Japan experienced 5.8% increase in foreign visitors in March

Cherry blossom season saw total spending rise while per-capita expenditure plunged

Cherry blossoms, seen here in full bloom in Kyoto, Japan, proved a major draw to foreign visitors in March. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

ERI SUGIURA, Nikkei staff writer

April 17, 2019 18:56 JST

TOKYO -- Japan welcomed 2.76 million foreign visitors in March, a rise of 5.8% from the same month last year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Multiple spring campaigns launched by the organization drew many foreign tourists into the country to enjoy its famous cherry blossom season, the JNTO said in a report published on Wednesday.