Indian tourism to Japan soared in 2024, with 233,000 travellers contributing YEN 56.1 billion (INR 3,366 crore) to the Japanese economy, according to the JNTO Delhi Office. The average Indian tourist spent YEN 241,590 (~INR 1.45 lakh) per trip — a 53.6% increase from 2019 — and stayed for an average of 16.3 nights, marking a shift toward longer, immersive stays.
Travelers showed a strong preference for independent travel, with 86.9% skipping guided tours. Nearly 65% were first-time visitors, with most following the classic Golden Route (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima). However, JNTO is now spotlighting offbeat destinations to showcase Japan’s full cultural breadth.
The momentum continued into early 2025, with 62,100 Indian arrivals from January–March, up 24.8% year-on-year. February saw a 29% jump, driven by interest in Hokkaido’s winter landscapes, while April set a new record with 37,300 arrivals during cherry blossom season.
Spending patterns revealed a focus on comfort and culture — top spends included accommodation (43.2%), shopping, dining, and transport. Interest is also growing for Expo 2025 Osaka, particularly the India Pavilion, celebrating Indian spirituality, culture, and tech.
AloJapan.com