Thursday, January 23, 2025 In 2024, Japan witnessed an extraordinary rise in foreign tourism, reaching an all-time high of 36.87 million international visitors. This surge represented a remarkable 47.
1% increase from the previous year, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 31.88 million tourists in 2019. The primary drivers of this influx were a weakened yen and the resumption of flight routes following the COVID-19 pandemic, which made Japan more affordable and appealing to foreign travelers.
Economic Impact: Tourism’s Financial Windfall The significant increase in visitors translated into substantial economic benefits for Japan. The total spending by foreign visitors reached an estimated 8.14 trillion yen (around $52 billion) in 2024, marking a 53.
4% increase from the previous year. Much of this spending was directed toward accommodation, shopping, and other services, with costs for hotels and other forms of lodging rising as demand soared. This new tourism spending record has highlighted the vital role of tourism in driving Japan’s economic growth.
The Japanese government and tourism officials largely attributed this surge in spending to the weak yen. The currency’s depreciation, which weakened by 10% against the US dollar in 2024, made everything from dining to luxury shopping more affordable for foreign tourists. Additionally, tourism from key markets such as South Korea and China boosted Japan’s numbers.
South Korea sent approximately 8.81 million tourists, and .
