Japan’s tourism sector continued its strong recovery in November, recording a 10.4 percent year-on-year increase in international visitors despite ongoing diplomatic tensions with China.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), the country welcomed 3.52 million overseas visitors during the month. As a result, total arrivals for 2025 have now exceeded 39 million, already surpassing the previous full-year record of 36.87 million set in 2024.
China Visitor Growth Slows Sharply
While overall numbers remained strong, growth from mainland China slowed noticeably. Visitor arrivals from China rose by just 3 percent in November, compared with a 37.5 percent increase recorded earlier in the year.
This slowdown followed a diplomatic dispute triggered by comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. In response, Chinese authorities advised citizens to avoid travel to Japan in mid-November. Shortly after, several Chinese airlines began offering free refunds on flights booked through the end of the year.
China Still Japan’s Largest Source Market
Despite the decline in momentum, Chinese travellers remain Japan’s largest visitor group in 2025. Nearly one in four international arrivals this year came from mainland China, underlining the market’s continued importance to Japan’s tourism economy.
Meanwhile, arrivals from other regions helped offset weaker Chinese growth, allowing overall visitor numbers to remain on an upward trend.
Limited Impact Expected on MGM Osaka Project
Although diplomatic frictions persist, analysts expect little impact on Japan’s long-term tourism and gaming outlook. In particular, the MGM Osaka integrated resort, Japan’s first casino development, is unlikely to be affected. The project remains on track for its planned opening in 2030.
