Here is the updated version without the repeated hot springs:
1. Ghibli Park (Aichi Prefecture)
Ghibli Park, located in Aichi, brings to life the magical worlds of Studio Ghibli’s films. Opened in November 2022, the park is highly popular among foreign tourists. It will expand further in 2024, adding new areas where visitors can immerse themselves in scenes from the movies. The park features buildings and food inspired by the films, offering new experiences with every visit.
2. Rideshare Taxi (Kyoto)
Kyoto introduced rideshare taxis in 2024 to support the growing number of foreign tourists. This service allows multiple passengers to share taxis along key routes, such as from Kyoto Station to famous landmarks like Kinkakuji Temple. This is an affordable and convenient way for tourists to explore Kyoto, and the option to have luggage delivered to their accommodations adds to the ease of travel.
3. Barrier-Free Tourism (Hokkaido and Fukuoka)
Hokkaido and Fukuoka are making tourism accessible for everyone, including elderly visitors and those with disabilities. Attractions in these regions now offer ramps, accessible restrooms, and multilingual guides. This allows tourists, including those with mobility challenges, to enjoy experiences like hot springs and nature tours with greater ease and comfort.
4. Digital Art Events (Nijo Castle, Kyoto)
Nijo Castle in Kyoto hosts digital art events, using light projections to illuminate the historic grounds. In 2024, events will take place during cherry blossom and autumn seasons, combining Japan’s natural beauty with modern digital art. These events offer a unique fusion of tradition and technology, making them a hit with foreign visitors looking for special cultural experiences.
5. Hakuba Ski Resort (Nagano Prefecture)
Hakuba is a renowned ski resort popular with foreign tourists for its winter sports activities. The resort offers multilingual ski guides and rentals in English, Chinese, and Korean. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Hakuba also provides summer activities like hiking and hot spring experiences, making it a year-round destination.
6. Multilingual Support at Fukuoka Airport
Fukuoka Airport has improved its services for foreign visitors by offering multilingual assistance in English, Chinese, and Korean. The airport’s information desks provide tourists with useful travel tips for exploring Kyushu, and enhanced shuttle and rental car services make it easier to reach key destinations in the region.
7. AI-Powered Tourist Assistance
Regions like Kawaguchiko Onsen near Mount Fuji have adopted AI-powered translation tools that allow tourists to access information and recommendations in their language. This innovative solution helps non-Japanese speakers navigate local attractions with greater ease and independence.
8. Eco and Cultural Tours (Okinawa)
Okinawa offers eco-tourism experiences, including coral conservation tours and water sports, which are popular with environmentally-conscious tourists. Visitors can also engage with local Ryukyu culture through traditional dance performances and craft workshops, all with multilingual support.
9. Sake Brewery Tours (Niigata Prefecture)
Niigata Prefecture is known for its sake and has developed brewery tours for foreign visitors. These tours provide multilingual guides who explain the sake-making process, combined with tasting sessions and local food pairings. It’s a cultural experience that allows visitors to dive deeper into Japanese traditions.
This list highlights various policies and initiatives that make it easier for foreign visitors to explore Japan and enjoy its diverse offerings.