Japan boosts its tourism industry by implementing a visa-free entry policy for 71 countries, including Schengen nations, USA, Canada, UK, and Turkey.
Japan’s decision to implement visa-free entry for citizens of 71 countries, including those in the Schengen area, has given a significant boost to its travel and tourism industry. This policy change has made Japan more accessible to a vast array of international travelers, thereby catalyzing growth across multiple sectors of the travel industry. Leisure travel has seen a particular uptick as tourists from these visa-exempt countries take advantage of the easier access to explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes. Business travel has also benefited, with an increase in professionals visiting for short-term engagements, negotiations, and networking opportunities. Furthermore, the ease of entry has strengthened Japan’s position as a prime destination for international meetings and events, attracting large conferences, expos, and corporate gatherings. This holistic enhancement in travel inflow is not only elevating Japan’s profile on the global stage but also significantly contributing to the economic vitality of its tourism sector.
In March 2024, Japan experienced an unprecedented surge in international tourism, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). A record-breaking 3.08 million visitors entered the country, marking an 11.7% increase over the same month in 2019 and the first time ever that monthly figures have exceeded three million.
Leading the wave of visitors were tourists from South Korea, numbering 663,100, followed by Taiwan with 484,400 and China with 452,400. Notably, a substantial number of European tourists, totaling 1,663,432, also made their way to Japan during this period.
The bustling activity extended to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, which, according to the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, saw about 19.1 million international passengers in fiscal 2023—setting a new record.
Further data from Statista highlights the allure of Japan’s natural and entertainment attractions. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park alone attracted 70.8 million visitors. Additionally, the iconic Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea theme parks drew a combined total of 22.09 million guests.
TTW Editor in Cheif Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan expressed: “I think, Japan’s policy of visa-free entry for citizens from 71 countries, including the Schengen zone, has significantly boosted its travel and tourism industry. The initiative has led to an increase in international visitors across various travel sectors, such as leisure, business, and event tourism. This surge not only showcases Japan’s rich cultural and natural offerings but also contributes to its economic growth. With easier access for a wide range of global travelers, Japan is reinforcing its standing as a premier destination for tourism and international events, reflecting a strategic move that promises sustained growth and enhanced global presence in the tourism market.”
Financially, 2023 was a landmark year for Japan’s tourism sector. International tourism expenditure reached approximately 5.31 trillion Japanese yen, establishing a new record. This robust rebound in tourism revenue marked a complete recovery from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had previously wiped out nearly all inbound tourism-related earnings.
The list of visa free countries are:
- France
- Cyprus
- Malaysia
- Lithuania
- Bulgaria
- Iceland
- Macao
- Barbados
- Hungary
- Poland
- Czech Republic
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Bahamas
- Türkiye
- Chile
- Honduras
- Guatemala
- Lesotho
- Andorra
- Belgium
- Finland
- United Arab Emirates
- Tunisia
- Norway
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Uruguay
- Hong Kong
- Sweden
- Qatar
- Croatia
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Australia
- Switzerland
- Estonia
- Brazil
- Dominican Republic
- Thailand
- San Marino
- Taiwan
- Mauritius
- Liechtenstein
- Surinam
- Portugal
- United States
- Mexico
- Canada
- Indonesia
- Luxembourg
- Monaco
- Denmark
- Latvia
- Serbia
- Costa Rica
- Italy
- Germany
- Malta
- Argentina
- Israel
- New Zealand
- Slovenia
- Brunei
- North Macedonia
- Republic of Korea
- Panama
- Austria
- El Salvador
- Romania
- Greece
Here is a list of Schengen countries whose citizens are allowed visa-free entry into Japan:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
In conclusion, Japan’s strategic move to allow visa-free entry for citizens from 71 countries, including those within the Schengen area, has invigorated its tourism industry across all fronts. From leisure and business travel to hosting international meetings and events, Japan has seen a remarkable influx of visitors. This policy has not only simplified access to Japan’s myriad attractions but also bolstered economic growth through increased tourism expenditure. As Japan continues to welcome the world with open arms, its tourism sector is poised for sustained growth and increased international prominence.
List of the top 10 tourist spots in Japan:
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- Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest peak and an iconic symbol of the country. Located near Tokyo, this active volcano is a popular destination for hiking and photography, especially attractive during the cherry blossom season. - Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, inspired by Paris’s Eiffel Tower, is a major sightseeing spot in Tokyo, offering panoramic views of the city. At night, its illumination makes it a picturesque spot in the cityscape. - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Located in Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple famous for its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf. It’s set amidst a tranquil pond and is especially beautiful during autumn when surrounded by fall foliage. - Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
This park is dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack. The park’s museum and the iconic A-Bomb Dome are poignant reminders of the need for peace. - Fushimi Inari Shrine
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings, this Shinto shrine in Kyoto attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn to its mesmerizing paths. - Nara Park
Home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, Nara Park is a public park located in the city of Nara. It also houses significant temples and museums, including Todai-ji, which features a giant Buddha statue. - Himeji Castle
As a prime example of traditional Japanese castle architecture, Himeji Castle has survived several centuries intact. It is known as the “White Heron Castle” due to its elegant, white appearance. - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
This large park in Tokyo offers beautiful gardens blending Japanese traditional, French formal, and English landscape designs. It’s a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. - Osaka Castle
One of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle plays a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. The castle park is vast, with many cultural and historical buildings. - Akihabara
Known as the “Electric Town” of Tokyo, Akihabara is famous for its electronics shops, anime and manga goods, and maid cafes. It’s a bustling district that shows the modern pop culture of Japan.
- Mount Fuji