Key facts
- Japan's foreign visitor numbers decreased by 2% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.
- The number of Chinese travelers to Japan dropped by 56.4% in the first half of 2026.
- Visitors from South Korea, Taiwan, and the U.S. increased during the same period.
- In January 2026, arrivals from China decreased by 61%, contributing to a 4.9% overall drop in inbound visitors.
- South Korea set a record for monthly visitors in January 2026, with 1.18 million arrivals.
The number of foreign visitors to Japan decreased by 2% in the first half of 2026, totaling 21.1 million, primarily due to a significant decline in travelers from China. Data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) revealed that Chinese arrivals more than halved, falling by 56.4% to 2.06 million.
This drop is linked to strained bilateral relations between Japan and China, particularly following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November regarding Japan's potential involvement in a Taiwan contingency. China subsequently advised its citizens against traveling to Japan.
In January 2026 alone, arrivals from China decreased by 61%, contributing to a 4.9% overall decline in inbound visitors for that month. This marked the first monthly drop in visitor numbers since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, and the first decline in four years.
Despite the significant fall in Chinese tourists, visitors from other key markets such as South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States saw increases. South Korea recorded a record 1.18 million visitors in January, a 22% rise year-on-year. Taiwan saw a 17% increase to 694,500 visitors, and U.S. arrivals grew by 14% to 207,800.
Businesses in popular tourist areas, like kimono rental shops in Tokyo's Asakusa district, noted the decrease in Chinese tourists but reported that visitors from other countries were helping to offset the loss, maintaining overall sales.