Osaka, Japan
Indian tourists proved to be both highly engaged and high spending in 2024, with the travel expenditure per capita of Inbound Indian tourists to Japan recorded at 241,590 Japanese yen (approximately INR 1.45 lakh*), 53.6% increase compared to 2019. The amount includes expenses during the trip plus package details. The average duration of stay stood at an impressive 16.3 nights, indicating that Indian travellers are showing interest in truly immersing themselves in its culture, lifestyle, and experiences. With approximately 233,000 Indian visitors recorded between January and December 2024, spending by Indian visitors to Japan amounted to an estimated 56.1 billion Japanese yen—equivalent to approximately INR 3,366 crore*. This reflects the growing economic impact of Indian tourism on Japan’s inbound travel market.
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Delhi Office is thrilled to reveal new figures from the Japan Tourism Agency showing a strong upswing in spending by Indian travellers visiting Japan.
Repeat visitors and consumption patterns: Notably, 64.9% of Indian visitors were first timers, while 26.2% had visited Japan between two to five times. Encouragingly, the number of Indian visitors to Japan is steadily increasing, reflecting growing familiarity, satisfaction, and deeper interest in exploring different parts of Japan. First-time Indian visitors predominantly favour the classic ‘Golden Route’, which includes Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima—offering a seamless blend of Japan’s ancient heritage, cutting-edge modernity, and breathtaking landscapes. While these iconic cities remain popular, JNTO Delhi is actively promoting travel beyond the Golden Route, encouraging Indian travellers to explore regional destinations that showcase Japan’s rich local cultures and a chance to avoid over-crowding—uncovering the true depth and diversity of the country.
When looking at the overall purpose of travel, 41.8% of Indian visitors travelled for leisure, while 14.7% visited Japan for corporate or business, and 8.4% came to visit friends and relatives (VFR). Additionally, there is a noticeable upward trend in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) to newer regions and B2B excursion travel, reflecting Japan’s growing appeal as a destination for corporate group-based travel.
In terms of travel booking patterns, a significant 86.9% of leisure travellers choose to plan their trips independently, rather than through group tours. However, many of these travellers still opt for customized pre-arranged package tours that include essentials like flights, hotels, and sightseeing, suggesting a preference for flexibility within a structured itinerary, rather than fully independent travel. This trend highlights the growing confidence among Indian travellers in navigating Japan on their own, as well as the ease of booking for Japan as a destination such as transport, accommodation, and activities.
The upward trend continues in 2025, with approx. 62,100 Indian visitors recorded in Q1 (Jan-March), marking a 24.8% increase compared to 49,799 in the same period last year. Traditionally, February has been the leanest month for Indian arrivals to Japan, but February 2025 saw a notable 29.0% year-on-year growth. This surge reflects the growing interest among Indian travellers in experiencing Japan during winters, particularly in regions like Hokkaido, world famous for its snow quality called as “powder snow”. This strong momentum carried into April, which recorded 37,300 Indian visitors—not only the highest-ever for the month of April, but also the highest monthly figure on record for Indian arrivals to Japan, as noted by the JNTO Delhi Office. April in Japan is widely recognized as the cherry blossom season, and this surge aligns with one of the peak travel periods for Indian visitors, who are increasingly drawn to the country’s iconic springtime beauty
Indian visitors to Japan in 2024 demonstrated thoughtful and balanced spending habits, with a strong focus on comfort, local experiences, and shopping. According to data from the Japan Tourism Agency, the largest share of expenditure—43.2%—was allocated to accommodation, indicating a clear preference for quality stays that enhance the overall travel experience.
Shopping accounted for 19.5% of total spending, reflecting the popularity of Japanese products such as sweets, snacks, fashion, accessories, and cosmetics among Indian tourists. Close behind, food and beverages made up 19.4% of expenses, highlighting the growing appreciation for Japanese cuisine and unique dining experiences, from sushi restaurants and ramen shops to themed cafés. Transportation made up 14.3% of travel spending, driven by Japan’s efficient and extensive rail network, including the iconic Shinkansen bullet trains that help visitors explore multiple cities with ease. Meanwhile, amusement and attractions accounted for 3.6%, showing steady interest in theme parks, cultural shows, and local entertainment.
India Pavilion-Bharat Now Open at Expo 2025, Osaka
The India Pavilion-Bharat at Expo 2025, Osaka is now open to visitors, offering a powerful and immersive showcase of India’s cultural richness, spiritual depth, and scientific achievements.
Visitors can journey through the serene Lotus Courtyard, where symbols like Padmapani and the Bodhi Tree evoke India’s timeless values of compassion and wisdom. The Oneness Lounge, inspired by a sacred mandapa, radiates Bharat’s signature warmth, harmony, and hospitality. Adding to the experience are standout features such as a Chandrayaan-3 scale model, symbolizing India’s pioneering role in space exploration, and a spectacular Geo-light Mesh Rooftop embedded with 72,576 LED lights—a first-of-its-kind installation, visible from across the Expo grounds.
