Japan recorded its busiest tourism year ever in 2025, attracting 42.7 million travellers from around the world. Freepik
Japan recorded its strongest tourism year ever in 2025, with visitors arriving in record numbers from around the world. New figures showed that Canada played a major role in this growth, helping Japan reach new highs for both visitor arrivals and travel spending.
Canada Emerges as a Key Growth Market
Travel from Canada to Japan rose sharply last year. More than 688,000 Canadians visited Japan in 2025, compared with 579,445 the year before. This marked an increase of 18 per cent and confirmed Canada as one of Japan’s fastest-growing visitor markets.
Officials said Canadian travellers continued to show strong interest in Japan’s culture, food, and seasonal experiences. From historic cities to countryside destinations, many visitors chose to explore beyond the largest urban centres.
Global Tourism Reaches New Highs
Japan welcomed about 42.7 million international travellers in 2025. This figure reflected a 16 per cent increase from the previous year and marked the second year in a row that the country reached an all-time high for inbound tourism.
Tourism leaders credited steady global demand and improved air connections for the continued growth. They also noted rising interest in regional travel, which helped spread economic benefits across the country.
Officials Welcome Strong Canadian Interest
“We are deeply appreciative that so many travellers chose Japan last year,” said Ms. Yuka Suzuki, Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organization Toronto office.
“Canadian travellers have long connected with Japan’s rich cultural experiences and we were thrilled to see such strong enthusiasm from this market. We will continue to shine a spotlight on the country’s many rural treasures in the year to come.”
Visitor Spending Breaks Records
Tourism spending also climbed to new levels. Visitors spent more than $84 billion CAD in Japan during 2025, setting another record. Tourism officials said partnerships with travel agencies and regional groups helped the country exceed government targets for spending and overnight stays.
Regional tourism has taken on a larger role in supporting balanced economic growth. Smaller cities and rural areas benefited as travellers sought unique experiences outside major hubs.
Long-Term Goals Take Shape
With momentum continuing, Japan aims to welcome 60 million international visitors by 2030. Tourism planners said steady growth from markets like Canada supports this long-term goal while strengthening local economies across the country.
Air Links Between Canada and Japan Expand
Air travel between Canada and Japan also continues to grow. In December 2026, Air Canada will introduce its first non-stop service to Sapporo. The new Vancouver–Sapporo route will operate three times a week and run through March 2027, offering Canadians direct access to Hokkaido for the first time.
Tourism officials said improved air access will encourage more Canadians to explore new regions of Japan in the years ahead.
