OSAKA, Dec 17 (News On Japan) –
As overseas vacationer arrivals to Osaka are projected to succeed in a file excessive for the primary time in 5 years, town’s Minami district is experiencing a surge in new enterprise providers. From the opening of a lodge with the most important variety of rooms in western Japan to sumo viewing amenities and choices that showcase Osaka all through the day, the world is bustling with exercise.
A brand new enterprise lodge, APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower, opened this month only a one-minute stroll from JR Namba Station. The 40-story skyscraper boasts 255 rooms, the most important in western Japan, together with spacious public baths, saunas, and even a pool with panoramic views of Osaka. From the lodge, guests can see the Expo web site’s symbolic ring-shaped construction within the distance. The buffet additionally caters to overseas guests by providing native Osaka specialties, together with meat dishes and takosen crackers.
“The Osaka-Kansai Expo will run for six months starting next year. Many visitors will use Kansai International Airport as their gateway, and I believe the Namba area will see a significant increase in tourists. It is important to capitalize on this opportunity,” mentioned a lodge consultant.
Four months forward of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, companies are seizing the chance to draw worldwide guests. In May, a eating facility opened in Namba Parks, drawing overseas vacationers wanting to expertise Japan’s meals tradition via bento packing containers. Their consideration rapidly turned to a close-by sumo efficiency venue, the place two day by day exhibitions are held. The performances embody English explanations of sumo guidelines, and guests may even step into the ring to problem sumo wrestlers.
Beyond daytime sights, Osaka’s nightlife can be being promoted. The Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau not too long ago launched the ‘Osaka Fun Pass,’ a premium providing that bundles admission to main sights equivalent to Osaka Castle and Tsutenkaku Tower with discounted entry to bars and golf equipment in leisure districts. One taking part magic bar, frequented by vacationers from the UK and Norway, presents drinks and reside magic exhibits.
“With developments like the Expo and a potential casino, I hope we can use magic to foster international exchange between Japanese and foreign visitors,” mentioned one bar operator.
However, the inflow of vacationers can be creating challenges. Ryuta Inoue, a enterprise proprietor from Fukuoka trying to open a bar in Minami, expressed his issues. “The rents are incredibly high, and the options are limited. It’s surprising how few spaces are available,” he mentioned. The solely obtainable property proven to him was a small one-room house with a month-to-month lease exceeding 200,000 yen. “It’s hard to justify the costs with the expected returns,” he added.
Real property companies report that hovering demand has led to lease hikes and subletting practices, additional intensifying competitors. A consultant famous, “We didn’t expect this level of vacancy shortage, and it’s surprising to see how quickly the market tightened.”
Experts warn that the present pattern might result in overtourism. “If the area becomes oversaturated, it could have negative effects. It’s important to expand new facilities into slightly farther areas to disperse the flow of people,” one specialist instructed.
Source: YOMIURI