New Delhi: Japan’s tourism scene just hit a massive high note with Indian travellers smashing records in 2025. Picture this: over 315,100 of us jetted
off to the land of cherry blossoms and neon-lit streets, crossing the 300,000 mark for the first time ever. That’s not just a number—it’s a vibe shift, with families, solo wanderers, and adventure seekers all rediscovering Japan’s magic, from Tokyo’s buzz to Kyoto’s serene temples. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, this surge reflects how Japan’s gone from a seasonal pitstop to a year-round obsession for Indians craving culture, food, and epic landscapes.
What’s got everyone packing their bags? It’s more than sakura selfies. Improved flights, veggie-friendly eats, and that weak yen making luxury feel affordable have turned Japan into the ultimate escape. As we roll into 2026, the momentum’s only building, promising even smoother adventures for us desi explorers.
Rise of Indian tourists in Japan in 2025
Indian visitors to Japan skyrocketed in 2025, clocking in at 315,100 arrivals from January to December—a whopping 35.2per cent jump from 233,061 in 2024 and nearly 80per cent above the 2019 pre-pandemic figure of 175,896.
May stole the show with a record 43,040 Indians landing, outpacing even cherry blossom peak seasons, while April saw 37,352 arrivals (up 61per cent year-on-year) and March hit 32,967.
This isn’t just Tokyo-centric anymore; offbeat spots like Hokkaido’s lavender fields and Hakone’s onsens are pulling crowds, proving Japan’s nailed the all-season appeal. Overall, Japan welcomed 36.87 million global tourists in 2024, with Indians now among the fastest-growing markets, thanks to JNTO’s push on India-friendly tweaks like multilingual signs and tax-free shopping.
What is the reason behind this Indian tourism surge in Japan
1. Direct flights and connectivity boom
New routes like Japan Airlines’ Narita service and All Nippon Airways’ upcoming Mumbai-Narita flight (set for 2026) slashed travel hassles, while codeshares via Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong made stopovers painless. This cut costs and time, letting more families plan spontaneous trips without the old layover nightmares—35.2per cent growth didn’t happen by chance.
2. India-friendly tweaks everywhere
Veggie and Indian cuisine popped up in hotels and izakayas, alongside multilingual signage and tax-free shopping perks. JNTO’s Delhi office spotlighted these as game-changers, making Japan feel welcoming, not alien—perfect for first-timers wary of language barriers or food fumbles.
3. Weak yen and wallet wins
The yen’s dip meant luxury ryokans, bullet trains, and ramen feasts felt like steals compared to Europe or the US. Multi-city packages and rail passes got cheaper, drawing budget-savvy millennials who’d otherwise skip long-haul spots.
4. Social media and sakura fever
Instagram reels of Kyoto’s pink haze and Tokyo’s robot cafés went viral, sparking FOMO. Peak seasons like April’s 61% YoY spike showed how influencers turned seasonal sights into must-dos for desi travellers.
5. Year-round destinations
Beyond spring blossoms, summer hikes in Shikoku and winter skis in Niseko emerged as hits. May’s record beat sakura months, proving Japan’s sold as an all-weather gem, not just a cherry-pick.
Why should you visit Japan in 2026
1. Epic value with weak Yen
Flights, hotels, and eats stay affordable—think luxury upgrades and JRail passes at last year’s prices. Hokkaido’s powder snow or Tokyo’s Michelin spots won’t break the bank, making 2026 prime for splurging smartly on that dream itinerary.
2. Bullet trains and easy vibes
Hop on shinkansen for seamless city-hopping; English signs, tap-and-go payments, and multilingual hubs make it newbie-proof. From Shibuya’s chaos to Hakone’s calm, explore without stress.
3. Festivals and fresh events
Catch 2026’s matsuri madness—fireworks in summer, Sapporo’s snow fest in winter. New Year’s temple bells and Furano’s lavender bloom add magic, blending tradition with Insta-worthy twists.
4. Foodie heaven for all
Ramen alleys, sushi conveyor belts, and rising Indian-veg spots cater to every palate. Ginza’s fine dining or Otaru’s seafood markets deliver non-stop yum, with omotenashi hospitality making meals memorable.
5. Mix of old and new magic
Wander Asakusa’s ancient temples, then geek out in Akihabara’s tech wonderland. Mt Fuji views, DisneySea thrills, and Hakone’s onsens offer balance—perfect for culture buffs, families, or solo souls.
Japan in 2026 calls louder than ever—grab those tickets before the crowds swell. With records already broken, it’s your cue to chase blossoms, bowls, and bullet trains. Safe travels, wanderlusters!
