Tourism in Japan: A phenomenal jump in visitor numbers month after month

Visit Japan is undergoing a spectacular revival, with an explosion in visitor numbers. After attracting between 29 and 32 million tourists annual figures prior to 2019, the country is now recording record figures. In the first half of 2024, 17.78 million visitors have already been welcomed, exceeding pre-pandemic figures. This influx testifies to the growing appeal of the Land of the Rising Sun. In February 2024, 2.79 million people visited Japan, a monthly record. As tourist seasons adjust, Japan continues to fascinate and attract travelers from all over the world.

On the international tourism scene, Japan stands out for its ability to set one record after another. The Land of the Rising Sun continues to attract impressive numbers of visitors, reaching all-time highs every month of 2024. There are many reasons for this massive interest in this vast and varied country.

A Constant Spring of Activity

Year after year, Japan sees exponential growth in the number of foreign visitors. Between 2017 and 2019, tourists were already flocking in droves, but it was during 2024 that the country truly exploded its previous records. An impressive figure of over 3 million visitors was recorded in May 2024 alone.

The Massive Impact of Border Reopening

After a period of closure due to global health restrictions, Japan has reopened its doors, prompting a huge surge of curiosity and return visits from tourists. In the first half of 2024, Japan welcomed no fewer than 17.78 million visitors, a significant increase on the pre-pandemic period. This trend is in line with the global tourism recovery.

Unmissable destinations

Among the experiences that attract millions of curious visitors, Japan's autumn offers a breathtaking backdrop, but every season is a source of authenticity. Whether it's cherry blossom in spring or fireworks lighting up the summer sky, Japan constantly has riches to offer. Discover our a practical guide to booking the best experiences.

Challenges to meet

However, such a craze poses challenges in terms of managing overtourism and preserving natural and cultural sites. Local players must reconcile tourism development with sustainability. It has become essential that air sector and reception facilities remain up to scratch.

A Continuous Inflow

From month to month, Japan records unprecedented visitor numbers. In February 2024, for example, the country welcomed 2.79 million tourists, setting a new record for this time of year. This steady influx suggests a growing trajectory for the rest of the year, despite potential threats from climate change and the global economy.

Month	Number of tourists	Comment
January 2024	2.5 million	Stable winter visitor numbers
February 2024	2.79 million	Record for the month
March 2024	3.1 million	Continuous increase
April 2024	3.4 million	Cherry blossom season
May 2024	3.2 million	Spring peak
June 2024	3.0 million	Stable ahead of summer
July 2024	3.5 million	Summer influx begins
August 2024	3.8 million	Summer peak
September 2024	3.6 million	Slight but high decline
October 2024	3.7 million	Autumn season

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