Japan's Tourism Boom: Record Visitors and What Comes Next

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1. 01Japan's Tourism Boom

   Good afternoon, everyone. I grew up in Nara, and when I was a child, I rarely saw foreign tourists. Now, the deer park is full of visitors from all over the world. Today, I'll look at Japan's tourism boom in numbers.

2. 02A New Record

   According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, about thirty-one point nine million foreign visitors came to Japan in 2019. In 2024, the number reached a record thirty-six point nine million.

   Source: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), visitor arrival statistics

3. 03And It Kept Growing

   And the growth continued. In 2025, the number of foreign visitors topped forty million for the first time, according to the Japan Times.

   Source: The Japan Times, "Foreign visitors to Japan topped 40 million in 2025" (January 2026)

4. 04Why Now?

   Why is this happening? From what I hear from visitors, a weaker yen makes Japan feel affordable, and many people want to experience Japanese food and culture they've seen on social media.

5. 05The Benefits

   The benefits are real. Tourists spend money in restaurants, hotels, and small shops, which supports local jobs. They also bring cultural exchange, especially in regions that young people have left.

6. 06The Challenges

   But there are challenges too. In places like Kyoto and parts of Nara, buses and streets can become very crowded, and some residents feel their daily life is disrupted.

7. 07What Could Help

   What could help? Encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known regions, promoting travel outside peak seasons, and sharing simple guides to local rules could make tourism better for everyone.

8. 08Conclusion

   To sum up, Japan's tourism has grown to record levels. The challenge now is to make that growth work for both visitors and the people who live here. Thank you.