(Source: JNTO)
According to estimates released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on February 18, 2026, the number of international visitors to Japan in January 2026 reached 3,597,500, representing a 4.9% decrease compared with the same month of the previous year. The figure was also down by 20,200 from December 2025, when 3,617,700 visitors were recorded. Compared with January 2025, which saw 3,781,629 visitors, the total likewise declined. In 2025, the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) fell in late January, whereas in 2026 it occurred in mid-February, affecting demand in some markets. On the other hand, growing demand for winter and snow-season travel in many markets helped maintain a certain level of inbound travel demand.
(Based on JNTO materials)
In the East Asian market, South Korea recorded 1,176,000 visitors, up 21.6% year-on-year, surpassing 1.1 million in a single month for the first time among all markets. Taiwan posted 694,500 visitors, an increase of 17.0%, with both markets achieving record highs for January. In contrast, China recorded 385,300 visitors, down 60.7%, and Hong Kong recorded 200,000 visitors, down 17.9% year-on-year. For China, the shift of the Lunar New Year from late January in 2025 to mid-February in 2026, along with the Chinese government’s travel advisory for Japan and reductions in flight services, contributed to the decline. Hong Kong was similarly affected by the timing shift of the Lunar New Year and a decrease in airline seat capacity.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand recorded 115,100 visitors, up 18.9% year-on-year; Singapore recorded 48,500, up 6.1%; Indonesia recorded 74,000, up 17.0%; the Philippines recorded 79,200, up 9.7%; and Vietnam recorded 52,800, up 4.7%. Malaysia recorded 72,500 visitors, down 3.3%. In Thailand, strong winter demand for travel to Japan, along with the resumption of the Bangkok–Sendai route in December 2025 and increased flights between Bangkok and New Chitose, Narita, and Kansai, contributed to growth. In Indonesia and the Philippines, public holidays, additional direct flights, and cruise ship calls also supported demand, with several markets achieving record highs for January.
In Western markets, the United States recorded 207,800 visitors, up 13.8% year-on-year; Australia recorded 160,700, up 14.6%; and Canada recorded 48,000, up 13.5%. The United Kingdom recorded 29,500 visitors, up 11.8%; France recorded 20,600, up 24.7%; Germany recorded 18,300, up 43.7%; Italy recorded 12,000, up 36.5%; and Spain recorded 10,100, up 36.5%, with all exceeding their January figures from the previous year. Russia recorded 9,800 visitors, up 98.7%; the Middle East recorded 17,500, up 47.4%; and the Nordic region recorded 11,800, up 28.5%, reflecting growth across a wide range of markets. A total of 17 markets achieved record-high figures for the month of January.
Overall, while declines were observed in China and Hong Kong due to the shift in the Lunar New Year period, increases were recorded in many other markets, including South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, and Australia, indicating that inbound demand to Japan remains at a high level. Although the monthly total fell below the previous year, it remained above 3.5 million visitors, and changes in market composition were evident. JNTO stated that it will continue to conduct detailed market analysis and implement strategic promotional activities to realize the goals of “sustainable tourism,” “increasing tourism expenditure,” and “promoting regional dispersion of visitors” as set out in the Fourth Basic Plan for the Promotion of a Tourism-Oriented Nation.