Foreign tourists were visible in shopping and entertainment areas in Japan for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began as the country eased COVID border controls last week.

Tokyo's Akihabara district is well-known for electronics shops and manga culture. Tourists are enjoying shopping with the advantage of a weak Japanese yen.

A man from the Philippines said he can buy two bags with one price in his country. A woman from the United States said, "It is even more affordable now because the dollar is stronger against the yen."

A guest house in central Tokyo is also regaining its popularity among foreign tourists. A man from Canada who will stay in Kyoto and Osaka for about a month said, "I noticed that the yen is cheaper, so things here are getting a little cheaper and easier to travel."

The operator is considering hiring more staff as the number of reservations is on the rise.

Last Tuesday the Japanese government launched a nationwide discount campaign to kick-start domestic tourism, but some people noticed higher room rates. A man said he felt current prices are about 20 percent higher.

Such complaints are also seen on social media. People say operators are raising lodging fees based on the travel subsidy program.

Officials at the Tourism Agency say they plan to instruct hotel operators not to make unjust price hikes.