Indian tourism blossom in Japan with record high visits in 2024
Indian travel to Japan reached new heights in 2024, with both the number of visitors and spending figures showing strong growth. According to data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Delhi Office, 233,000 Indian travellers visited Japan last year, contributing approximately 56.1 billion yen (₹3,366 crore) to the Japanese economy.
The Japan Tourism Agency reported that the average Indian visitor spent 241,590 yen (around ₹1.45 lakh) per trip—a 53.6% increase compared to 2019. The average length of stay also rose significantly to 16.3 nights, suggesting a shift towards more immersive travel experiences.
Most Indian travellers explored Japan independently, with 86.9% of leisure tourists preferring to travel without guided group tours. Nearly 65% were first-time visitors, and a large portion followed the popular 'Golden Route' covering Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. The JNTO Delhi Office is now promoting lesser-known destinations to spread tourism across more regions and showcase Japan's diversity beyond major cities.
The first quarter of 2025 continued this upward trend. Between January and March, 62,100 Indian travellers visited Japan—a 24.8% increase year-on-year. February saw a 29% rise in arrivals, driven by interest in Japan's winter scenery, especially in Hokkaido. In April, 37,300 Indian tourists arrived during the cherry blossom season, setting a new monthly record.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Indian tourists showed a clear preference for comfort and cultural engagement. Spending was highest on accommodation (43.2%), followed by shopping (19.5%), dining (19.4%), transport (14.3%), and attractions (3.6%).
The upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka is also drawing attention, particularly the India Pavilion, which features exhibits focused on India's cultural, spiritual, and technological themes.The JNTO Delhi Office noted that rising awareness of Japan's seasonal and cultural offerings is encouraging more Indians to consider it a long-stay destination.
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