Tourist Trends in Japan

According to the latest data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), a staggering 3.69 million foreign tourists visited Japan in May 2025, marking a 21.5% increase compared to the same month last year. This number exceeds the previous record for May, set in 2024, by over 650,000 visitors!

Japan’s international visitors aren’t just coming from any one location – this year, multiple countries set new records for the number of travelers visiting Japan in May. Tourists from India increased by 47.9%, China 44.8%, Taiwan 15.5%, and the United States 26.3%. India’s numbers indicate a historic high, 43,000 visitors, which may be a small number compared to many other countries, but is nearly a 50% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, South Korea remains Japan’s largest source of tourists, with numbers still on the rise, showing an 11.8% increase in May 2025 with 825,800 visitors. Hong Kong was the only major player to experience a slight decrease, down 11.2%, a number that may be explained by the local belief in a Japanese manga author’s prediction that disaster will be coming to Tokyo in summer 2025.

Why Were Japan’s Tourist Numbers So High in May This Year?

May is typically a quieter period for international tourism in Japan, as it comes after cherry blossom season, and coincides with a period of especially busy domestic tourism. However, this year saw a significant rise in tourist arrivals due to extended holidays and school breaks in several countries, leading to a noticeable spike in inbound travel.

Comparing Foreign Visitor Numbers: May 2024 vs. May 2025

©JNTO

As reported by the JNTO, individual country rankings have not shifted all that significantly, although many countries in Europe and the Americas rank lower than the yearly total – likely due to a lack of seasonal interest or extended holidays. South Korea remained the top source of tourists, followed by China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

What Do These Numbers Mean for Travelers?

Even as Japan struggles with overtourism centered around its most popular tourist attractions, the country continues to stand out as a top global travel destination, and these record-breaking tourist arrival numbers only continue to display the strong recovery of Japan’s tourism industry post-COVID. This momentum is a great opportunity for the local economy, and for individual travelers visiting the country, it brings a list of pros and cons. More tourists mean better infrastructure for foreign visitors, but it also means more crowds. If you’re looking to visit Japan any time soon, make sure to start planning early so you can book hotels and activities well ahead of time! And check out a few of our favorite hidden gems, off the beaten track, to get away from the crowds and enjoy the best of Japan:

・Follow in Samurai Footsteps Through Nikko, Aizu, and Yonezawa
・A Japanese Foodie Journey From Tottori to Shimane
・Find Thrills & Osaka Family Fun at Japan’s Oldest Amusement Park!
・The Best Sightseeing Spots in Okayama and Kagawa
・Utsunomiya, Tochigi: An Easy Tokyo Day Trip With Gyoza, Jazz, and Bamboo Groves

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