L.A. Times: Japan Tourism On Slow Rebound

Above, a gate at Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Los Angeles Times posted an article on the recovery efforts of Japan's tourism industry.

Their article states:

The tourism industry in Japan -- devastated by a massive earthquake and tsunami in March -- has slowly begun to rebound, with a full recovery expected by next year.

Those conclusions came from a report by the Worth Travel and Tourism Council that said the number of international visitors to Japan dropped off significantly in June and July, 36% below the average for the same period in 2010. Foreign visitors generate about $16 billion in annual spending in Japan.

Much of it was caused by erroneous reports of radiation leakage in areas outside of the Tohoku region (where the quake and tsunami occurred and where the Fukushima nuclear power facility is located). And, also, the poor performance of the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen.

Still, it is heartening to hear that things are improving.

To read the full article, go here.