Foreign Visitors to Japan Down 5.5% in April Amid Middle East Turmoil, Slump in Chinese Tourists
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) announced on May 20th that the number of foreign visitors to Japan in April decreased by 5.5% year-on-year, marking the second decline this year after January. This is attributed to flight cancellations and fare hikes due to instability in the Middle East, as well as a continued slump in Chinese tourists amid strained Japan-China relations. Notably, arrivals from the Middle East dropped by 21.4%, and visitors from the UK fell by 13.8%.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 22:40
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The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) announced today its estimate that the number of foreign visitors to Japan in April decreased by 5.5% compared to the same month last year. Turmoil in the Middle East leading to flight cancellations and higher airfares is considered one possible reason. Additionally, the slump in Chinese tourists due to deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations continues.
According to Kyodo News, the JNTO also noted that the number of visitors from the United Kingdom fell by 13.8% year-on-year to 59,900 in April, with many European countries showing a downward trend. The number of visitors from the Middle East region decreased by 21.4%.
This is the first time since January of this year that the number of foreign visitors to Japan has shown a year-on-year decline.
Since the United States and Israel began attacks on Iran in late February, turmoil, including damage to hub airports in the Middle East, has led to a reduction in routes from Europe to Japan via the region. For non-stop flights that do not transit through the Middle East, demand has increased, driving up ticket prices. At the same time, the effects of high fuel prices may also be starting to emerge.
According to Kyodo News, the JNTO also noted that the number of visitors from the United Kingdom fell by 13.8% year-on-year to 59,900 in April, with many European countries showing a downward trend. The number of visitors from the Middle East region decreased by 21.4%.
This is the first time since January of this year that the number of foreign visitors to Japan has shown a year-on-year decline.
Since the United States and Israel began attacks on Iran in late February, turmoil, including damage to hub airports in the Middle East, has led to a reduction in routes from Europe to Japan via the region. For non-stop flights that do not transit through the Middle East, demand has increased, driving up ticket prices. At the same time, the effects of high fuel prices may also be starting to emerge.