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Thursday, 13th February 2014
In General Japan News,
Japan dominates Google Street View usage
While the Japanese Tourist Agency is happy to confirm that Japan received more than ten million tourists last year - meeting its annual target for the first time - it would appear that a large proportion of people are visiting the nation without even leaving their front rooms.
New statistics revealed the tourist attractions throughout Asia that are most regularly seen through the innovative Google Street View, which allows anyone with a computer to travel along roads captured by the company's famous camera vans.
Japan dominated the list, taking seven ranks within the top ten positions including the top six.
The majestic Mount Fuji, which has long been considered iconic for the nation, took gold followed by the abandoned Hashima Island and the Dotonburi Canal of Osaka. This was followed by the remarkable Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima at fourth, which commemorates the destruction of the Atomic Bomb.
Osaka scored again at number five with the inclusion of its beautiful castle. The fortification's extensive gardens can be explored through Google Street View in their entirety.
The hot springs resort of Yufuin Town also featured, thanks to its stunning skyline of mountains and beautiful lakeside views.
However, the capital city Tokyo only had one attraction in the top ten and that was the overbearing Roppongi Hills tower, a haven for shoppers and entertainment fanatics.
The only non-Japanese entries in the top ten were Taiwan's Jiou Fen Old Street and the View of the Marina Bay Sands from Fullerton Heritage Promenade in Singapore.
It is interesting to note that, while Japan is undoubtedly top in terms of virtual visits, it invariably falls somewhere in the 5th to 10th ranks when it comes to actual tourism numbers in comparison to its Asian counterparts.
However, with the Tokyo Olympic Games due to take place in 2020, this may well change over the coming years.
Written by Mark Smith
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
