6 March Drop in tourist arrivals in Japan for the first time in four years
The number of international arrivals in Japan has fallen for the first time in four years. According to the latest data from the organisation Japan National Tourism Organisation, in January 2026, approximately 3.6 million international visitors, which represents a 4.9 per cent drop compared with the same period last year.
The main reason for the drop is a sharp fall in arrivals from China, one of the most important source markets for Japanese tourism.
Chinese tourists have reduced travel to Japan
The number of Chinese visitors in January decreased by 61 %, following the deterioration of political relations between China i Japan. Tensions escalated following statements by the Japanese government about a possible Chinese attack. Taiwan, which further worsened diplomatic relations between the two countries.
China subsequently warned its citizens against travelling to Japan, which led to a significant reduction in flights between the two countries and Cancellations of more than 50,100 hotel bookings by Chinese guests in Japan.
Chinese tourists are typically one of the most important segments of Japanese tourism. According to data from 2025, they accounted for approximately 20 % of all international arrivals, while participating with 21.2 % total expenditure of foreign visitors.
Growth in arrivals from other markets
Despite a drop in Chinese arrivals, the Japanese tourism market is showing some resilience thanks to an increase in visitors from other countries.
For example
- arrivals from South Korea They have grown 22 %, to a record 1.18 million visitors
- arrivals from Taiwan have increased 17 %
- visitors from United States They have grown 14 %
- growth was also recorded in the markets Thailand i Indonesia
Economist Atsushi Takeda Is Itochu Research Institute it points out how the overall decline in arrivals has been partially mitigated precisely by market diversification.
The impact of Chinese New Year on statistics
Analysts also warn that part of the fall may be statistically conditioned by the shift in dates Lunar New Year, which fell in February this year instead of January. This makes a direct comparison of monthly data somewhat difficult.
However, experts warn that a prolonged political dispute between Beijing and Tokyo could have a more significant impact on tourism flows. Economist Masato Koike Is Sompo Institute Plus recalls that a similar diplomatic crisis between the two countries in 2012 negatively affected Japanese tourism 15 months.
For now, the question remains open whether the market will recover quickly or if geopolitical tensions will continue to affect tourist flows in East Asia.
Source: Japan National Tourism Organisation
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