Strong US Dollar Promotes Travel to Japan in 2015

For the first time in a long time the US dollar is strong, providing an enticing opportunity for travelers to visit Japan. This, combined with Japan having now fully recovered from the events of 2011, makes it an ideal time to experience this fascinating and diverse country more affordably.

According to xe.com, the US dollar is achieving strength against the yen at a level not seen since 2007. Even in just the past year, the dollar has strengthened 16% against the yen, comparing favorably to the dollar's increase against the euro at 21%. Also, according to Google Trends, interest in the search term "travel to Japan" has increased 55% from November 2014 to January 2015.

"There are so many fascinating experiences for travelers to have while visiting this ancient yet modern country," said Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. "While visiting Japan has traditionally been very expensive, especially compared with other Asian destinations, thanks to today's strong dollar, Japan has become downright affordable. Booking through an experienced tour operator such as Friendly Planet Travel can make it not only an affordable journey but a truly memorable experience."

Some popular destinations include Tokyo, Japan's modern capital, Kyoto, ancient capital for over 1000 years, and Osaka, considered Japan's spiritual heartland and modern Japan's culinary center. Neon in the Ginza shopping district exudes sophisticated affluence, while iconic Mt. Fuji rises above trendy hot springs resorts. Electric cable cars soar above 400,000-year-old Lake Ashi, and the Shinkansen bullet train speeds to ancient Kyoto.

Data Sources

• http://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=USD&to=JPY&view=10Y
• http://www.google.com/trends/explore#q=travel%20to%20japan&geo=US&date=1%2F2010%2061m&cmpt=q&tz

About Friendly Planet Travel

Friendly Planet Travel (www.friendlyplanet.com) is a full-service tour operator, in business for more than 34 years, that specializes in high-quality tour packages, customized travel for individuals and group tour services, to exotic worldwide destinations, at prices that represent true value for money and without compromise on quality or service.

Additional background information: www.friendlyplanet.com/about

Friendly Planet Travel tours to Japan: www.friendlyplanet.com/entry/japan.html

SOURCE: BUSINESS WIRE

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