The number of foreign visitors to Japan in the first half of 2018 (January to June) increased 15.6% from the same period last year to 15,899,000, setting a new record for the sixth consecutive year. Bicycles are attracting attention as an element that will help Japan maintain this momentum and become a tourism-oriented nation.
With the increase in repeat foreign visitors to Japan, their tourism style is shifting from "material consumption" centered on shopping to "experience consumption" through experiential tourism. In light of this, it is considered promising to develop tourist regions that utilize bicycles in order to expand the current inbound effect nationwide. To achieve this, we will improve services for cyclists at each transportation facility and improve the environment in the region to welcome cyclists and to improve the riding environment.

In Europe, where cycling sports are popular, many international cycling competitions such as the Tour de France are held, attracting tourists from all over the world to watch. In Japan, we will also work with local governments that wish to hold international cycling competitions and provide support on a national level, with the aim of revitalizing cycling sports and attracting tourists from overseas.

We will also support various initiatives, such as the development of cycling roads so that cyclists from Japan and abroad can enjoy a comfortable ride, and the effective use of trains and buses for travel to various regions.