Japan’s tourism sector has experienced a robust resurgence, as revealed by data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on Wednesday. In October, tourist arrivals surged to 2.52 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and signaling a complete recovery from the pandemic-induced slump. Eased border controls and the removal of entry anti-epidemic measures contributed to this rebound, with monthly arrivals consistently exceeding 2 million since Japan’s border relaxation in October of the previous year.
The October figures represent a remarkable 100.8% increase compared to the same period in 2019. The depreciation of the yen further enhanced Japan’s appeal as an affordable travel destination. Notably, while Chinese tourist numbers remain 65% below October 2019 levels, a surge in visitors from Canada, Mexico, and Germany reached a monthly peak, partially offsetting the gap left by Chinese tourists.
JNTO’s data highlights a robust recovery trend, with nearly 20 million tourists entering Japan in the initial ten months of 2023, showcasing the industry’s resilience and rebound to pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, approximately 32 million people visited Japan, underlining the significant strides made in reclaiming its position as a global travel hotspot.
