Japan's Favorite Tourists
If you are aware of Japan and Taiwan's close relationship, then it won't come as much of a surprise that Taiwanese are the most desired tourists for Japan. Taiwanese tourists were the top spenders of 2023, contributing to "14.8% of the total foreign tourist spending in Japan" according to the Japanese National Tourism Organization. China was second contributing 14.3 percent of foreign tourist expenditure. Considering the size and population difference of Taiwan and Mainland China, this is quite impressive.
With direct access to Ishikawa Prefecture through Komatsu Airport, Taiwanese have been flocking to Kanazawa and Toyama, with the more adventurous even making it to Fukui. The land of Zen and dinosaurs would surely welcome them as conflict with mainland Chinese has seen widespread travel cancellations across Japan.
Will Fukui be the next big destination for Taiwanese tourists as they seek to explore beyond Kanazawa? Travel agencies and associations certainly hope so. What do you think is the best way to attract Taiwanese tourists? (local DMO's have been struggling with the answer) leave your opinions in the comment section!
Sakai City's port town Mikuni, has long been a beloved seafood destination and is eager to welcome Taiwanese tourists! Every year a Mikuni Echizen crab is offered to the Imperial Household of Japan. The snow crabs fished from the Sea of Japan off of Mikuni are prized for their size and quality. The promenade leading to the cliffs of Tojinbo is home to many spectacular seafood restaurants such as Yamani Fishery.
At Tojinbo Promenade, we met up with our Taiwanese friend Jou Hui, checked out the breathtaking views of Tojinbo Cliffs and stopped at Yamani Fishery to enjoy a seiko crab bowl along with a sashimi bowl and boy was it fresh and spectacularly colorful. If you ever find your way to Tojinbo be sure to stop at Yamani Fishery. Check out the video below!
