Japan has welcomed a record-breaking 3.31 million foreign visitors in October, driven by a weakened yen and the allure of the country’s vibrant autumn landscapes, according to data released Wednesday by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
This figure surpasses the previous monthly high of 3.29 million recorded in July and marks a significant increase from September’s 2.87 million.
Tourism numbers for the year are on track to challenge pre-pandemic levels. By the end of October, approximately 30.2 million tourists had visited Japan, inching closer to the annual record of 31.9 million set in 2019 before COVID-19 restrictions closed borders worldwide.
“The vibrant colors of Japan’s autumn leaves were a major draw for visitors from across Asia, Europe, and North America last month,” the JNTO said in a statement.
The agency noted that 11 countries and regions have already set annual records for sending tourists to Japan this year.
The influx of travelers has brought a surge in spending. Preliminary figures show that foreign visitors spent a record 5.86 trillion yen ($37.72 billion) in Japan through September, surpassing the 5.3 trillion yen spent during all of 2023.
This surge in spending, categorised as an export in Japan’s national accounts, underscores the growing importance of tourism to the nation’s economy.
“Tourism spending is now poised to become Japan’s second-largest export sector, trailing only the automotive industry and overtaking electronic components,” officials said.
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