Japan records surge in foreign visitors in 2025

Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international tourists in 2025, prompting concerns about overtourism in major destinations. The influx also led to a historic high of 13,697 foreign visitors to the National Diet Building, the most since record‑keeping began in 1993 and nearly double the 2024 figure.

Tourism officials note that the Diet’s proximity to popular districts such as Ginza and Akasaka contributes to the rise in visitors. While the capital’s attractions remain crowded, travel platform Omio recommends lesser‑known cities—Nagoya, Kanazawa and Fukuoka—as alternatives that offer similar cultural, historic, and culinary experiences with fewer crowds.

These trends highlight both the economic boost from tourism and the growing pressure on Japan’s most visited sites, encouraging travelers to explore a broader range of destinations across the country.