Japan's tourism industry - statistics & facts
The travel and tourism industry in Japan had a stellar performance in 2024, improving on numerous records set in the previous year. This included, among others, all-time high metrics in overall market value, inbound traveler number and expenditure, and international tourism balance. In doing so, it continued its growth trajectory from previous years.
Inbound tourism is the second-largest segment and is the rising star of the industry. With sheer endless potential, initial investments have started to pay off as the government has succeeded in attracting inbound visitors. The number of inbound tourists accelerated gradually starting in 2012, setting a record every year after, except during the COVID-19 period.鈥疶he segment is regarded as a driver of growth, with prospects to contribute substantially to Japan鈥檚 economic invigoration in the future.鈥
Travel and tourism is a hub industry
Travel and tourism is a highly interconnected hub industry. Tourism demand directly feeds into numerous industries to various degrees, including accommodation, transportation, gastronomy, entertainment, and retail. Additionally, several satellite industries, such as outdoor goods manufacturing and wellness services, partially or fully depend on tourism. Consequently, the travel and tourism sector occupies an important position in Japan's economy from a macroeconomic perspective. The overall impact of tourism on the economy was estimated at roughly 58 trillion Japanese yen in 2023, while tourism-related jobs accounted for about 9.1 percent of the entire labor market.鈥Domestic tourism is the core of Japan's tourism industry
Domestic tourism constitutes the largest segment in Japan's travel and tourism industry. With about 123 million inhabitants, the majority of whom belong to the middle class and have a high aptitude for travel, domestic tourism is substantial. Generated expenditure comprises roughly three-quarters of the total market value of the tourism industry. Domestic tourism generates stable and sustained demand, with hundreds of millions of trips recorded annually.Inbound tourism is the second-largest segment and is the rising star of the industry. With sheer endless potential, initial investments have started to pay off as the government has succeeded in attracting inbound visitors. The number of inbound tourists accelerated gradually starting in 2012, setting a record every year after, except during the COVID-19 period.鈥疶he segment is regarded as a driver of growth, with prospects to contribute substantially to Japan鈥檚 economic invigoration in the future.鈥
