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.
The number of inbound visitors in November 2024 increased by approximately 740,000 compared to November 2023, reflecting a 30.6% year-on-year growth. It also saw an increase of about 746,000 compared to November 2019. However, compared to October 2024, the figure represented a decline of 124,000 visitors. This growth is attributed to the recovery of flight availability to levels comparable to 2019 as of the winter 2024 schedule, coupled with continued high demand during the autumn foliage season. Countries such as China, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States contributed to this increase, with visitor numbers rising significantly compared to the same month in the previous year. On the other hand, outbound Japanese travelers totaled 1,175,100 in November 2024, representing a 14.4% year-on-year increase but a 28.4% decline compared to November 2019, suggesting that a full recovery in outbound travel demand will require more time.
(Based on materials from JNTO)
South Korea accounted for the largest number of inbound visitors in November 2024, with 749,500 arrivals. This represents a 15.3% year-on-year increase and a remarkable 265% increase compared to November 2019, reflecting strong autumn travel demand and successful promotional activities. Meanwhile, visitors from China numbered 546,300, a 111.5% increase compared to the previous year but a 27.3% decrease compared to November 2019. This figure also declined by approximately 36,500 compared to the previous month, possibly due to political and economic factors influencing the Chinese market.
Visitors from Taiwan numbered 488,400, representing a 21% increase year-on-year and an 11.4% increase compared to November 2019. Stable demand was supported by increased flights on regional routes and holiday-related travel, along with heightened interest in autumn foliage tourism. The number of visitors from the United States reached 247,500, a 34% increase compared to the previous year and a 17.3% increase compared to November 2019. Although this figure represented a decline of 31,000 visitors compared to the previous month, factors such as the weaker yen and the availability of more direct flights likely supported the demand.
Visitors from Hong Kong totaled 227,100, reflecting a 13.3% year-on-year increase and a 13.8% increase compared to November 2019. This was an increase of approximately 28,300 visitors compared to the previous month, driven by expanded regional flight routes and holiday-related demand.
The record-breaking growth in inbound visitors for November 2024 highlights the rising demand for tourism and the effectiveness of promotional activities in various countries. However, challenges remain, such as the decline in visitor numbers from the Chinese market and the incomplete recovery of outbound Japanese travel. Moving forward, maintaining a stable influx of inbound visitors will require flexible measures tailored to the characteristics of each market and continued improvements in tourism infrastructure.
