Japan recorded a 40.6% increase in foreign visitors in January 2025, marking the sharpest rise in six months, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). The surge was driven by a higher influx of travelers from China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, alongside increased arrivals from Australia and the United States for the winter sports season.
China led with 980,300 visitors, a 50% jump from last year, largely due to increased flights and the Lunar New Year holiday falling in January. South Korea followed with 967,100 visitors (+12.8%), while Taiwan (593,400, +20.5%) and Hong Kong (243,700, +30.8%) also saw strong growth. Australian visitors rose 35.3% (140,200), and U.S. arrivals increased 38.4% (182,500).
This surge follows a record-breaking 36.87 million foreign arrivals in 2024, fueled by a weak yen and resumed flights post-pandemic. Despite concerns over overtourism, Japan remains committed to its goal of 60 million foreign visitors annually by 2030.
