Japan welcomes the most international tourists

Japan continues to attract travelers from around the world; Interestingly, September saw a remarkable 3.26 million international tourists – the most for any month. Data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) indicate this step.

Between January and September, a total of 31.65 million were received. What’s noteworthy here is that this is a 17.7% jump from last year, the first time it has exceeded 30 million in the first three quarters of any year.

Japan’s appeal was strong, although September often sees fewer tourists as summer vacations end. The numbers actually increased by 13.7% compared to September 2024, indicating the country’s continued demand for international travelers.

East Asian markets are leading the charge

A diverse mix of international tourists has boosted arrivals, particularly from Asia and other regions. Growth came mainly from East Asian markets, particularly China and Taiwan, with Indonesia and India making significant contributions from Southeast Asia. In the West, the United States and Germany stood firm; This reflects Japan’s growing interest in both business and leisure travelers coming from further afield.

It’s worth noting that many resource markets saw record highs for September:

• Taiwan: A record 527,000 visitors came, likely due to cultural ties and proximity.
• United States: 224,700 arrivals – This is the highest September number seen to date.
• German: About 52,800 tourists, marking another monthly high.

In addition, the Middle East led the way, reporting 29,700 monthly visitors – a significant 109.2% increase from September 2024. Such an increase suggests a growing recognition of Japan in the region, potentially influenced by better flight connections and targeted advertising efforts.

Hong Kong was the only exception to this pattern, as a 12.2% drop brought the number of visitors to 149,500. Analysts say ongoing economic stress may be a factor. Changing regional travel preferences may also have played a role.

Tourism growth fuels economic growth

It’s not just the number of visitors; The economic impact is also hard to miss. International tourism will inject 2.1 trillion yen (about 11.9 billion euros) into Japan’s economy by the third quarter of 2025. This is an increase of 11.1 percent compared to the same period last year. Total spending reached ¥6.9 trillion (€39.178 billion) in the first nine months; These figures emphasize how important this sector is to economic growth.

Tourists are investing in experiences that combine old and new, from staying at an upscale ryokan in Kyoto to sampling street fare on Tokyo’s vibrant streets, all while taking advantage of the favorable exchange rate.

The post-pandemic renaissance is poised for new heights

The resurgence of Japan’s tourism since the borders were fully opened post-COVID-19 has been remarkable. Steady growth in visitor numbers has been helped greatly by the continued weakness of the yen, which has made travel more affordable for visitors. In 2024, the nation already broke the record with 36.87 million arrivals. Right now, trends suggest it will reach 40 million by the end of 2025.

As the autumn leaves replace the cherry blossoms and snow begins to fall, the JNTO spokesperson seems optimistic. As one said: “Japan’s unique blend of innovation, tradition and hospitality still attracts people around the world”. New infrastructure, sustainable tourism projects, and expanded visa programs should contribute to a bright future for the Land of the Rising Sun in international travel.