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Will Japan Start a “Two-Tier” Charging System for Tourists?
With tourists flooding into Japan and taking advantage of the country’s weak currency, some say it’s time to jack up prices for visitors.
It’s no secret: more tourists are visiting Japan than ever before. That has some Japanese businesses up-charging for their services, raising prices for tourists and cash-strapped locals alike.
That disparity has some wondering whether businesses shouldn’t implement separate pricing for tourists. While there’s public support for the idea, some merchants aren’t ready to jump on the bandwagon.
The weak yen makes Japan a steal. Is that fair?
Of course, people wanting to travel to Japan is not a new phenomenon. The country’s unique culture and natural beauty have made it a popular tourist draw even before most countries shut down travel in 2020 to protect public health.
But then tourism came back — in a huge way. More people are visiting Japan now than they did in the heyday of tourism back in 2019, which already saw the country set record numbers. Travel from South Korea, in particular, is at an all-time high…
