TOKYO — The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a record 21.5 million during the first six months of the year, though those from Hong Kong dropped by a third in June due to rumors about an impending megaquake.
Total arrivals grew 21% from January to June, helped by a 53.5% year-on-year surge in Chinese visitors to 4.7 million, according to data published by the Japan National Tourism Organization on Wednesday. South Korea remains Japan’s largest visitor source with 4.8 million arrivals.
