Tourists from the Chinese mainland made more than eight million visits to Japan and residents of Taiwan and Hong Kong accounted for another seven million. And many of them head to Osaka. Our correspondent Terrence Terashima explains why.

Japan has seen a rapid increase in inbound tourists over the past few years. In 2018, over 31 million visitors came to Japan, about a third of which were Chinese nationals. Japanese tourist officials say Japan is seeing a steady rise in the number of Chinese tourists each year, and a rapid increase in central Japan. Eighty percent of foreign tourists in Osaka are said to be from China and South Korea. This is due to the increase in budget flights flying into Kansai International Airport.

HIROSHI MIZOHATA PRESIDENT, OSAKA CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU "Osaka has a long history which developed its hospitality and generosity. Moreover, it has so much to offer, from food, shopping, and theme parks."

Osaka has been a merchant's city for centuries, and experts say that the good food, abundant shopping areas, and lively atmosphere may be more appealing to Asian visitors over the rather shy and reserved residents of eastern Japan.

HIROSHI MIZOHATA PRESIDENT, OSAKA CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU "Osaka is in central Japan, and it offers one of the top tourist attractions in the country. Thirty percent of Japan's world heritage is located in central Japan, within a one-hour train ride from Osaka."

There is a saying in Japan. "You eat well in Osaka, dress well in Kyoto and get lost in Tokyo."

Osaka has several large shopping arcades and abundant food stalls. While in the neighboring city of Kyoto, one can find traditional Japanese arts and elegant Kimonos. Many Chinese tourists say Osaka resembles a Chinese downtown.

TERRENCE TERASHIMA OSAKA "Osaka tourism officials say they have increased hotel rooms by more than 20-thousand and are further increasing the capacity for reasonable lodgings. Inbound tourists are expected to spike in the next two years, with many international events scheduled in Japan. But, they say they are hopeful that there will always be a steady number of Chinese visitors to the Osaka area. Terrence Terashima, CGTN Osaka."