by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:10 AM ET, Tue February 3, 2026
Japan posted record year for inbound tourism in 2025.
Newly released figures show strong growth from Canada and continued momentum globally, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
Canadian arrivals to Japan exceeded 688,000 in 2025, up 18% from 579,445 visitors in 2024. Globally, Japan welcomed approximately 42.7 million inbound travellers, a 16% year-over-year increase and the country’s second consecutive all-time high.
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“We are deeply appreciative that so many travellers chose Japan last year,” said Ms. Yuka Suzuki, Executive Director of the JNTO Toronto office.
“Canadian travellers have long connected with Japan’s rich cultural experiences and we were thrilled to see such strong enthusiasm from this market. We will continue to shine a spotlight on the country’s many rural treasures in the year to come.”
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Visitor spending also reached record levels in 2025, surpassing $84 billion CAD.
JNTO said collaboration with partner agencies has helped Japan exceed government targets for travel spending and overnight stays. With regional tourism playing a larger role in balanced economic growth, the country has set a goal of welcoming 60 million inbound visitors by 2030.
Air access between Japan and Canada is also expanding.
In December 2026, Air Canada will launch its first-ever non-stop service to Sapporo, providing direct access to Hokkaido. The three-times-weekly Vancouver–Sapporo flights will operate through March 2027.
Additional information on travel to Japan is available through JNTO’s Canadian website.
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