Japan is strictly implementing laws on electric rolling suitcases&nbsp;used by tourists, in its latest attempt to fight overtourism as the Asian country faces a massive growth in visitors.

Already under&nbsp;Japanese law, users will have to show safety documents to be able to 'drive' these suitcases, but many tourists are unaware of such regulations. The law defines electric suitcases as “motorised vehicles that can be ridden on roads only with the required safety equipment and a driving licence.”

While the motorised suitcases have been popularised by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Shilpa Shetty, the luggage-on-the-go has been subject of safety concerns recently. In June, a woman from China allegedly drove such a suitcase on a sidewalk, Kyodo news agency reported. An Indonesian kid rode such a suitcase in a busy Dotonbori shopping district, causing commotion in July.

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Kyodo reported that two Japanese airports have already banned the use of such suitcases in their premises.

Japanese police have asked retailers to warn about the laws regulating their use before they make the purchase.

<h2>What is a rideable suitcase?</h2>

 
The rolling suitcases have become ubiquitous in Japanese airports and elsewhere in Asia. These usually have three or four wheels attached to moped-like frames and handles, with advanced models even featuring navigation panels. Looking similar to toy bikes used by children, these electric suitcases are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Users can 'ride' the bags just by sitting on them and navigating the handle.&nbsp;

<h2>Japan vs overtourism: Blocking Fuji, introducing dual pricing</h2>

The ongoing crackdown on rideable luggage&nbsp;is the latest in Japan's attempts to curtail overtourism and the nuisances associated with it.

Just a few months ago, it blocked the view of Mount Fuji with a giant&nbsp;black barrier. This was because the popular instagram photo site became a hotspot for tourists who often exhibited rowdy behaviour.

Also watch |&nbsp;Japan signs security treaty with US, South Korea

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The barrier, made with a meshed wire &nbsp;2.5 metres&nbsp;high and 20 metres long, was erected in May.

Another move being mooted is differential pricing for tourists. With this, Japan will charge foreign tourists more for certain items under a two-tier system.

The price difference is as high as 1,100 Yen in some restaurants, according to Asia News Network, which noted that the depreciation of the Japanese currency has made several items incredibly cheap for foreign visitors.

<h2>A record tourism inflow to Japan</h2>

The moves come amid a massive tourism boom in Japan that broke records this year. In the first half of 2024, Japan saw 17.78 million tourists, according to its&nbsp;tourism agency. The weakening of Yen has helped drive these numbers. Currently, the tourism inflow has crossed pre-Covid pandemic levels, according to a report in Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Japan is strictly implementing laws on electric rolling suitcases used by tourists, in its latest attempt to fight overtourism as the Asian country faces a massive growth in visitors.

Japan is strictly implementing laws on electric rolling suitcases used by tourists, in its latest attempt to fight overtourism as the Asian country faces a massive growth in visitors. Already under Japanese law, users will have to show safety documents to be able to 'drive' these suitcases, but many tourists are unaware of such regulations. The law defines electric suitcases as “motorised vehicles that can be ridden on roads only with the required safety equipment and a driving licence.” While the motorised suitcases have been popularised by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Shilpa Shetty, the luggage-on-the-go has been subject of safety concerns recently. In June, a woman from China allegedly drove such a suitcase on a sidewalk, Kyodo news agency reported. An Indonesian kid rode such a suitcase in a busy Dotonbori shopping district, causing commotion in July. Also read | Japan's Honda to close China plant, stop production at second factory Kyodo reported that two Japanese airports have already banned the use of such suitcases in their premises. Japanese police have asked retailers to warn about the laws regulating their use before they make the purchase. What is a rideable suitcase? The rolling suitcases have become ubiquitous in Japanese airports and elsewhere in Asia. These usually have three or four wheels attached to moped-like frames and handles, with advanced models even featuring navigation panels. Looking similar to toy bikes used by children, these electric suitcases are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Users can 'ride' the bags just by sitting on them and navigating the handle. Japan vs overtourism: Blocking Fuji, introducing dual pricing The ongoing crackdown on rideable luggage is the latest in Japan's attempts to curtail overtourism and the nuisances associated with it. Just a few months ago, it blocked the view of Mount Fuji with a giant black barrier. This was because the popular instagram photo site became a hotspot for tourists who often exhibited rowdy behaviour. Also watch | Japan signs security treaty with US, South Korea × The barrier, made with a meshed wire 2.5 metres high and 20 metres long, was erected in May. Another move being mooted is differential pricing for tourists. With this, Japan will charge foreign tourists more for certain items under a two-tier system. The price difference is as high as 1,100 Yen in some restaurants, according to Asia News Network, which noted that the depreciation of the Japanese currency has made several items incredibly cheap for foreign visitors. A record tourism inflow to Japan The moves come amid a massive tourism boom in Japan that broke records this year. In the first half of 2024, Japan saw 17.78 million tourists, according to its tourism agency. The weakening of Yen has helped drive these numbers. Currently, the tourism inflow has crossed pre-Covid pandemic levels, according to a report in Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan has had enough of these moped-style electric suitcases used by tourists and is cracking down

With the yen continuing to weaken and a boom in inbound tourists, businesses in Japan are thinking about implementing a dual pricing system for foreign tourists and locals.

With the yen continuing to weaken and a boom in inbound tourists, businesses in Japan are thinking about implementing a dual pricing system for foreign tourists and locals. In Japan's northernmost prefecture, which is well-known for its breathtaking landscapes and winter resorts, the director of the Hokkaido Tourism Organisation has urged businesses to set lower prices for locals. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, the organisation is pushing for a trial run of two-tier discounts this autumn. According to the head of one Hokkaido hotel operator, discounts are required to ensure that Japanese tourists do not leave internationally popular resorts like Niseko. In June, the mayor of Himeji, located in western Japan, announced plans to more than quadruple entrance fees for foreign tourists at Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with sections dating back to the 17th century. Currently, adults pay 1,000 yen ($6.44) to enter, but Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto is considering increasing the fee to approximately $30 for foreign tourists while keeping it at $5 for Japan's citizens. Kiyomoto mentioned the potential damage to the castle due to the high number of visitors. In the 2023 financial year, the castle welcomed 1.48 million visitors, including 452,300 from overseas. In the first half of this year, 17.78 million tourists visited Japan, setting a new record. According to the Nikkei newspaper, foreign visitors spending has quadrupled over the last 10 years and is currently Japan's second-largest "export" category, after automobiles. Also read: British army officer stabbed in Kent; UK PM Starmer reacts Osaka Prefecture has proposed charging foreign visitors a fee to address over-tourism, but this idea has met resistance, particularly with the 2025 Osaka World Exposition approaching. While discounts for students and seniors, as well as tiered pricing for locals, have been common in municipal-supported facilities like hot springs, extending this concept to foreign tourists is still uncommon and controversial. In a survey conducted by Loyalty Marketing, which manages a shopping points card, over 60% of the 1,200 respondents supported having different prices for foreign tourists. One business has already adopted this two-tier pricing system. Tamatebako, a seafood restaurant in Tokyo that opened in April, charges foreign tourists 7,678 yen ($49.30) for a weekday all-you-can-eat and drink buffet, while the price for Japanese residents is 6,578 yen ($42.24). Some shop owners argue that the additional costs of providing special English assistance to foreign tourists justify the higher prices. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese businesses weigh dual pricing and local discounts amid rising foreign visitor numbers

Japan welcomed a million more foreign visitors in the first half of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, logging a new record of 17.78 million, the national tourism organisation said Friday.

The weak yen is attracting large crowds to Japan, with tourists splashing out on everything from kimonos to knives and pricey meals.

The January-June figure beat the previous high from 2019 of 16.63 million, an influx that has prompted overcrowding concerns at hotspots such as Kyoto and Mount Fuji.

"It's important that we promote rural regions to visitors, while taking measures against overtourism," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told a cabinet meeting on the nation's efforts to expand inbound tourism.

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Japan is expecting 35 million overseas visitors in 2024, with tourist consumption estimated at eight trillion yen ($50 billion).

Over the whole of 2023, 25 million visitors came to Japan, after strict pandemic-era border restrictions were lifted.

The country has set an ambitious goal of luring 60 million tourists a year by 2030 -- around double 2019's full-year record of 31.88 million.

But some residents are already fed up with unruly behaviour and etiquette breaches by some foreign visitors.

In a town near Mount Fuji in May, authorities mounted a large barrier at a popular viewing spot next to a convenience store in an attempt to deter photo-taking.

New crowd control measures have been put in place on the volcano's most popular hiking trail, which now has an entry fee of 2,000 yen ($13) plus an optional donation.

Locals in tradition-steeped Kyoto have complained of tourists harassing the city's famed geisha, with visitors now banned from some private alleys.

And the mayor of Himeji has said the western Japanese city, famous for its castle, could make tourists pay four times as much as locals to visit the World Heritage site.

<h2>- 'Pretty bad in Kyoto' -</h2>

"The yen definitely being so weak, we knew our money would go a long way," Ian Dickson, a 41-year-old American, told AFP in Tokyo's Asakusa district, a top tourist draw.

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"Love it so far," he added. "There's no trash on the ground, no litter. It's a beautiful country, beautiful culture."

Andrea Bugnicourt, 28, a French tour guide working in Tokyo, said demand has been "crazy" since the pandemic ended.

"I heard it's pretty bad in Kyoto," she said about the overtourism complaints.

"Japan has so many social rules, right? And people are not used to it. So I think the Japanese government should help on educating foreigners."

In the first six months of 2024, South Korean visitors to Japan topped the list of foreign tourists by country at 4.4 million.

China was second at around three million, five times as many as in the same period last year. Visitors from Taiwan were in third place and the United States in fourth.

Kishida's government on Friday presented plans to encourage luxury hotels to come to Japan's 35 national parks, Nippon TV and other local media reported.

The prime minister also instructed ministers to take emergency measures to address a jet fuel shortage, partly caused by surging demand from tourists, that has prevented airlines from increasing flights.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Japan welcomed a million more foreign visitors in the first half of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, logging a new record of 17.78 million, the national tourism organisation said Friday.

Japan welcomed a million more foreign visitors in the first half of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, logging a new record of 17.78 million, the national tourism organisation said Friday. The weak yen is attracting large crowds to Japan, with tourists splashing out on everything from kimonos to knives and pricey meals. The January-June figure beat the previous high from 2019 of 16.63 million, an influx that has prompted overcrowding concerns at hotspots such as Kyoto and Mount Fuji. "It's important that we promote rural regions to visitors, while taking measures against overtourism," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told a cabinet meeting on the nation's efforts to expand inbound tourism. Also read: 'Journalism is dead': US-based magazine faces flak for 'disgusting' cover featuring Trump and Biden Japan is expecting 35 million overseas visitors in 2024, with tourist consumption estimated at eight trillion yen ($50 billion). Over the whole of 2023, 25 million visitors came to Japan, after strict pandemic-era border restrictions were lifted. The country has set an ambitious goal of luring 60 million tourists a year by 2030 -- around double 2019's full-year record of 31.88 million. But some residents are already fed up with unruly behaviour and etiquette breaches by some foreign visitors. In a town near Mount Fuji in May, authorities mounted a large barrier at a popular viewing spot next to a convenience store in an attempt to deter photo-taking. New crowd control measures have been put in place on the volcano's most popular hiking trail, which now has an entry fee of 2,000 yen ($13) plus an optional donation. Locals in tradition-steeped Kyoto have complained of tourists harassing the city's famed geisha, with visitors now banned from some private alleys. And the mayor of Himeji has said the western Japanese city, famous for its castle, could make tourists pay four times as much as locals to visit the World Heritage site. - 'Pretty bad in Kyoto' - "The yen definitely being so weak, we knew our money would go a long way," Ian Dickson, a 41-year-old American, told AFP in Tokyo's Asakusa district, a top tourist draw. Also read: Canada: Jennie Carignan becomes the first woman chief of the defense staff "Love it so far," he added. "There's no trash on the ground, no litter. It's a beautiful country, beautiful culture." Andrea Bugnicourt, 28, a French tour guide working in Tokyo, said demand has been "crazy" since the pandemic ended. "I heard it's pretty bad in Kyoto," she said about the overtourism complaints. "Japan has so many social rules, right? And people are not used to it. So I think the Japanese government should help on educating foreigners." In the first six months of 2024, South Korean visitors to Japan topped the list of foreign tourists by country at 4.4 million. China was second at around three million, five times as many as in the same period last year. Visitors from Taiwan were in third place and the United States in fourth. Kishida's government on Friday presented plans to encourage luxury hotels to come to Japan's 35 national parks, Nippon TV and other local media reported. The prime minister also instructed ministers to take emergency measures to address a jet fuel shortage, partly caused by surging demand from tourists, that has prevented airlines from increasing flights. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Japan welcomes 1 million more tourists, setting new half-year record post-pandemic

In a robust comeback for Japan's tourism sector, official data revealed that for the fourth consecutive month in September, the country welcomed over 2 million international visitors.&nbsp;

This, as per Reuters, signals a significant stride towards pre-pandemic levels.

<h2>Millions of visitors</h2>

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the count of foreign visitors, both for leisure and business purposes, reached 2.18 million last month, a slight uptick from August's 2.16 million.

This surge in numbers is equal to a noteworthy 96.1 per cent recovery compared to the levels observed in 2019 — before the onset of the global COVID-19 travel restrictions — reports the news agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-population-crisis-worsens-one-in-10-people-aged-80-or-older-report-637578">Japan population crisis worsens, one in 10 people aged 80 or older: Report</a>

&nbsp;

Japan had some of the most stringent COVID-19 border restrictions. These were relaxed a year ago, and since then Japan has progressively resumed visa-free travel for many nations and ultimately eliminated all remaining controls by May.

<h2>Day and night difference</h2>

The rapid resurgence in arrivals peaked at 2.32 million in July, fuelled by increased international flight capacities. The yen's depreciation, to a nearly 33-year low, has also added to making Japan an increasingly attractive and cost-effective destination.

Talking to Reuters, John Hardisty, a 48-year-old engineer from Hawaii, noted the stark contrast in expenses between the United States and Japan.

Watch |&nbsp;Japan take steps towards establishing overtourism countermeasures

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"With inflation in the United States, everything is outrageously expensive, and coming here, it's a lot cheaper," he said, adding, "It's like a night and day difference."

While the number of visitors from key markets such as the United States, South Korea, and Singapore hit record highs in September, travellers from Mexico also surged to an all-time high for any given month, reported the JNTO.&nbsp;

This demand, as per Reuters, has helped compensate for the notable shortfall in arrivals from mainland China, which are still lagging behind figures from 2019 by 60 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-kishida-demonstrates-fukushima-seafood-safety-through-safe-and-delicious-sashimi-lunch-630596">Japan PM Kishida, ministers enjoy 'safe, delicious' Sashimi lunch to demonstrate Fukushima seafood safety</a>

Although there was a slight improvement in Chinese arrivals following Beijing's relaxation of group travel restrictions to Japan, tensions have escalated due to Japan's decision to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.

Economist Masato Koike from Sompo Institute Plus credits this to the ramifications of the treated water issue from Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. Koike says, "The trend towards recovery is likely to remain unchanged."

While the recent data reflects promising growth, with over 17 million visitors arriving in Japan during the first nine months of 2023, it is still significantly lagging from the peak of approximately 32 million visitors recorded in 2019.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a robust comeback for Japan's tourism sector, official data revealed that for the fourth consecutive month in September, the country welcomed over 2 million international visitors.

In a robust comeback for Japan's tourism sector, official data revealed that for the fourth consecutive month in September, the country welcomed over 2 million international visitors. This, as per Reuters, signals a significant stride towards pre-pandemic levels. Millions of visitors According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the count of foreign visitors, both for leisure and business purposes, reached 2.18 million last month, a slight uptick from August's 2.16 million. This surge in numbers is equal to a noteworthy 96.1 per cent recovery compared to the levels observed in 2019 — before the onset of the global COVID-19 travel restrictions — reports the news agency. Also read | Japan population crisis worsens, one in 10 people aged 80 or older: Report Japan had some of the most stringent COVID-19 border restrictions. These were relaxed a year ago, and since then Japan has progressively resumed visa-free travel for many nations and ultimately eliminated all remaining controls by May. Day and night difference The rapid resurgence in arrivals peaked at 2.32 million in July, fuelled by increased international flight capacities. The yen's depreciation, to a nearly 33-year low, has also added to making Japan an increasingly attractive and cost-effective destination. Talking to Reuters, John Hardisty, a 48-year-old engineer from Hawaii, noted the stark contrast in expenses between the United States and Japan. Watch | Japan take steps towards establishing overtourism countermeasures × "With inflation in the United States, everything is outrageously expensive, and coming here, it's a lot cheaper," he said, adding, "It's like a night and day difference." While the number of visitors from key markets such as the United States, South Korea, and Singapore hit record highs in September, travellers from Mexico also surged to an all-time high for any given month, reported the JNTO. This demand, as per Reuters, has helped compensate for the notable shortfall in arrivals from mainland China, which are still lagging behind figures from 2019 by 60 per cent. Also read | Japan PM Kishida, ministers enjoy 'safe, delicious' Sashimi lunch to demonstrate Fukushima seafood safety Although there was a slight improvement in Chinese arrivals following Beijing's relaxation of group travel restrictions to Japan, tensions have escalated due to Japan's decision to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. Economist Masato Koike from Sompo Institute Plus credits this to the ramifications of the treated water issue from Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. Koike says, "The trend towards recovery is likely to remain unchanged." While the recent data reflects promising growth, with over 17 million visitors arriving in Japan during the first nine months of 2023, it is still significantly lagging from the peak of approximately 32 million visitors recorded in 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan tourism bounces back, welcomes 2 million foreign visitors in September

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Japan has had enough of these moped-style electric suitcases used by tourists and is cracking down

Japanese businesses weigh dual pricing and local discounts amid rising foreign visitor numbers

Japan welcomes 1 million more tourists, setting new half-year record post-pandemic

Japan tourism bounces back, welcomes 2 million foreign visitors in September