Japan sets July tourism record despite typhoon and quake concerns

Japan recorded its highest-ever July tourist arrivals in 2025, with 3.43 million foreign visitors, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO). The figure represents a 4.4% increase from July 2024 and underscores the resilience of the country’s tourism sector despite challenges posed by natural disasters and regional travel concerns. The milestone highlights Japan’s ongoing recovery and appeal as an international travel destination.

However, the monthly growth rate was the slowest so far this year, partly due to significant declines from two major markets. Arrivals from Hong Kong plunged 36.9%, while South Korean visitor numbers dropped 10.4%. The JNTO attributed these falls to typhoon-related flight cancellations and heightened concerns about recent earthquakes, which dampened travel sentiment among tourists from these regions.

The slowdown in these markets was offset by strong growth from other key sources. Visitors from mainland China surged 25.5%, bolstered by the continued weakness of the Japanese yen, which makes travel and shopping in Japan more affordable. Arrivals from the United States also rose 10.3%, reflecting robust demand from long-haul travelers despite global economic uncertainties.

The weak yen has been a major driver of Japan’s inbound tourism boom, attracting cost-conscious travelers seeking value for money. This currency advantage, combined with Japan’s cultural attractions, culinary scene, and improved air connectivity, has helped the country maintain momentum even when short-haul arrivals fluctuate due to seasonal or environmental factors.

From January to July 2025, Japan welcomed a total of 24.9 million tourists, marking an 18.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This pace puts Japan on track to surpass pre-pandemic tourism records, signaling a strong rebound for the sector that has been a cornerstone of its economic recovery strategy.

Tourism authorities remain optimistic that the positive trend will continue into the latter half of the year, supported by upcoming festivals, autumn foliage season, and expanded flight routes. However, they acknowledge that managing perceptions around natural disaster risks will be key to sustaining growth from markets sensitive to safety concerns.