The number of foreign visitors to Japan in January reached the pre-pandemic level in 2019, with 2,688,100 visitors, according to government data. This marks a 79.5 per cent surge from the previous year, indicating a strong rebound in tourism. The Japan National Tourism Organisation report also highlighted an increase in overseas visitors since Japan lifted border control related to Covid-19 in late April. Additionally, a weak yen has been fueling the return of inbound tourists.
The impact of a powerful earthquake that jolted central Japan on New Year’s Day has been “limited,” according to the organisation. Despite this, the number of travellers from South Korea saw a significant increase, with 857,000 visitors, marking a 10 per cent rise from the same month in 2019.
In contrast, the number of Japanese nationals travelling overseas in January jumped 89.3 per cent from a year earlier to 838,600. However, this figure was still down 42.3 per cent from January 2019, indicating a gradual recovery in outbound tourism.
Overall, the latest government data and report from the Japan National Tourism Organisation highlight a significant resurgence in tourism, with the number of foreign visitors reaching pre-pandemic levels. This signals a positive trend for Japan’s tourism industry, driven by the easing of border control and favorable currency exchange rates.
As the recovery continues, it will be essential for Japan to maintain measures to ensure the safety and well-being of both domestic and international travellers, while also focusing on sustainable tourism practices for the long-term benefit of the industry and the country as a whole.
