According to the Japan National Tourism Bureau, more than 3 million foreign tourists arrived in the country in May. This is the third consecutive month in which the figure exceeds 3 million. The weak yen has made a trip to Japan more affordable, which helps tourism.
But more and more Japanese are bothered by crowds, for example because sights and other attractions are too busy to visit or because there is hardly any space on public transport.
The mayor of the western city of Himeij has now said he wants to charge much higher prices for foreigners visiting the famous century-old Himeij Castle. That castle is on the World Heritage List and is one of the most important places in Japan. The mayor now wants to charge an entrance fee of about $30 for foreigners and $5 for local visitors. Adult ticket prices now exceed $6 per ticket.
