Tokyo Targets 60 Million Annual Visitors by 2030 Amid Record Tourism Surge

Japan recorded a historic 42.7 million foreign visitors last year, a 16 % rise over the previous year, and tourism spending hit a record ¥9.5 trillion. The government now aims to raise annual arrivals to 60 million by 2030, positioning tourism as a permanent pillar of economic growth. To support the target, billions of yen are being invested in infrastructure: at Narita Airport the second runway is being extended to 2,500 m and a new 3,500 m third runway is under construction, raising annual flight capacity from roughly 340,000 to 500,000. Railway planners are working to almost double the frequency of trains between Narita and central Tokyo and to link two lines directly to Haneda Airport, easing domestic transfers. The strategy reflects a shift toward diversified visitor markets, with growing numbers from Europe, the United States, Australia and other regions, while visitor shares from traditional Asian markets have slipped.