Japan welcomed a record 315,100 Indian visitors from January to December 2025, marking the first time arrivals from India have crossed the 300,000 milestone. This represents a 35.2% increase over 2024 and nearly 80% growth compared to pre-COVID 2019 levels, underscoring Japan’s rapidly growing appeal among Indian travelers.
May 2025 emerged as the strongest month on record, with 43,040 Indian arrivals, even after the cherry blossom season had concluded. The surge highlights Japan’s evolution into a year-round destination, with May and June gaining popularity due to Indian summer holidays, reduced domestic crowds after Golden Week, and improved access to accommodations and attractions.
Spring travel remained robust, with 32,967 arrivals in March and 37,352 arrivals in April, reflecting a 61% year-on-year growth in April, largely driven by cherry blossom tourism. Indian families and leisure travelers continued to gravitate toward iconic regions along the Golden Route to experience sakura season.
Autumn and winter travel also showed strong momentum. November recorded approximately 28,900 arrivals, reflecting 22% growth, while December saw a 37% increase to around 23,300 arrivals. Destinations such as Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps are gaining traction, particularly among Indian families and honeymooners seeking snow experiences, winter illumination and winter sports.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization Delhi Office, this record-breaking performance has been driven by India’s sustained outbound travel boom and Japan’s positioning as a premium destination that seamlessly blends culture, modernity and nature. While the Golden Route (Tokyo–Osaka–Kyoto–Hiroshima) continues to attract first-time visitors, interest is steadily expanding to off-route destinations including the Alpine Route, Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Japan’s strengthened tourism infrastructure and increasingly India-friendly environment—such as the growing availability of Indian cuisine, multilingual signage, unique cultural experiences and tax-free shopping—have further enhanced its appeal.
Improved air connectivity has also played a key role. Japan Airlines, with services from both Narita and Haneda, along with All Nippon Airways’ upcoming daily Mumbai–Narita flights in 2026, are expanding travel options for Indian visitors. This growth is complemented by enhanced code-share agreements and increased connectivity via hubs such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
The JNTO Delhi Office’s ongoing promotional initiatives, including consumer events like Japan Travel Fair 2026, advertising campaigns, trade seminars, familiarization tours and close collaboration with travel trade partners, have significantly increased destination awareness and demand across the Indian market.
