Official tourism figures released by the Japan Tourism Agency reveal that the number of overnight guests in Shizuoka from the UK has soared in recent months, with a whopping 270.9% increase in British tourists staying in the Japanese prefecture from January to March 2024 compared to the same period in 2019.

The latest stats show that a total of 4,010 UK tourists stayed in Shizuoka in the first quarter of this year, demonstrating that the desire to add alternative regions of Japan to travel itineraries and venture away from the more established tourist routes is firmly in place and growing following COVID-19.

Home to a wealth of spectacular natural scenery, coastlines and mountains – including the iconic Mount Fuji – Shizuoka appeals to travellers seeking contrast to Japan's modernity and big cities, with experiences that encapsulate nature, culture and history. Just one hour west of Tokyo by bullet train, the prefecture is easily accessible for visitors to the capital and those travelling the popular Golden Route.

Commenting on the increase, Ms Tomoko Koyama, Director of Tourism Shizuoka Japan said: “We are delighted to witness such an impressive increase in UK visitors staying in Shizuoka, suggesting that British tourists are increasingly seeking to travel beyond the well-trodden tourism routes of Japan. Shizuoka offers visitors a chance to delve into the country's rural landscapes, local culture and rich heritage and we're seeing in Shizuoka that more and more international tourists are seeking authentic travel experiences that tie into these themes whilst travelling.” 

ENDS

About Shizuoka

Just one hour from Tokyo by bullet train, Shizuoka prefecture is home to the iconic Mount Fuji. It boasts a spectacular natural environment of coastline, mountains and lakes including the beautiful Izu Peninsula, which has been described as “Japan's Riviera” and was designated as a Global Geopark by UNESCO in April 2018. The region is steeped in history, has a huge choice of traditional ryokan inns and onsen hot springs, and is also a gourmet paradise. Its natural environment produces some of the country's best food and drink, from green tea and wasabi to fresh seafood. Shizuoka is Japan's biggest producer of green tea.

For more information contact: Rebecca Pasha (Rebecca@humewhitehead.co.uk) or Richard Hume (Richard@humewhitehead.co.uk) or call 020 3375 4050.