Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are seeing a changing international tourism landscape as visitor growth from South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, the United States and Europe offsets a steep decline in arrivals from China. Japan welcomed 21.08 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization, with June alone recording 3.15 million arrivals. Although June arrivals were 6.8% lower year on year, 15 markets recorded their highest-ever June visitor numbers, including South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, India, the United Kingdom, France and Italy.
Key Tourism Statistics
• Japan recorded 21,084,800 international visitor arrivals during January to June 2026.
• June 2026 recorded 3,148,600 arrivals, down 6.8% from June 2025.
• China recorded 313,000 arrivals in May 2026, down 60.4% year on year.
• China recorded 1.72 million arrivals during January to May 2026, down 56.2% from the same period in 2025.
• South Korea, Taiwan, the United States and India were among markets recording strong growth during 2026.
China’s Visitor Numbers Fall Sharply
The most significant change in Japan’s inbound tourism market is the decline in Chinese arrivals. JNTO data for January to May 2026 recorded 1,717,400 visitors from China, compared with 3,920,539 during the corresponding period in 2025, representing a 56.2% decline.
The monthly figures show the scale of the shift. Japan received 313,000 Chinese visitors in May 2026, compared with 790,089 in May 2025, a decline of 60.4%.
The reduction has affected a market that had traditionally been one of Japan’s largest sources of international visitors. However, the overall tourism picture is being reshaped by stronger demand from other markets.
South Korea Becomes a Major Growth Market
South Korea has emerged as one of the strongest sources of visitor growth. Japan recorded 951,300 arrivals from South Korea in May 2026, an increase of 15.2% year on year. During January to May, South Korean arrivals reached 4.89 million, up 20.6% from the previous year.
The market also recorded its highest June total on record in 2026, according to JNTO.
For Japanese tourism destinations, South Korea provides a substantial regional visitor market with access to major Japanese cities and resort areas through frequent air connections.
Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Okinawa are among the destinations that can be incorporated into short and longer itineraries.
Taiwan Strengthens Japan’s Tourism Base
Taiwan is another market helping reshape Japan’s inbound visitor mix. Japan recorded 616,800 Taiwanese visitors in May 2026, up 14.6% from the previous year. January to May arrivals reached 3.30 million, representing growth of 22.3%.
Taiwan also recorded its highest June visitor total on record in 2026.
The geographical proximity between Taiwan and Japan allows travelers to build trips around major metropolitan destinations, regional cities, seasonal attractions and ski resorts.
Southeast Asia Adds More Visitors
Japan is also recording growth across several Southeast Asian markets. Malaysia recorded a 39.6% increase in arrivals in May 2026, while Singapore grew by 21.1%. Indonesia increased by 8.6%, and the Philippines rose by 2.8% during the month.
For the January to May period, Malaysia recorded 341,400 arrivals, Singapore 310,200, Indonesia 327,000 and the Philippines 414,400.
Vietnam also recorded 340,000 arrivals during the first five months, up 9.1% from the same period of 2025.
These markets provide Japan with a wider Asian tourism base extending beyond Northeast Asia.
India Becomes an Expanding Source Market
India is another market recording rapid growth. Japan received 56,500 Indian visitors in May 2026, an increase of 31.3% year on year. January to May arrivals reached 174,200, up 22.2%.
India also recorded its highest June visitor number on record in 2026.
Indian travelers can access Japan through major international gateways including Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports, Osaka’s Kansai International Airport and other regional airports.
Japan’s combination of cultural tourism, food, shopping, technology, nature and seasonal experiences provides multiple products for the expanding Indian outbound market.
The US Market Keeps Growing
The United States is also contributing to Japan’s tourism diversification. Japan recorded 333,700 US visitors in May 2026, up 7% year on year. During January to May, arrivals from the United States reached 1.47 million, an increase of 8.2%.
The US market also reached a record June level in 2026.
For American travelers, Japan’s long-distance tourism market includes Tokyo and Kyoto alongside Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Okinawa, the Japanese Alps and smaller regional destinations.
European Visitors Expand Japan’s Reach
European markets are also contributing to the changing visitor profile. During January to May 2026, France recorded 199,200 arrivals, Germany 197,500, the United Kingdom 250,500 and Spain 85,500.
France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain were among the markets that recorded their highest June visitor numbers in 2026.
European travelers commonly combine Tokyo and Kyoto with longer journeys through the Japanese countryside, historic cities and natural attractions.
Tokyo Remains the Main International Gateway
Tokyo continues to serve as the starting point for many international visitors. The capital combines major attractions such as Shibuya, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Ginza and the Imperial Palace with extensive rail and metro connections.
Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport provide international access, while the Shinkansen connects Tokyo with destinations across the country.
For first-time visitors, Tokyo can form the beginning of itineraries extending to Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka and other regional destinations.
Kyoto and Osaka Extend the Cultural Journey
Kyoto remains one of Japan’s principal cultural tourism destinations, with temples, shrines, gardens, traditional neighbourhoods and seasonal attractions.
Osaka provides a contrasting urban experience centred on food, entertainment, shopping and historic attractions such as Osaka Castle.
The two cities are connected by high-speed rail and can easily be incorporated into a multi-city itinerary from Tokyo.
Travelers can therefore combine Japan’s modern capital with its historic cultural centre and one of its largest commercial cities.
Japan’s Regional Tourism Gains New Opportunities
The diversification of visitor markets also creates opportunities for regional destinations. JNTO’s latest tourism plan includes goals relating to repeat visitors, travel spending and overnight stays in regional areas.
Visitors can increasingly explore Hokkaido for winter sports and nature, Hiroshima for history, Okinawa for beaches and marine activities, and the Japanese Alps for mountain tourism.
Rail connectivity makes it possible to combine several regions within longer holidays.
Japan’s Tourism Market Is Becoming More Diverse
The decline in Chinese visitor numbers is clearly visible in Japan’s 2026 tourism statistics, but the overall market includes substantial growth from other destinations. South Korea, Taiwan, India, the United States and several European markets are recording strong visitor numbers, while Southeast Asian demand is also expanding.
For travelers, the result is a Japan tourism market increasingly supported by a wider range of international visitors. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka remain essential stops, while Hokkaido, Okinawa, Hiroshima, Mount Fuji and regional destinations provide additional experiences.
Japan’s first-half 2026 visitor total of more than 21 million demonstrates the scale of international demand. As visitor markets continue to diversify, the country’s tourism sector is moving through a significant change in its international visitor profile, with growth from Asia, Europe and North America helping reshape the travel map.
