Japan Pushes 'Small-City Tourism Diplomacy' as Korea-Japan Relations Mark 60 Years
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
On the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization, Japan promoted 'small-city' tourism diplomacy in Seoul to encourage balanced travel beyond major hubs. Japan’s ambassador and 12 prefectural delegations (e.g., Tokushima, Miyazaki, Tottori) held a PR reception to showcase regional attractions and joint tour ideas—such as sand dune experiences, ski-hot spring packages, and Fuji-area winery tours. Data show Korean visitors are a top market (8.81 million last year), but travel concentrates in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and a few airports; JNTO urges improved regional access and experiential content. The campaign aims to raise inbound tourism spending and diversify exchanges to strengthen cultural, economic, and youth ties between the countries.
