OSAKA, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Japan received 3.597 million foreign visitors in January 2026, down 4.9% from the same month last year, according to the latest data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on February 18. Despite the overall decline, 17 markets achieved their highest-ever January figures, revealing a mixed but resilient tourism landscape.
South Korea and Taiwan Surge, China Plummets
South Korean visitors led the way with 1.176 million arrivals, up 21.6% year-on-year, marking the first time any single market has exceeded 1.1 million visitors in a single month. The surge was driven by expanded flight capacity and strong demand during the school winter break.
The ongoing depreciation of the yen has made Japan an increasingly cost-effective destination, drawing a massive influx of overseas tourists. Between late 2025 and early 2026, the resumption and expansion of several international routes—including Busan-Fukuoka, Taipei-Narita, Bangkok-Sendai, and Sydney-New Chitose—have further bolstered these arrival numbers.
Taiwan also posted impressive growth, with 694,500 visitors—a 17.0% increase that set a new monthly record. The rise reflected expanded air routes and anticipation of the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.
In sharp contrast, Chinese arrivals plunged 60.7% to just 385,300 visitors. Industry experts attribute the drop to the later timing of the 2026 Lunar New Year, which falls in mid-February, and travel advisories issued by Chinese authorities. Analysts expect a strong rebound in February’s figures.
Weak Yen Fuels Western Market Boom
The United States delivered 207,800 visitors, up 13.8%, while Australia recorded 160,700 arrivals, a 14.6% increase—both all-time highs for January. European markets showed remarkable strength: Germany grew 43.7%, Italy and Spain each climbed 36.5%, and Russia surged an extraordinary 98.7%. Mexico, though smaller in volume, posted a striking 64.0% gain with 15,300 visitors.
Southeast Asia remained a steady growth engine. Thailand contributed 115,100 visitors (up 18.9%), Indonesia 74,000 (up 17.0%), and the Philippines 79,200 (up 9.7%). The Middle East also showed strong momentum, reaching 17,500 visitors—a 47.4% jump.
Expanded Flight Capacity and Currency Advantage Drive Growth
JNTO analysts point to two key factors behind the surge: the continued depreciation of the yen, which has made Japan increasingly affordable for international travelers, and a significant expansion of international flight capacity. Since late 2025, multiple routes have been restored or increased, including Busan–Fukuoka, Taipei–Narita, Bangkok–Sendai, and Sydney–New Chitose, resulting in lower airfares and greater seat availability.
Industry observers note that while the January total dipped due to the shifted Lunar New Year calendar, the record-breaking performance across 17 markets underscores the strength of Japan’s tourism recovery. With the Lunar New Year effect expected to boost February numbers and flight capacity continuing to grow, Japan’s inbound tourism is poised for steady growth throughout 2026.
Lunar New Year Effect Expected to Drive February Surge
JNTO highlighted that the 2026 Lunar New Year, beginning in mid-February, significantly affected January figures for markets celebrating the holiday—including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. These markets are expected to see concentrated visitor surges in February, leading to a substantial rebound in overall inbound tourism numbers.
Japan’s Fourth Basic Plan for the Promotion of a Tourism Nation, formulated by the government in March 2023, established three strategic pillars: sustainable tourism, expansion of tourism spending, and promotion of regional tourism. The plan sets government targets for tourism consumption and regional accommodation numbers. JNTO stated it will continue to closely monitor market dynamics and execute strategic promotional campaigns to achieve these objectives.
Although January’s overall figures declined 4.9% year-on-year, the record-breaking performance across 17 markets demonstrates Japan’s robust appeal as an international tourism destination. With the anticipated Lunar New Year boost in February, continued expansion of flight capacity, and the ongoing advantage of a weak yen, Japan’s inbound tourism market remains positioned for steady growth throughout 2026.
Key Data Summary
- Total Visitors: 3.597 million (-4.9% YoY)
- South Korea: 1.176 million (+21.6%) — All-time monthly record
- China: 385,300 (-60.7%)
- Taiwan: 694,500 (+17.0%) — All-time monthly record
- Hong Kong: 200,000 (-17.9%)
- Thailand: 115,100 (+18.9%) — January record
- Australia: 160,700 (+14.6%) — All-time monthly record
- United States: 207,800 (+13.8%) — January record
- Mexico: 15,300 (+64.0%) — January record
- Germany: 18,300 (+43.7%) — January record
- Russia: 9,800 (+98.7%) — January record
- Markets Setting January Records: 17 countries/regions
