Tokyo, March 19, 2025 (Kyodo) -- Japan welcomed a record number of foreign visitors in February, marking a significant tourism rebound driven by winter sports and the lingering effects of the Chinese New Year festivities. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 3.26 million travelers visited Japan in February, an impressive 16.9% increase from the previous year.
This surge in visitors marks the first time that February's figures have surpassed 3 million. The robust demand for winter sports, particularly skiing, combined with a short Lunar New Year holiday helped attract a diverse range of visitors, particularly from Australia and the United States.
South Korea led the visitor numbers with 847,300 tourists, reflecting a 3.5% boost compared to last year, establishing a new record for February. Meanwhile, visitors from China numbered 722,700, a staggering 57.3% increase from the previous year, owing in part to enhanced flight connections between China and Japan. This increase highlights the growing accessibility and popularity of Japan as a travel destination.
Naoya Haraikawa, the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, expressed optimism about the tourism landscape, stating, “This February had a shorter Lunar New Year holiday than last year. Yet, the number of visitors to Japan rose from the year before.” He added that the rising trend is “robust,” reflecting a strong recovery trajectory in the tourism sector.
The figures were complemented by significant increases in visitors from Australia and the United States, which saw record highs during February. Australian visitors jumped by 33.5% to reach 88,800, while U.S. tourists also saw a notable rise of 28.8%, totaling 191,500. Travelers from 20 countries and regions contributed to this record total, including those from Vietnam, Taiwan, and Britain.
This year has started off strong, with cumulative visitors reaching 7.04 million since January, representing a healthy 28.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The data showcases a trend of increasing international interest in Japan, which promises to boost the local economy and enrich cultural exchanges.
As Japan continues to navigate its post-pandemic recovery, the growth in international tourism is a welcome sign for businesses and local communities that rely heavily on foreign visitors. The favorable conditions for travel, including expanded flight options and the ongoing appeal of Japan's winter sports offerings, suggest that future months may continue to see strong visitor numbers.
Tourism officials in Japan will be keenly monitoring these trends, as they indicate not only the resilience of the tourism sector but also the long-term cultural and economic impact of foreign visitors on Japanese society.
Overall, February 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Japanese tourism, setting a precedent for what is possible in the coming months and reaffirming Japan's position as a top travel destination in the region and beyond.
