Japan had a record high 24.03 million foreign visitors in 2016, a rise by 21.8%, or over 4.3 million, from the previous high of 19.7 million set in 2015, Japan's Transport Ministry said Tuesday.

    Officials attribute the jump to the increase in the number of flights and cruise ships from Asian countries, as well as the easing of visa and tariff restrictions, Japan's broadcaster (NHK World) reported.

    The government aims to increase the number of visitors to 40 million by 2020 by improving airports and ports and bringing attention to regional tourist attractions. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the Cabinet regards tourism as the trump card for its growth strategy and regional revitalization.

    He said visitors increased as measures like the strategic easing of visa restrictions and bold improvement of tariff systems were taken in rapid succession. Suga said the government will continue to implement various policies this year so that Japan can achieve its goal.