By Veronica Uy
Photos from The Philippine Business and News
If your social media feeds have been flooded with envy-inducing photos and videos of friends exploring the vibrant streets of Japan, you’re not alone.
The Land of the Rising Sun has become an irresistible destination for Filipinos, and the numbers prove it.
“The Philippines is now the top ASEAN country for tourist arrivals in Japan. From 37,771 visitors from in July 2019, we hosted 51,700 in July 2023—a 36.9% year-on-year increase! A big “Arigato gozaimasu!” to all our Filipino visitors! #VisitJapan,” according to a tweet from the Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines.
Japan Tourism Statistics shows that from January to July this year, a total of 328,800 Filipinos have travelled to Japan.
In an exclusive interview with Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa, ThePhilBizNews delves into the reasons behind this remarkable phenomenon and what it means for travelers in the Philippines.
Sharing his insights into the increasing trend of Filipino travelers choosing Japan as their preferred destination, Ambassador Koshikawa said that while this surge in visa issuance comes on the heels of a dip in international travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several key factors have contributed to this renewed interest in exploring the Land of the Rising Sun:
Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions: As pandemic-related restrictions have eased, more and more Filipinos are eager to explore international destinations, with Japan topping their list.
Strong Philippine Economy: A robust and growing economy in the Philippines has boosted citizens’ disposable income, making overseas travel more accessible than ever before.
Favorable Exchange Rate: The depreciated yen has made traveling to Japan more affordable for Filipino tourists, allowing them to stretch their travel budgets further.
This substantial increase in Filipinos visiting Japan underlines the strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
With a positive outlook for the rest of the year, it’s clear that Japan remains an alluring and attainable destination for Filipino travelers seeking adventure, culture, and breathtaking experiences. So if you’re wondering why your friends are making a beeline for Japan, now you know it’s not just a trend – it’s a travel revolution!
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