December 2025
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“seven x seven” Wins Gold at the Graphis Design Awards, Marking a Historic First for a Hotel Brand
(Source: fav hospitality group, Inc.) Fav Hospitality Group, part of Kasumigaseki Capital Group, has won the Gold Award in the Branding Systems category at the Graphis Design 2026 Awards for its hotel brand “seven x seven.” This marks the first time in history that a hotel brand has received a Gold Award in this category. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1944, Graphis Design Awards boasts more than 80 years of history and is now based in New York, where it is recognized as an internationally authoritative award spanning advertising, photography, illustration, and other creative fields.
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Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort Sets New Record for Obon Visitors with 133% Year-on-Year Increase
(Source: Iwatake Resort Co., Ltd.) Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort, operated by Iwatake Resort Co., Ltd., announced that the number of visitors during the Obon holiday period from August 13 to 16, 2025, reached approximately 17,800, marking a record high. This represented a 133% increase compared to the same period last year. On August 14 alone, 5,620 visitors were recorded, setting a new single-day attendance record for the green season (109% year-on-year).
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JNTO Announcement: Number of International Visitors to Japan in July 2025 Reaches 3.437 Million, Driven by the Chinese Market, Up 4.4% Year-on-Year
(Based on materials from JNTO) According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of international visitors to Japan in July 2025 reached 3.437 million, a 4.4% increase compared to the same month of the previous year (3,292,602) and a 1.8% increase from the previous month (3.378 million in June 2025). This indicates a continued recovery trend in inbound travel demand. While demand in some regions such as Southeast Asia tends to slow down during the summer, increased travel during long holiday periods is believed to have boosted overall numbers.
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Nagasaki Prefecture’s Tourism Internship Program: Dive Continues Management This Year, Strengthening International Collaboration with North Sulawesi
(Source: Dive Inc.) Dive Inc. continues its involvement in the tourism internship program hosted by Nagasaki Prefecture, following last year’s efforts, by welcoming university students from North Sulawesi, Indonesia, to work at accommodation facilities within the prefecture. The company is once again in charge of managing the initiative this fiscal year.
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Which island destinations are rapidly gaining popularity among Japanese travelers? Expedia announces 15 resort islands to watch.
Expedia has released a list of the “Top 15 Trending Islands” based on actual traveler data and insights. According to the announcement, global interest in “island travel” is rising, with searches increasing by an average of 30%. Among them, Koh Samui in Thailand has seen a 55% increase in searches, Sardinia in Italy 45%, Bali in Indonesia and the Maldives 15%, and Oahu in Hawaii 10%.
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Tokyo Ranks 3rd in the World! Booking.com Releases 2025 Summer Travel Destination Rankings
(Source: Booking.com Japan K.K) Booking.com has released its travel destination rankings for the 2025 summer season, based on accommodation search data from its website. The survey covered accommodations searched for check-in dates between June 1 and August 31, 2025, with the search period running from February 15 to April 15 of the same year. According to the results, Tokyo ranked third worldwide.
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Chinese tourists are once again turning their attention to Japan travel: The latest trends show increasing individualization and regional orientation
(Based on materials from Unbot Inc.) In recent years, Japan has been reappraised among Chinese tourists as a travel destination that is “close, safe, and rich in experiential value.” Especially between 2024 and 2025, there has been a marked increase in in-depth trips and visits to regional areas, centered on independent travel. Against this backdrop, Unbot Inc., a company specializing in digital marketing for the Chinese-speaking market, has analyzed changes in Chinese tourists’ travel styles and needs, clarifying the reasons behind Japan’s renewed appeal.
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Changing values of luxury travel among Asia-Pacific affluent travelers
(Source: Marriott International) Marriott International has released its latest report on luxury travel, titled “The Intentional Traveler Report”, aimed at understanding the evolving attitudes and preferences of affluent travelers in the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s survey expanded to include Thailand, in addition to previously targeted markets—Australia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Japan—collecting responses from a total of 1,750 affluent travelers.
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Super Hotel appoints first overseas manager: Venture Manager System puts hotel in charge of operations
(Based on materials from Super Hotel Co., Ltd.) On July 25, 2025, Super Hotel Co., Ltd. will, for the first time, appoint global talent from its in-house training institution, SHHAM (Super Hotel Hospitality Academy Myanmar), as hotel managers and assistant managers. This appointment is based on the company’s unique “Venture Manager Program,” and marks the first time that foreign nationals will take full responsibility for operating an entire hotel property.
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Top 10 World Heritage Sites to Visit in Summer, According to Jalan News Survey
(Based on materials from Recruit Co., Ltd.) Jalan News, a travel information website operated by Recruit Co., Ltd., conducted a survey on the theme of "World Heritage Sites to Visit in Summer" and announced the "Jalan Summer World Heritage Ranking."
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Preferred Hotels & Resorts Releases New Study: Emerging Trends Among Affluent Travelers Who Reject Standardization
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand with over 600 member hotels in 80 countries, has released its first-ever “Luxury Travel Report.” Developed in collaboration with research firm Harris Poll, the report highlights the latest trends in the global luxury travel market. According to the findings, affluent travelers remain highly motivated to travel, planning an average of eight leisure trips this year—three of which are international. More than half also intend to increase their travel budgets compared to the previous year.
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VELTRA Announces 2025 Summer Overseas Tour Booking Trends: Shifts in Popular Destinations Observed
VELTRA Corporation has announced the results of a survey on booking trends for overseas local experiences during the summer season of 2025. The survey is based on booking data as of May 20, 2025, and analyzes the popular travel destinations and booking trends among Japanese travelers during the peak travel season from June to August. The analysis covers overseas local activities reserved through VELTRA and scheduled to take place between June 1 and August 31.
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JNTO Announcement: 3,693,300 Foreign Visitors to Japan in May 2025, Led by South Korean and Chinese Markets, Marking a 21.5% Increase Year-on-Year
(Based on materials from JNTO） According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of international visitors to Japan in May 2025 reached 3,693,300, marking a significant increase of 21.5% compared to the same month last year, and a remarkable 60.1% rise compared to May 2019. Although this represents a 5.5% decrease from the previous month (April 2025), this is considered a seasonal adjustment following the Golden Week holidays. Overall, the inbound tourism market is recovering at a pace far surpassing pre-COVID levels, indicating a full-scale resurgence in inbound travel to Japan.
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Seibu Prince Hotels Expands Multilingual Online Medical Service: “HOTEL de DOCTOR24” Now Available for Inbound Travelers at 54 Locations Nationwide
Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc. Expands Introduction of “HOTEL de DOCTOR24” Online Medical Service for Foreign Guests in Partnership with M3 Career Inc. Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc., in partnership with M3 Career, Inc., is advancing the implementation of the online medical consultation service “HOTEL de DOCTOR24” for foreign hotel guests. The service, which began in April 2025, will now be introduced at 10 additional properties, bringing the total number of facilities offering the service to 54 nationwide.
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Gaia Resort Zao Sansuien Becomes the World’s First to Receive Official “Ospitalità Diffusa” Certification
(Source： Gaia Inc.） On May 24, 2025, Gaia Inc.'s hospitality brand Gaia Resort officially received the world’s first Ospitalità Diffusa international certification from Albergo Diffuso International for its property "Gaia Resort Zao Sansuien." At the same time, another facility located in Murata Town, Miyagi Prefecture, named "Kura no Machi Gaia Resort," was registered under the startup certification category (pre-certification region).
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Addressing Labor Shortages in the Tourism Industry: Growing Utilization of Foreign Working Holiday Workers
Posted on 2025.06.02(Based on data from DIVE Inc.) DIVE Inc., a company specializing in staffing services for the tourism industry, has announced that the number of foreign workers employed at tourism facilities across Japan using working holiday visas has increased by 35% compared to the same month last year.
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A “Mental Barrier” to Inbound Tourism in Local Governments: MATCHA Survey Reveals On-the-Ground Realities
(Source: MATCHA Inc.) As inbound tourism to Japan shows signs of revitalization, MATCHA Inc. conducted a survey targeting local governments and tourism operators across the country to understand their perspectives on inbound tourism initiatives. The results revealed that 71.1% of those in charge of actual operations identified “gaining understanding of the importance of inbound strategies within their organization or community” as a key challenge. This highlights that emotional or attitudinal barriers, rather than physical resources, are hindering the advancement of such initiatives.
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Japanese Language School Opens at Hot Spring Inn in Ureshino, Saga : Launch of a Community-Based Human Resource Development Model
(Source: Innovation Partners Inc.) Innovation Partners Inc. supported the conceptualization and attraction of a new Japanese language school, ICA International Conversation Academy Ureshino Campus, established within the premises of Wataya Besso, a long-standing hot spring inn in Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture.
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Awarded for the Second Consecutive Year in Kyoto Saga: Sun Members Kyoto Saga Selected as an “Excellent Business Operator for Kyoto Tourism Morality”
(Source : Resorttrust, Inc.) Sun Members Kyoto Saga, operated by Resorttrust, Inc., has been recognized as an "Excellent Business Operator for Kyoto Tourism Morality" for the fiscal year 2024. This award is based on the "Kyoto Tourism Morality" established by Kyoto City and the Kyoto City Tourism Association, and honors businesses that implement outstanding initiatives aimed at realizing sustainable tourism through harmony with the local community, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. Sun Members Kyoto Saga has received this award for the second consecutive year.
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The Growing Wave of ‘Tabi-Run’ in Japan : A New Travel Style Combining Tourism and Running
Skyscanner Japan Inc. conducted a survey to explore the trends of “tabi-run,” a form of travel that centers around running or marathon participation, which has been gaining attention in recent years. The impetus behind this survey includes the fact that 46% of the participants in the Tokyo Marathon held on March 2, 2025, were international runners. This wide international participation highlights a growing global trend of travel centered around sports.
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JNTO Announcement : 3,497,600 International Visitors to Japan in March 2025, Up 13.5% Year-on-Year
(Source: JNTO) The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) announced that the number of international visitors to Japan in March 2025 was 3,497,600, marking a 13.5% increase compared to the same month of the previous year, which saw 3,081,781 visitors. This also represents a significant increase from the previous month, with approximately 240,000 more visitors. Compared to March 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, which recorded 2,760,136 visitors, the number increased by 26.7%, clearly indicating a continued recovery trend in the inbound tourism market. (Based on data from JNTO) By country, the highest number of visitors in March 2025 came from South Korea, totaling 691,700. Although this represents an 18.4% decrease from the previous month, it is considered to be a reactionary decline following the surge in travel demand during the Lunar New Year holiday in February. On the other hand, it shows a 4.3% increase compared to the same month of the previous year and an 18.1% increase compared to March 2019, both positive figures, indicating a stable recovery in demand from the South Korean market. With factors such as visa exemption and the resumption of flight routes in the background, continued strong demand is expected. The number of visitors from China...
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Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort Achieves Record-High Visitor Numbers : Year-Round Resort Strategy Proves Successful
(Based on data from Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort) Iwateke Resort Co., Ltd., the operator of Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort, recorded over 208,000 visitors during the 2024–2025 winter season (from December 20, 2024 to March 30, 2025), marking a significant increase of 141% compared to the previous season. Additionally, the total number of visitors for fiscal year 2024 (from April 19 to November 17, 2024, and December 20, 2024 to March 30, 2025) exceeded 463,000, reaching 125% of the previous year’s record, which had been the highest since 2000.
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A Stunning View of Cherry Blossoms and Mt. Fuji Takes the Top Spot : Spring Scenery Rankings Japan Can Proudly Share with the World
On the travel information website "Jalan News" operated by Recruit Co., Ltd., a survey was conducted on "breathtaking spring scenery." The survey was themed around "spring sceneries Japan can proudly showcase to the world," and gathered iconic spring landscapes from all over the country. The results have now been announced.
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Booking.com: Inbound Travel Trends to Mie in Spring 2025
(Based on data from Booking.com) Booking.com has released the latest trends in inbound tourism to Mie Prefecture, where one of the world’s premier motorsport races is held. The analysis focused on check-in reservations between April 3 and April 7, 2025, which coincides with the event period. It revealed a notable increase in overseas travelers to Mie Prefecture, particularly from Western countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands. A significant surge in search volume was also observed in Switzerland and New Zealand.
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Greens Launches Environmental Initiative to Collect 90,000 Used Toothbrushes Annually
On April 2, 2025, designated as "CO2 Reduction Day," Greens Co., Ltd. will begin a trial implementation of a "Toothbrush Recycling" program at its Comfort Hotel Yokkaichi and Comfort Hotel Central International Airport. This initiative aims to reduce waste and promote the recycling of plastic resources by collecting and repurposing toothbrushes used by guests, thereby contributing to lower environmental impact.
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Japan’s Ryokan and Hotel Market in FY2024 Set to Reach Record High: Labor Shortages Emerge as Key Challenge Ahead
Teikoku Databank, Ltd. conducted research and analysis on market trends and corporate developments in the domestic ryokan and hotel industry across Japan, based on sources including its corporate credit research reports (CCR).
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JNTO Announcement : Number of Foreign Visitors to Japan in February 2025 Up 16.9% Year-on-Year, but Showing a Decline from the Previous Month
(Source: JNTO) The number of foreign visitors to Japan in February 2025, as announced by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), reached 3,258,100, marking a 16.9% increase compared to the same month of the previous year. However, this figure represents a slight decrease from January 2025, when the number stood at 3,781,200. Nevertheless, compared to February 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, when there were 2,604,322 visitors, the February 2025 figure shows a 25.1% increase, indicating a continued overall recovery trend. The steady recovery is particularly supported by the rebound of the Chinese market and the increase in visitors from the United States.
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Which Ski Areas Are Popular Among Inbound Skiers? : 2025 Ski Destination Rankings
(Source: Agoda International Japan K.K.) Agoda Company Pte. Ltd., the operator of the digital travel platform “Agoda,” has announced the “2025 Ranking of Japan’s Top Ski Destinations,” reflecting the latest ski travel trends. This ranking is based on accommodation search data from Agoda and analyzes the most popular ski destinations among both Japanese travelers and inbound tourists. (Image Source: Pakutaso) In the ranking of ski destinations for domestic travelers, Iwate Prefecture, including Hachimantai, took the top spot. Hachimantai is considered popular due to the combination of skiing and hot springs. Nagano Prefecture, including Hakuba, and Niigata Prefecture, including Yuzawa, also continue to attract strong interest, with many skiers and snowboarders favoring these areas due to the convenience of reaching them in about an hour and a half from the city center via the Joetsu Shinkansen. In the ranking of ski destinations for international travelers, Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture saw the highest increase in searches, with a 63% year-over-year growth. The success of international promotions and the enhancement of multilingual support have solidified its position as one of Japan’s top ski resorts. Hakuba offers a variety of courses suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, attracting many ski enthusiasts....
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Booking.com Report : Digitalization and Pricing Strategy Key to Growth in Japan’s Hotel Industry
(Image source: Pakutaso) Booking.com, one of the world’s largest digital travel platforms, has released its latest report on Japan’s hospitality industry in collaboration with Statista, a provider of statistical data platforms, continuing their partnership from last year. This study is based on telephone interviews conducted by Statista with 250 executives and managers in Japan’s travel and hospitality sector, analyzing the recovery of travel demand, performance comparisons between short-term rentals (STR) and hotels, and challenges faced by accommodation providers. In 2024, Japan’s hospitality industry has fully overcome the lingering impact of COVID-19 from 2023, presenting an optimistic outlook. The tourism sector has made a strong recovery from the pandemic, with a notable surge in visitors from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region driving industry growth. Additionally, the historically weak yen has made Japan a more attractive destination for foreign travelers. As a result, key performance indicators such as average daily rate (ADR) and occupancy rate have improved significantly compared to 2023. More than half of accommodation providers reported a substantial increase in ADR, and approximately two-thirds observed higher occupancy rates. At the same time, accommodation providers are facing financial challenges, with concerns over profitability and business continuity risks. The most pressing issue for...
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Marriott Secures Record-High 109 Deals in APEC: Rapid Growth in India, Japan, and Indonesia
(Source: Marriott International) Marriott International experienced strong growth in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Greater China) in 2024, securing a record-high 109 deals across 11 markets. This added 21,439 rooms to the regional development pipeline, bringing the total number of rooms to 77,532 by year-end. By expanding its business portfolio across the market, entering the midscale hotel segment, and strengthening its luxury offerings, the company has further solidified its position as a leader in the hospitality industry.
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JNTO Announcement: 3.781 Million Foreign Visitors to Japan in January 2025, with Recovery Led by China and South Korea
(Source: JNTO) The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) announced that the number of foreign visitors to Japan in January 2025 reached 3,781,200, marking a significant increase of 40.6% from the previous month and 79.5% year-on-year. Compared to January 2019, the figure was up by 7.5%, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The recovery of the Chinese market was particularly notable, while South Korea and Taiwan also showed stable growth.
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Royal Holdings and Minor Hotels Establish Joint Venture in Japan: ‘Royal Minor Hotels’ Launched, Entering the Luxury Hotel Market
(Source: Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. ) Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. and Minor Hotels have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture, Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd., to develop luxury hotel operations in the Japanese market. This marks Minor Hotels’ entry into Japan, and the companies held a signing ceremony to announce their strategic plans. The joint venture will be equally owned by both companies, each holding a 50% stake, with the goal of entering Japan’s luxury hotel sector.
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Hot Spring Destinations Chosen by Inbound Travelers: NAVITIME Analyzes the Potential for Attracting Visitors
NAVITIME JAPAN's data analysis team has released a study on popular hot spring destinations among international travelers based on usage trends from the Japan Travel by NAVITIME navigation app. Hot springs are a highly sought-after experience for visitors to Japan, and surveys by the Japan Tourism Agency indicate that satisfaction with hot spring bathing often exceeds expectations. This analysis categorizes traveler preferences by region and country of origin.
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Comprehensive Analysis of Inbound Tourism Trends During the Chinese New Year: Popular Travel Destinations Concentrated in Hokkaido and the Kansai Region
Intersect Communications Co., Ltd., which specializes in overseas promotions and inbound tourism support for markets such as China and Taiwan, conducted a survey titled "Survey on Travel to Japan During the 2025 Chinese New Year Period" to explore trends in Japan-bound travel amid the recovery of inbound tourism from China. This survey targeted residents of China and was conducted via the questionnaire feature on Tencent's messaging app "WeChat" from December 6 to December 13, 2024, collecting a total of 6,383 valid responses.
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Airbnb’s 2025 Travel Destination Rankings: Cities Gaining Popularity in Japan and Around the World
(Source: Airbnb Japan Inc.) Airbnb has announced the ranking of travel destinations that global guests are focusing on for 2025, as well as the destinations chosen by residents in Japan. In 2024, large-scale cultural events such as Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and the Olympics drove travel demand. Similarly, in 2025, "experience-based travel" is expected to continue capturing the interest of travelers. According to Airbnb’s data, searches for popular destinations increase in alignment with major event schedules.
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Chinese New Year 2025: Ranking of Japan’s Most Popular Tourist Destinations Among Inbound Travelers Announced
(Based on materials provided by KKday JAPAN Co., Ltd.) KKday JAPAN Co., Ltd. has announced the ranking of Japan's most popular prefectures among inbound tourists during the 2025 Chinese New Year holiday. Based on KKday's reservation data, Tokyo ranked first, followed by Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Okinawa. This year’s Chinese New Year has drawn attention to snow-related experiences, influenced by increased exposure on social media and higher-than-average snowfall.
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JNTO Announcement: December 2024 Inbound Visitor Data and Regional Trends
(Created based on JNTO data) According to JNTO, the number of international visitors to Japan in December 2024 was 3,489,800, representing an approximately 10% increase from 3,187,000 in November 2024. Compared to the same month in 2019, when the figure was 2,526,387, this marks a rise of over 40%, indicating a robust recovery that significantly exceeds pre-pandemic levels. (Created based on JNTO data) The number of international visitors in December 2024 increased by approximately 740,000 compared to December 2023, showing a year-on-year growth of 30.6%. Additionally, compared to December 2019, this represents a rise of about 746,000. The main factors behind this growth include increased demand for travel to Japan from South Korea and Hong Kong, as well as stable inflows of tourists from Taiwan and the United States. The number of visitors from South Korea was 867,400, showing a 15.7% month-on-month increase and a 10.8% year-on-year increase. Compared to December 2019, this represents an approximate 250% rise, reflecting a strong recovery in the South Korean market. Meanwhile, the number of visitors from China was 604,200, showing a 10.6% month-on-month increase but a 15% decrease compared to December 2019. While the Chinese market has not yet fully recovered, the continued...
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Thailand Ranks First! Top Overseas Destinations Popular Among Japanese Travelers for the New Year Holiday
Booking.com, one of the world's largest digital travel platforms with the mission to make experiencing the world more accessible for everyone, conducted a survey on Japanese travelers' trends for the 2024–2025 New Year holiday season. Based on data from accommodations searched for check-in on December 31, 2024, on its platform, Booking.com revealed a ranking of the most popular overseas destinations among Japanese travelers.
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JNTO Announcement: Record-Breaking 3,187,000 Inbound Visitors to Japan in November 2024
(Source: JNTO) According to JNTO, the number of inbound visitors to Japan in November 2024 reached 3,187,000, marking a 30.6% increase compared to the same month in the previous year and a 30.5% increase compared to November 2019. This figure significantly surpasses the pre-COVID-19 level of 2,441,274 visitors recorded in November 2019, setting a new record for the highest number of visitors in November. Furthermore, the cumulative total of inbound visitors by the end of November 2024 reached 33,379,200, exceeding the previous annual record set in 2019 and achieving the highest cumulative number of inbound visitors to date.