Spring holidays have begun in Japan. The break comes as the yen briefly weakened to the 158-range against the dollar in New York, marking a fresh 34-year-low. The feeble Japanese currency is proving a boon for many foreign visitors, who have been flocking to tourist spots.
The historical townscape of Kawagoe city is located about an hour from central Tokyo. The traditional warehouse-style residences are a major draw.
Now the yen's depreciation is giving inbound tourists more reasons to enjoy their time in Japan.
One tourist from abroad told NHK that the weaker yen makes it easier for them to go shopping and visiting many spots in Japan.
If foreign travelers are smiling, Japanese visitors find it hard to share the sentiment.
One newly-wed woman said, "I really want to travel overseas but it's not that easy now."
A Japanese couple is feeling the pain of the exchange rate during their one-week stay in Hawaii.
"We sometimes skip breakfast and just have brunch, to save on dining costs," said the woman. "And sometimes our breakfast is instant food we brought from Japan. If the rate was even a little better, our trip would be much easier."
A survey by major travel agency JTB suggests more than 70 percent of respondents are choosing not to take overnight trips. It says more people are citing economic challenges compared to last year.