In May 2025, Japan achieved a remarkable tourism milestone by welcoming over 40,000 Indian visitors in a single month for the first time—totaling 43,000 arrivals. This figure represents a striking 39.6% increase compared to May 2024 and highlights the deepening travel bond between India and Japan.
Several factors contributed to this surge. May remains a preferred travel month for Indians, aligning with summer vacations in India and falling just after Japan’s crowded Golden Week holiday. The timing offers advantages such as better accommodation availability, fewer local tourists, and favorable sightseeing weather—marked by clear skies and mild temperatures. Destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Hiroshima, and Okinawa drew Indian travelers seeking cultural immersion and scenic beauty.
This growth is part of a larger upward trend: from January to May 2025, roughly 142,400 Indian tourists visited Japan, up from 102,100 during the same period in 2024—a 39.6% jump. This consistent increase reflects growing interest among Indian travelers, helped by enhanced flight connections from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, and by simplified visa norms.
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), especially its Delhi office, has played a pivotal role. Targeted marketing campaigns, travel agency partnerships, and cultural programming have successfully promoted Japan’s attractions—from cherry blossoms and heritage sites to modern culinary experiences.
Looking ahead, EXPO 2025 Osaka is poised to amplify this momentum. As part of the lead-up, JNTO is rolling out an innovative Digital NFT Art Collection Campaign. Visitors—including Indian tourists—can collect location-linked NFTs via the EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet, unlocking exclusive digital content, regional insights, and collectible souvenirs. The program encourages exploration of both major cities and lesser-known Japanese regions.
With improved connectivity, strategic promotions, and this fresh digital engagement effort, Japan is strengthening its appeal to Indian travelers. The surge in May 2025 suggests that India will continue to be a vital source market. As Japan enhances cultural, seasonal, and digital experiences, Indian tourists are poised to play an increasingly significant role in shaping Japan’s tourism boom.
