Surge in Thai Visitors to Japan
Japan has welcomed a significant influx of Thai tourists in 2024, with a total of 1,002,200 visitors recorded between January and November. This figure positions Thailand as the sixth-largest source of foreign arrivals in Japan, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).
Year-on-Year Growth and Comparisons
The number of Thai travelers represents a 15.2% increase compared to the previous year. However, it still reflects a 13.2% decline from pre-COVID levels in 2019. The vibrant colors of autumn attracted 118,000 Thais to Japan in November alone, marking a 3.4% increase year on year but a 15.9% drop compared to November 2019.
Overall Foreign Arrivals to Japan
Record Numbers of International Tourists
In total, Japan welcomed 33.37 million foreign arrivals in the first eleven months of 2024, reflecting a 49.5% increase year on year and a 13.7% rise compared to the same period before the pandemic. This resurgence highlights Japan’s recovery as a popular travel destination.
Top Sources of Foreign Visitors
The top ten countries contributing to foreign tourism in Japan during this period include:
- South Korea: 7,950,300 visitors
- China: 6,376,900 visitors
- Taiwan: 5,553,200 visitors
- United States: 2,486,100 visitors
- Hong Kong: 2,397,800 visitors
- Thailand: 1,002,200 visitors
- Australia: 807,800 visitors
- Philippines: 710,100 visitors
- Vietnam: 581,100 visitors
- Singapore: 555,000 visitors
These statistics illustrate the diverse range of nationalities visiting Japan and its growing appeal as a travel destination.
Thailand’s Growing Travel Connection with Japan
The increasing number of Thai tourists visiting Japan underscores the strengthening travel ties between the two nations. As both countries continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, the tourism sector is poised for further growth and collaboration in the coming years.
