The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Delhi Office proudly announces a remarkable milestone: 233,000 Indians visited Japan from January to December 2024, representing a significant 40.0% increase in tourism from India compared to 166,394 visitors in 2023. A highlight of the year was March 2024, which recorded approx. 27,206 arrivals, reflecting an impressive 83.0% YoY growth. Another remarkable milestone was May 2024, which saw a 61.6% YoY growth and the highest monthly influx, with approx. 29,068 arrivals. May is traditionally a popular month for Indian families, as it coincides with summer vacations in India and end of Japan’s ‘Golden week’ marking the off season for domestic travel. This makes it an ideal matching for Indian tourists to visit Japan.
Additionally, 2024 saw the introduction of MICE movement to new regions, with some incentive tours extending their itineraries to Kansai and Hiroshima, whereas Tokyo had previously been the sole MICE destination. This clearly demonstrates the growing interest among Indian corporates and MICE planners to explore new locations for their MICE events.
This trend has been further boosted by promotional airline fares and improved connectivity. In 2024, Bengaluru (South India)-Tokyo route increased to five weekly flights. As of the winter schedule for 2024-2025, there are now 26 direct flights per week connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Japan, significantly improving convenience for travelers. Additionally, recent codeshare agreements between airlines are set to enhance seamless connectivity from multiple Indian cities, further contributing to the anticipated growth in tourist numbers to Japan.
First-time Indian visitors predominantly favour the iconic ‘Golden Route,’ which includes Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Moreover, the JNTO Delhi Office is actively promoting other stunning prefectures, such as Hokkaido, renowned for its powder snow and flower fields; Tohoku, with its vibrant autumn foliage; and Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route, a mountain sightseeing route connecting Nagano prefecture and Toyama prefecture, best known for its ‘Snow Wall’. These efforts aim to showcase Japan’s diverse beauty and encourage Indian tourists to expand their itineraries beyond the classic ‘Golden Route.’ As Japan prepares to take the global spotlight with “Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan” the country is poised to build on this momentum, inviting Indian travellers to explore its unparalleled charm.
The overall growth in arrivals reflects India’s economic prosperity, rising disposable incomes, and a growing trend among Indians to explore new international destinations. Affluent Indian travellers are increasingly seeking fresh, culturally enriching experiences, positioning Japan as a prime destination.
Celebrating Yokohama: A New Star in Japan’s Night View Rankings
Yokohama city has earned a spot among the top three municipalities in the Greater Tokyo Area for the first time, securing second place in the latest ranking of Japanese cities with the most spectacular night views. Yokohama is an easy and short trip from Tokyo, multiple direct connections via train or bus, visitors can reach within an hour or less from Tokyo. This prestigious list, announced by the General incorporated association, YAKEI Convention & Visitors Bureau, highlights Yokohama’s vibrant nightscape, including its renowned large-scale event, Yorunoyo. During Yorunoyo, buildings and structures in the Minato Mirai waterfront area and nearby locations are illuminated, creating a stunning nighttime atmosphere. Additionally, the city hosts captivating fireworks display at its port.
Kitakyushu city and Nagasaki city, both in western Japan, retained their positions as first and third, respectively. The rankings, disclosed every three years, aim to revitalize local communities by promoting nightscapes as valuable tourism assets. The selection is based on votes cast by individuals certified as nightscape tourism specialists by the YAKEI Convention & Visitors Bureau. Beyond its dazzling nightscape, Yokohama shares significant cultural and historical ties with India. Tagore’s Connection: Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore visited Yokohama’s iconic Sankeien Park twice during his travels in Japan. The park, known for its traditional Japanese beauty, continues to honor this historical connection, celebrating its place in fostering cultural exchange.
Sister Cities: Yokohama and Mumbai have been sister cities since 1965, symbolizing a strong bond between India and Japan. This partnership has led to numerous cultural and economic exchanges, further enriching Yokohama’s identity.
Yokohama-India Center and Little India: Yokohama is home to the Yokohama-India Center and the Indian Commerce and Industry Association Japan (ICIJ), which play vital roles in promoting Indian culture and business in the region. Additionally, the city boasts a historic “Little India” community, preserving a vibrant slice of Indian heritage in Japan.
Yokohama’s growing acclaim as a nightscape destination, combined with its rich history and cultural ties with India, makes it a must-visit city for Indian tourists.