As of 2025, Japans tourism and travel industry has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and is booming. The number of international visitors to Japan reached a record high of approximately 36 million in 2024 and is projected to exceed 40 million by 2025. Domestic travel is also robust, with domestic travel spending exceeding ¥25 trillion in 2024, a record high.
Factors supporting this growth include increased demand for visits to Japan due to the weak yen and growing interest in adventure tourism and sustainable tourism. The spread of online reservations and marketing using social media are also becoming increasingly important. Meanwhile, challenges such as overtourism and regional tourism disparities are becoming more apparent. The government is implementing measures to alleviate congestion and decentralize tourist destinations, urging the development of sustainable tourism destinations in each region.
Going forward, the tourism industry will need to promote digitalization, respond to diverse travel needs, and provide compelling content that utilizes local resources. Further growth is expected through the creation of sustainable and attractive tourist destinations.