Tourists Less Interested In Japanese Culture

[Mulboyne]

Yomiuri: Tourists here for the shops, rather than culture
Hitting the shops was the most common reason foreign visitors came to Japan in fiscal 2006, a recent survey of Japan National Tourist Organization found. According to the survey, 35 percent of respondents citing shopping as their primary motive for visiting this country. In surveys conducted in the previous two fiscal years, traditional culture and historical attractions had been the biggest reason for coming to Japan. Shopping topped the list for the first time since similar surveys were first conducted in fiscal 2003. "Tourists from Asia are becoming wealthier and the yen has weakened, plus there are more quality shopping facilities here," an official of the organization explained as the reasons for the findings. "Traditional culture and historical attractions" and "hot springs and relaxation" were both selected by 32 percent of respondents in the latest survey. Tourists from Asia had the highest interest in shopping, while Europeans tended to cite traditional culture and Japanese life as their main reason for coming.
According to the survey, 48 percent of respondents had visited Japan at least twice. These "repeaters" tended to travel to popular sightseeing spots on their first visit and go shopping for clothes and electrical appliances from the second visit.

[Midwinter]

Can't say I blame them really, I was sick of looking at temples, shrines, and what not by my second visit as well.