Official announcements from the Japanese government or relevant tourism authorities

Japan Surpasses 2019 Record with 33.4 Million Visitors from January to November 2024

Dec 18, 2024, 07:21 AM

Japan has set a new record for the number of international visitors in 2024, with 33.4 million tourists arriving in the country from January to November. This figure surpasses the previous annual record of 31.88 million set in 2019, before the onset of the global health crisis. The increase in visitors is attributed to the weaker yen and the appeal of Japan as a holiday destination, particularly during the fall foliage season which saw a surge in tourists from China, South Korea, and other regions. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported that November alone saw 3.19 million visitors, a 30.6% increase from the previous year. The influence of social media has also played a role in attracting more tourists. Despite the record-breaking numbers, concerns about overtourism in major cities persist, prompting efforts to distribute tourists more evenly across the country.