JAPAN: Explosive Spending By Chinese Tourists In Japan

While the soaring yen this year has threatened to curb their enthusiasm, the latest figures from the Japan National Tourism Organisation show that 731,400 Chinese visitors flocked to the country in July, a monthly record.

What also emerges from a detailed look through tourism data is the growing importance of young women travellers, the popularity of Japanese cosmetics, and waning sales of electronic goods as the quality of Chinese-made products improves. "Chinese consumers are starting to buy electronic goods domestically," said senior consultant Yoko Hayano of JTB Tourism Research & Consulting.

The stronger yen and higher customs levies faced by Chinese tourists when they go home may reinforce this trend.

The spending power of Chinese tourists in Japan is so impressive there's a special word for it: bakugai, or explosive buying.

Also behind this shift in buying patterns is a large number of women travellers in their 20s and 30s, who accounted for over 40 per cent of all Chinese tourists in the second quarter of this year, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

More than half of the Chinese tourists take trips of four to six days and travel the so-called golden route that links Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka.

Ms Liu Yi, 36, a housewife from Hubei in China, said: "It used to be the common notion among us Chinese that Japanese electronics are superior, but I think Chinese products are just fine nowadays.

"It's Japanese cosmetics and health-care supplements that are very good to have," she said, standing in line to wait for the Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district to open.

As incomes keep rising in China, Japan can count on its larger neighbour remaining the key to the health of its tourism industry.

Ms Liu, who was on her first visit to Japan, travelled with her daughter and mother-in-law. If statistics are any guide, they may be back.

JAPAN: Tourism Boost To Highlight Japan's Cultural Assets

With Japan determined to increase the number of foreign tourists to the country by 2020 when it hosts the Olympic Games, the government plans to maximize the use of cultural assets at 200 spots nationwide to spark visitors’ interest in Japanese history and culture, a draft of the government’s new plan shows.

Under the draft, the government aims to introduce cultural properties and historical assets to tourists in as many languages as possible, repair shrines and other historical buildings, and promote local performing arts. Where exactly the government will extend its support, however, has yet to be decided, government sources said.

The new draft plan comes at a time when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government—which sees tourism growth as a key strategy for Japan’s economic prosperity—is hoping to counter criticism that some regions are not enjoying the benefits of growing tourism.

In 2015, a record 19.74 million foreigners visited Japan, but tourists are more inclined to head to the so-called “golden route” sites encompassing popular destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japanese authorities said.

The government is now considering increasing its target of tourists from abroad to 30 million to 40 million by 2020, the sources said.

After considering factors such as the availability of hotels in Tokyo, the government will decide on a target for the number of tourists it wants to attract and incorporate this in a strategy to be compiled this month at the earliest, the sources said.

In hopes of luring more visitors to local areas, the government plans to make it even easier for tourists to travel to less popular regions by train and other means of public transportation.

One of the ideas is to designate around 100 shinkansen bullet train stations as key points for the dissemination of tourist information, but details are still being discussed.

The government will also improve wireless communication in bullet train tunnels and connectivity of highway buses and rail services.

Another plan is to upgrade existing travel services such as the system of issuing the “Japan Rail Pass.” The cost-effective rail ticket, which offers unlimited use of almost all Japan Railway trains, can only be purchased abroad, but from fiscal 2016 starting in April, these passes would be available in Japan on a trial basis.

Japan also plans to increase the number of airports and train stations which can provide luggage delivery services to allow tourists to travel without having to carry their baggage.

JAPAN: Japanese Etiquette Taught To Tourists

THE city of Kyoto has launched a guide intended for foreign tourists in an effort to keep them from committing etiquette mishaps.

In Japan, good manners are taken very seriously, especially if you are a tourist. Kyoto, located in the centre of Honshu Island, is a tourist haven: visitors flock to the island and inhabitants criticize the lack of respect many tourists show towards Japanese traditions.

The city's recommendations to visitors include abstaining from riding a bicycle when intoxicated, not cancelling a dinner reservation at the last minute and remembering to take off both hat and sunglasses when entering a temple or sanctuary.

The ancient city reminds visitors that it is always important to remain very polite when taking a photo of a maiko, or geisha-in-training. Other advice: follow the guidelines displayed outside temples, where taking photographs is forbidden.

Finally, the city of Kyoto adds that it is a good idea to thank restaurant wait staff in their native language. Tourists can learn to say "okini" (thank you) and earn appreciation from the local population.

In sum, 18 guidelines have been assembled in the document. Each one is accompanied by an emoji to warn tourists of what they should avoid doing and what could potentially shock the Japanese locals.

JAPAN: Japan Tops List Of Places For Avoiding Christmas This Year

FOR those who don't celebrate Christmas, be it for religious, personal or ideological reasons, and are looking to escape the frenzy of the holiday madness, consider countries like Japan, Thailand and Turkey.

Or, take the predictable route and book a definitively Christmas-free vacation by visiting Arabic and predominantly Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Iran, treasure troves of Persian history and the cradle of ancient civilisation.

Those are among the recommendations from online booking site Skyscanner, which has compiled a list of the top 10 places to avoid Christmas.

Topping the list is Japan, where Christmas is not a public holiday, and locals go about their business as usual on December 25. Though Tokyo may have its share of robot Santas, Kyoto and Nara – centers of traditional Japanese culture – remain for the most part Rudolph and Frosty-free, while Hokkaido offers snow bunnies some of the best powder in the world.

Also on the list is Iran, which was likewise named Rough Guides' top country to visit in 2015 for offering a fascinating lesson in ancient Persian history, bazaars, desertscapes, snow-capped mountains and "hauntingly beautiful mosques."

Here is Skyscanner's list of top 10 places for avoiding Christmas this year:

1. Japan
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Algeria
4. Iran
5. Thailand
6. Nepal
7. Turkey
8. North Korea
9. China
10. Bahamas

However, you will have to include:

1. Yemen
2. Iraq
3. Syria

That is for reasons you know, Islamic States Army.