Japan Welcomed a Record 42.7 Million International Visitors in 2025
Japan welcomed approximately 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time and surpassing the previous record set in 2024. The result remained strong despite a sharp year-on-year decline in visitors from mainland China in December.
Japan recorded approximately 42.7 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, according to figures reported in January 2026. It was the first time the annual total exceeded 40 million and it comfortably surpassed the record of nearly 37 million set in 2024.
The annual result shows that demand for travel to Japan remained strong. Interest in Japanese food, culture and entertainment, together with exchange-rate conditions and expanded international travel capacity, continued to support inbound tourism.
However, the source markets did not all move in the same direction. Visitors from mainland China fell by about 45% year on year in December 2025 to roughly 330,000 amid diplomatic tensions and travel warnings.
Chinese visitors have historically been an important market for Japan, particularly because of their shopping expenditure. The decline therefore remains important for tourism businesses even though arrivals from other countries and regions helped support the overall record.
Travellers should remember that record visitor numbers can contribute to crowded transport, limited accommodation and reservation pressure at major destinations. Booking early and considering regional destinations outside Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka may provide a more comfortable trip.
The annual result shows that demand for travel to Japan remained strong. Interest in Japanese food, culture and entertainment, together with exchange-rate conditions and expanded international travel capacity, continued to support inbound tourism.
However, the source markets did not all move in the same direction. Visitors from mainland China fell by about 45% year on year in December 2025 to roughly 330,000 amid diplomatic tensions and travel warnings.
Chinese visitors have historically been an important market for Japan, particularly because of their shopping expenditure. The decline therefore remains important for tourism businesses even though arrivals from other countries and regions helped support the overall record.
Travellers should remember that record visitor numbers can contribute to crowded transport, limited accommodation and reservation pressure at major destinations. Booking early and considering regional destinations outside Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka may provide a more comfortable trip.
Reference:
The Guardian
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