japan income from tourism

Japan Tourism Revenues

Tourism revenues in japan decreased to 10501000 jpy thousand in january from 14949000 jpy thousand in december of 2023. tourism revenues in japan averaged 5687118.28 jpy thousand from 1985 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 29067000.00 jpy thousand in october of 2019 and a record low of 39000.00 jpy thousand in may of 2020. source: ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, japan,   markets,   gdp,   labour,   prices,   money,   trade,   government,   business,   consumer,   housing,   taxes,   health,   climate.

Japan-bound Statistics

Time series data-set related to Overseas Residents’ Visit to Japan can be downloaded.

Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan 10 April 2024

• According to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the estimated number of international travelers to Japan in February 2024 was 2,788,000 (+7.1% compared to 2019).

Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan (Estimated figures)

2,788,000 Visits

YOY　 +89.0％

January to February

5,476,100 Visits

1.1 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by month

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

1.2 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by year　 Annual

Overseas residents' visits to japan by country and region 12 april 2024.

• Looking at the number of international travelers to Japan by country/region in February 2024, South Korea had the highest number of foreign visitors to Japan at 818,500, followed by Taiwan at 502,200, and China at 459,400.

1.3 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by Country and Region

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Figures until December 2023 are provisional. Figures up to January 2024 are estimate.

1.4 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by country or region, 2023　 Annual

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) *Provisional

1.5 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by Region　 Annual

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Figures until 2022 are final. Figures in 2023 are provisional.

Download time series dataset .xlsx

Statistics of Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan (Historical figures/by Country/by purpose)

EXCEL formatted file/ 810kB Modified: 05 April 2024

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Japan’s Travel & Tourism Sector Nears Pre-pandemic Recovery Despite Lengthy Restrictions

Sector’s contribution only 6.8% behind 2019 high Travel & Tourism projected to support nearly 6.7 million jobs by 2033  

London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council’s ( WTTC ) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals Japan’s Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution is forecast to reach USD 285.5 billion (JPY 37.6 trillion) this year.

This figure is only 6.8% shy of to the 2019 pre-pandemic high of USD 306.5 billion (JPY 40.3 trillion), and by end of year the sector could represent 6.8% of the total economy.

Despite the effects of the pandemic spanning into 2023 in Japan, WTTC is forecasting for the sector to create around 470,000 jobs this year, to reach nearly 5.6 million. This means around one in twelve workers in Japan, are directly or indirectly employed in the Travel & Tourism sector. 

While the sector is still shy of 300,000 jobs to reach pre-pandemic levels, by the end of this year it will only be 5.2% below 2019 levels.

International visitor spend in Japan is forecast to surge by 553.4% this year to reach USD 16.8 billion (JPY 2.2 trillion), still 57.6% below the 2019 peak.

A look back on last year

Last year the sector’s GDP contribution grew by 50.5% to reach more than USD 257 billion (JPY 33.9 trillion), representing 6.2% of the economy.

The sector saw jobs increase in 2022, from the previous year, to nearly 5.1 million jobs nationally – one in 13 jobs across Japan.

International visitor spend in Japan declined in 2022 as the effects of prolonged travel restrictions continued to have a chokehold on the sector. International visitor spend declined a by more than 31%, remaining 93.5% below 2019 levels.

Domestic visitor spend grew by 61.6% last year, virtually returning to 2019 levels, only 0.2% behind.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travel & Tourism is an important driver of economic growth and job creation to Japan. We predict a significant boost to the global Travel & Tourism sector as residents begin to travel once again. 

“The economic ripple effect of this sector is awe-inspiring. It stimulates job creation, from tour guides and hotel staff to local artisans and transportation providers.

“International travel will be essential to achieve the long-awaited recovery. We must nurture and support this sector, finding innovative ways to attract visitors and ensure their comfort. By doing so, we not only boost our economy but also support livelihoods and local communities.”

Hiroyuki Takahashi, JTB Corp. Chairperson of the Board, said: “As the global demand to visit Japan is extremely high and growing, we, JTB Corp., are working together with the public and private sectors and developing new tourism attractions to expand the capacity in rural areas.

“Adventure tourism would be the innovative driver to address to these demands and challenges.  “With a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and unforgettable experiences, we envision a future where Japan's Travel & Tourism sector thrives.”

Isao Takashiro, JAT Chairman and CEO, said: “Thanks to the government's efforts and a resurgence in travel demand, our domestic terminal passengers have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. This remarkable recovery showcases the resilience of our sector.

“Haneda Airport's international terminal is on track to surpass 18 million passengers by the end of this year, despite challenges faced. With increased slots and capacity, and anticipated growth in inbound demand, we project exceeding 25 million passengers by 2025.”

“As an essential gateway to Japan, we remain committed to enhancing the passenger’s experience, with new international flight facilities and attractive commercial amenities.” 

In 2022, the top source markets for international visitors to Japan were South Korea (24%), mainland China (10%), Taiwan, China (10%), U.S. (8%) and Hong Kong, China (7%). 

What does the next decade look like?

The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to  USD 353.4 billion (JPY 46.5 trillion) by 2033, nearly 8% of the Japanese economy, and will employ 6.7 million people across the country, with one in ten Japanese residents working in the sector.

Asia-Pacific

In 2022, the Asia-Pacific Travel & Tourism sector contributed USD 1.6 trillion to the regional economy, but this is still 50% behind the 2019 peak. WTTC forecasts the region’s GDP contribution from the sector will reach more than USD 2.6 trillion in 2023 – just 16% below the 2019 highpoint.

The sector employed over 155 million people across the region in 2022, an increase of 8.7 million from the previous year but still 15% behind pre-pandemic levels. WTTC forecasts the sector will fully recover the jobs lost during the pandemic by the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.  

Download Press Release

Editors Notes

The research was carried out in partnership with Oxford Economics with information sourced from UNWTO, Oxford Economics and national sources. All values are in constant 2022 prices and exchange rates, as reported in March 2023.

The Economic Impact Research defines Asia-Pacific as all countries in Asia and Oceania. Monetary figures for Japan are in JPY. Monetary figures for the Asia-Pacific region are in USD.  

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Julia Simpson, World Travel & Tourism Council President & CEO Addresses guests at ITB Opening Ceremony in Berlin

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Japan Tourism Revenue

• Japan's Tourism Revenue reached 11 USD bn in Dec 2020, compared with 49 USD bn in the previous year
• Japan's Tourism Revenue data is updated yearly, available from Dec 1995 to Dec 2020
• The data reached an all-time high of 49,209 USD mn in Dec 2019 and a record low of 4,894 USD mn in Dec 1995

View Japan's Tourism Revenue from 1995 to 2020 in the chart:

What was Japan's Tourism Revenue in 2020?

Japan's Tourism Revenue reached 11 USD bn in Dec 2020, compared with 49 USD bn in the previous year See the table below for more data.

Tourism Revenue by Country Comparison

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Tourism in Japan

Development of the tourism sector in japan from 1995 to 2020.

Mix of tradition and technology

Revenues from tourism.

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Our extended tourism-related statistics database, from general industry information to detailed visitor numbers split by regions and demographics are available here, to help you understand the specifics of Japan travel.

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Japan's Tourism Industry Taking Off 

Tourism is a growing industry in Japan, and it has the potential to contribute meaningfully to economic growth over the next decade as the country deregulates the industry, opens casinos, and welcomes foreign visitors to the Olympic Games in 2020.

Key Takeaways

• Tourism has the potential to be a positive economic influence in Japan
• The country is set to meet the government’s target of 40 million tourists by 2020
• The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo provide an opportunity for Japan to expand its tourist base beyond Asia

A decade ago, few tourists visited Japan in comparison with other international destinations. However, over the past five years, the number of tourists has increased by over 24% annually, and the number is expected to continue to rise. With the average tourist spending $1,321 in Q2 2018, tourism in total currently equates to approximately 0.8% of Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP), although the broader impact is estimated to equal about 2.2% of GDP. We believe tourism has the potential for robust growth, and as it expands, its impact on overall economic growth could be significant.

Promoting Tourism

The government has made tourism an important part of its goal to reach 600 trillion yen ($5 trillion) in nominal GDP by 2020. Over the last couple of years, the government has enacted a series of policy changes aimed at turning Japan into a “tourism-oriented country,” which include the relaxation of visa requirements and an increase in the number of low-cost air carrier routes. In 2018, a record 31 million tourists visited Japan, an 8% increase over 2017. 1 Visitors from Asian countries continue to dominate, with tourists from China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand accounting for 75% of total visits in November 2018.

Growth Potential

We believe tourism in Japan has ample room to grow, as the total number of visitors remains small compared to many other countries. For example, in France, the world’s top tourist destination with 87 million foreign tourists in 2017, the tourism industry accounted for 9% of GDP in 2017. Tokyo was ranked 9th in terms of international visitor spending in 2017. However, total expenditures of almost $12 billion were still substantially lower than the $17 billion tourists spent in London or Singapore.

Casino resorts could further boost tourism growth. In December 2016, the Japanese parliament approved a bill to legalize casino gambling, and in July 2018 authorized the construction of three resort casinos. The first is likely to open in 2025, and total gaming revenue from all three is expected to top $12 billion. The Asia-Pacific region has become the largest casino gambling market, with revenue in Macau reaching nearly $38 billion in 2018. 3 By comparison, gaming revenue in Las Vegas is expected to be about $6 billion in 2018.

2020 Olympic Games

The 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo are likely to be a big draw for tourists to Japan. In preparation for the games, it is estimated that Japan will spend approximately 6 trillion yen ($53 billion) on transportation infrastructure, including expanding ports, increasing airport capacity, and strengthening transportation hubs. 4

The 2020 Games will provide an opportunity to showcase Japan’s technological know-how. Plans include the creation of an Olympic robot village to help guests with directions, transportation, and translation. Japan plans to impress athletes and tourists with autonomous taxis, 5G wireless technology, and superspeed magnetic levitation trains and hopes to draw visitors from all over the world, including the U.S. and Europe. 5

An Opportunity to Benefit from Japan’s Growth

Tourism is one of many areas contributing to the recovery of Japan’s economy. For investors seeking exposure to Japan’s potential growth, consider the Hennessy Japan Fund (HJPNX/HJPIX) and the Hennessy Japan Small Cap Fund (HJPSX/HJSIX), both offering “best ideas” portfolios. The Japan Fund is comprised of globally oriented mid- to large-cap companies. The Japan Small Cap Fund invests in smaller-cap, more domestically focused companies.

Both Funds are sub-advised by Tokyo-based SPARX Asset Management. As one of the largest and most experienced independent Asia-based asset management specialists, SPARX’s “feet on the street” research team provides a significant and crucial advantage for shareholders.

• In this article:
• Japan Small Cap Fund

1. Japan National Tourism Organization.

2. International tourism, number of arrivals, The World Bank.

3. Bloomberg

4. Cooper, Chris and Matsuda, Kiyotaka. “Abe Plans $61 Billion Infrastructure Spending for Japan Revival,” Bloomberg.com, August 2, 2016.

5. Futurism.com.

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Japan wants you to spend more with ‘luxury tourism’

Japan is gearing up to attract affluent tourists to lesser-known destinations, offering opportunities for an authentic experience of culture, craftsmanship and nature as a record number of foreign travelers come to the country.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) aims to increase the number of "luxury tourists" — defined as those who spend more than ¥1 million per person during their stay.

In 2019, this demographic comprised just 1% of overall visitors but they contributed to 14% of total spending .

“From the perspective of increasing consumption in rural regions, we want to strategically attract visitors by refining the content we offer and building networks through which we can promote businesses,” said JNTO director Rieko Nakayama.

Added Ryo Ito, a JNTO official in charge of the promotion of luxury tourism, “These luxury tourists tend to have high levels of curiosity and are interested in authentic experiences that are unique to specific areas, which goes hand in hand with (our goal of) promoting rural tourism."

“However, there are still some issues that need to be addressed in attracting visitors to these rural areas.”

While there is a lot of hidden potential in rural areas, they need support in order to make them marketable and accessible to tourists, as well as profitable for locals, particularly since businesses in these regions tend to be short on staff.

JNTO has identified four areas in which support is needed:

• marketability: content unique to the area needs to be refined in ways that would help it attract high-end tourists.
• accommodation: luxury hotels need to be built where there is a shortage.
• human resources: tour guides and hospitality workers need to be hired ahead of the arrival of tourists.
• connections: networks need to be established with overseas companies to get information about local attractions out to prospective tourists.

Even though many rural areas want to attract more high-end tourists, most of them don’t have sufficient means or the right infrastructure to do so.

Being aware of the problems that such rural areas face, the government began efforts to tackle these issues by first designating 11 model tourism destinations across the nation last year, including the Hokuriku region and the southern islands of Okinawa and Amami.

In February, JNTO invited 32 foreign travel companies that cater to affluent tourists to meet with 40 domestic luxury hotels and destination management companies to showcase what Japan's towns and villages can offer.

Feedback from the foreign travel companies who were taken on a familiarization trip to some of the areas within the 11 destinations — from Kanazawa and Fukui prefectures to the Setouchi inland sea area — showed keen interest.

The most popular activities were ones that included interaction with resident professionals such as traditional craftsmen in the Hokuriku area, demonstrating that local connections may just be the key selling point for Japan's luxury tourism push.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

A Gen Xer who got $250,000 in student loans forgiven said he can now finally start saving for retirement — and consider his dream of studying in India

• Joel Lambdin, 49, received $250,000 in student-loan forgiveness in January.
• It's a result of the Education Department's one-time account adjustments.
• Lambdin said the relief would allow him to save for retirement and consider long-term dreams.

Joel Lambdin finished graduate school in 1998 — but as a professional musician, he was hardly making enough money to pay off his student loans and other bills.

So Lambdin, now 49, said his only option to make ends meet was to put his student loans in forbearance — in which he was not making payments but interest was still accumulating .

"It was just so that I could subsist, so that I could survive," Lambdin told Business Insider. "With the hope that at some point, I would be making enough money that I would be able to take them out of forbearance and start paying them down."

But he grew to realize that the only way he could make a significant dent in his student loans was by switching careers. He didn't want to do that because he loved working in music, so he decided to keep his larger student loan in forbearance and begin paying off his smaller loan with a lower monthly payment.

He continued making those payments until the pandemic pause on student-loan payments , at which point he and his wife started making a plan of action to tackle the larger debt once the pause ended. That led them to discover the Education Department's initiative allowing some borrowers a one-time account adjustment . It lets the department evaluate borrowers' accounts and update payment progress toward forgiveness on income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, including any payments made during a forbearance period.

That account adjustment led to a letter Lambdin received on January 31, reviewed by BI, from his student-loan servicer Aidvantage. It said: "Congratulations! The Biden-Harris Administration has forgiven your federal student loan(s) listed below with Aidvantage in full."

For Lambdin, that letter meant his $249,255 outstanding student-loan balance was effectively wiped out.

"It had started to feel like my fate was being decided for me by the cold hand of finance," Lambdin said, "and that was a weight that I didn't realize was there until it wasn't there."

He added: "The feeling was much more like putting down a backpack that was really full of books that you got used to. And then you put it down, and you're like, 'Oh, man, that feels so much better.' It's more like that, rather than sort of a jump-for-joy kind of situation."

While Lambdin is still working to determine what exactly the relief will mean for him and his wife, he said, discussing retirement is "a much more present conversation now" because contributing to savings is viable after the relief. He can also begin to look into buying a home.

Related stories

The Education Department continues to cancel student debt through its one-time account adjustments, a process it plans to complete this summer. Most recently, the department wiped out $7.4 billion in student debt for 277,000 borrowers , some of whom benefited from the adjustments.

Beyond financial goals, Lambdin said the relief was also allowing him the freedom to pursue some of his long-term dreams, including taking a sabbatical to study with his meditation teacher in India.

"It's something that I wouldn't have been able to even consider doing if we had to pay off student loans, but without them, it's something that I can really seriously consider doing," he said. "And so those are the kinds of things that I think get really lost in the monetary side of the conversation about debt relief."

'I've been really lucky'

While Lambdin said he felt as though he earned the relief given his decades of payments, he recognized that it's not that easy for many other borrowers.

For example, as BI has previously reported , some borrowers who might qualify for relief through different repayment programs may not have gotten it yet because of paperwork backlogs and administrative errors. On top of that, funding for federal student-loan servicers is strained — meaning many borrowers face hourslong hold times and cannot get clear answers from customer service regarding their payment progress.

"There are some real horror stories out there, and I've been really lucky in that I haven't experienced the kinds of shenanigans that other people have experienced," Lambdin said. "So I actually feel very lucky that things have transpired the way they have."

Some of those horror stories include inaccurate payment projections and delayed billing statements . When it comes to student-loan forgiveness, some borrowers told BI that their servicer made a mistake with the forgiveness , reinstating their payments months later.

The Education Department has said it's aware of the challenges borrowers face and has established an accountability framework to punish servicers when they fail to fulfill their contractual obligations.

The department is also in the process of crafting its new plan for student-loan forgiveness — it recently released the draft text of the rules , which included relief for borrowers with unpaid interest and those who have been in repayment for at least 20 years.

As for Lambdin, he's still figuring out how to approach life without student debt hanging over his head. But now he can consider various options, and he can thank the loan forgiveness for that freedom.

"There's a certain amount of waiting for the other shoe to drop because it's not that I don't trust that it's happening but just that the debt has been with me for so long, and then it's not there," Lambdin said. "And it's something that I think really takes some getting used to."

Watch: Biden announces who can have $10,000 erased in student loans

• Main content

Arrivals set to soar amid holidays in East Asia

Chinese and Japanese tourists are expected to flock to Thailand during the Labour Day holiday and Japan's Golden Week, driving arrivals to 996,000, up 29% from the corresponding period last year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

During the holiday period that runs from April 26 to May 5, Thailand is projected to welcome 89,000 foreign arrivals per day -- 10% higher than the average -- mainly attributed to public holidays in several countries, said Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and South Pacific at TAT.

He said tourism income should reach 32.3 billion baht, representing 35% growth year-on-year.

With five to seven days of public holidays taking place in China and Japan during this period, the two markets will help a great deal to stimulate tourism expenditure, said Mr Chattan.

Roughly 230,000 Chinese travellers are expected to travel during this period, which would be an increase of 75% year-on-year. Spending by Chinese tourists is forecast to reach 9.1 billion baht, up 144% year-on-year.

Chinese tourists will begin their trips 1-5 days prior to the Labour Day holiday that takes place during May 1-5, he said.

Japanese tourists will start travelling on April 26, ahead of the Golden Week holiday that takes place between April 29 and May 5, said Mr Chattan.

Around 41,000 Japanese tourists would visit Thailand during this period, up 30% from the corresponding period last year. Revenue is projected to soar 76% to 1.39 billion baht.

Mr Chattan said the permanent visa-free scheme between Thailand and China and overall resumption of flights will help boost the market.

Many airlines would increase their flights during the period that includes these holidays to cater to growing demand. Spring Airlines will increase its flights from Shanghai and Shantou to Bangkok, China Southern Airlines will increase its flights from Guangzhou to Bangkok and Phuket, and Xiamen Airlines will increase its flights from Xiamen to Bangkok.

Japanese tourists ranked Bangkok as their third most preferred destination during the Golden Week holiday period behind Seoul and Taipei, according to online travel platform Expedia.

JTB, the largest travel agency in Japan, has forecast that there will be 520,000 outbound travellers from Japan during the Golden Week holiday, up 68% from the corresponding period last year. The most popular destination is South Korea, followed by Southeast Asia, according to JTB.

Mr Chattan said TAT's overseas offices in Japan and China launched promotional campaigns with partner organisations at the beginning of this year to boost the market during the holiday period.

These include joint promotions with AirAsia targeting Japanese travellers, and taking tourism operators from Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya on a road show to major Chinese cities, such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Kunming, he added.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism expenditure distribution in Japan 2013-2022, by segment

How does japan’s inbound tourism industry compare internationally, which sectors of domestic tourism generate revenue, distribution of domestic and foreign travelers' contribution to tourism expenditure in japan from 2013 to 2022, by segment.

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2013 to 2022

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• Number of Japanese overseas travelers 2013-2022

Leisure Travel

• Number of domestic travels in Japan 2013-2022
• Most desired destinations for domestic overnight travel in Japan 2023
• Distribution of outbound travelers from Japan 2019, by purpose of travel
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Statistics on " Leisure travel in Japan "

• Distribution of domestic travels in Japan 2021, by type
• Number of domestic holiday, leisure and recreational trips in Japan 2013-2022
• Number of inbound tourist arrivals in Japan 2022, by purpose of stay
• Share of people going on domestic overnight leisure travels in Japan 2017-2022
• Share of people doing domestic overnight leisure travels Japan 2022 by gender and age
• Average number of overnight leisure travels per person in Japan 2016-2022
• Share of people going on domestic one-day leisure travels in Japan 2017-2022
• Share of people doing domestic one-day leisure travels Japan 2022, by gender and age
• Average number of one-day leisure travels per person in Japan 2016-2022
• Number of domestic overnight trips for recreation in Japan 2016-2022
• Number of domestic overnight trips for recreation in Japan 2022, by age
• Monthly number of domestic overnight trips for recreation in Japan 2022
• Number of domestic overnight leisure travels in Japan 2022, by type
• Number of domestic one-day trips for recreation in Japan 2016-2022
• Number of domestic one-day trips for recreation in Japan 2022, by age
• Monthly number of domestic one-day trips for recreation in Japan 2022
• Tourism spending in Japan 2022, by travel type
• Domestic leisure travel expenditure in Japan 2021, by prefecture
• Expenses on domestic overnight travel for recreation in Japan 2016-2022
• Expenses on domestic overnight travel for recreation in Japan 2022, by age
• Expenses on domestic one-day travel for recreation in Japan 2016-2022
• Expenses on domestic one-day travel for recreation in Japan 2022, by age
• Unit price of domestic overnight leisure travel in Japan 2016-2022
• Per trip expenditure during domestic overnight leisure travel in Japan 2022, by type
• Per trip expenditure on domestic overnight leisure travel in Japan 2022, by age
• Per trip expenditure on domestic overnight leisure travel in Japan 2022, by type
• Unit price of domestic one-day leisure travel in Japan 2016-2022
• Per trip expenditure during domestic one-day leisure travel in Japan 2022, by type
• Leading activities of domestic overnight leisure travelers in Japan FY 2021
• Leading travel constellations for domestic overnight travel in Japan FY 2021
• Impact of COVID-19 on domestic leisure travel in Japan 2020-2023, by month
• Desired information when deciding on travel destination in Japan 2022
• Leading reasons to suspend domestic travels in Japan 2021
• Market value of the travel agency industry in Japan 2015-2022
• Transaction value of agent-organized tours in Japan 2013-2022
• Use of travel agencies on domestic overnight leisure trips in Japan 2022, by type
• Use of travel agencies on domestic one-day leisure trips in Japan 2022, by type
• Average unit price of agent-organized domestic tours in Japan 2013-2022
• Average unit price of agent-organized outbound tours in Japan 2013-2022
• Average unit price of organized tours for foreign visitors in Japan 2013-2022

Other statistics that may interest you Leisure travel in Japan

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic travels in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Distribution of domestic travels in Japan 2021, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic holiday, leisure and recreational trips in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of Japanese overseas travelers 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Distribution of outbound travelers from Japan 2019, by purpose of travel
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound tourist arrivals in Japan 2022, by purpose of stay

Travel participation

• Premium Statistic Share of people going on domestic overnight leisure travels in Japan 2017-2022
• Basic Statistic Share of people doing domestic overnight leisure travels Japan 2022 by gender and age
• Premium Statistic Average number of overnight leisure travels per person in Japan 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Share of people going on domestic one-day leisure travels in Japan 2017-2022
• Premium Statistic Share of people doing domestic one-day leisure travels Japan 2022, by gender and age
• Premium Statistic Average number of one-day leisure travels per person in Japan 2016-2022

Number of trips

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight trips for recreation in Japan 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight trips for recreation in Japan 2022, by age
• Premium Statistic Monthly number of domestic overnight trips for recreation in Japan 2022
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight leisure travels in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic one-day trips for recreation in Japan 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic one-day trips for recreation in Japan 2022, by age
• Premium Statistic Monthly number of domestic one-day trips for recreation in Japan 2022

Overall expenditure

• Premium Statistic Tourism spending in Japan 2022, by travel type
• Premium Statistic Domestic leisure travel expenditure in Japan 2021, by prefecture
• Premium Statistic Expenses on domestic overnight travel for recreation in Japan 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Expenses on domestic overnight travel for recreation in Japan 2022, by age
• Premium Statistic Expenses on domestic one-day travel for recreation in Japan 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Expenses on domestic one-day travel for recreation in Japan 2022, by age

Trip expenses

• Premium Statistic Unit price of domestic overnight leisure travel in Japan 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Per trip expenditure during domestic overnight leisure travel in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Per trip expenditure on domestic overnight leisure travel in Japan 2022, by age
• Premium Statistic Per trip expenditure on domestic overnight leisure travel in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Unit price of domestic one-day leisure travel in Japan 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Per trip expenditure during domestic one-day leisure travel in Japan 2022, by type

Travel characteristics and trends

• Premium Statistic Most desired destinations for domestic overnight travel in Japan 2023
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• Premium Statistic Leading travel constellations for domestic overnight travel in Japan FY 2021
• Premium Statistic Impact of COVID-19 on domestic leisure travel in Japan 2020-2023, by month
• Premium Statistic Desired information when deciding on travel destination in Japan 2022
• Premium Statistic Leading reasons to suspend domestic travels in Japan 2021

Package tours and agencies

• Premium Statistic Market value of the travel agency industry in Japan 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Transaction value of agent-organized tours in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Use of travel agencies on domestic overnight leisure trips in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Use of travel agencies on domestic one-day leisure trips in Japan 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Average unit price of agent-organized domestic tours in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Average unit price of agent-organized outbound tours in Japan 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Average unit price of organized tours for foreign visitors in Japan 2013-2022

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More than just a bowl of noodles, ramen in Japan is an experience and a tourist attraction

Spicy, steaming, slurpy ramen may be everyone’s favorite Japanese food. In Tokyo, long lines circle around blocks, and waiting an hour for your favorite ramen is normal. What awaits might just be a dive, but a hot bowl of ramen rarely fails to hit the spot. (AP Video/Hiromi Tanoue and Ayaka McGill)

A staff member prepares small bowls of noodle for participants of Tokyo Ramen Tours at Shinbusakiya, a ramen shop which offers “Hokkaido classics,” at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

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Participants eat the noodle at Shinbusakiya, a ramen shop which offers “Hokkaido classics,” during Tokyo Ramen Tours at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Frank Striegl, standing at center, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, explains foreign participants of a ramen tasting tour at Nagi which offers “Fukuoka fusion,” type ramen at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Frank Striegl, center, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, leads several participants of a ramen tasting tour near Shibuya pedestrian crossing at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Participants of Tokyo Ramen Tours enter Shinbusakiya, a ramen shop which offers “Hokkaido classics,” at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Chefs prepare noodles for participants of Tokyo Ramen Tours at Syuuichi, which means “once a week,” featuring curry-flavored ramen, at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Frank Striegl, bottom right, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, explains participants of a ramen tasting tour at Nagi, which offers “Fukuoka fusion,” type ramen at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A staff member prepares to serve noodles for participants of Tokyo Ramen Tours at Syuuichi, which means “once a week,” featuring curry-flavored ramen, at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A chef cooks noodle for participants of Tokyo Ramen Tours at Nagi, which offers “Fukuoka fusion,” type ramen at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Frank Striegl, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, walks inside Nagi, which offers “Fukuoka fusion,” type ramen at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Frank Striegl, right, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, explains foreign participants of a ramen tasting tour at Shinbusakiya, a ramen shop which offers “Hokkaido classics,” at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A staff member cooks one of their ramen merchandise sold online at Gourmet Innovation, in Tokyo Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Gourmet Innovation has signed on 250 of the country’s top ramen joints to sell packaged versions of their soup, noodles and toppings, to be heated up in boiling water and served at home. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A staff member cooks one of their ramen merchandise sold online at Gourmet Innovation in Tokyo, on April 10, 2024. Gourmet Innovation has signed on 250 of the country’s top ramen joints to sell packaged versions of their soup, noodles and toppings, to be heated up in boiling water and served at home. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Co-founder and executive Kenichi Nomaguchi of Tokyo-based Gourmet Innovation, explains on the merchandise during an interview with The Associated Press, in Tokyo on April 10, 2024. Gourmet Innovation has signed on 250 of the country’s top ramen joints to sell packaged versions of their soup, noodles and toppings, to be heated up in boiling water and served at home. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Co-founder and executive Kenichi Nomaguchi of Gourmet Innovation, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Tokyo, on April 10, 2024. Gourmet Innovation has signed on 250 of the country’s top ramen joints to sell packaged versions of their soup, noodles and toppings, to be heated up in boiling water and served at home. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Kota Kobayashi prepares a bowl of noodle at his chain called “Ore No Ikiru Michi” in Tokyo on April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Kota Kobayashi, owner of a chain ramen shop called “Ore No Ikiru Michi,” speaks during an interview with The Associated Press on April 17, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

TOKYO (AP) — Spicy, steaming, slurpy ramen might be everyone’s favorite Japanese food.

In Tokyo, long lines circle around blocks, and waiting an hour for your ramen is normal. What awaits might be just a dive, but a hot bowl of ramen rarely fails to hit the spot.

Often cooked right before your eyes behind dingy counters, the noodle dish starts here at around 1,000 yen ($6.50), and comes in various flavors and local versions. There’s salty, soy-based “shoyu” or “miso” paste. Perhaps it’s red-hot spicy with a dash of chili. Sometimes there’s no soup at all but a sauce to dip the noodles in.

The curly noodles are lighter than the darker buckwheat “soba,” or “udon,” which are also usually flatter or thicker.

GLOBAL SUCCESS

Ramen has also surged in popularity in the U.S. , South Korea and other countries. Retail sales in the United States have risen 72% since 2000, according to NielsenIQ, a sales tracker. In the 52 weeks ending April 13, Americans bought more than $1.6 billion worth of ramen.

In restaurants, versions beyond the traditional soup are appearing, said Technomic, a research and consulting company for the restaurant industry. Del Taco, a Mexican chain, recently introduced Shredded Beef Birria Ramen, for example.

Packaged ramen that’s easily cooked in hot water at home is called instant noodles; it’s precooked and then dried. The story of how Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen in a backyard shed in 1958, when food was still scarce, is the stuff of legend in Japan . He went on to found the food giant Nissin Foods.

Although convenient, instant noodles aren’t the same as the ramen served at restaurants.

THE EXPERIENCE

Some Japanese frequent ramen shops twice or three times a week. They emerge, dripping with sweat, smacking their lips.

“I’m probably a talking bowl of ramen,” says Frank Striegl as he leads a dozen American tourists through the back alleys of Tokyo’s funky Shibuya district on what he calls “the ultimate ramen experience.”

The crowd is led behind a shabby doorway, sometimes down narrow stairs, to a dim-lit table where ramen gets served in tiny bowls, practically the size of a latte cup, or about a quarter of a regular ramen bowl. That’s so guests have enough room in their tummies to try out six different kinds of ramen, two at each spot during the tour.

One restaurant, Shinbusakiya, offers “Hokkaido classics” from the northernmost main island, while another, Nagi, offers “Fukuoka fusion,” from the southern main island of Kyushu. It includes a green ramen, similar to pasta al pesto. Syuuichi, which means “once a week,” features curry-flavored ramen.

“It’s not just, of course, about eating delicious ramen, but also learning about it,” said Striegl, a Filipino American who grew up in Tokyo. He calls ramen “people’s food.”

“A lot of countries around the world have their version of ramen in a way,” he said. “So I think because of that, it’s a dish that’s easy to understand. It’s a dish that’s easy to get behind.”

While the tour participants were relishing their noodles, Striegl outlined a brief history of ramen: Its roots date back to the samurai era, when a shogun took a fancy to Chinese noodles, setting off the localizing journey for ramen that continues today.

Katie Sell, a graduate student on Striegl’s tour, called ramen “a kind of comfort food, especially in the winter. Get a group of friends, go have some ramen and just enjoy it.”

Kavi Patel, an engineer from New Jersey, said he was glad he included the humble ramen on his tour of Japan, along with more established attractions like the ancient capital of Kyoto and the deer park in Nara. “I’m having good fun,” he said.

ADJUSTING TO CHANGE

While ramen has never been more popular in Japan, ramen places have struggled because of the pandemic, the weakening Japanese yen, and the higher cost of wheat imports and energy, according to a study by Tokyo Shoko Research.

One beneficiary of the pandemic is a home delivery service for frozen, professionally cooked ramen. Called takumen.com, it boasts some 500,000 subscribers in Japan.

Another Tokyo operation, Gourmet Innovation, has signed on 250 of the country’s top ramen joints to sell packaged versions of their soup, noodles and toppings, to be heated up in boiling water and served at home.

Co-founder and executive Kenichi Nomaguchi, who hopes to expand his business overseas, says ramen and animation are Japan’s most successful exports.

Why ramen? Unlike pasta or curry, ramen is difficult to replicate at home, he said, Making it from scratch involves hours of cooking stock, with pork, beef or chicken, various fish or bonito flakes, and “kombu” kelp. Some stock uses oysters.

LOTS OF VARIETY

Besides the different soup stocks and flavors, onions, grated garlic, ginger or sesame oil can be added for extra punch. Toppings can include bean sprouts, barbecued pork, boiled or raw eggs, seaweed, fermented bamboo shoots called “menma,” chopped green onions, cooked cabbage, snow peas or corn.

Some insist a bowl of ramen is not complete without a slice of narutomaki, a whitefish cake with a pink spiral pattern.

Unusual varieties include coffee ramen and ramen topped with ice cream or pineapple.

Jiro-style ramen, named for a legendary restaurant in Tokyo, features mounds of vegetable toppings, huge steak-like barbecued pork and pungent, grated garlic seeped in a fatty pork-based stock.

“Impact is important. So the pork has to be big so it’s truly memorable,” said Kota Kobayashi, who serves Jiro-style ramen at his chain, “Ore No Ikiru Michi,” which translates to, “The way I live my life.”

Kobayashi is a former professional baseball player at the Yokohama Bay Stars, and played with the minor league Cleveland Guardians before switching to his ramen business.

“When I quit baseball, I chose ramen as my way of life,” he said with a smile.

He can wax philosophical about ramen. One cultural difference he has observed is that Americans tend to leave the noodles and drink all the soup, while the Japanese mostly do the opposite.

And taste is only part of what makes good ramen. One must also offer entertainment, Kobayashi said.

At his restaurants, the chopsticks are tucked in a box on a shelf, so first-time visitors ask where they are. Repeat customers go straight to that box. Kobayashi calls out, “Welcome back,” making the customers feel a connection, even if he doesn’t remember a thing about them.

Dee-Ann Durbin contributed to this story from Detroit.

Yuri Kageyama is on X: https://twitter.com/yurikageyama