shinkansen trains set for the makeover are run by JR Central and JR West, and operate on the country’s most-used route, linking Tokyo with Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. With their current standard or “green” (business) class carriages, they already boast an enviable reputation among high-speed rail transport for fast, comfortable journeys, but from 1 October, they are set to surpass themselves as the private compartments are rolled out.</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The operators have said around 30% of all Tokaido Shinkansen trains will feature Supreme Class by the end of 2028, but initially, 12&nbsp;departures&nbsp;per day will feature the new Supreme Class, with 30 brought online by the end of the year.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The new cabins can be configured for two passengers, with a settee, and more room, or a smaller layout meant for solo travellers. The cabin seating, however, will not be able to be rotated to face the direction of travel both ways. There will be one of each cabin type on each train fitted with the carriages on the Nozomi Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagoya. Eventually, some Hikari and Kodama routes may also feature the suite-like accommodation.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition to the private suites, Supreme Class Seats are slated for introduction between April 2027 and March 2028. It will consist of three rows of two seats that will be rotatable, so it may be better suited for passengers who suffer from travel sickness. The Supreme Class Seats are described as “semi-private”, though not fully enclosed.</p>



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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZvzVGLE96i/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by JR Central Sydney (@jrcentral.sydney)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Passengers in the seats and the suites will benefit from dedicated Wi-Fi, personal seat speakers, plus a device enabling them to adjust lighting, air conditioning, and announcement volume. Light refreshments will also be included in the ticket price.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The advent of the Supreme Class cabins and seats aligns with wider travel trends towards premium services. JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa said the cabins would “provide better services to customers who want high-quality offerings.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Fares are set to start at ¥32,440 (€176) one way for the solo accommodation, rising to ¥47,060 (€255), plus basic and express ticket costs for the second traveller in the larger cabin on the same route. Tickets will be digital-only and can be booked onboard last-minute, subject to availability.</p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japanese-bullet-trains-to-feature-supreme-class-private-cabins-from-autumn-2026/">Japanese bullet trains to feature ‘supreme class’ private cabins from autumn 2026</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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		<title>Now tourists in Japan can participate in coral and shark protection dives</title>
		<link>https://traveltomorrow.com/now-tourists-in-japan-can-participate-in-coral-and-shark-protection-dives/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:40:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[🇯🇵 Japan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=178967</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In the latest example of destinations asking visitors to participate in sustainable tourism, Okinawa in Japan has launched a citizen-science programme inviting divers to gather data<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/now-tourists-in-japan-can-participate-in-coral-and-shark-protection-dives/">Now tourists in Japan can participate in coral and shark protection dives</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the latest example of destinations asking visitors to participate in sustainable tourism, Okinawa in Japan has launched a citizen-science programme inviting divers to gather data to protect the region’s coral reefs and the sharks and rays that live there.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) recognises sharks and rays as “key indicator species” that speak to coral reef health and wider biodiversity. By inviting guests and diving enthusiasts in the region to monitor the species’ numbers in a census, PADI is contributing to a photo identification database that will help in fighting wildlife decline.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1364" height="768" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/70553-1B2C-5.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-178977" style="width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/70553-1B2C-5.webp 1364w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/70553-1B2C-5-300x169.webp 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/70553-1B2C-5-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/70553-1B2C-5-768x432.webp 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/70553-1B2C-5-133x75.webp 133w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/70553-1B2C-5-1200x675.webp 1200w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/70553-1B2C-5-480x270.webp 480w" sizes="auto, (max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:1364px) 100vw, 1364px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© PADI</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A two-day certification process comes first, training every diver to collect and upload photographs of the creatures they see, along with dive location, date and time. This all goes onto an international database on the free-to-use&nbsp;Padi Aware app, to be collated by James Cook University students in Queensland, Australia, and made available to NGOs worldwide.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Suitable for already-certified divers (not beginners), the PADI Shark &amp; Ray Conservation Specialty Course is offered at several of Japan’s diving locations and costs from €162. The course entails a short e-learning module about sharks and rays, why they are endangered, and how the project is fighting those threats, as well as two mandatory 45-minute training dives.</p>



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<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For more than a decade, the diver community has built the world&#39;s largest underwater citizen science database, logging over 2.5 million pieces of debris across 120 countries. <br><br>That data has reached the UN, CITES, and governments, helping shape ocean policy.<br><br>Sharks and rays have… <a href="https://t.co/7bKM5PHyWx">pic.twitter.com/7bKM5PHyWx</a></p>&mdash; PADI (@PADI) <a href="https://x.com/PADI/status/2062263052188217427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s not the first time the local population has worked with unexpected partners to combat environmental challenges. One of the issues facing Okinawa’s reefs is the coral bleaching that occurs during extreme heat. In 1998, in Onna Village in Manza Bay, 90% of the corals were destroyed by bleaching. Local fishers and divers worked hand-in-hand to rescue surviving corals and plant a coral nursery, with the ambition of becoming the most coral-friendly community in the world.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It worked to bring sharks back to underwater limestone formations. But another bleaching during a failed typhoon season in 2024 has again disrupted the habitat. As well as spotting and recording the species that signpost coral health, diving volunteers can track the system’s regrowth in real time.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Reefs in Okinawa have been part of the region’s attractions for years, providing a basis for the marine tourism that is so economically vital. Now, thanks to PADI’s new initiative, instead of passive visitation, guests drawn by those marine habitats can actively participate in protecting the ecosystem, forming a circular economy of attention that aims to keep fish populations, fisheries, and leisure stakeholders healthy for years to come.</p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/now-tourists-in-japan-can-participate-in-coral-and-shark-protection-dives/">Now tourists in Japan can participate in coral and shark protection dives</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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		<title>Japanese luxury sleeper train expands its offer with three new routes</title>
		<link>https://traveltomorrow.com/japanese-luxury-sleeper-train-expands-its-offer-with-three-new-routes/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:04:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Rail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[🇯🇵 Japan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=178325</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Japan’s luxury sleeper train Seven Stars in Kyushu will be expanding its offer throughout 2026. Three new itineraries will be added to the time schedule, allowing<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japanese-luxury-sleeper-train-expands-its-offer-with-three-new-routes/">Japanese luxury sleeper train expands its offer with three new routes</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Japan’s luxury sleeper train Seven Stars in Kyushu will be expanding its offer throughout 2026. Three new itineraries will be added to the time schedule, allowing visitors to explore some of Kyushu Island’s less-visited regions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2013, Seven Stars in Kyushu was launched and dubbed Japan’s first luxury sleeper train. From the start of its journey, the train company has adopted an exclusive and quite unique approach. Tickets for two- and four-day journeys cost thousands of dollars, a price tag many were skeptic about before the launch. Yet people proved to be interested in the concept and with room for just 20 people aboard, Seven Stars in Kyushu has been oversubscribed since the start &#8211; meaning interested travellers enter a ballot before being able to book a spot.</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following that success, the train company has added three new itineraries to its 2026 offer. Just like before, the train will still set off from Hakata Station in Fukuoka. From there, travellers will journey to the mountain gorge town of Takachiho, to the volcanic onsen resort Unzen, or to the highland plateau of Kuju &#8211; all part of Kyushu island’s less-visited yet visit-worthy regions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The goal of Seven Stars in Kyushu remains unchanged.</p>



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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYYV2ApAZ_5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ななつ星in九州 | SEVEN STARS IN KYUSHU | EXCLUSIVE JOURNEY (@sevenstars_in_kyushu_official)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Through the journey of Seven Stars in Kyushu, we would like to show you about Kyushu’s traditions and cultures, which have been passed down for over 100 years and also how wonderful Kyushu is. With this desire, we have organised unique Kyushu trips. Enjoy the Seven Stars journey and make unforgettable memories through the Seven Stars, a masterpiece of the artisans of Kyushu,” the company explains on its website.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What does a Japanese luxury sleeper train look like?</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As said before, voyagers aboard the Seven Stars in Kyushu should not expect to be met with a large crowd. Overall, the train has seven cars, five of which are used as (deluxe) suites. The ten suites each offer room to two people, meaning there won’t be more than 20 passengers aboard during one of the train’s journeys.</p>



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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1461" height="274" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Captura-de-ecra-2026-06-03-154347.png" alt="" class="wp-image-178332" style="width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Captura-de-ecra-2026-06-03-154347.png 1461w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Captura-de-ecra-2026-06-03-154347-300x56.png 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Captura-de-ecra-2026-06-03-154347-1024x192.png 1024w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Captura-de-ecra-2026-06-03-154347-768x144.png 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Captura-de-ecra-2026-06-03-154347-150x28.png 150w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Captura-de-ecra-2026-06-03-154347-480x90.png 480w" sizes="auto, (max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:1461px) 100vw, 1461px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© Kyushu Railway Company</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Aside from the cars containing suites, the luxury train also has a lounge car called Blue Moon and a salon bar called Jupiter, where passengers can meet each other and talk. A bar, tea room, and gallery shop complete the onboard offer.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The Lounge Car Blue Moon is a saloon on wheels, where you can wind down during the day. At night, sip drinks at the bar and mingle with fellow passengers in the modern Japanese atmosphere as the pleasant sound of the live piano performance tinkles in the background. Enjoy the starry sky that peers in from the panoramic windows with a glass of bliss in your hand and relax on the sofas to take in the stunning views that pass by. This space provides the perfect setting for social gatherings as well as solo time,” Seven Stars in Kyushu explains.</p>



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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="941" height="653" src="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/trains_lounge_ph.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-178335" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover;width:700px" srcset="https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/trains_lounge_ph.jpg 941w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/trains_lounge_ph-300x208.jpg 300w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/trains_lounge_ph-768x533.jpg 768w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/trains_lounge_ph-108x75.jpg 108w, https://traveltomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/trains_lounge_ph-480x333.jpg 480w" sizes="auto, (max-width:767px) 480px, (max-width:941px) 100vw, 941px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lounge Car Blue Moon © Kyushu Railway Company</figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Travellers who are eager to enter the ballot and catch a ride aboard the Seven Stars in Kyushu are invited to keep an eye on the <a href="https://www.cruisetrain-sevenstars.jp/english/?id=header" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>. Fares include all transportation costs, as well as onboard service, tour buses, meals, beverages (not including select vintage wine, champagne and the fare at KAZ BAR), sightseeing, and accommodation costs for the 4-day 3-night&nbsp;journey.</p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japanese-luxury-sleeper-train-expands-its-offer-with-three-new-routes/">Japanese luxury sleeper train expands its offer with three new routes</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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		<title>Tokyo’s Shibuya introduces on-the-spot fines for littering amid overtourism</title>
		<link>https://traveltomorrow.com/tokyos-shibuya-introduces-on-the-spot-fines-for-littering-amid-overtourism/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:52:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Responsible Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[🇯🇵 Japan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=178324</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Shibuya ward in Tokyo has introduced on-the-spot fines for littering as it responds to growing pressure from rising visitor numbers and increasing waste in public spaces.<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span></p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/tokyos-shibuya-introduces-on-the-spot-fines-for-littering-amid-overtourism/">Tokyo’s Shibuya introduces on-the-spot fines for littering amid overtourism</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shibuya ward in Tokyo has introduced on-the-spot fines for littering as it responds to growing pressure from rising visitor numbers and increasing waste in public spaces. Shibuya ward is an administrative district of Tokyo, responsible for managing local rules and services in the area. The new system applies to streets and parks in one of the city’s busiest entertainment and shopping districts, including the area around the famous Shibuya Crossing. Visitors caught dropping rubbish will be fined 2,000 Japanese yen (€10.75), with payment collected immediately by patrol staff.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Local officials say the decision comes after previous efforts to encourage better behaviour did not work as expected. “We cannot tolerate littering simply because there are no rubbish bins,” Shibuya Ward authorities said, highlighting that awareness campaigns and warning notices alone were not enough. The ward is aiming to make rules clearer and easier to enforce, especially in areas that attract large crowds every day.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The system is being rolled out in response to Japan’s record tourism growth, <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-welcomes-record-tourist-numbers-in-2025-despite-sharp-decline-in-chinese-visitors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with 42.7 million international visitors recorded in 2025</a>. Shibuya officials say the increase in foot traffic has led to more cases of public drinking and littering, particularly around train stations and busy pedestrian zones. The authorities stress that rules will apply equally to both locals and foreigners.</p>



<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@cashmeow/video/7347044100635512065" data-video-id="7347044100635512065" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@cashmeow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@cashmeow?refer=embed">@cashmeow</a> Trash Everywhere! <a title="fyp" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp?refer=embed">#fyp</a> <a title="fypシ" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp%E3%82%B7?refer=embed">#fypシ</a> <a title="tokyo" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tokyo?refer=embed">#tokyo</a> <a title="shibuya" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/shibuya?refer=embed">#shibuya</a> <a title="japan" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/japan?refer=embed">#japan</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Cute - Aurel Surya Lie" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Cute-7136445672676411393?refer=embed">♬ Cute &#8211; Aurel Surya Lie</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To enforce the new rules, around 50 patrol officers are being deployed across the district. Staff include English, Chinese, and Korean speakers to ensure that visitors can understand the rules clearly at the moment of enforcement. The multilingual approach is intended to reduce confusion and make communication easier between officers and tourists. Fines can be paid on the spot using cash, credit card, or QR code payments.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The campaign is also being promoted with a direct message aimed at visitors: “if you throw trash, you lose cash.” The slogan is part of a wider effort to make anti-littering rules more visible and easy to understand in a busy urban environment. Authorities say the goal is not only to penalise behaviour but also to encourage awareness of local rules.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Japan’s wider approach to waste management also helps explain the context behind the policy, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local systems. Public rubbish bins are relatively rare in many cities, including Tokyo, and this is partly linked to past security concerns. After the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, carried out by the Aum Shinrikyo cult, authorities removed many public bins from train stations and busy public spaces to reduce the risk of hidden explosives or dangerous materials. Similar security concerns in later years reinforced this approach, and bins have never fully returned to public areas at the same scale.</p>



<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@tsuru_ton_tan99/video/7630070178344209672" data-video-id="7630070178344209672" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@tsuru_ton_tan99" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tsuru_ton_tan99?refer=embed">@tsuru_ton_tan99</a> 日本で1番、夜が眩しい街 <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f303.png" alt="🌃" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2728.png" alt="✨" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Shibuya<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f1ef-1f1f5.png" alt="🇯🇵" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <a title="渋谷" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7?refer=embed">#渋谷</a> <a title="tokyo" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tokyo?refer=embed">#tokyo</a> <a title="japan" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/japan?refer=embed">#japan</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ オリジナル楽曲  - yama_vv" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/オリジナル楽曲-yamavv-7587751493046962965?refer=embed">♬ オリジナル楽曲  &#8211; yama_vv</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As a result, people in Japan are generally expected to carry their rubbish with them until they find appropriate disposal points, such as convenience stores or designated facilities. While this system is widely understood by residents, it can be confusing for visitors who expect public bins to be readily available in urban areas. In a government survey, more than 20% of tourists said the lack of bins was their biggest inconvenience when travelling in Japan.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The littering issue in Shibuya reflects a broader pattern across Japan as tourism reaches record levels. Popular destinations such as Kyoto and areas near Mount Fuji have also experienced congestion, waste problems, and pressure on local communities. In some cases, local authorities have taken unusual steps to manage the impact of visitor numbers, including <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/overtourism-and-unruly-tourists-force-japan-to-cancel-mount-fuji-cherry-blossom-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancelling events that became too difficult to organise safely.</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/japan-introduces-new-measures-to-curb-overtourism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National authorities are now introducing a range of measures to manage the situation</a>, including higher tourism-related taxes and crowd-control tools that help distribute visitors more evenly. Digital systems are also being developed to show real-time crowd levels in popular areas, helping tourists avoid peak congestion times. These policies are part of a wider effort to balance tourism growth with livability in cities like Tokyo. In Shibuya, the new fines represent one of the most visible examples of this shift toward stricter and more direct enforcement in public spaces.</p>
<p>L’article <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com/tokyos-shibuya-introduces-on-the-spot-fines-for-littering-amid-overtourism/">Tokyo’s Shibuya introduces on-the-spot fines for littering amid overtourism</a> est apparu en premier sur <a href="https://traveltomorrow.com">Travel Tomorrow</a>.</p>
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