South Korea Joins Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore in Boosting Japan’s Tourism While Chinese Visitor Numbers Tumble, Here is All You Need to Know

Home » Latest Travel News of Japan » South Korea Joins Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore in Boosting Japan’s Tourism While Chinese Visitor Numbers Tumble, Here is All You Need to Know

Published on
February 19, 2026

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Japan’s tourism industry has been through a rollercoaster ride recently, with visitor numbers from several key markets seeing sharp changes. In particular, countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore have all contributed to rising visitor numbers, while China—once a dominant source of tourists to Japan—has seen a significant decline in its numbers. This article will dive into the details of these shifts, offering a comprehensive analysis of the factors driving the influx from specific countries and the sharp drop from China.

South Korea’s Unprecedented Growth: A Record-Breaking Surge

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In January 2026, South Korea made history by becoming the largest source of inbound tourists to Japan, surpassing all previous records. South Korea recorded an astounding 22% year-on-year increase, with more than 1.18 million visitors arriving in Japan, as reported by the Japan National Tourism Organization. This surge is part of a broader trend in the relationship between South Korea and Japan.

In recent years, both countries have seen greater cultural exchange, with an increasing number of South Koreans visiting Japan for tourism, business and leisure. South Korea’s proximity to Japan, coupled with frequent direct flights, has made travel seamless for tourists. With the Lunar New Year festivities earlier this year taking place in mid‑February rather than late January, South Korea also saw a rise in demand for Japan-bound holidays during this period. With these significant numbers, it’s clear that South Korea is now a tourism powerhouse for Japan.

Taiwan’s Steady Rise: Consistent Demand for Japanese Travel

While South Korea has taken the top spot, Taiwan has been making steady and impressive gains in terms of inbound tourism to Japan. In January 2026, Taiwan saw an increase of around 17%, reaching approximately 694,500 visitors. This growth comes on the back of long-standing cultural, economic and social ties between Japan and Taiwan.

Taiwanese tourists have long been fascinated by Japan’s rich history, high-quality shopping and cuisine, making Japan a favorite destination for Taiwanese travelers. Whether it’s the world-famous cherry blossoms in spring or the vibrant shopping districts in Tokyo and Osaka, Taiwanese tourists are returning in increasing numbers. Moreover, government data indicates that Taiwan is a consistent performer in Japan’s inbound tourism, even outperforming other regions like China in terms of spending and engagement in local experiences.

Thailand and Indonesia: A Surge from Southeast Asia

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Southeast Asia is another region making waves in Japan’s tourism growth. Both Thailand and Indonesia have reported steady increases in visitor numbers, contributing significantly to the diversity of Japan’s tourism markets. While exact percentage growth wasn’t available for Thailand and Indonesia in government reports, it’s clear that both countries are becoming increasingly important sources of inbound tourists.

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For instance, Thailand is known for its well-travelled tourists who are seeking cultural exchanges, relaxing beach vacations and an overall upscale experience, which Japan offers in abundance. Similarly, Indonesia’s growth is tied to its growing middle class, which has more disposable income and a desire to travel abroad. Both markets are showing more interest in Japan’s natural beauty, high-tech attractions and historic landmarks. With direct flights and growing commercial ties between Japan and these countries, Thailand and Indonesia are key contributors to Japan’s tourism recovery post-pandemic.

Singapore’s Strong Performance: A Regional Leader in Inbound Tourism

Singapore has also emerged as a significant player in driving Japan’s inbound tourism figures. While the numbers from Singapore are not as large as those from other countries, the increase in visitors is noteworthy. Singaporeans are renowned for their love of travel and Japan has long been a favourite destination. Whether it’s the allure of Japan’s cutting-edge technology or its deeply ingrained traditional culture, Singaporeans are increasingly flocking to Japan. As more flights become available between the two countries, we can expect this trend to continue, contributing to the rise in inbound tourism to Japan.

This influx from Singapore, along with other Southeast Asian countries, demonstrates the importance of Asia’s growing middle class. These tourists are becoming more eager to explore destinations like Japan, thanks to improved economic conditions, accessible travel options and the ever-expanding global middle class’s wanderlust.

China’s Decline: Diplomatic Tensions and Travel Advisories Impacting Tourism

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The most significant and impactful trend in Japan’s tourism landscape has been the dramatic decline in visitors from China. According to official figures from the Japan National Tourism Organization, Chinese arrivals in January 2026 dropped by a staggering 61% from the previous year, marking the sharpest decline in inbound tourism from China in recent memory. The number of visitors from China fell to approximately 385,300.

This drop can be directly attributed to heightened diplomatic tensions between China and Japan. Following comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential military responses to a Chinese attack on Taiwan, China’s government issued an official advisory urging its citizens to avoid travel to Japan. This advisory, issued in November 2025, led to a sharp downturn in Chinese tourism to Japan.

The diplomatic fallout is evident in the numbers, with Chinese tourists—who once constituted a significant portion of Japan’s tourism revenue—now staying away in large numbers. Historically, Chinese visitors accounted for more than 20% of Japan’s inbound tourism spending. The political climate and travel advisories have left a lasting impact on the tourism sector, creating uncertainty for Japan’s economy as it seeks to recover from the pandemic.

The Impact on Japan’s Economy and Tourism Industry

The decline in Chinese tourists is not just a blow to the tourism industry; it has broader implications for Japan’s overall economic recovery. The Chinese market has traditionally been one of the largest sources of spending in Japan’s tourism sector, accounting for around 21.2% of inbound tourism expenditure in 2025.

Economists warn that the dip in Chinese visitors could have long-term effects on Japan’s tourism recovery. Masato Koike, senior economist at Sompo Institute Plus, has pointed out that the last time bilateral relations between China and Japan soured, it took 15 months for Chinese visitor numbers to recover. If the current situation persists, it could severely hinder Japan’s ability to reach its pre‑pandemic tourism levels.

South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore Step Up to Fill the Gap

In the face of the decline from China, the South Korean, Taiwanese, Thai, Indonesian and Singaporean markets are stepping up to fill the gap. This shift represents a more diverse, multi-country approach to Japan’s inbound tourism strategy, with these countries more than compensating for the loss of visitors from China. Their contribution has helped Japan maintain a steady stream of international visitors and even surpass pre-pandemic monthly tourism volumes in recent months.

As the Japanese government looks to address the decline in visitors from China, the rise in South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore shows that Japan’s tourism landscape is becoming increasingly diverse. While Chinese visitors remain an essential part of the picture, these other markets provide stability and ensure Japan’s tourism industry can continue to thrive in the face of challenges.

Looking Ahead: Japan’s Tourism Strategy in a Changing Global Landscape

As Japan continues to recover from the pandemic and navigate its complex diplomatic situation with China, tourism diversification will play a crucial role. The growing numbers of visitors from South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore provide optimism for Japan’s tourism sector.

Looking forward, Japan’s tourism authorities will likely focus on fostering relationships with these key regional markets while finding ways to manage and improve the strained relations with China. With South Korea now leading the charge and Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore contributing significantly, Japan’s tourism future looks increasingly global and diverse.

The rise in these specific inbound markets signals a broader shift towards Southeast Asia and East Asia, reflecting a global tourism trend that is becoming more regional and interconnected. As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, the tourism dynamics of Japan are being reshaped—led by the countries that have shown resilience and growth.