TOKYO -- Total arrivals of foreign tourists in Osaka and five other neighboring prefectures in western Japan during the first six months this year grew 45% year-on-year to 9.28 million, according to an estimate based on government statistics.

The rise was much higher than the nationwide growth of 28%, largely due to an increasing number of visitors from China and South Korea arriving directly in the region via budget airlines. The western Japan region, known as Kansai, is becoming the key gateway for visitors from East Asia.

During the half-year period, Osaka saw the arrival of 4.5 million foreign tourists, up 41% from a year earlier and the top among six prefectures in the region. Kyoto ranked second with 3.09 million inbound visitors, up 50% year-on-year. Arrivals in Nara rose as high as 86%, thanks to increasing interest in its religious heritage and other sightseeing spots.

For the April-June quarter alone, Osaka attracted the largest number of Chinese tourists, as well as South Koreans, among all 47 prefectures including Tokyo, which was the top destination a year earlier. For all foreign travelers, on the other hand, Osaka became the third most popular destination prefecture after Tokyo and Chiba. Budget travelers from these Asian countries often take low-cost flights that arrive at Kansai Airport near Osaka.

While Osaka and Kyoto have been attracting more foreign visitors in recent years, arrivals in Hyogo, Wakayama and Shiga prefectures in the region have remained almost flat. To expand the benefits from eager foreign shoppers in wider areas in the region, fresh measures will be needed. These may include promoting regional tour plans including to lesser-known prefectures, or making more attractive Japanese-style accommodations available to foreign tourists.

(Nikkei)