KYOTO -- Even as Kyoto continues to draw international crowds for peak cherry blossom season, Japanese tourists are increasingly choosing such other destinations as neighboring Shiga and Nara prefectures out of concern over crowds and higher prices.
Even 10% discounts at lodgings fail to lure domestic guests
Foreign tourists are conspicuous among the blooming cherry blossoms in Arashiyama, Kyoto. (Photo by Hitomi Izawa)
KYOTO -- Even as Kyoto continues to draw international crowds for peak cherry blossom season, Japanese tourists are increasingly choosing such other destinations as neighboring Shiga and Nara prefectures out of concern over crowds and higher prices.