East Asia

Consists of North and South Korea, the People’s Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Hong Kong, and Macau Greatest growth in international arrivals of tourists in the 1980s and 1990s Opening of China to mass tourism in 1978 and its tourism development was the primary reason for this rapid growth

East Asia Diverse region economically and geographically Most successful industrialized countries of the world (Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea) China’s economy is increasing the most rapidly, however, resulting in dramatic economic changes in country

Tourism in East Asia Most significant feature of tourism to East Asia has been the opening and development of tourism to People’s Republic of China Region had one of the highest rates of visitor increases in the 1990s, somewhat difficult to interpret based on different data sources

Japan Capital :Tokyo Government :Parliamentary democracy Size:145,856 miles Language :Japanese Ethnic Division:Japanese Religion:Shintoism and Buddhism

Japan Tourist Season:April through Oct Peak Tourist Season: Oct Currency :Yen Population: million (2001)

Physical Characteristics Series of islands extending 1,400 miles from north to south Peaks of a volcanic chain known as the Pacific “Ring of Fire” resulting in periodic destructive earthquakes Hilly and mountainous terrain of three- quarters of Japan limits the area that is suitable for agriculture

Physical Characteristics Sufficient rainfall for agriculture on the main islands Precipitation totals range from 40 inches in the north to 100 in the south Sapporo on Hokkaido has hosted the Winter Olympics

Tourism Characteristics Historically looked to tourism as a major foreign income earner as it had such a huge trade surplus in 1980s 1990s it has taken a more active role in promoting inbound tourism Government involved with both domestic and international tourism with offices in many cities of the world outside of Japan

Tourism Characteristics 3 factors appear limit Japan’s growth form the main generating markets of North America and Europe 1) prime attractions are culture, history, customs, and traditions that appeal to a relatively narrow segment of the long-haul tourist market 2) language and cultural barrier that deters some people from visiting 3) high travel and land costs limit market demand

Tourism Characteristics Largest origin countries are South Korea, Taiwan, and the US combined for about 55% visitors in 1999 Most popular time for visitors is October, followed by July and August Winter months are the slowest, and the government desires to encourage and promote more winter events and conventions to level out the seasons

Tourism Characteristics Travel to Japan increased in the 1990s due to the Asian Games in 1994 and surged again during the Winter Olympics in 1998 Decreasing work days and increasing prosperity of the country are beginning to overcome the traditional cultural restraints against taking vacations

Tourism Characteristics However, many Japanese still work on their days off and refuse to take vacations Changing slowly, which has an important effect on tourism

Tourist Destination and Attractions Most frequently visited by the Japanese themselves are temples and historical and cultural places especially in the older cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara Eight travel regions in Japan that serve as the major destinations for foreign visitors Some include Hokkaido, the northernmost island in the Japanese archipelago

Tourist Destination and Attractions Sapporo, the capital city, was the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics Its annual winter carnival (Snow Festival) is a major attraction Other attractions in the city are Hokkaido University, Botanical Gardens, Historical Museum etc.

Tourist Destination and Attractions Another tourism region in Japan is Tokyo and the surrounding region Many shrines and temples along with the attractions of a great modern city Center of national politics, education, and finance Highly westernized metropolis, retains much of the Oriental charm

Tourist Destination and Attractions Attractive to visitors because of the unique capacity to blend the East and West, the old and the new Side by side with the bustling activity of its business sections, there remain traditional ways and habits of old Japan interspersed with many colorful festivities

Tourist Destination and Attractions Other interesting attractions would include the Imperial Palace, Mt. Fuji, Japan Alps, Kansai and Nara etc.