Japan Emerges As A Year-Round Destination For Indian Travellers

Japan Beyond Tokyo-Kyoto Circuit

Japan’s popularity among Indian travellers is expanding beyond the traditional cherry blossom period, with 2025 recording a historic high of over 300,000 Indian visitors. According to booking data from Cox & Kings, Japan is increasingly being viewed as a year-round destination, with travel during the summer and shoulder months gaining momentum.

In the absence of any official travel advisory, Cox & Kings reports an approximately 30 per cent increase in departures between April and September, indicating sustained interest during what is typically considered the extended season. While spring travel has long been driven by the sakura bloom, some cherry blossom events have seen scheduling adjustments this year. Despite this, overall demand from India remains stable, with travellers opting to explore alpine landscapes, regional cuisine, onsen towns, and cultural routes beyond the well-known blossom viewing locations.

Indian tourists are increasingly venturing beyond the classic Tokyo–Osaka–Kyoto circuit. Regions such as Hokuriku, rural Honshu, Hakone, and Takayama are witnessing growing interest, driven by scenic rail journeys, alpine landscapes, preserved cultural towns, and wellness-led experiences. Coastal routes and heritage towns are emerging as strong alternatives for travellers seeking immersive and crowd-light itineraries.

The surge in Japanese travel from India is being driven primarily by young couples, families, and first-time international travellers, who account for nearly 55–60 per cent of bookings driven by pop culture, food exploration, immersive experiences, and digital-first discovery. Small-group travel continues to remain popular, while customised itineraries are gaining traction among travellers looking for deeper engagement rather than fast-paced sightseeing.

Karan Agarwal, Director Cox & Kings “Japan today offers a rare balance of ancient tradition and modern efficiency. What we are witnessing is a shift from checklist tourism to curiosity-driven travel. Indian travellers want stories, not just stamps, and Japan delivers that across seasons.”

Beyond Sakura: Offbeat Regions Gain Momentum

While cherry blossom season remains one of Japan’s most iconic draws, Indian travellers are increasingly venturing beyond the traditional Tokyo–Osaka–Kyoto circuit, seeking depth, authenticity, and lesser-known experiences. Cox & Kings data reflects growing interest in regions such as Hokuriku and rural Honshu, known for scenic rail journeys, alpine landscapes, and preserved cultural towns.

Hot spring destinations like Hakone and Takayama, coastal regions, mountain towns, and historic rural routes are seeing rising demand as travellers prioritise wellness, local interaction, and crowd-free exploration. This trend aligns closely with Japan’s broader tourism strategy to disperse visitors away from overtourism hotspots and promote sustainable regional growth.

Experience-Led Travel Shapes Modern Itineraries

Indian travellers are increasingly planning trips around experience-led journeys, from culinary discovery and artisan encounters to immersive cultural rituals. Food has emerged as a core driver of travel decisions, with regional sushi, ramen cultures, tea ceremonies, and ‘sake’ experiences forming an integral part of itineraries rather than being treated as add-ons.

Attractions such as the world’s largest Naruto & Boruto Shinobi-Zato theme park on Awaji Island are also drawing anime enthusiasts and younger travellers, pushing tourism into newer geographies and expanding Japan’s appeal beyond conventional sightseeing.

Conscious Travel and Cultural Sensitivity Take Centre Stage

Another notable trend among Indian travellers is a growing awareness of local customs and etiquette, from silent public behaviour and respectful dining practices to community-led experiences. This evolution reflects a broader move toward conscious, respectful travel, aligning naturally with Japan’s cultural values of harmony and social responsibility.

With an ambitious target of 60 million international visitors by 2030, Japan is investing heavily in infrastructure, heritage preservation, and regional tourism development. For Indian travellers, this translates into better connectivity, richer experiences, and access to parts of Japan that were once overlooked.

With rising demand from India, diversified travel patterns, and a strong policy push toward sustainable tourism, Japan is poised to be one of the defining travel stories of the year.