South Korean travel to Japan hit a record high last year, with visitor numbers surpassing 9 million for the first time, underscoring a strong rebound in regional tourism and Japan’s rising appeal as a nearby destination.
The Japan National Tourism Organization said South Korean arrivals in 2025 totaled an estimated 9.46 million, up 7.3%from the previous year and the highest level since the agency began tracking the data. The figure topped the prior record of 8.82 million set in 2024.
Momentum accelerated toward year-end. Nearly 974,000 South Koreans visited Japan in December, a 12.3%increase from a year earlier and the highest monthly total on record, surpassing the previous peak recorded in January 2025.
Japan’s broader inbound tourism also reached a historic milestone. Total foreign arrivals climbed to about 42.7 millionin 2025, up 15.8% from the year before and the largest annual figure since Japan began compiling tourism statistics in 1964.
Officials attributed the growth to relatively stable currency conditions and a shift in travel patterns among South Koreans, with more visitors exploring regional destinations beyond major urban centers. Expanded airline routes and increased flight frequencies also supported demand, along with sustained promotion through social-media platforms.
JNTO’s Seoul office said it plans to step up marketing efforts in 2026, seeking to capitalize on major events such as the Osaka-Kansai World Expo and the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea. Recent campaigns have highlighted Japanese pop culture, sustainable tourism and responsible travel.
“We are delighted to see the number of South Korean visitors reach an all-time high,” said Yuichi Shimizu, head of JNTO’s Seoul office. He added that the agency would continue promoting destinations across Japan to encourage more balanced tourism growth and strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
