Last year 13.4 million foreign tourists visited Japan, a rise of 30% on the previous year, making it the highest yet on record. It is said the main reasons are the devaluation of the yen and the fact that it has become easier to get hold of a tourist visa. For groups, the golden route, which connects Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka, continues to be popular. On the other hand, the number of tourists – in particular independent travelers – visiting rural areas has increased. For instance, ski resorts renowned for their excellent powder snow in Hokkaido and Nagano are crowded with skiers from Australia and other overseas countries. Recently, word has spread through social media about sites that have some connection to anime series or other special features, and though there are few Japanese tourists in these places, many foreigners visit. Of those tourists visiting Japan, the top three nations are Taiwan, Korea and China. Because of territory disputes and a problematic history, Japan’s relations with Korea and China are currently not so good, but this does not seem to have affected the average citizen. Last year foreign tourists spent approximately two trillion yen a year in Japan. In particular the majority of the expenditure was on Japanese cuisine and on shopping for “Japanese brands.” In the run up to hosting the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, the Japanese government hopes to hit the target of securing 20 million visitors per year to Japan, and is trying to improve omotenashi (cordial hospitality), through providing free Wi-Fi networks and so forth. The world’s number one country for tourism is France, which has over eighty million people visiting per year. Goods and information can cross national borders and enter any country, but you cannot enjoy the unique nature and culture of a country unless you visit. Fortunately, instead of oil and natural gas, Japan has things like onsen (natural volcanic springs) and its beautiful natural scenery and unique culture, making it a country rich in tourist attractions. In addition, Japan is surrounded by a variety of populous Southeast Asian countries that are enjoying outstanding economic growth, so it would seem that the day when it becomes a major tourism country is not so far off.