Indian Travel to Japan Soars in 2024–25

The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Delhi Office has released impressive new figures for 2024, highlighting a sharp rise in Indian tourism to Japan, both in volume and quality of travel.

Indian visitors spent an average of 241,590 Japanese yen (approx. Rs1.45 lakh) per trip—a 53.6 per cent increase compared to 2019. This includes all in-trip and package expenses. Moreover, the average stay lasted 16.3 nights, a clear sign that Indian tourists are immersing themselves more deeply in Japan’s culture and lifestyle.

A total of 233,000 Indian tourists visited Japan between January and December 2024, spending approximately 56.1 billion yen (Rs3,366 crore). The trend continues into 2025 with 62,100 visitors in Q1, marking a 24.8 per cent year-on-year increase. Notably, February 2025 saw a 29 per cent rise, and April 2025 set a new all-time monthly record for Indian arrivals.

While 64.9 per cent of visitors were first-timers favouring the classic Golden Route (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima), JNTO is actively promoting lesser-known destinations to encourage regional exploration.

Travel motivations are varied: 41.8 per cent travelled for leisure, 14.7 per cent for business, and 8.4 per cent visited friends or family. A notable rise in MICE travel and B2B travel has been observed.

Spending patterns reflect a balanced approach: 43.2 per cent went to accommodation, 19.5 per cent on shopping, 19.4 per cent on food, 14.3 per cent on transport, and 3.6 per cent on attractions.

In parallel, the India Pavilion-Bharat at Expo 2025 Osaka is now open, spotlighting India’s cultural and scientific prowess with features like Chandrayaan-3 and a luminous LED rooftop.