What to do in Japan?

What is your perception of Japan as a tourism destination? Why would / wouldn't you want to visit there? How can Japan improve its image as an international tourism destination?

• Travel and Tourism in Japan is expected to account for 2.2% of GDP in 2011. However, only 0.3% of GDP was comprised of international tourism receipts (2004), which put it dead last among all countries surveyed. In 2009 (way before the Tohoku earthquake and disaster), South Korea passed Japan for the first time in total number of international visitors. In fact, Japan was ranked eight among ten major international tourist destinations in the Pacific / Asia region. Japan seems to understand that international tourism can help alleviate some of the pain it has endured through years of stagflation, as evident by the rumored government's 10,000 free airtickets offer now on the discussion table. But aside from the short-term campaigns, what innovative ways are there to improve Japan's image as an international tourism destination?

• Answer:

  Japan is a GREAT tourist destination. However, it can be a very expensive place to visit.  In my opinion, Japan does not promote its fabulous cultural heritage nearly enough.  In The Tokyo area alone, there is enough to do to last a whole vacation. This is not to mention Kyoto, Osaka and a ton of other unique places within easy reach. However, I would say that Japan is not for the first time traveller. It is not necessarily an easy place to navigate in, the food can be quite different, and it can be very expensive if you don't pay attention. Would we return to Japan?  In a heartbeat!  One of the "must-dos".