観光

• Reading: かんこう
• Romaji: kankou
• Kanji breakdown: 観 (kan/mi) — view, observe; 光 (kou/hikari) — light, scenery
• Pronunciation: /ka.n.koː/

Meaning

Sightseeing; tourism. Visiting places of interest for pleasure.

Functions as a noun or する verb (観光する). Appears in many compounds: 観光客 (tourist), 観光地 (tourist spot), 観光バス (tour bus), and 観光案内所 (tourist information centre). Japan's tourism industry uses this word extensively.

Examples

1. 京都で二日間観光しました。 I spent two days sightseeing in Kyoto.
2. 観光バスに乗って市内を回った。 I rode a tour bus around the city.
3. この町は観光客がたくさん来ます。 A lot of tourists come to this town.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, tourism, leisure

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 観 (view, observe) and 光 (light, scenery). Derived from a Chinese classic meaning to observe the light (culture and scenery) of a land.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal