Tourism to Japan set a new record last year, with over 30 million visitors, topping the previous high set in 2017—and Japan’s official tourism experts are expecting even more in the next two years.
The Japan National Tourism Organization says last year’s total was up 8.7% from the year before, and U.S. visitors, about 5% of the total, were up 11%. JNTO officials also noted a trend: “more and more Americans seeking beyond the classic tourism destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto to discover lesser-known parts of the country.”
With Japan’s listing in Destination of the Year lists of the Conde Nast Traveler, the New York Times and more, JNTO expects an even greater surge, especially as the country moves toward a number of international sporting events, culminating in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
