Commentary: Why are Singapore travellers so enamoured with Japan?

Commentary: Why are Singapore travellers so enamoured with Japan?

Still, it really is interesting that no other country seems to have influenced the same level of eagerness. From vaccinated take a trip lanes (VTLs) to mostly European locations earlier in the outbreak, to more recent reducing of entry needs to regional escapes like Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia, most border reopening continues to be this widely expected.

Even South Korea, which one might think is a must-visit for Singaporeans thanks to the massive recognition of K-pop, K-dramas and Korean foods, ranks fairly lower on the ISEAS survey. Only 5. 9 per cent of Singaporeans list it as their top destination.

Maybe one of the reasons lies in how Japan is one of the final few countries to loosen entry requirements – and lack makes the heart grow fonder. As of now, China and taiwan, which used to be Japan’s largest source of visitors, is still largely closed, so there could be the rush to make it presently there before even more travellers flock to the country.

WHAT MAKES THE JAPANESE SPECIAL

Yet beyond the surface, it really is worth noting that since the 80s and 90s, Japan has been masterfully building the soft power by exporting its amusement like anime and video games, and making the cuisine and brands ubiquitous around the world . For those of us which grew up during that era, it is inevitable that we feel drawn to the country.

Thanks to campaigns targeted at foreign vacationers, The japanese was among the fastest-growing tourism hotspots pre-pandemic, with 2019 marking its seventh consecutive year of record-high tourist arrivals.

It takes just one trip to Japan in order to fall in love with its huge selection of offerings. There is something for everyone: Foodies wax lyrical concerning the freshness of Japan produce and seafood, culture vultures are usually drawn to its distinctive festivals and traditions, and nature lovers cannot resist the draw of the country’s stunning landscape through Mount Fuji towards the beaches of Okinawa.