Discounts for Foreign Visitors Criticized as 'Unfair,' Prompting Review by Local Japanese Governments

(CNA, Reporter Tai Ya-chen, Tokyo, 7th) In recent years, some local governments in Japan have introduced incentive measures such as subsidies for Shinkansen fares and reductions in attraction ticket prices to attract foreign tourists, hoping to boost local tourism and economic development. However, these policies have recently sparked a series of public questionings of being 'overly preferential to foreigners' and 'unfair,' with some local governments even canceling the incentive systems as a result.

According to Jiji Press, Kagoshima Prefecture, in its current fiscal year, offered a subsidy for one-way Shinkansen fares of about 10,000 yen (approx. NT$2,000) for tour packages that include accommodation within the prefecture and a Shinkansen ticket from Hakata Station in Fukuoka to stations in northern Kagoshima like Izumi or Chuo Station, in order to attract foreign tourists.

The prefectural government stated that this move was intended to let overseas travelers know that they could travel from Fukuoka to Kagoshima by Shinkansen, thereby attracting tourists from countries without direct flights. However, after the policy was announced in February, about 600 public comments were received within a month, including criticisms like 'Isn't this too preferential to foreigners?' and 'I don't want my taxes used to entertain foreigners.'

A relevant official from Kagoshima Prefecture pointed out that the government is also promoting tourism measures for domestic travelers, but public focus tends to be on the subsidy program for foreign tourists. 'We can only patiently explain the policy content while continuing to attract both domestic and foreign tourists.'

Some local governments have adjusted their related systems as a result. Nara Prefecture, which had exempted foreign tourists from admission fees at four facilities, including the prefectural art museum, since 2008, officially canceled this policy in April 2024.

Nara Governor Makoto Yamashita stated that a large number of voices on social media claimed it was 'unreasonable to let only foreigners in for free.' Additionally, since many foreign tourists only found out about the free admission upon arrival, the actual effect on attracting tourism was limited and it was difficult to gain the support of the prefectural citizens.

In Shimane Prefecture, as of fiscal year 2019, 33 facilities, including the national treasure Matsue Castle and the prefectural art museum, offered discounts to foreigners. However, starting in 2023, these measures have been gradually phased out. The prefectural government indicated that it had originally encouraged facilities to offer discounts to track data on foreign tourists. However, with the yen's depreciation driving an increase in high-spending overseas travelers and rising societal questioning of 'preferential treatment for foreigners,' a decision was made to adjust the policy direction.

Nevertheless, 11 tourist facilities popular with foreign travelers, such as the Adachi Museum of Art and the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine World Heritage Center, currently maintain their discount programs for foreign tourists.

Furthermore, Shimane Prefecture also launched discounted express bus fares between Osaka and Shimane Prefecture in conjunction with last year's Osaka-Kansai Expo. The government said it will decide whether to continue the measure based on actual usage.