Japan's big cities lose luster with foreign tourists

Overnight stays down in greater Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya despite nationwide increase

Foreign tourists get a taste of a bygone era in the well-preserved historic districts of Takayama in Gifu prefecture. (Photo by Hideyuki Miura)

TOKYO -- More foreign tourists in Japan are visiting areas outside of major cities, with three of the most popular urban centers as a whole logging a decline in overnight stays while everywhere else has gotten a boost.