How Japan Is Surging the Tourism Industry with New Visa-Free Entry Policy for 71 Countries

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 Disney Sea theme parks drew a combined total of 22.09 million guests.

TTW Editor in Chief, Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan expressed that 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 as under:

1. France
2. Cyprus
3. Malaysia
4. Lithuania
5. Bulgaria
6. Iceland
7. Macao
8. Barbados
9. Hungary
10. Poland
11. Czech Republic
12. Singapore
13. Slovakia
14. Bahamas
15. Türkiye
16. Chile
17. Honduras
18. Guatemala
19. Lesotho
20. Andorra
21. Belgium
22. Finland
23. United Arab Emirates
24. Tunisia
25. Norway
26. Ireland
27. Netherlands
28. Uruguay
29. Hong Kong
30. Sweden
31. Qatar
32. Croatia
33. United Kingdom
34. Spain
35. Australia
36. Switzerland
37. Estonia
38. Brazil
39. Dominican Republic
40. Thailand
41. San Marino
42. Taiwan
43. Mauritius
44. Liechtenstein
45. Surinam
46. Portugal
47. United States
48. Mexico
49. Canada
50. Indonesia
51. Luxembourg
52. Monaco
53. Denmark
54. Latvia
55. Serbia
56. Costa Rica
57. Italy
58. Germany
59. Malta
60. Argentina
61. Israel
62. New Zealand
63. Slovenia
64. Brunei
65. North Macedonia
66. Republic of Korea
67. Panama
68. Austria
69. El Salvador
70. Romania
71. Greece

Here is a list of Schengen countries whose citizens are allowed visa-free entry into Japan:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Czech Republic
4. Denmark
5. Estonia
6. Finland
7. France
8. Germany
9. Greece
10. Hungary
11. Iceland
12. Italy
13. Latvia
14. Liechtenstein
15. Lithuania
16. Luxembourg
17. Malta
18. Netherlands
19. Norway
20. Poland
21. Portugal
22. Slovakia
23. Slovenia
24. Spain
25. Sweden
26. 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.

List of top 10 tourist spots in Japan:

1. Mount Fuji
2. Tokyo Tower
3. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
4. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
5. Fushimi Inari Shrine
6. Nara Park
7. Himeji Castle
8. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
9. Osaka Castle
10. Akihabara