Japan tourism shows mixed trends in domestic and international travel

Japan's tourism sector shows divergent trends across domestic and international segments. Major airlines ANA and JAL reported a decrease in domestic passenger numbers during the August Obon period due to typhoon-related delays and cancellations, though travel to Hokkaido remained strong.

In the international sector, Kansai International Airport reported an 11% year-on-year decline in total passengers for July, driven largely by a 63% drop in travelers from China. Conversely, the Japan National Tourism Organization noted that Thai travelers to Japan increased by 10.8% in July. Total inbound visitors to Japan for July reached a record high, despite some regional fluctuations.

Domestic consumption data indicates a decline in online travel spending for multi-person households, with a 2.9% decrease in travel-related expenses in June 2026. Additionally, surveys suggest a decline in domestic travel participation rates among Japanese residents. On a regional level, Akita Prefecture's tourism campaign reported success, with over 50% of out-of-prefecture travelers expressing intent to revisit.