Buoyed by a surge in arrivals from Southeast Asia after relaxing visa regulations, Japan tourism officials are hoping for a similar response when it launches new visa rules for Indian and Indonesian travellers.
Japan National Tourism Organization figures show an average of more than 50% growth in the first eight months of the year thanks to relaxed visa rules for tourists from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Indian travellers will be able to apply for multiple-entry visas later this year and Indonesian passport holders will be able to enter Japan visa-free.
"Accessibility between India and Japan is actually not an issue as there are direct flights from Mumbai and New Delhi to Tokyo," said Kiyonori Ogawa, director of marketing at the JNTO.
"The issue with India is the visa requirements and the need for more promotional activities in the market."
Ogawa also noted that the Japanese Yen’s devaluation also contributed to increased tourist numbers, making it more affordable for travellers.
