In 2020, the number of foreign visitors to Japan fell by 87.1%, the most significant decline since 1964, when comparable data became available, the Japanese tourism agency announced.
Restrictions and measures taken to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have affected the tourism industry globally.
The total number of foreign visitors, including tourists and business people, dropped to 4.12 million in 2020, from 31.90 million in 2019. It is the lowest level since 1998.
Initially, the Japanese government estimated that 40 million foreign tourists would visit Japan in 2020, but the effects of the pandemic, the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, and other sporting events made it impossible to meet this target. In December, the number of foreign visitors decreased by 97.7%, the 15th month of decline.
The number of Japanese people traveling abroad also fell in 2020 by 84.2%, to 3.17 million, the lowest level since these data were published. In recent years, Japan’s economy has become increasingly dependent on foreign tourists, launching more aggressive campaigns abroad to promote the tourism industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did foreign tourism in Japan decrease in 2020?Foreign visitor numbers fell by 87.1% compared to 2019, reaching the lowest level since 1998.
What was the impact of the pandemic on Japan’s tourism targets?Japan missed its target of 40 million visitors due to travel restrictions and the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics.
Did outbound travel from Japan also decline?Yes, the number of Japanese citizens traveling abroad decreased by 84.2% in 2020, hitting a record low.