A weak currency, cheap flights and an international gathering of scouts have all combined to boost UK visitor numbers to Japan in July.
A total of 26,300 Brits visited the country during the month, a 34% increase year-on-year, the Japan National Tourism Organisation has revealed.
Much of the boost was driven by 4,000 British scouts who were attending the 12-day World Scout Jamboree which started on July 28 in Kirarahama.
Visitors have also been quick to take advantage of the pound’s strength against the yen, which currently means one pound is worth 195 yen.
Flights have also come down price wise, with return flights to the country available via KLM from £499pp.
James Mundy, InsideAsia Tours’ PR and marketing manager, said: “InsideJapan Tours is not surprised about the big increase of people travelling to Japan from the UK as the numbers are reflected our own numbers of customers travelling this summer.
“The strength of the pound against the yen and the great value offered by Japan and what InsideJapan Tours can provide for their customers, is perhaps one of the reasons why numbers are up.
“InsideJapan Tours are also sending more and more families who are restricted to travelling during the summer and school holidays which could also add to the statistics.
“Although the summer does not have the blossom of spring or the red leaves of autumn peak seasons, there are plenty of festivals during the summer and it is the only time people can climb illustrious Mt Fuji - more possible reasons as to why summer numbers to Japan are on the increase.”
The strong showing from the UK market is being mirrored on a worldwide basis with 11 million people having visited Japan in the first seven months of the year, a 47% increase year on year, which has left tourism chiefs confident that a new record could be set for the year.