Originally Posted by
schriste
I generally agree. In was in Japan in March and spent zero time in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I was in Matsuyama (the city in Shikoku) and saw only one or 2 "westerners" a day. However, from time to time I would ask someone a question, or directions and frequently I was told "I don't know, we are from Korea".
I was in Okayama yesterday and in Matsue today, also only saw a few westerners at the train stations.
I get the impression that most of these record number of visitors must be first-timers or one-timers that are congregating in Kyoto.