TOKYO – Japan has witnessed a surge in tourism from the Philippines, with an estimated 200,800 Filipino visitors exploring the country in the first quarter of 2024, according to data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). This figure is part of a total of 8,558,100 foreign visitors recorded from January to March.
March marked a significant increase, with a 63.2 percent rise in Filipino visitors compared to the pre-COVID-19 level, totaling 78,800 arrivals. This also reflects a 69.2 percent uptick compared to the same month last year.
Last month alone, Japan welcomed 3,081,600 foreign visitors, with the Philippines ranking eighth among the top inbound tourism contributors, following South Korea (663,100), Taiwan (484,400), China (452,400), the U.S.A. (290,100), Hong Kong (231,400), Thailand (131,700), and Australia (82,800). - Florenda Corpuz
(People are seen strolling in Ginza, Tokyo on March 22, 2024. Photo by Din Eugenio)