Published on
February 1, 2026
South Korea, along with Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other countries, has contributed to the skyrocketing growth of Japan’s tourism during the holiday season last year. This surge in arrivals can be attributed to Japan’s unique appeal, including its seasonal festivals, winter illuminations, and rich cultural offerings. The holiday season, especially around New Year, saw many travelers visiting Japan to experience its festive atmosphere, shopping districts, and culinary delights. With affordable travel options, targeted promotions, and growing interest in Japanese pop culture, Japan has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists from these nations, marking a significant boost in tourism during this period.
South Korea: Steady Growth in Tourism to Japan
In December 2025, Japan saw a 12.3% increase in arrivals from South Korea, with 974,200 visitors compared to 867,377 in 2024. This continued rise in tourism can be attributed to the strong cultural ties and economic connections between the two nations. South Korea remains one of Japan’s top markets, with shared interests in fashion, technology, and entertainment. The surge in arrivals during the holiday season is partly driven by the influence of K-pop and Korean entertainment, which have gained immense popularity in Japan. Additionally, Japan’s affordable travel options and proximity to South Korea make it an attractive destination for short vacations. The year-end season sees many South Koreans visiting Japan for shopping, sightseeing, and attending local festivals. Moreover, Japan’s ongoing recovery from the pandemic, coupled with improved relations between the two countries, has strengthened tourism ties. Promotions and holiday packages further contribute to the increased influx of South Korean visitors. Whether it’s enjoying winter illuminations or the country’s famous New Year celebrations, Japan remains a favored holiday spot for South Koreans, offering a mix of cultural exchange and memorable experiences.
Key Reason for Surge: Cultural ties, K-pop influence, affordable travel, and holiday promotions made Japan a top destination for South Korean tourists during the holidays.
Taiwan: A Significant Leap in Japanese Tourism
In December 2025, Taiwan saw a 19.8% increase in arrivals to Japan, with 588,400 visitors compared to 491,162 in December 2024. The rise in Taiwanese tourism reflects Japan’s close geographical proximity and strong cultural ties to Taiwan. The holiday season is a popular time for Taiwanese travelers to visit Japan, drawn by the country’s seasonal festivals, unique winter cuisine, and festive shopping experiences. The increase in travel is further bolstered by frequent and affordable flight connections between the two countries. Taiwan’s strong middle class is increasingly seeking travel opportunities abroad, and Japan remains a top destination due to its cultural, culinary, and shopping offerings. In addition, Japan’s tourism marketing campaigns effectively target Taiwanese tourists with holiday promotions and special travel packages. The growing popularity of Japanese pop culture, especially anime and technology, continues to fuel interest, making Japan a destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration. The holiday surge is supported by favorable travel conditions and a shared interest in both countries’ cultures, helping Taiwan maintain a strong presence in Japan’s tourism landscape.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Key Reason for Surge: Geographical proximity, affordable flights, and holiday promotions make Japan a favored destination for Taiwanese tourists, with seasonal events adding to its appeal.
Hong Kong: Modest Growth in Tourism
In December 2025, Hong Kong experienced a 1.9% growth in arrivals, with 291,100 visitors compared to 285,553 in December 2024. While the growth rate is modest, Hong Kong continues to be a key source of visitors to Japan, especially during the holiday season. The proximity and strong economic ties between Hong Kong and Japan contribute to consistent travel patterns. Hong Kong residents are drawn to Japan for its vibrant shopping districts in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where they can find high-end goods, electronics, and fashion. During the festive period, Japan’s seasonal illuminations and New Year celebrations attract Hong Kong tourists seeking to enjoy Japan’s unique winter festivities. The increase in arrivals is also aided by affordable flights and tourism promotions, making Japan an easy and attractive destination for short trips. Despite the modest growth, Hong Kong’s tourism to Japan remains strong, and the holiday season continues to be a peak time for travel, thanks to Japan’s unique cultural offerings and the holiday atmosphere.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Key Reason for Surge: Shopping, proximity, and seasonal events in Japan during the holidays encouraged more Hong Kong residents to visit.
Thailand: Significant Increase in Japanese Tourism
In December 2025, Japan welcomed 174,200 visitors from Thailand, reflecting an 18.6% increase in arrivals compared to 146,666 in December 2024. Thailand has long been an important market for Japan, and this growth is driven by a combination of Japan’s unique culture, Japanese cuisine, and the appeal of winter tourism. The holiday season, in particular, sees many Thai travelers visiting Japan to experience its festivals and winter activities, such as skiing in Hokkaido or enjoying Tokyo’s New Year celebrations. Japan’s well-developed infrastructure and affordable flight options make it an attractive destination for short holidays. Moreover, travel packages tailored to Thai tourists during the holiday season have contributed to the surge. Promotions from travel agencies and airlines further incentivize visits, and Thailand’s growing interest in Japanese fashion and technology continues to fuel this upward trend. As travel between the two countries becomes more accessible, Japan remains a top choice for Thai tourists seeking a blend of culture, cuisine, and winter experiences.
Key Reason for Surge: Cultural and culinary attractions, affordable flights, and holiday promotions made Japan an ideal holiday destination for Thai tourists.
Singapore: Steady but Modest Growth
In December 2025, Singapore experienced a 3.2% increase in arrivals, with 140,600 tourists visiting Japan compared to 136,250 in December 2024. This steady growth can be attributed to Singapore’s strong cultural affinity with Japan, especially in terms of cuisine, fashion, and entertainment. The holiday season, in particular, draws Singaporeans to Japan for its winter illuminations and New Year celebrations. Japan’s affordable travel options, combined with direct flights, make it an accessible destination for Singaporean tourists. Seasonal food offerings, including hot pot dishes and traditional sweets, further appeal to travelers during this time of year. Additionally, Japan’s high standards of safety and cleanliness continue to attract Singaporeans, who seek a reliable and pleasant travel experience. The increase in tourism from Singapore reflects the growing number of residents seeking leisure travel and cultural exploration, with Japan remaining a top destination for short getaways.
Key Reason for Surge: Cultural connections, winter events, and affordable travel options made Japan an appealing destination for Singaporeans during the holiday season.
Philippines: Growing Interest in Japanese Holidays
Japan saw a 6.5% increase in visitors from the Philippines, with 115,600 arrivals in December 2025, up from 108,515 in December 2024. Filipino tourists are drawn to Japan’s unique cultural offerings, such as temples, gardens, and hot springs, especially during the holiday season. The appeal of seasonal festivals like Japan’s New Year celebrations is another major draw for Filipino travelers. Japan also offers a range of experiences, including shopping and sightseeing, which are popular among Filipinos. The growing middle class in the Philippines, coupled with low-cost flights, has made Japan increasingly accessible. Additionally, Japan’s safe environment and cleanliness remain key factors attracting Filipino families and solo travelers alike. During the holiday season, many Filipinos take advantage of extended breaks to travel abroad, with Japan offering a mix of cultural exploration and festive experiences.
Key Reason for Surge: Affordability, cultural attractions, and festive experiences made Japan a popular choice for Filipino tourists during the holiday season.
Indonesia: A Growing Market for Japanese Tourism
In December 2025, Indonesia saw an 8.9% increase in tourist arrivals to Japan, with 81,700 visitors compared to 74,994 in 2024. Indonesia’s growing middle class, coupled with increased connectivity between the two countries, is fueling this rise in tourism. Japanese culture, including anime, technology, and traditional festivals, continues to captivate Indonesian tourists, especially during the holiday season. Japan offers winter sports, holiday illuminations, and seasonal food that attract Indonesian travelers seeking a unique cultural experience. Additionally, direct flights and affordable travel packages have made Japan more accessible, while promotions during the holiday season further boost travel. Indonesia’s growing interest in Japan’s offerings, combined with its affordable travel options, makes it an increasingly popular destination for Indonesian tourists.
Key Reason for Surge: Affordable flights, seasonal attractions, and interest in Japanese culture drove increased tourism from Indonesia during the holidays.
Malaysia: Record High Growth in Japanese Tourism
Malaysia saw a dramatic 40.4% increase in tourist arrivals to Japan, with 100,600 visitors in December 2025 compared to 71,629 in December 2024. This remarkable surge is driven by Malaysia’s expanding middle class and a growing desire to experience Japan’s unique offerings. The holiday season provides an excellent opportunity for Malaysian travelers to explore Japan’s seasonal food, winter festivals, and shopping districts. Japan’s affordable travel options and budget airlines have made it more accessible for Malaysians to visit. Japan’s appeal, especially in areas like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, draws large numbers of Malaysian tourists seeking culture, cuisine, and winter experiences. Holiday promotions and discounted travel packages further encourage travel, leading to the impressive growth in arrivals from Malaysia.
Key Reason for Surge: Budget-friendly travel options, festive events, and holiday promotions made Japan a highly attractive destination for Malaysian travelers.
Vietnam: Consistent Growth in Japanese Tourism
Vietnamese arrivals to Japan grew by 9.1%, reaching 43,700 tourists in December 2025, compared to 40,060 in 2024. This steady growth reflects the increasing interest among Vietnamese travelers in Japanese culture, including traditional temples, gardens, and culinary experiences. The holiday season coincides with Vietnam’s own festive celebrations, making it an ideal time for families to visit Japan and experience its New Year celebrations and winter activities. Japan’s reputation for safety and cleanliness remains an attractive factor for Vietnamese tourists. The availability of direct flights and affordable travel packages has made Japan an accessible destination. The growing interest in Japanese food, anime, and technology also plays a significant role in driving tourism.
Key Reason for Surge: Affordable travel, cultural exchange, and seasonal festivities contributed to the steady rise in Vietnamese tourism to Japan during the holidays.
India: Rapid Growth in Japanese Tourism
India saw a remarkable 37.1% increase in arrivals to Japan, with 23,300 visitors in December 2025 compared to 17,001 in 2024. This surge reflects the growing affluence of India’s middle class and their increasing appetite for international travel. Japan’s affordable flights, coupled with its appeal as a destination for winter sports, shopping, and New Year celebrations, contributed to this rise. Indian tourists are drawn to Japan’s rich cultural heritage, including temples, gardens, and traditional festivities. The holiday season provides a unique opportunity for Indian families to explore Japan’s festive atmosphere and attractions. The growth in arrivals is also supported by holiday promotions and affordable travel packages designed to cater to Indian travelers during the festive season.
Key Reason for Surge: Increased affluence, affordable travel options, and holiday promotions drove a surge in Indian tourism to Japan during the festive period.
Japan’s Booming Tourism: A Record-Breaking Holiday Season
Japan has experienced a significant surge in tourism over the past year, with countries like South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and others driving record-breaking growth in the holiday season. According to data from Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan saw remarkable increases in arrivals, with South Korea leading the charge, followed by Taiwan, Thailand, and India, among others. This surge can be attributed to several factors, including Japan’s appealing seasonal festivals, winter illuminations, unique culinary experiences, and vibrant shopping districts. The holiday season, particularly around New Year, has been a peak period for travel, attracting visitors looking to experience Japan’s rich culture, festive atmosphere, and winter activities. As international travel continues to recover and the country enhances its tourism offerings, Japan’s appeal remains strong among travelers seeking both cultural exploration and modern entertainment. With more targeted marketing campaigns and special promotions, Japan’s tourism industry continues to thrive, offering a variety of experiences that resonate with travelers from across the globe.
South Korea, along with Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and others, contributed to Japan’s skyrocketing tourism growth during the holiday season last year, driven by seasonal events, affordable travel, and cultural appeal.
Conclusion
South Korea, alongside Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other countries, played a key role in skyrocketing Japan’s tourism growth during the holiday season last year. This surge can be attributed to Japan’s rich cultural experiences, seasonal events, winter illuminations, and affordable travel options, which attracted a large number of tourists. As interest in Japanese culture and cuisine continues to rise, Japan remains a top destination for travelers from these countries, marking a significant boost in tourism during this period.
link