Inside Japan’s Record Breaking Tourism Surge
By Kelli Luu | 18 May, 2025

After seeing over 36 million tourists in 2024, Japan is expecting even more in 2025 with Tokyo and Osaka climbing traveler’s bucket lists.

Japan is experiencing a tourism surge as the country welcomed a record breaking 36.9 million international visitors in 2024, a 47% increase from 2023. 

A key factor being the collapse of the yen. The favorable exchange rate is making Japan more accessible, drawing tourists worldwide to indulge in a foreign trip filled with culture and cuisine. 

Cities like Tokyo and Osaka have seen a major uptick in interest with Tokyo ranking number 6 on Delta’s 2025 most searched summer destinations list, creeping behind cities like Athens and Cancun. 

So why is everyone booking their tickets? 

Tokyo is a futuristic dreamland with robot cafes, vending machines for everything, and a big spotlight on the fashion scene. 

The Akihabara district is filled with iconic LED lights, tech shops where you can find the newest and most intelligent home gadgets, and anime themed arcades. 

Just seven miles away is Omotesando, the place to find Instagram worthy coffee before hitting all the luxury boutiques. Omotesando is Japan’s Rodeo Drive with some of the most popular shopping malls and matcha that makes you take 20 photos of it before taking a sip. 

In 2024, sales of used clothing and luxury goods reached 818.1 billion yen or $6.2 billion U.S. dollars, making Tokyo’s fashion scene more than just high fashion, but also a thrifting heaven. Koenji is the place to score unique and timeless pieces from graphic tees to designer gems. 

A two and a half hour bullet train ride later and you will be in Osaka, also known as the “Kitchen of Japan”. 

Be ready to indulge in Osaka because you won’t be able to resist the loud and flavorful dishes that are meant to be eaten in the streets. 

Dotonbori is famous for its popular nightlife and every foodie’s paradise, with classic dishes like takoyaki and kushikatsu all being made in right front of you. 

For anyone visiting during the spring, the 441 year old Osaka Castle is a legendary landmark that symbolizes Japan’s rich samurai history and the magical cherry blossoms will have your photos looking straight out of a fairytale. 

Whether you’re looking for style in Tokyo or flavor in Osaka, Japan is going to be one of the top travel destinations of 2025. 

So pack light, get your appetite ready, and start planning that trip to Japan because you’ll be leaving with memories that you can post about forever.