Data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on March 19 revealed that Japan welcomed 3.26 million international visitors in February 2025, a 16.9% year-on-year increase and a record high for the month. The surge was largely driven by Chinese travelers during the Spring Festival, as well as strong demand from U.S. and Australian tourists heading to Japan for skiing.
By country and region, South Korea topped the list with 847,300 visitors, followed by mainland China (722,700), Taiwan (507,300), the U.S. (191,500, up 28.8%), and Australia (88,800, up 33.5%).
In total, 1.703 million Chinese travelers visited Japan in January and February, nearly double the figure from the same period in 2024.
Despite China’s slow recovery and a prolonged real estate slump, Japan continues to rank high among preferred outbound destinations. Expanded international flights connecting China to airports like Narita and Fukuoka have further boosted travel demand.
A WeChat survey by Japan's IntaSect Communications found that one in four Chinese planning overseas travel during the Spring Festival intended to visit Japan.
