GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Japan Tourist Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Japan Tourist Statistics

  • In 2019, Japan received 31.9 million international tourists.
  • In 2018, China was the largest source of tourists to Japan, with 8.4 million people.
  • In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the international tourists to Japan dropped to 4.1 million.
  • Among the prefectures, Tokyo received the highest number of visitors with approximately 15 million in 2018.
  • Kyoto is the second-most visited prefecture in Japan by foreign tourists.
  • In 2019, foreign tourists' consumption in Japan was around 4.81 trillion yen.
  • By 2020’s end, Japan recorded a 87.1% decline in foreign visitors.
  • As of 2019, most visitors to Japan were in the 20-29 age group.
  • 25.5% of visitors to Japan in 2019 were for the purpose of sightseeing.
  • Osaka received approximately 11 million foreign tourists in 2018.
  • The average length of stay in Japan for foreign visitors was 6.1 nights in 2019.
  • Foreign tourists spent the most in shopping, followed by accommodation and food expenses in 2019.
  • About 3.2 million Americans visited Japan in 2019.
  • About 2.2 million visitors came to Japan from South Korea in 2019.
  • The total spending by foreign visitors in Japan reached a record high of approximately 4.5 trillion yen in 2019.
  • Japan’s share of global arrivals was 2.2% in 2019.
  • Over 2.5 million foreign visitors went to Hokkaido in 2018.
  • 56.2% of foreign visitors to Japan were repeat visitors in 2019.

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Dive into the vibrant world of Japan’s tourism through a statistical lens in this blog post. Offering insights into the rise and fall of visitor numbers, popular destinations, seasonal trends, and the impact of world events on Japan’s tourism industry, this compilation of Japan’s tourist statistics will not only satiate your curiosity about the Land of the Rising Sun but also help potential travelers, businesses, and policymakers make data-driven decisions. So, get ready to discover the undercurrents that shape Japan’s impressive tourism sector and how these numbers narrate fascinating tales of this culturally rich country.

The Latest Japan Tourist Statistics Unveiled

In 2019, Japan received 31.9 million international tourists.

Highlighting the impressive figure of 31.9 million international tourists in 2019 provides a quantifiable testament to Japan’s global appeal as a tourist destination. It underscores the country’s capacity to attract a significant amount of worldwide tourist traffic, thereby implying a rich intermingling of diverse cultures, economic prosperity through tourism, and a testament to the successful promotion of Japan’s cultural and natural attractions. Offering this statistic in a blog post about Japan Tourist Statistics thus paints an evocative picture of the country’s vibrant tourism landscape, setting the stage for a deeper exploration into specific trends, demographics, and impacts.

In 2018, China was the largest source of tourists to Japan, with 8.4 million people.

Highlighting that China was the prime contributor to Japan’s tourism influx in 2018, furnishing a whopping 8.4 million visitors, underlines the significance of individual country-specific trends in understanding Japan’s tourism industry. It underscores the potential economic impact and strategic importance intrinsic to the Chinese tourist market for Japan. Future predictions regarding tourism patterns, as well as tailoring tourism-related policies and marketing strategies can be greatly informed by this substantial Chinese patronage. It poses insightful questions about what draws Chinese tourists to Japan and how to sustain or even boost this interest, making this statistic an essential piece of the Japan tourist statistics narrative.

In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the international tourists to Japan dropped to 4.1 million.

The precipitous drop in the number of international tourists visiting Japan to 4.1 million in 2020, instigated by the COVID-19 pandemic, casts a stark silhouette against Japan’s burgeoning tourism industry. Within a landscape characterised by cultural vibrancy, natural beauty, and historical richness, this unanticipated anomaly comes into focus, illustrating the adverse impacts of global crises on macro-level industries. Reflective of both the resilience and susceptibility of Japan’s tourism sector, this figure underscores the profound effect an external shock can subject upon an economy, propelling discourse about recovery strategies, pandemic preparedness, and the health and vibrancy of future global tourism.

Among the prefectures, Tokyo received the highest number of visitors with approximately 15 million in 2018.

Highlighting Tokyo’s impressive draw of approximately 15 million visitors in 2018 provides significant insights in a blog post about Japan Tourist Statistics. It suggests that Tokyo, as a cultural, economic, and governmental hub, lures a vast array of travelers, substantiating its status as Japan’s most popular tourist destination. Whether these visitors are attracted by Tokyo’s dynamic cityscape, historic landmarks, or world-renowned cuisine, the sheer volume accentuates the capital’s immense appeal. Such a statistic can guide potential visitors in their travel planning, influence tourism policies, and provide context for businesses operating within the tourism sector. Moreover, it sets a benchmark for other prefectures, encouraging them to augment their own tourism potential.

Kyoto is the second-most visited prefecture in Japan by foreign tourists.

Highlighting Kyoto as Japan’s second most frequented destination by international visitors provides a valuable insight into understanding tourist patterns and preferences in the Land of the Rising Sun. It underscores Kyoto’s immense appeal to global travelers, therefore indicating its cultural significance and draw. For stakeholders such as travel businesses, bloggers, or potential tourists, this finding serves as a robust indicator of the city’s popularity – directing attention towards its hidden travel offerings, rich historical heritage and scenic beauty. Therefore, Kyoto’s standing in tourist statistics forms a vital aspect of the overall narrative about Japan’s tourism landscape.

In 2019, foreign tourists’ consumption in Japan was around 4.81 trillion yen.

Highlighting the statistic ‘In 2019, foreign tourists’ consumption in Japan was around 4.81 trillion yen’, showcases the pivotal role tourism plays in bolstering Japan’s economy. It underscores the spending power and economic impact foreign tourists have on the Japanese economy, providing a lucrative avenue for business opportunities. With such a considerable inflow of finances, this encourages domestic service providers, retailers, and hospitality sectors to enhance their offerings. For any researchers, entrepreneurs, or policy makers investigating Japan’s economic climate, this indicator provides a valuable insight into the economic pulse driven by tourism, reflecting the potential rewards of investing in initiatives that attract visitors to the country.

By 2020’s end, Japan recorded a 87.1% decline in foreign visitors.

As we dive deep into the Japan Tourism Statistics, it’s quite startling to uncover that by the culmination of 2020, Japan experienced a precipitous tumble — a whip-lashing 87.1% decline in its foreign visitor arrival. This dramatic downturn not only underscores the devastating impact of the global health crisis on Japan’s international tourism sector and, consequently, its economy but it also sets the tone for understanding the grave, wider challenges faced, and steep recovery road that awaits one of the world’s most visited destinations.

As of 2019, most visitors to Japan were in the 20-29 age group.

Unveiling the age demographic of tourists visiting Japan adds valuable insight to the narrative of Japan’s tourism trends. Specifically, the dominance of the 20-29 age group in 2019 indicates a youthful slant in Japan’s international appeal. This insight can be instrumental towards shaping touristic marketing strategies, adjusting amenities, and tailoring experiences to cater to this younger age bracket. It may also trigger an exploration into what attributes are drawing this demographic to Japan, thus helping to fine-tune Japan’s touristic appeal. This finding disrupts the conventional belief of Japan as a destination solely for the mature traveler and instead paints a picture of a nation radiating a youthful vibe.

25.5% of visitors to Japan in 2019 were for the purpose of sightseeing.

Highlighting the figure that tells us 25.5% of visitors to Japan in 2019 had sightseeing as their main objective, signifies the allure of Japan’s cultural and natural offerings to the global arena. Within the fabric of a blog post discussing Japan’s Tourist Statistics, this datum paints a vivid depiction of the country’s draw as a top-tier tourism destination, invaluable for understanding tourist behaviors and influencing future promotional strategies. It anchors the strategic importance of investing in the right resources, from well-preserved heritage sites to immersive travel experiences that tickle the global-sightseer’s curiosity and prolong their stay.

Osaka received approximately 11 million foreign tourists in 2018.

Zeroing in on the staggering figure of approximately 11 million foreign visitors gracing Osaka in 2018 solidifies its reputation as a leading tourist magnet in Japan. In a blog post considering Japan Tourist Statistics, this number doesn’t just represent an individual city’s attractiveness; it underscores the nation’s overall global appeal, contributes significantly to the total count of inbound tourists and has a considerable bearing on Japan’s economy. Furthermore, it offers insight into tourist behaviors and trends, which invariably serve as a valuable resource for planning and policy-making in the tourism sector.

The average length of stay in Japan for foreign visitors was 6.1 nights in 2019.

Shedding light on the illuminating figure of the average length of stay – six point one nights – for foreign visitors in Japan throughout 2019, provides essential insights into the allure of Japan’s tourism. This metric underscores the compelling draw of Japan’s cultural, historical, and natural landmarks that entice international travelers to extend their explorative sojourns. Furthermore, it serves as a key indicator to evaluate the effectiveness of tourism campaigns, the quality of tourist services, and the visitor’s overall satisfaction. In essence, it offers a sneak peek into the admirer’s enchantment with the enchanting Japan in a succinct, quantitative relation.

Foreign tourists spent the most in shopping, followed by accommodation and food expenses in 2019.

Highlighting the statistic that ‘foreign tourists spent the most on shopping, followed by accommodation and food expenses in 2019’ offers a revealing insight into the expenditure patterns of foreign visitors in Japan. It underscores how Japan’s retail sector is a major beneficiary of tourism, gaining from their appetite for shopping. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significant role played by the accommodation and food sectors in contributing towards tourist expenditure. These findings can furnish key stakeholders, like policy makers, marketers and business owners with invaluable data to drive strategies geared towards enhancing tourist experience and further boosting Japan’s tourism industry.

About 3.2 million Americans visited Japan in 2019.

Highlighting that approximately 3.2 million Americans voyaged to Japan in 2019 tells a captivating tale of the interest and engagement sparked by the Land of the Rising Sun. Not only does this data underscore the attraction Japan holds for an international audience, but it also points towards the potential for socio-cultural exchange and economic upturn. This echoes within a blog post detailing Japan’s tourist statistics, allowing readers to comprehend the scale of Japan’s appeal to foreigners and, particularly, the American demographic. Each visitor presentation, represented in these statistics, further paints the canvas of Japan’s burgeoning international bonds and influences their tourism strategies.

About 2.2 million visitors came to Japan from South Korea in 2019.

Highlighting the fact that in 2019, Japan welcomed approximately 2.2 million visitors from South Korea presents a vignette of cultural exchange, reciprocal interests, and international kinship between the neighboring nations. It serves as a robust testament to Japan’s far-reaching allure as a favored travel destination. Interlacing this figure into a blog post on Japan Tourist Statistics amplifies the rich diversity of tourists, with specific focus on South Korean visitors, thereby painting a more comprehensive and detailed image of tourism demographics. It further contributes to understanding the trends, preferences and economic impact of the thriving tourism industry in Japan, in addition to potentially impacting future tourism policies and marketing strategies oriented towards South Korea.

The total spending by foreign visitors in Japan reached a record high of approximately 4.5 trillion yen in 2019.

Highlighting the record-breaking expenditure of 4.5 trillion yen by foreign visitors in Japan in 2019 delivers insights into Japan’s burgeoning attractiveness as a global tourism hotspot. It not only underscores the growing popularity of Japan’s diverse cultural attractions and unique hospitality, but also signifies the immense fiscal contribution of tourism towards Japan’s economy. This robust influx of foreign capital can stimulate market dynamism, potentially creating further investment opportunities in Japan’s travel and hospitality sectors. Therefore, such a staggering figure presents a crucial barometer of Japan’s successful tourism strategies and its economic health.

Japan’s share of global arrivals was 2.2% in 2019.

Delving into the fascinating realm of Japan’s tourism sector, our lens finds focus on the impressively potent fact that Japan’s share of worldwide tourist arrivals chalked up to 2.2% in 2019. This intriguing data point not merely stands testament to the country’s global stature as a sought-after destination but also subtly extrapolates the sheer magnetic pull of the country’s vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity, beckoning intrepid explorers from across the globe. It furthermore gives an insight on the potential growth area for Japan’s economy, proving instrumental to stakeholders in gauging the current impact and predicting future trends of Japan’s tourism industry.

Over 2.5 million foreign visitors went to Hokkaido in 2018.

Highlighting the fact that over 2.5 million foreign visitors graced Hokkaido in 2018 paints a robust picture of Japan’s pull as an international tourist destination. It underscores the magnetic allure of Hokkaido’s stunning landscapes, cultural sites, festivals, and its well-known local cuisine, while also reinforcing its significance in boosting Japan’s economy. Ultimately, in the realm of Japan Tourism Statistics, this figure significantly contributes to understanding the trajectory of Japan’s tourism growth, allowing for targeted action in promoting its tourism industry and developing future strategies.

56.2% of foreign visitors to Japan were repeat visitors in 2019.

Highlighting that 56.2% of foreign visitors to Japan in 2019 were repeat tourists provides notable insight into the magnetic appeal of Japan’s culture, landmarks, and overall experience. These numbers indicate more than just a passing interest; they illuminate a deep fascination that propels travelers to revisit Japan. Unpacking this statistic, it becomes apparent that Japan is succeeding in forging lasting impressions and relationships with global visitors. Consequently, recognizing this continual allure could be beneficial to attraction and tourism stakeholders, potentially shaping strategies to maintain the high retention rate and attract first-time visitors.

Conclusion

Japan’s tourism statistics clearly illustrate the country’s appeal to international travelers, demonstrating consistent growth before the global pandemic. The unique blend of Japan’s rich historical tapestry, thriving modern culture, and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. The significant contribution of tourism to its economy exemplifies its successful tourism strategies, such as easing visa restrictions and promoting local attractions. As travel normalizes post pandemic, these statistics are expected to bounce back, solidifying Japan’s status as a global tourism powerhouse.

References

0. – https://www.statistics.jnto.go.jp

1. – https://www.www.jnto.go.jp

2. – https://www.www.wttc.org

3. – https://www.www.statista.com

4. – https://www.www.tourism.jp

5. – https://www.www.japantimes.co.jp

FAQs

What is the number of annual tourists visiting Japan?

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, in 2019, over 31.9 million tourists visited Japan.

What are the most visited places in Japan by tourists?

The most popular places visited by tourists in Japan are Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hokkaido.

Which countries do most of Japan's tourists come from?

Most of Japan's tourists come from China, South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, and Hong Kong.

What impact does tourism have on Japan's economy?

Tourism plays a significant role in Japan's economy, contributing approximately 7.4 trillion yen to Japan’s GDP in 2019.

How has Covid-19 affected tourism numbers in Japan?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of tourists visiting Japan drastically fell in 2020 to around 4.1 million, a 87.1% drop from the previous year.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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