RECORD INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TURKISH TOURISTS IN JAPAN
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) announced that the number of international visitors to Japan reached 21,518,100 between January and June 2025, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Among these, the number of visitors from Turkey showed a remarkable increase of 77.3%, revealing Turkey's growing interest in Japan.
This increase can be attributed to several key factors. Turkish passport holders have long benefited from visa-free short-term stays of up to 90 days, which provides a strong basis for travel to Japan. Furthermore, in February 2025, All Nippon Airways (ANA) launched its new direct flight from Haneda to Istanbul, further expanding flight options between Japan and Turkey. These developments, combined with JNTO's active promotional campaigns, including travel seminars held for agents and consumers in Istanbul and Ankara in 2024 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey, have played a significant role in boosting interest and bookings.
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which opened on April 13 and welcomed approximately 13 million visitors by mid-July, is also contributing to this momentum. The Expo, set to continue until October, is expected to inspire more travel worldwide. To support this, JNTO offers special “Beyond EXPO 2025” model tours on its website, encouraging travelers to combine their Expo visits with trips to other regions of Japan for a deeper and more diverse experience.
In addition to Expo 2025, Japan's unique summer experiences, which can only be enjoyed this season, are attracting travelers with limited-time opportunities, and a further increase in visitor numbers is expected after July.
KOBAYASHI Daisuke, Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Dubai office, shared the following remarks on the matter:
“2024 marked the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey, and we were delighted to celebrate this significant milestone by intensifying our promotional activities in Turkey. The remarkable increase in the number of Turkish tourists visiting Japan this year is a testament to these efforts and the strong ties between our two countries.
Japan's unique summer events captivate travelers. Traditional summer festivals and dazzling fireworks displays showcase the mastery of Japanese pyrotechnic art, including the famous Nagaoka, Tsuchiura, and Omagari fireworks festivals.
A unique feature of these events is that the fireworks can be watched continuously for several hours, offering an unforgettable visual experience.
Visitors can also savor festival delicacies like takoyaki, yakisoba, and kakigōri shaved ice dessert while enjoying the lively atmosphere. For those seeking a cooler escape, Japan's mountain resorts are ideal summer havens. Destinations like Nikko, just two hours from Tokyo, offer refreshing air, lush national parks, and scenic walks around Lake Chuzenji, providing a perfect balance of culture and nature.
As we look to the coming months, I invite Turkish travelers to discover the unique charm of Japan's summer, whether it's watching breathtaking fireworks displays, tasting seasonal delicacies, or exploring refreshing mountain resorts. Every visit offers a new way to connect with Japan's culture, nature, and hospitality."
