Japan Tourism Agency has released an analysis on recent trend of foreign visitors’ use of the smartphones (internet) as a means acquiring travel information during their stay in Japan, according their “Consumption Trend Survey for Foreigners Visiting Japan” from April to June 2013 period. As a “travel information source useful during a stay in Japan,” 43% chose smartphones in April to June 2013 period which was a steep grow compared to 10% of 2 years ago, April to June 2011 period. It exceeds personal computers (35%) and it ranks as the top by far now.
However, the usages differ depending on the nationality and area of origin of the visitors. As smartphone users (44%) increased among the visitors from トルEast Asia, PC users decreased (29%). Younger generations have higher percentage of smartphone users, for instance, 54% of under 20 years old and 50% of solo travelers chose smartphones. Also, travel information most useful before the travel for those who collect information on smartphones was personal blogs (55%). Information source other than smartphones which were useful during their stay in Japan were: PC (38%), tourist bureau (32%) followed by smartphones only (29%), and it indicates that the visitors from East Asia are using various information sources but gradually becoming concentrated on smartphones.
On the other hand, among the visitors from Europe, America and Australia, smartphone users are increasing (44%) but PC users still exceeds (56%). 30’s had the most smartphone users by 53%, 45% of those visiting Japan for the first time use smartphones and the ratio of choosing smartphones tend to decrease as the number of the visit increase. Travel information most useful before the travel for those who collect information on smartphones were guidebooks (55%) and their relatives and friends at home countries. Information source other than smartphones which were useful during their stay in Japan were mainly PC (56%), tourist bureau (47%) and guidebook (29%), however smartphone only remains fewer (12%). Among the visitors from Europe, America and Australia, smartphone use is increasing but other information sources are being used at the same time.
Data of this survey is the average of the foreign visitors staying in Japan “within 90 days” for “sightseeing and leisure” as main purpose taken from the all the respondent of the “Consumption Trend Survey for Foreigners Visiting Japan” from April to June 2013 period.
