Tokyo: The number of foreign visitors to Japan reached a record 3.5 million in March, marking a 13.5 percent increase from the previous year, as revealed by official data on Wednesday. This surge highlights the continued strength of Japan’s tourism boom.
According to Lao News Agency, foreign traveler spending totaled 2.3 trillion yen ($16.0 billion) from January to March, representing a 28.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven by higher expenditures on food and accommodation, as indicated by preliminary figures from the Japan Tourism Agency.
Cumulative visitor numbers for 2025 hit 10.5 million by the end of the first quarter, up 23.1 percent, marking the fastest recorded pace to surpass 10 million. The Japan National Tourism Organization, a government-affiliated entity, reported that travel demand escalated in March with the onset of the cherry blossom season. The Republic of Korea topped the list of countries, with 691,700 visitors, a 4.3 percent increase. China followed, showing a significant 46.2 percent rise to 661,700 visitors.
Inbound tourists from six nations and regions set record monthly highs, with the United States contributing 342,800 visitors and Canada 68,100. Visitor numbers from 11 markets, including the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, were the highest recorded for March.
The depreciation of the yen against major currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar, has made Japan an attractive destination, culminating in a record 36.87 million foreign visitors in 2024. Accommodation expenses accounted for the largest share of spending at 33.4 percent, leading to increased hotel prices and room shortages in popular tourist spots.
Chinese tourists constituted the largest spending group at 24.0 percent, followed by visitors from Taiwan at 13.9 percent and South Korea at 12.4 percent. Many tourists also spent on shopping, food, and beverages, as noted by the Japan Tourism Agency.
The average expenditure per visitor stood at 222,000 yen in the first quarter, with Australian tourists leading the spending at 367,000 yen each, primarily on accommodation, meals, and drinks.