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I`d like some feedback on a business idea:
I live in Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan. It`s a beautiful place and reminds me of my native Canada in many ways. Hokkaido has an interesting blend of traditional Japanese culture and nature. There are many spectacular national parks, most notable Daisetsuzan (here`s a link to the wikipedia page for Daisetsuzan).
With the popularity of Niseko, a world class ski resort renowned for it`s powder snow, Hokkaido is starting to see a large number of foreign tourists visiting, especially from Australia and New Zealand. More visitors are coming in the summer season as well, and with the upcoming 2008 G-8 Summit to be held in Lake Toya this resort lakes` beauty is set to be showcased on international TV.
The bank of Japan has been keeping interest rates low in order to boost foreign trade and investment, which has resulted in a relatively weak yen. As well, with the local aviation industry having been released somewhat from harsh regulation, domestic travel is becoming cheaper. For perhaps the first time since the war Japan is becoming an affordable travel destination.
So my questoin is this: who of you is interested in travelling to Japan? What market do you think exists for foreign tourists wanting to visit Japan? What do you think of the feasability of a tourism business targeting foreign tourists with travel packages within Japan, especially Hokkaido? For example, a tour of south Hokkaido`s famous hot spring resorts? Or a trekking package through Daisetsuzan National Park? Or perhaps rental of a peaceful cottage on the shore of Lake Toya?
Together with my current Japanese business partner and a licensed travel agent I am considering setting up a travel business here in Hokkaido to target foreign tourists. What do you think? Your feedback is much appreciated!
konnichiwa-japan
