Japan reports over 50 percent increase in foreign arrivals

The Japan National Tourism Organisation’s (JNTO) report for the first half of 2024 shows that more than 17 million tourists made their way to Japan as of 30th June.

The semestral Japan Travel Statistics report showed a 51.2 percent year-on-year increase in foreign arrivals to the country for the period spanning January to June 2024.

June posted the largest number of foreign travellers entering the country, with 3,135,600 as of the month’s end. East Asian tourists made up the bulk of those arrivals, with around 703,300 coming in from South Korea alone.

Surging numbers = concerns for overtourism

While South Korea registered the largest number of tourists to Japan, China was not far behind with 660,900. 

The number of Russian tourists entering the country increased by over 50 percent, rising from 2,381 at the same time last year to 5,600.

But while greater tourist numbers signify an increase in revenues for the tourism, hospitality, and transport sectors, many Japanese citizens raised concerns about overtourism in the post-pandemic era.

Such concerns are valid in light of recent protests in Europe over the negative impact of tourism on locals, particularly in the Spanish city of Barcelona. As a result, Japan and other Asian nations like Indonesia are mulling over measures to prevent overtourism, including the imposition of higher travel taxes, dual pricing models that will be advantageous to locals, as well as stricter security regulations.