Image Credits: Blue Water Healthy Living
Japan experienced an unprecedented surge in foreign visitors for the second consecutive month in July, as a persistently weak yen and the summer holiday season drove a significant tourism boom. According to data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on Friday, the country welcomed 3.29 million international tourists in July, marking a new monthly record and surpassing the previous high of 3.14 million set in June.
The remarkable increase in visitor numbers was notably influenced by school holidays in East Asia and Europe, which contributed to a notable rise in arrivals from these regions. The influx of tourists comes as Japan continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact on global travel. As of July, Japan has seen over 21 million visitors this year, placing it on track to exceed the pre-pandemic annual record of 31.9 million set in 2019.
The weak yen, which reached a 38-year low against the dollar last month, has further bolstered Japan’s appeal as an affordable travel destination. Despite recent strengthening of the yen, the currency’s past weakness has made Japan an attractive option for travelers seeking value.
Data from the JNTO reveals that out of the 23 markets tracked, 19 set new records for July arrivals. This broad-based increase underscores the country’s growing popularity among international tourists and highlights Japan’s successful strategy in leveraging currency fluctuations to boost tourism.
The record-setting performance in visitor numbers reflects Japan’s ongoing recovery and resurgence as a major global tourism hub, demonstrating the country’s enduring appeal and the significant impact of economic factors on international travel trends.