Tuesday, May 27, 2025
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Delhi Office proudly reports a remarkable surge in Indian tourism to Japan, driven by higher spending and extended stays, according to the latest figures released by the Japan Tourism Agency. Indian visitors are increasingly embracing Japan not only as a top leisure destination but also for corporate travel and cultural exploration, reflecting a significant shift in travel preferences and behaviors.
Record-Breaking Spending and Longer Visits
In 2024, Indian tourists visiting Japan demonstrated a robust increase in per capita travel expenditure, spending an average of 241,590 Japanese yen (approximately INR 1.45 lakh*), marking a 53.6% rise compared to 2019. This figure includes all trip-related expenses, such as accommodation, transport, food, shopping, and package tours.
Moreover, Indian travelers are staying significantly longer, with the average trip duration extending to 16.3 nights. This duration surpasses typical short-term visits and highlights a growing trend of Indians immersing themselves deeply in Japanese culture, lifestyle, and local experiences rather than merely visiting key landmarks.
Over the full year, around 233,000 Indian tourists arrived in Japan, contributing an estimated total expenditure of 56.1 billion Japanese yen (approximately INR 3,366 crore*). This represents a substantial economic contribution to Japan’s inbound tourism sector and signals India’s emerging role as a critical market for Japan’s travel industry.
Repeat Visits and Expanding Destinations
Data reveals that 64.9% of Indian visitors were first-time travelers to Japan, while 26.2% were repeat visitors with two to five visits, indicating growing familiarity and satisfaction with the destination. This repeated interest encourages broader exploration beyond the well-known ‘Golden Route’—a popular itinerary covering Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, known for blending Japan’s heritage with modern attractions.
The JNTO Delhi Office is actively promoting lesser-known regional destinations to Indian tourists, emphasizing Japan’s diverse cultural landscapes and the opportunity to avoid overcrowded spots. This strategy aims to highlight the unique charms of areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Shikoku, where visitors can experience authentic local customs, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Purpose of Travel: Leisure, Business, and Beyond
Indian visitors’ travel purposes are varied: leisure travel accounts for 41.8% of arrivals, while corporate or business trips represent 14.7%, and visits to friends and relatives (VFR) comprise 8.4%. There is also an upward trend in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism to emerging regions, reflecting Japan’s increasing appeal as a destination for corporate group travel and business-related excursions.
Independent Travel with Structured Flexibility
A notable 86.9% of Indian leisure travelers prefer to plan their trips independently rather than joining large group tours. However, many still opt for pre-arranged package tours customized to their needs, including essentials like flights, accommodations, and sightseeing plans. This preference indicates a shift towards flexible travel arrangements, where Indian tourists seek both freedom and convenience while navigating Japan’s transport and accommodation systems.
Seasonal Trends and Growth in 2025
The positive momentum from 2024 has carried into 2025, with 62,100 Indian visitors recorded in the first quarter—a 24.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Traditionally, February sees fewer arrivals, but February 2025 experienced a remarkable 29.0% year-on-year growth. This boost is attributed to growing interest in winter tourism, especially in snow destinations like Hokkaido, renowned worldwide for its “powder snow” ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
April 2025 set a new record with 37,300 Indian visitors—the highest monthly figure ever recorded for April. The timing coincides with Japan’s famed cherry blossom (sakura) season, a major attraction for Indian tourists seeking to witness Japan’s iconic springtime beauty.
Spending Patterns Reflect Quality and Local Experiences
According to the Japan Tourism Agency, Indian tourists’ expenditure reflects a balanced approach focusing on comfort and immersive experiences:
- Accommodation: 43.2% of total spending was allocated to lodging, showing a strong preference for quality stays that enhance travel satisfaction.
- Shopping: 19.5% of expenditure went to purchasing Japanese products, including sweets, snacks, fashion, accessories, and cosmetics—highlighting the popularity of Japanese goods among Indian travelers.
- Food and Beverage: 19.4% of spending focused on dining, with Indian visitors increasingly appreciating authentic Japanese cuisine, from sushi and ramen to themed cafés and specialty restaurants.
- Transportation: 14.3% was spent on travel within Japan, mainly utilizing the country’s efficient rail system, including the Shinkansen bullet trains that enable easy multi-city exploration.
- Amusement and Attractions: 3.6% of expenses were on theme parks, cultural performances, and local entertainment, demonstrating steady interest in diverse activities.
India Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka: Showcasing Cultural Bonds
Highlighting the growing India-Japan relationship, the India Pavilion—named Bharat—at Expo 2025 in Osaka is now open to visitors. The pavilion offers an immersive experience of India’s cultural richness, spiritual heritage, and scientific achievements.
Visitors can explore the serene Lotus Courtyard, inspired by symbols like Padmapani and the Bodhi Tree, and relax in the Oneness Lounge, which radiates India’s warmth and hospitality.
A key attraction is the Chandrayaan-3 scale model, celebrating India’s strides in space exploration. Additionally, the pavilion features a Geo-light Mesh Rooftop embedded with 72,576 LED lights, a first-of-its-kind installation visible across the Expo grounds.
This pavilion not only strengthens cultural ties but also complements the tourism boom, encouraging more Indian visitors to engage with Japan’s dynamic offerings.
