Culture

Tourists To Japan These Days Look for Experience Over Commodities

Tourists flocking to Japan are coming to experience Japanese culture instead of shopping, boosting new businesses in the tourism industry.

Published

1 month ago

May 20, 2024

Ikue Mio, The Sankei Shimbun

A Harajuku Kawaii Tour with a guide dressed in Lolita fashion (©Sankei by Ikue Mio)

It has been just over a year since the government reclassified COVID-19 as a Class 5 disease. Now, with the added boost of a weak yen, Japan's tourist spots are seeing a surge of inbound tourists. inbound tourists.

However, the once iconic era of tourist shopping sprees is now a thing of the past. Instead, there is a rising trend of visitors to Japan seeking genuine experiences of Japanese history, culture, and fashion. Post-COVID tourism is witnessing a shift in demand from mere commodities to immersive experiences. Exciting and popular programs are now emerging to meet this new demand.

Experiencing Harajuku 'Kawaii'

In Harajuku, Tokyo, tourists can enjoy the Harajuku Kawaii Tour, exploring the district's cute shops with a guide in Lolita fashion. A couple from Bingham in the UK dressed in Lolita attire they bought online, embracing the city's vibrant youth culture.

*Tour participants visit the MOOOSH SQUISHY Harajuku Store stocked with fluffy and squishy Bloom goods. (©Sankei by Ikue Mio)*

Festive Mood

There is also the Dream Academy/MUSASHI workshop. It offers an opportunity to try Japanese taiko drums. Eight participants from the United States and Germany recently joined a Japan tour organized by the travel company Culture Trip. Dressed in traditional Japanese happi coats, these visitors thoroughly enjoyed their first experience playing taiko drums.

*Dream Academy Workshop participants enjoy playing the taiko drums (©Sankei by Ikue Mio)*

*Dream Academy MUSASHI taiko drum workshop participants pause for a picture. (©Sankei by Ikue Mio)*

Become a Samurai

Tourists can also experience samurai training at the Tenshinryu Headquarters Dojo in Machida, a part of greater Tokyo. Over 100 foreign visitors come monthly seeking the thrill of sword drawing and the martial art of iaido. Participants change into training attire, learn how to handle a Japanese sword, and even get to try their hand at test cutting.

*A participant takes on the challenge of test cutting straw (©Sankei by Ikue Mio)*

Kacha Lindenger from Germany shared her excitement, saying "I joined in hopes of gaining a special insight into Japanese culture."

*Toyama style "Samurai Training" offers a chance to experience everything from how to handle a Japanese sword to making a trial cut. (@Sankei by Ikue Mio)*

*Smiles abound during a kendo (Japanese fencing) workshop (©Sankei by Ikue Mio)*

Exploring Ueno and Asakusa with a Female Ninja

Former idol Mai Watanabe leads a popular Ueno and Asakusa tour dressed as a female ninja. Avoiding the tourist-packed Kaminarimon Gate and Sensoji Temple, the tour explores hidden gems like Komagata Hall.

*Komagata Hall is built on the spot where the statue of Kannon, Sensoji Temple's main deity, is believed to have been discovered (©Sankei by Ikue Mio)*

Legend has it that fishermen discovered the statue of Kannon, Sensoji Temple's main deity, in the nearby Sumida River. The tour concludes with a lively karaoke session.