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Most Commonly Visited Destinations in Japan in the First Half of 2025

Japan’s Top Travel Spots Revealed

Japan’s tourism sector has surged in the first half of 2025, reaching record-breaking levels of international interest. From Tokyo’s tech-savvy charm to Okinawa’s tropical allure, travelers are flocking to the country in unprecedented numbers. With 21.51 million international visitors arriving between January and June 2025 (Japan National Tourism Organization [JNTO], 2025), Japan is not only back on the global travel map, but it is also leading it.

Crowds enjoying autumn ginkgo trees at Jingu Gaien in Tokyo

A Strong Rebound in Tourism

According to the JNTO, June alone saw 3.37 million international arrivals, a 7.6% increase compared to the same month last year. May was even stronger, with nearly 3.7 million arrivals marking a 21.5% year-on-year increase. Spring events, such as cherry blossom festivals and the ramp-up to Expo 2025 in Osaka, contributed significantly to this momentum. The total spending of inbound travelers in the first half of the year reached an all-time high of ¥4.8 trillion (USD $32.2 billion) (JNTO, 2025), highlighting not only volume but also quality of travel experiences sought by visitors.

Japan’s Top Travel Spots in Early 2025

Based on travel statistics, booking trends, and regional tourism reports, the following destinations ranked as the most visited in Japan during the first half of 2025:

  1. Tokyo – The capital remains the nation’s tourism anchor, attracting visitors with its blend of historic temples, futuristic cityscapes, luxury shopping, and new attractions like the reopened teamLab Borderless.
  2. Kyoto – Springtime saw Kyoto’s gardens and temples in full bloom. Hanami season and cultural festivals like Aoi Matsuri pulled massive crowds despite ongoing concerns about overtourism.
  3. Osaka – With the anticipation of Expo 2025, Osaka saw significant increases in foreign visitors, especially to Universal Studios Japan and Dotonbori.
  4. Okinawa – As temperatures warmed, Okinawa’s beaches, coral reefs, and resort experiences welcomed both repeat travelers and new regional tourists, especially from Southeast Asia.
  5. Nara – Known for its friendly deer and UNESCO heritage sites, Nara enjoyed an uptick in day-trippers from Kyoto and Osaka during spring break periods.
  6. Hokkaido – Sapporo’s snow season and Furano’s spring flower fields brought visitors seeking natural beauty and cooler temperatures.
  7. Hiroshima – With increased interest in history and peace tourism, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and nearby islands like Miyajima remained top choices.

Crowds shopping along Nakamise Street in Asakusa, Tokyo at dusk

Emerging Destinations and Travel Trends

While the above cities dominate headlines, quieter regions are gaining traction. According to Beyond Kanazawa (2025), travelers are increasingly seeking out rural, lesser-known areas that offer authentic cultural experiences and sustainable travel. Places like Kanazawa, Fukuoka, and Wakayama (including heritage revitalization efforts like those by PlanetDAO) are seeing increased attention from conscious travelers seeking more than just Instagrammable moments.
Luxury and wellness travel is also rising, with cruise tourism, remote hot spring stays, and traditional inns (ryokan) becoming popular. Regional governments are actively managing visitor flows to prevent overtourism, using AI-based crowd monitoring and advance booking systems to preserve the local experience (BeyondKanazawa.com, 2025).

Looking Ahead

Japan’s tourism boom in 2025 reflects a broader global hunger for meaningful travel. Whether visiting iconic landmarks or discovering hidden gems, travelers are embracing Japan’s mix of modernity and tradition. With Expo 2025, the second half of the year is expected to bring even greater numbers. For tourists and travel planners, this is the moment to explore, and for local businesses, a time to prepare.

References

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