Sharp decline in number of Chinese tourists but overall number of visitors to Japan exceeds previous record

The total number of inbound visitors from January to November reached 39,065,600, a 17.0% increase compared to the same period last year. The figure surpassed the annual record of 36,870,148 visitors set in 2024.

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Many foreign nationals are seen on Takeshita-dori street in the Harajuku area of Tokyo. PHOTO: THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN

December 18, 2025

TOKYO – The growth rate of Chinese tourists to Japan in November was 3.0% year-on-year, a sharp decline from October’s growth rate of 22.8%, according to statistics released by the Japan National Tourism Organization on Wednesday.

The deterioration of Japan-China relations is believed to have had an impact on the decline.

The total number of inbound visitors from January to November reached 39,065,600, a 17.0% increase compared to the same period last year. The figure surpassed the annual record of 36,870,148 visitors set in 2024.

The number of visitors to Japan has hit a record high for the second consecutive year. The growth is due to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the weaker yen, making Japan a more attractive travel destination.

From January to November, China led with 8,765,800 visitors, followed by South Korea and Taiwan.

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