Japan tourism hits July record with 3.44 million visitors

Japan recorded a record-breaking 3.44 million foreign visitors in July, a 0.1% increase compared to the previous year. According to data from the Japan Tourism Agency, 17 countries and regions set new monthly records for July, driven by summer vacation demand, increased flight availability, and a weak yen.

South Korea led the visitor numbers with 894,700 travelers, a 31.9% increase, followed by Taiwan with 763,800 visitors, marking a new monthly record for that region. In contrast, visitors from China fell by 56.1% year-on-year to approximately 428,200, amid ongoing bilateral tensions.

Norio Kimura, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, noted that the increasing diversification of visitor markets and growth in accommodation spending suggest the inbound tourism market remains stable. However, officials also noted a rise in reports regarding issues with private accommodation facilities, such as noise and waste disposal, emphasizing that these establishments must operate without disrupting local communities.