Japan’s International Travel Surge Set To Reach One Million During The Holidays With Thirty Two Percent Increase In Overseas Journeys As Wealthy Tourists Flock To Europe And The US For Luxury Vacation

Published on December 9, 2025

Japan’s travel industry is witnessing a remarkable rebound this holiday season, with 1 million Japanese travelers expected to head abroad, marking a 32% increase from the previous year. This surge is largely driven by affluent individuals who have benefited from asset gains fueled by the stock market rally, prompting them to opt for luxurious, long-haul trips to destinations like Europe and the United States. This growth is further complemented by the steady demand for short-duration, cost-effective travel to nearby countries, highlighting the diverse preferences in Japan’s travel landscape.

Japanese travel agency JTB has predicted that around 1 million Japanese people will travel abroad during the year-end and New Year holidays in 2025, marking a 32% increase from the previous year and bringing the number of international trips close to 90% of pre-pandemic levels. This growth is largely attributed to the surge in asset gains, particularly from the recent stock market rally, which has empowered affluent travelers to embark on more luxurious vacations.

Wealthy Japanese travelers are opting for long-haul, expensive trips to destinations like Europe and the United States. This trend highlights a stark contrast between high-end travelers and those seeking budget-friendly, short-duration holidays to nearby destinations. While long-haul travel is on the rise, the demand for short-haul, cost-effective trips to countries in the region also remains strong, creating a clear divide in preferences.

Despite tensions between Japan and China, especially following a Chinese government advisory urging citizens to “exercise caution when traveling to Japan,” the demand for travel between the two nations remains relatively steady. Both ANA and JAL, Japan’s two largest airlines, have reported that bookings for flights to China have not seen significant fluctuations in the coming months. This suggests that the advisory has had minimal impact on travel patterns between the countries, with many travelers still booking their trips as planned.

In fact, Japan’s domestic travel market is also witnessing strong growth. During the year-end and New Year period, the number of domestic trips is forecasted to reach 38.86 million, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year. This uptick signals continued domestic tourism interest, even amid the increased number of international trips being planned.

Meanwhile, Chinese travelers, who typically make up about 20% of Japan’s inbound tourist arrivals, are still a noticeable presence, though their numbers have decreased. However, this decline has not yet caused a significant drop in hotel prices in Japan. Despite the reduction in Chinese visitors, the country’s tourism industry seems to be adapting to the changing dynamics without experiencing major economic repercussions in the hospitality sector.

One notable trend in international travel is the increased popularity of travel packages that combine family-friendly activities with international destinations. For example, travel agency Hankyu Travel has seen a surge in demand for tour products that include tickets to iconic theme parks such as Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland. The appeal of these package deals has led to a significant increase in bookings for trips to mainland China, with reservations more than tripling compared to previous years.

The growing demand for international travel during this holiday period underscores a broader recovery in Japan’s travel sector, as the country continues to bounce back from the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. The increased willingness of affluent individuals to spend on overseas vacations, particularly to far-flung destinations, has played a crucial role in this resurgence. At the same time, the demand for affordable, short-haul trips has maintained a steady flow of travelers within the region, creating a diverse travel landscape.

This combination of strong domestic and international travel demand is expected to further benefit the Japanese tourism industry, although there are challenges such as fluctuating international relations and global economic uncertainties. Nonetheless, Japan appears poised to continue its upward trajectory in terms of both outbound and inbound tourism as 2025 progresses.

As Japan’s travel market enters this post-pandemic recovery phase, the evolving travel preferences of its citizens will likely shape the country’s tourism sector in the coming years. Long-haul luxury travel is expected to continue its upward trend, while domestic tourism and short-haul international travel will remain a staple of the Japanese travel experience. Meanwhile, travel disruptions due to geopolitical tensions and global economic shifts will need to be carefully monitored by the industry to ensure sustained growth.