Japan Tourism Spending Reaches Record Levels in 2025
International visitor spending in Japan surged to ¥9.5 trillion in 2025, marking the highest level ever recorded. According to preliminary data from the Japan Tourism Agency, spending rose 16.4% year on year, increasing by more than ¥1.3 trillion compared with 2024.
This sharp rise came as Japan welcomed more than 40 million international visitors during the year. While average spending per visitor increased only modestly, the sheer scale of arrivals pushed total consumption close to the ¥10 trillion milestone.
Visitor Numbers Drive Growth More Than Individual Spending
Average spending per international visitor edged up just 0.9% to ¥229,000 in 2025. However, total expenditure expanded rapidly because visitor volumes climbed to unprecedented levels.
In addition, accommodation costs jumped significantly. As a result, tourism-related inflation amplified the overall economic impact of inbound travel, even though per capita spending remained relatively stable.
Lodging Leads All Spending Categories
Accommodation accounted for the largest share of international visitor spending. Lodging outlays reached ¥3.5 trillion, rising 26.7% year on year. Higher hotel prices and strong occupancy rates fueled this growth.
Meanwhile, shopping ranked second at ¥2.5 trillion, posting a 6.4% increase. Food and beverage spending followed closely at ¥2.1 trillion, up 18.8%, reflecting strong demand for dining and local culinary experiences.
Together, these three categories formed the backbone of Japan’s tourism-driven consumption boom.
China, Taiwan, and the United States Dominate Total Spending
By country and region, China led total spending with ¥2.0 trillion, representing 21.2% of all visitor expenditure. Taiwan followed with ¥1.2 trillion (12.8%), while the United States contributed ¥1.1 trillion (11.9%).
South Korea and Hong Kong rounded out the top five. Combined, these markets generated over 60% of total international visitor spending in Japan.
European Visitors Spend the Most Per Person
Although Asian travelers dominated total outlays, European visitors topped the rankings for average individual spending. Germany led with ¥394,000 per visitor, an 18.2% increase from the previous year.
Britain and Australia followed closely, each averaging around ¥390,000 per traveler. In contrast, average spending by Chinese visitors declined 11.0%, while spending by travelers from Hong Kong fell 9.2%.
Tourism Strengthens Japan’s Post-Pandemic Economy
The record surge in international visitor spending underscores tourism’s growing role in Japan’s economic recovery. As global travel normalized, Japan benefited from currency dynamics, pent-up demand, and its strong appeal as a cultural and culinary destination.
Looking ahead, policymakers and businesses expect tourism to remain a key growth engine. However, rising accommodation costs and capacity constraints may shape spending patterns in 2026.
Bottom Line
International visitor spending in Japan reached ¥9.5 trillion in 2025, driven primarily by record tourist arrivals and higher lodging costs. While individual spending growth stayed modest, Japan’s tourism sector delivered one of its strongest economic performances on record, reinforcing its importance to the broader economy.
