Turkey and Egypt can breathe easy: Russians have found a new country for vacation.

Due to travel restrictions to Europe, more and more Russian tourists are looking for alternative vacation destinations. Tired of the traditionally favorite Turkey and Egypt, the citizens of the aggressor country are now drawn to Japan. This is reported by 'Glavkom' citing Reuters.

The blooming of cherry blossoms, free visas, and the strengthening of the ruble are causing Russians to flock to Japan.

Since most European countries have banned direct flights from Russia, and Japan offers free visas, Russians are seeking new vacation destinations. Although there is currently no direct air connection between Russia and Japan, the Japanese embassy in Moscow has confirmed an increase in the number of Russian tourists. This comes amid expanded opportunities for flights with connections.

According to Dmitry Gorin, vice president of the Russian Union of Travel Industry, the number of Russian travelers to Japan may double this year - to about 100,000 people. He explained the excitement at the embassy by the attractiveness of Japan in the spring period, when cherry blossoms bloom. 'The main thing is that there are no complicated visa formalities, and the available flights,' noted Gorin.

In November of last year, Japan stopped requiring Russian visitors to submit documents in advance confirming payment for hotel accommodations. Tickets there and back, often with layovers in China, cost approximately from 40,000 rubles ($477.64).

One tourist, Elizaveta, who was standing in line at the embassy, told Reuters that the simplified visa process prompted her to purchase tickets. 'We have wanted to go for a long Time. Now it's harder to get to Europe, but you can get a visa to Japan in just four to five days. So we decided to go there,' she explained.

At the same time, foreign media emphasize that against the backdrop of good relations between the Russian Federation and the USA, Russians have started to feel more confident and are no longer afraid to travel.

The Russian economy briefly shrank under the weight of sanctions, but has since recovered. There is a sharp increase in consumer demand, especially for air travel. This is happening amid hopes for improved ties between Washington and Moscow, which could lead to some resolution of the war in Ukraine. This also motivates Russians to head to Japan and other countries.

Let us remind you that in Japan, a man wrongfully sentenced to death has received a record compensation.