Nationalities of foreign guests staying in Akita Prefecture

This is the store’s sign

DAY 279

Today, we provide an update on the inbound tourism situation in Akita Prefecture.

The number of foreign guests staying in Akita Prefecture had been on an upward trend in line with the nationwide increase in foreign travelers (inbound tourism). However, it declined during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, the number rebounded to 78,510, but this represents a 30.0% decrease compared to five years ago in 2018 (112,160 guests) and a 34.2% decrease compared to the peak year of 2019 (119,320 guests).

Akita Prefecture has the fewest foreign guests among the six prefectures in the Tohoku region, and it is one of only seven prefectures nationwide with fewer than 100,000 foreign guests. Its national ranking is 43rd, down from 42nd in 2018.

By nationality (or region of origin), Taiwan, which is the main target market for the prefecture, accounts for the highest percentage at 34.9%. This is followed by China at 10.6%, also in double digits. Together with Hong Kong (8.0%) and South Korea (3.9%), guests from East Asia make up 57.4% of the total. Given Akita Prefecture’s distance from Tokyo and its relative obscurity, there remain opportunities for growth.

It is a wonderful tourist destination that is not well known to many people

I have decided to continue writing every day.

Daiichi Shoji Co., Ltd.

Head Office: 13–1 Toinonoshita, Hiromote, Akita City, 010–0041

Warehouse: 12–2 Toinonoshita, Hiromote, Akita City, 010–0041

Manager: Tadashi Kagabu

1976

• Company Established

2000

• Opened Store on Rakuten Market

2016

• Awarded Rakuten Shop of the Week

2023

• Awarded Rakuten Market Monthly Excellent Shop

An Online Shop Run by Japanese People