- 14 Mar 2002
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Local governments in Japan are facing criticism over programmes aimed at attracting foreign tourists, including subsidised Shinkansen fares and free admission schemes that critics describe as unfair. This fiscal year, Kagoshima Prefecture introduced a campaign to boost overseas tourism as visitor numbers remained below pre-pandemic levels. The programme subsidises one-way Shinkansen fares of roughly ¥10,000 from Hakata Station in Fukuoka to Kagoshima.
After the initiative was announced in February, the prefectural government said it received around 600 complaints, including criticism that taxpayer money was being used to favour foreign visitors. A prefectural official said Kagoshima was also trying to attract domestic tourists, though only the overseas visitor programme had drawn public attention. Nara Prefecture had waived admission fees for foreign visitors at four facilities, including the prefectural art museum, since 2008. The programme was abolished in April 2024 following criticism on social media over preferential treatment for foreigners.
Tourist benefits in contention include:
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I think what critics and complainers miss is that these programmes are not simply handouts to foreign tourists, but attempts by local governments to bring visitors and spending into regions still struggling to recover from the pandemic. Tourists also spend money on hotels, restaurants, transport, shopping, attractions, and local businesses once they arrive. Similar discounts and incentives already exist for many different groups in Japan, though measures aimed at overseas visitors tend to attract more attention online.
After the initiative was announced in February, the prefectural government said it received around 600 complaints, including criticism that taxpayer money was being used to favour foreign visitors. A prefectural official said Kagoshima was also trying to attract domestic tourists, though only the overseas visitor programme had drawn public attention. Nara Prefecture had waived admission fees for foreign visitors at four facilities, including the prefectural art museum, since 2008. The programme was abolished in April 2024 following criticism on social media over preferential treatment for foreigners.
Tourist benefits in contention include:
- Kagoshima Prefecture fully subsidises one-way Shinkansen fares (around ¥10,000) from Hakata to Kagoshima for foreign tourists.
- Nara Prefecture formerly waived admission fees for foreign visitors at four public cultural facilities, including the prefectural art museum.
- Shimane Prefecture offered foreign visitor discounts at 33 tourist facilities, including Matsue Castle and museums.
- Some Shimane facilities, including the Adachi Museum of Art and the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Centre, still offer discounted admission to overseas tourists.
- Shimane Prefecture also introduced expressway bus fares of ¥ 2,000 between Osaka and Shimane in connection with Expo 2025.
Benefits for foreign tourists spark debate in Japan
Some facilities stopped offering discounts amid criticism of preferential treatment for foreigners.
I think what critics and complainers miss is that these programmes are not simply handouts to foreign tourists, but attempts by local governments to bring visitors and spending into regions still struggling to recover from the pandemic. Tourists also spend money on hotels, restaurants, transport, shopping, attractions, and local businesses once they arrive. Similar discounts and incentives already exist for many different groups in Japan, though measures aimed at overseas visitors tend to attract more attention online.
