Japan confirmed another record year for tourism in 2018, surpassing the 30 million milestone.
It marked a sixth consecutive annual record at 31.19 million, or 8.7% growth.
It has tripled in just five years since Japan welcomed 10 million arrivals in 2013.
The main catalyst has been the relaxing of visa policy for numerous nations, along with a large increase in air capacity spurred by new low cost routes.
September did see a fall in visitor numbers after several natural disasters including widespread flooding and an earthquake but this proved to be a temporary blip.
The government has set a target of 40 million by 2020 when the Tokyo Olympics take place.
"The target of 40 million is in our sight. We must stimulate demand without missing such opportunities as the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics," land, infrastructure, transport and tourism minister Keiichi Ishii said.
Japan has just rolled out a so-called ‘sayonara tax’ – a 1,000 yen fee payable on departure from the country.
However government officials don’t believe it will have a significant impact.
By Charles Kao
