Japan Welcomes Record 3.5 Million Tourists in February Despite China Drop

Japan welcomed a record-breaking 3.46 million international visitors in February, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous year. The milestone came despite a significant 45% decline in Chinese tourists due to ongoing diplomatic tensions between the nations.

TOKYO – Japan experienced its busiest February on record for international tourism, welcoming 3.46 million foreign visitors last month according to government statistics released Wednesday. The figure represents a 6.4% jump compared to the same period last year.

The Japan National Tourism Organization reported these milestone numbers occurred even as Chinese visitor arrivals plummeted by 45% to 396,400 people, reflecting continued diplomatic strain between the neighboring countries.

Tourism officials noted the timing of Lunar New Year celebrations contributed to the strong showing, as the holiday occurred in February this year compared to late January in 2023.

The impact of fewer Chinese visitors was evident at popular destinations like the Kawazu Sakura Festival in eastern Japan, which celebrates early-blooming cherry blossoms beginning in February. Hoshi Mori, who directs the town’s tourism association, observed the noticeable absence of Chinese tourists at the event.

“Still, the festival drew about 630,000 visitors, its highest attendance since 2022, thanks to an increase in domestic tourists and those from Taiwan,” Mori explained.

South Korean travelers dominated February’s visitor statistics, maintaining their position as Japan’s largest tourist market with 1.08 million arrivals – a 28% increase. Taiwan followed as the second-largest source, contributing 693,600 visitors, representing a 37% surge from the previous February.