Foreign Visitors’ Experience in Japan — Compiled from Japanese inn Sawanoya’s Surveys
Surveys from one of the most popular inns in Japan, “Sawanoya”
by IGNITION Staff
In June 2013, Japan’s Prime Minister Abe and his cabinet turned their attention to the positive economic effects of international tourism, and incorporated the expansion of Japan’s tourist industry into their economic growth strategy. However, since Japan is an island country with a very unique culture, there has been a history of non-Japanese tourists encountering difficulties when they visit the country. Even in such an environment, the family-run Japanese-style inn “Sawanoya” has had its doors open to foreign tourists for the past 30 years, and currently holds huge popularity with overseas guests.
Using the results of a survey Sawanoya gives to guests from abroad, this article compiles experiences of foreign tourists in Japan, exploring what attracts them to Japan and what sorts of problems they encounter. This information should be of use to anyone considering visiting Japan in the future.
The average length of vacation for foreign guests was 22.7 days, an average of 15.3 days of which were spent in Japan. The average of total nights spent in Sawanoya was 4.0, while the average number of accompanying persons was 1.32. 75.6% of foreign guests had 0–1 people accompanying them on their trip and the majority were travelling independently, as opposed to on a package tour or as part of a group.
Among the reasons for choosing Sawanoya, “came across it online/in a guidebook”, “the Japanese-style rooms” and “good value” were the most popular — each of the three reasons were selected by about 50% of guests. For independent travellers staying for up to 2 weeks in Japan, a reasonably priced,traditional Japanese-style inn such as Sawanoya must be an attractive option.
Among the reasons for choosing Sawanoya, “came across it online/in a guidebook”, “the Japanese-style rooms” and “good value” were the most popular — each of the three reasons were selected by about 50% of guests. For independent travellers staying for up to 2 weeks in Japan, a reasonably priced,traditional Japanese-style inn such as Sawanoya must be an attractive option.
Over half of the overseas guests staying at Sawanoya gave “an interest in Japanese history and/or culture” as their reason for visiting Japan, with “I really like Japan” being the next most popular response. The survey results showed that there were many visitors with a keen interest in tourist spots related to traditional Japan. An interest in traditional Japanese sports (sumo, kendo, judo, etc.), traditional Japanese arts (kabuki, rakugo story telling, etc.), traditional festivals, and traditional customs and culture (kimono, calligraphy, tea ceremony etc.) also ranked high in the list of reasons for visiting.
Over half of the overseas guests staying at Sawanoya gave “an interest in Japanese history and/or culture” as their reason for visiting Japan, with “I really like Japan” being the next most popular response. The survey results showed that there were many visitors with a keen interest in tourist spots related to traditional Japan. An interest in traditional Japanese sports (sumo, kendo, judo, etc.), traditional Japanese arts (kabuki, rakugo story telling, etc.), traditional festivals, and traditional customs and culture (kimono, calligraphy, tea ceremony etc.) also ranked high in the list of reasons for visiting.
Looking at what guests actually did during their time in japan, aside from visiting castles, temples, shrines and other historical sites, a lot of tourists ate local food, went shopping and experienced other things that Japanese would consider to be everyday activities. There are a lot of people who become interested in the local life and people once they visit Japan, which is perhaps another reason why Sawanoya, located in the unique and friendly Shitamachi district, is so popular.
Looking at what guests actually did during their time in japan, aside from visiting castles, temples, shrines and other historical sites, a lot of tourists ate local food, went shopping and experienced other things that Japanese would consider to be everyday activities. There are a lot of people who become interested in the local life and people once they visit Japan, which is perhaps another reason why Sawanoya, located in the unique and friendly Shitamachi district, is so popular.
When asked what could be done to increase the number of foreign tourists in Japan, visitors’ answers were as shown in the chart above. Almost 50% mentioned “introducing an all-access public transport pass” and “improving foreign-language signs”.
When asked what could be done to increase the number of foreign tourists in Japan, visitors’ answers were as shown in the chart above. Almost 50% mentioned “introducing an all-access public transport pass” and “improving foreign-language signs”.
Thoughts on the Japanese public transport system from foreign visitors
Thoughts on the Japanese public transport system from foreign visitors
- There should be a pass that you can use on JR trains and all other train company lines too (English visitor).
- I would like if they made a pass, valid for a week, that can be used for all the different underground train companies (French visitor).
As mentioned before, because Japan is an island country it hasn’t had as many foreign visitors or residents as some other countries. As a result, foreign-language sign posts have only been put in place to a significant degree in large cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka.
Thoughts on English-Language signposts from Foreign Visitors
Thoughts on English-Language signposts from Foreign Visitors
- I would like there to be more signposting to make it easier to walk/cycle/drive to destinations (English visitor).
- Increase the number of signs on which Japanese names etc. are written in the Roman alphabet, and also increase foreign-language (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, etc.) descriptions in art galleries (French visitor).
- It would be helpful if there were more English language menus, maps, signs, etc. Japanese-style restaurants in particular don’t seem to have English-language menus (German visitor).
(translation: Rebecca Bourke)
Originally published at ignition.co.
