Visitors from China to Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, have sharply dropped by 60%, but the city government says the number will gradually recover.

Chinese Tourists Stayed in Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture Decrease by 60%

According to a report by Asahi Shimbun on March 27: Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture, has long attracted numerous tourists due to its famous attraction, Inazawa Castle. However, due to the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations, the number of Chinese visitors has decreased by nearly 60%. The city government announced this information at its city council meetings held from February to March.

According to the city’s tourism department, during the period from November last year to January this year, a total of 1,085 Chinese tourists stayed at 14 accommodation facilities including hotels—representing a reduction of approximately 58% compared to the same period last year.

Monthly figures show that in November of last year, there were 475 Chinese guests (a decrease of about 53.9% compared to the previous year); in December, 335 Chinese guests (down 53.7%); and in January this year, 275 Chinese guests (down 66.5%).

On the other hand, the total number of visitors during the same period increased by approximately 0.9% year-on-year, reaching 53,479 people. Visitors from Taiwan, South Korea, and other countries and regions have helped offset the decline in Chinese visitors, alongside domestic travelers.

Monthly totals for overnight stays: 20,451 in November of last year (down about 0.8% compared to the previous year), 18,335 in December (up 4.4%), and 14,693 in January this year (down 1.0%).

Last year, the total number of overnight visitors—including Japanese nationals—reached 206,434. By number of overseas visitors: Taiwan (12,893), Mainland China (7,846), Hong Kong (7,425), and South Korea (3,938). Chinese visitors accounted for approximately 3.8% of the total, but the city government expects this number to recover in the future.

The year 2037 marks the 500th anniversary of the completion of Inazawa Castle. Starting today, the admission fee to the castle will be raised from 550 JPY (about 24 CNY) to 1,000 JPY (about 44 CNY) to raise funds for the restoration of the wooden keep. There are currently no reports on whether visitor numbers have increased or decreased following the price hike.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860780900721675/

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