The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan surged to a record 42.7 million in 2025, marking a significant recovery in the tourism sector following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This milestone represents a 16% increase compared to the previous year, driven by a combination of pent-up travel demand and a favorable exchange rate for foreign visitors. The announcement was made by Yasushi Kaneko, Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, during a press conference.
Tourist spending also reached unprecedented levels, amounting to approximately 9.5 trillion yen in 2025, which is an increase of 17% year-on-year. This growth marks the third consecutive year that visitor spending has hit record highs, indicating a robust recovery in Japan’s tourism industry.
Chinese Travelers Lead the Surge
A notable contributor to this surge in visitors was the influx of travelers from China. Chinese tourists accounted for more than 20% of the total visitors, with their numbers reaching 9.1 million, reflecting a staggering increase of 30% compared to 2024. Travel to Japan has particularly gained popularity among younger generations and families, signaling a shift in travel demographics.
The easing of travel restrictions allowed for a significant rebound in Chinese visitor arrivals, particularly in the latter half of the year. The weakened yen further incentivized trips to Japan, making accommodations and shopping more affordable for international travelers.
Visitor numbers from other regions also saw considerable growth. Tourists from European nations, the United States, and Australia increased by 22%, totaling around 7.2 million visitors. This broadening interest from various demographics highlights Japan’s appeal as a diverse travel destination.
Concerns Emerge Amid Declining Numbers
Despite the overall positive trends, concerns have arisen regarding the future of tourism from China. In November 2025, the number of Chinese visitors began to decline following remarks from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about potential contingencies related to Taiwan. Consequently, in December, only about 330,000 Chinese tourists arrived in Japan, which represents a significant 45% decrease year-on-year. This drop marked the first time in nearly four years that Chinese visitor numbers fell below the previous year’s levels.
The decline in visitors from China is particularly worrisome for the tourism industry, especially as the Lunar New Year holiday approaches. This period traditionally sees a spike in spending from Chinese holidaymakers, and the current trend raises questions about the potential impacts on businesses reliant on this influx.
As Japan navigates the complexities of international tourism recovery, the government and industry stakeholders will likely need to address these emerging challenges to sustain growth in this vital sector.
