Japan's Record-Breaking Tourism Surge in 2024

Japan has experienced a record-breaking surge in tourism in 2024, with foreign visitors spending ¥5.86 trillion ($39 billion) in the first nine months, surpassing the full-year record of 2023. The weak yen has made Japan an attractive destination, driving a significant increase in tourist numbers, which reached 26.88 million, exceeding the total for last year and setting new monthly records since February. The average spending per visitor was ¥223,000, with Italian tourists spending the most. Increased flights and public holidays in neighboring countries contributed to the rise in visitors, particularly from China, South Korea, and Taiwan. If the current trend continues, Japan is on track to surpass its pre-pandemic tourism record set in 2019, bolstering its economy significantly.