Here are 10 key points Japan sees 40% increase in visitors from India in record-breaking tourism year:
- Record Visitor Growth: Japan saw a 40% increase in Indian tourists in 2024, with 233,000 Indian visitors compared to 166,394 in 2023.
- Impressive Year-on-Year Growth: Indian arrivals grew by 83% year-on-year, with 27,206 Indian visitors in 2024.
- Peak Month: May 2024 saw the highest influx of Indian visitors, with 29,068 arrivals, reflecting a 61.6% increase from the previous year.
- MICE Tourism Expansion: There was a notable increase in MICE tourism, with Indian corporate groups exploring destinations like Kansai and Hiroshima for events.
- Improved Air Connectivity: In 2024, the Bengaluru-Tokyo route expanded to five weekly flights, and there are now 26 direct flights per week from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Japan.
- New Codeshare Agreements: New airline codeshare agreements have made travel from various Indian cities to Japan more seamless.
- Promotion of New Destinations: The JNTO Delhi Office is promoting regions beyond Tokyo, such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
- Hokkaido’s Attractions: Hokkaido’s powder snow and vibrant flower fields are being highlighted as key attractions for Indian tourists.
- Tohoku’s Autumn Foliage: The stunning autumn foliage in Tohoku is being marketed to Indian visitors looking for new destinations.
- Expo 2025 Osaka: With Expo 2025 Osaka on the horizon, Japan aims to continue capitalizing on the growth in Indian tourism and attract even more visitors.
Japan Sees Record Number of Indian Tourists in 2024 with 40% Growth
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Delhi Office has announced a major milestone, with a record 233,000 Indian tourists visiting Japan in 2024—an impressive 40% increase from 166,394 visitors in 2023. This surge highlights the growing interest among Indian travelers in Japan’s unique blend of culture, modernity, and natural beauty.
Indian arrivals to Japan surged by 83% year-on-year, reaching 27,206 visitors in 2024. The peak period for this growth was May 2024, a popular month for Indian families traveling during summer holidays. Around 29,068 visitors arrived in Japan that month, reflecting a 61.6% year-on-year increase. This coincided with the end of Japan’s Golden Week, creating a perfect window for Indian tourists to explore the country.
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Growth in MICE Tourism
2024 also saw a rise in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism from India. Indian corporate groups increasingly extended their travel itineraries to cities beyond the typical Tokyo route, including Kansai and Hiroshima. This shift indicates the growing interest of Indian businesses and event planners in exploring diverse destinations for corporate events in Japan.
Improved Connectivity Drives Growth
The surge in tourism can be attributed to better air connectivity and competitive fares. In 2024, the Bengaluru-Tokyo route expanded to five weekly flights. Additionally, the winter 2024-2025 schedule now includes 26 direct flights per week from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Japan. New codeshare agreements between airlines also ensure seamless connectivity from various Indian cities, making travel to Japan easier than ever.
Exploring Beyond Tokyo
While many first-time Indian visitors typically follow the “Golden Route” through Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, the JNTO Delhi Office has been actively promoting other regions of Japan. Destinations like Hokkaido, known for its powder snow and vibrant flower fields, Tohoku’s stunning autumn foliage, and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route’s famous “Snow Wall,” are now being spotlighted. These efforts aim to encourage Indian tourists to explore beyond the traditional routes and discover the diverse landscapes Japan has to offer.
With the upcoming “Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan” on the horizon, Japan is poised to continue capitalizing on this growth, inviting Indian tourists to experience its charm and hospitality like never before.
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