30+ Tokyo Tourism Statistics [2025] – How Many Visitors Does Tokyo Attract?

Tokyo isn’t just the capital of Japan—it ranks as the 4th most visited city in the world.

In 2024, more than 30 million international tourists explored the metropolis, cementing its status as a global tourism heavyweight.

Tokyo’s most popular landmark, the historic Sensō-ji Temple, draws a staggering ~30 million visitors annually, making it not only the city’s top attraction but the most-visited religious site on Earth

This record-breaking year registered over ¥8 trillion (≈$50B) in tourist spending, making inbound tourism one of Japan’s top economic engines.

How Many Tourists Visit Japan (and Tokyo) Each Year?

Japan welcomed a record 36.9 million international tourists in 2024, a 47% increase over 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Tokyo alone received over 30 million foreign visitors between January and October 2024, making it one of the top 10 most visited cities in the world.

How Much Do Visitors Spend in Japan?

Tourists in Japan spent ¥8.14 trillion (≈$50B) in 2024, the highest figure ever recorded. On average, each visitor spent ¥220,000 (≈$1,400) during their trip. This level of spending placed inbound tourism as Japan’s second-largest export industry after automobiles.

What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Tokyo?

Tokyo mixes futuristic attractions with deeply rooted traditions. The Senso-ji Temple remains the city’s crown jewel, with over 30 million visitors annually, making it the world’s most visited religious site.

On the entertainment side, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea together welcomed 28.7 million visitors in 2023, placing them among the most visited theme parks globally.

Which Countries Deliver the Most Visitors to Japan (and Tokyo)?

Asian neighbors dominate Tokyo’s inbound tourism. South Korea alone accounts for over 7 million visitors annually, followed by Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong.

The United States is the top non-Asian market, while Australia and several European countries provide steady long-haul tourism.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo? (Seasonality)

Tokyo tourism follows a seasonal rhythm, peaking in spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn.

July 2024 marked a record-breaking month with 3.2M international arrivals nationwide, fueled by the weak yen.

January and February are comparatively quieter, making them ideal for travelers seeking fewer crowds.

What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Tokyo?

From futuristic art festivals to centuries-old traditions, Tokyo’s events draw millions:

• Cherry Blossom Festival (March–April) sees parks like Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen packed with visitors.
• New Year Celebrations at Meiji Shrine bring 3 million worshippers in just the first three days of January.
• Tokyo Game Show and Anime Japan highlight Tokyo’s role as a pop-culture capital.
• Summer matsuri (festivals) like Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival attract close to 1 million spectators along the riverbanks.

FAQ – Tokyo Tourism Essentials

How many tourists visit Tokyo annually?

Japan saw 36.9M visitors in 2024, with Tokyo receiving 30M+ foreign arrivals in 10 months.

What is the most visited landmark?

Senso-ji Temple with ~30M annual visitors.

Which countries send the most tourists to Tokyo?

South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and the U.S. lead the way.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (March–April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October–November) for mild weather and colorful foliage.

What’s the biggest event?

New Year at Meiji Shrine, attracting 3M visitors in just three days.

Does Tokyo have overtourism?

Yes. Areas like Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa, and Harajuku often experience severe crowding. Peak seasons (spring blossoms and autumn foliage) see transport congestion and long wait times at attractions.

Which nationality visits Japan the most?

In 2024, South Koreans were the largest group, with 7.4M arrivals, making up ~20% of all inbound tourists.

Which Japanese city has the most tourists?

Tokyo leads with ~30M international visitors, but Kyoto and Osaka are also major draws thanks to temples, castles, and food culture.

Who are the top foreigners in Japan?

Tourists primarily come from South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, the United States, Thailand, and Australia. Among residents, the largest foreign communities are from China, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines.

Why is Tokyo so overcrowded?

Tokyo is the most populated city in the world (37M metro residents), and combined with record-breaking tourism, this leads to crowded trains, long queues, and housing shortages.

What are the negatives of tourism in Tokyo?

• Overcrowding in key districts
• Rising costs for accommodation and dining
• Cultural frictions, especially around etiquette (e.g., noise on trains, littering)
• Pressure on infrastructure

Which country do Japanese like the most?

Polls consistently show the U.S. and European nations (like the UK, France, and Germany) as the most positively viewed, alongside neighboring Taiwan.

Where do the rich vacation in Japan?

Luxury travelers head to Hakone (onsen resorts), Karuizawa (mountain retreats), Hokkaido (skiing), and Okinawa (beach resorts). Tokyo’s Ginza is also a luxury hotspot.

How many days should you spend in Tokyo as a tourist?

For first-time visitors, 5–7 days is ideal to explore major districts, day trips (Nikko, Hakone), and cultural attractions.

Is Tokyo growing or declining?

Tourism is growing rapidly, but Tokyo’s population is slowly declining due to low birth rates and aging demographics.

What is the biggest problem Tokyo is facing?

Tokyo’s main challenges are:

• Aging population and labor shortages
• Overtourism in key districts
• Housing affordability
• Climate-related risks (heatwaves, earthquakes)

Sources

1. Nippon.com — Japan Sets New Record with 36.9 Million International Visitors in 2024
2. Reuters — Tokyo’s Property Boom Looks Built to Last
3. JITTI USA — Tourism in Japan: A Look at the Numbers from 2024 and the Outlook for 2025
4. Business Insider — Tokyo’s teamLab Planets Museum Welcomes 2.5 Million Visitors
5. Wikipedia — Tokyo Disneyland Attendance Statistics
6. Wikipedia — Sensō-ji Visitor Numbers
7. Wikipedia — Tokyo Tower Visitor Statistics
8. Wikipedia — Odaiba Tourism and Development
9. Kyodo News — Japan Logs Record Tourist Arrivals in July 2024
10. Business Insider — Japan Airlines Launches Same-Day Luggage Delivery for Tourists