Japan has many unique and interesting experiences. What all these events have in common, apart from the fact that they are powerful enough to draw foreign travelers, is that they are highly popular here at home as well.

The Japanese government and tourist industry has been wrestling recently with how to look after its growing number of Muslim travelers -- especially for food, cosmetics, and toiletries.

In April, for the first time since records were kept in 1996, inbound tourists outspent Japanese ones. That's no small feat, given that there are about 25% more Japanese going abroad versus foreigners coming in.

Ten thousand people taking part in the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Taikai descending on the small host city of Imbari is a real challenge logistically, and we suspect is the main reason why they shut off applications this year at 6,500 people.