Growing Taiwanese Tourists: Nearly 90% Are Repeat Visitors, Boosted by Support for Japan
Taiwanese tourists are increasingly visiting Japan, with nearly 90% being repeat visitors, as a result of supportive sentiments toward Japan.
During the Lunar New Year vacation period, many tourists from Taiwan are visiting Japan, with projections indicating that by 2025, around 6.76 million Taiwanese will visit the country, marking an 11.9% year-on-year increase. This influx comes as tourist numbers from China are declining due to worsening Sino-Japanese relations. Yoshida Koichi, the president of a Taiwanese tourism information website, "RachiGo! Japan," explains that the travel patterns of Taiwanese tourists are shifting towards less crowded regions after multiple visits to popular sites like Tokyo and Kyoto.
Yoshida, who has a history of engaging with Taiwanese audiences through social media, notes that close to 90% of Taiwanese tourists are repeat visitors. They are increasingly exploring Japan's less commercial areas, with destinations in regions like Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu seeing a rise in popularity. Enthusiasm for activities such as cycling, particularly along the Setouchi coastline in Shikoku, is also evident. More travelers from Taiwan are attracted to regions that offer unique cultural experiences, such as the Setouchi International Art Festival held once every three years.
The close proximity of Kyushu, along with the increased flights connecting it to Taiwan due to the presence of Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturing giant TSMC in Kumamoto, is contributing to the growth of Taiwanese tourism in these areas. Furthermore, Yoshida points out similarities between Japanese department store food markets and Taiwanese night markets, enhancing the appeal for Taiwanese visitors. Their enthusiasm for Japanese manga and anime also enriches their travel experience, bringing them closer to Japanese culture during their visits.