In 2023, the contribution of the tourism industry to the gross domestic product (GDP) in Japan amounted to **** trillion Japanese yen. The tourism-generated contribution to the GDP has recovered from the slump induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, the economic impact of the tourism industry on Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to **** trillion Japanese yen. This was the highest value during the surveyed period.

In 2024, spending by inbound tourists accounted for 23.7 percent of tourism expenditure in Japan. This was the highest share of expenditure that inbound tourists ever had. How does Japan’s inbound tourism industry compare internationally? Prior to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan’s inbound tourism industry had generated high expectations, as the number of international visitor arrivals more than tripled in the past decade. In the years before the pandemic, Japan made it into the top ten countries in terms of international tourism revenue. Tourism expenditure of international visitors experienced considerable growth, yet domestic tourism still accounted for the lion’s share of Japan’s travel and tourism expenditure. Which sectors of domestic tourism generate revenue? A look at domestic tourism by travel purpose, reveals that most of the expenditure was generated by leisure travel, while business travel produced most of the rest. In terms of travel type, domestic tourism expenditure on overnight trips was the dominant travel segment.

Tourism Revenues in Japan increased to 27196212 JPY Thousand in June from 25852881 JPY Thousand in May of 2025. This dataset provides - Japan Tourism Revenues- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Japan: International tourism revenue, percent of GDP: The latest value from 2020 is 0.23 percent, a decline from 0.96 percent in 2019. In comparison, the world average is 3.33 percent, based on data from 125 countries. Historically, the average for Japan from 1995 to 2020 is 0.33 percent. The minimum value, 0.09 percent, was reached in 1995 while the maximum of 0.96 percent was recorded in 2019.

Forecast: Tourism Direct GDP in Japan 2023 - 2027 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Forecast: Total Tourism GDP in Japan 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

In 2024, overnight travel expenditure accounted for *** percent of Japan's national GDP. Expenses for overnight travels, which included spending by Japanese nationals and international travelers alike, amounted to roughly ***** trillion Japanese yen, which was a new decade-high.

Key information about Japan Tourism Revenue

• Japan's Tourism Revenue reached 11 USD bn in Dec 2020, compared with 49 USD bn in the previous year
• Japan's Tourism Revenue data is updated yearly, available from Dec 1995 to Dec 2020
• The data reached an all-time high of 49,209 USD mn in Dec 2019 and a record low of 4,894 USD mn in Dec 1995

In 2023, expenditure from the domestic tourism industry in Japan equaled *** percent of total GDP. This was an increase compared to the previous year.

According to data provided by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in 2021, the cross-border tourism expenditure's share of GPD in Japan amounted to around *** percent, a decrease from *** percent in 2019, showing the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry.

126.3 (billion US dollars) in 2019.

3.0 (%) in 2019. The share of Travel & Tourism spending or employment in the equivalent economy-wide concept in the published national income accounts or labour market statistics. Visitor exports are compared with exports of all goods and services Domestic Travel & Tourism spending is compared with GDP Government individual Travel & Tourism spending is compared with total government spending Internal Travel & Tourism consumption is compared with total internal consumption (i.e. total domestic spending plus total export) Leisure Travel & Tourism contribution to GDP is compared with total GDP Business Travel & Tourism contribution to GDP is compared with total GDP Travel & Tourism capital investment spending is compared with all fixed investment spending

In 2019, leisure spending accounted for the majority of travel and tourism's contribution to the Japanese GDP, with around 69 percent. The Japanese travel and tourism industry is dominated by the presence of domestic travel activities, while international travels are only gradually growing in importance.

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Cultural Tourism Market Size 2025-2029

The cultural tourism market size is forecast to increase by USD 8.41 billion, at a CAGR of 18.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing number of individuals seeking unique, immersive experiences to alleviate stress and enrich their personal growth. This trend is further fueled by the burgeoning adoption of advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in cultural tourism, enabling travelers to explore historical sites and artifacts in a more engaging and interactive manner. However, this market faces challenges as well. Overtourism, or the excessive concentration of tourists in specific locations, poses a threat to the preservation of cultural heritage sites and the local communities that rely on tourism.
Addressing this issue through sustainable tourism practices and effective crowd management strategies is essential for companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market while mitigating potential risks. By focusing on innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of travelers, while respecting and preserving cultural heritage, businesses can differentiate themselves and thrive in this dynamic and growing market.

What will be the Size of the Cultural Tourism Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, driven by the increasing demand for authentic and immersive experiences. Crowd control and tourism infrastructure remain key concerns as cultural heritage sites attract large numbers of visitors. Digital guides and mobile applications enhance the visitor experience, offering GPS navigation, augmented reality, and interactive exhibits. Economic impact is a significant factor, with art galleries, language courses, and adventure tourism contributing to local economies. Visitor management systems and travel advisories ensure responsible tourism practices, while travel agencies and tourist information centers facilitate seamless travel experiences. Visa requirements and health precautions are essential considerations for tourists.

Sustainable tourism initiatives, such as waste management and cultural preservation, minimize environmental impact. Experiential tourism and educational tourism provide unique learning opportunities, while medical tourism caters to health-conscious travelers. Social media marketing and community-based tourism foster authentic connections with local communities. Cultural exchange programs promote cross-cultural understanding. Wellness tourism and religious tourism cater to specific niche markets, offering spiritual and rejuvenating experiences. Immersive technologies, such as virtual reality and tourist guides, bring history to life. Rural tourism and urban tourism offer diverse experiences, appealing to various travel preferences. Tourism policies and online booking platforms shape the industry, ensuring efficient and accessible travel experiences.

Ongoing trends include the integration of technology and the emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism practices. The market continues to unfold, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

How is this Cultural Tourism Industry segmented?

The cultural tourism industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Domestic cultural tourism
  International cultural tourism


Service

  Cultural eco-tourism
  Indigenous cultural tourism
  Socio-cultural tourism


Application

  Leisure
  Religious pilgrimage
  Education
  Research


Traveler Type

  Solo Travelers
  Group Travelers
  Families


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The domestic cultural tourism segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic the market, domestic tourism is experiencing a significant surge, fueled by the quest for genuine experiences, technological innovations, and government incentives promoting local heritage. Mobile applications serve as essential tools, granting travelers instant access to detailed guides, maps, and cultural information for their destinations. This convenience and ease of use enhance the planning and navigation process for cultural tours. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications have gained popularity, offering immersive experiences that enable u

390,9 (billion US dollars) in 2019. US dollar billion, at current prices and exchange rates.

In 2024, the number of inbound visitors traveling to Japan amounted to approximately ***** million, setting a new record. The majority of international visitors arrived from East Asian countries. Travel during COVID-19Japan imposed international travel entry bans when COVID-19 had turned into a pandemic. In 2022, restrictions and stringent requirements that need to be fulfilled for those who wish to visit Japan remained in place. Inbound travel was difficult, resulting in the continuation of the low number of inbound travelers recorded. Travel bans were lifted in 2023 and entry to Japan was possible again with some restrictions still in place. Inbound tourism in JapanWhile domestic tourism comprises the lion's share of Japan's travel and tourism industry, inbound tourism is regarded as a promising source of income with potential for growth. Foreign tourism's contribution to the tourism GDP increased consistently in the years prior to the pandemic, as did the tourism expenditure by international visitors. Motivations to visit JapanThe island nation offers international tourists a range of holiday activities in the bustling metropolises, contrasted by the overabundance of nature-related activities in the suburban areas away from city life. The most common activity that motivated tourists to visit Japan was to try the local cuisine. While well-known Japanese dishes like ramen and sushi ranked high among overseas travelers, the most popular food during their stay in Japan was meat and meat-related dishes.

In 2024, the total contribution of travel and tourism to the global gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to **** trillion U.S. dollars. This figure, which includes the direct, indirect, and induced impact of the global travel and tourism market, represented an increase in total contribution to GDP of *** percent over 2019. As forecast, the total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the global GDP was expected to reach **** trillion U.S. dollars in 2025. Which countries record the highest travel and tourism contribution to GDP? GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a year. It is considered an important indicator of a country's economic strength, and a positive change in GDP is a sign of economic growth. Both before and after the impact of COVID-19, the United States and China were by far the leading travel markets based on the total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP, followed by Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. What are the most visited countries in the world? In 2023, France was the country with the highest number of international tourist arrivals worldwide, welcoming 100 million international visitors. While the United States reported the third-highest number of inbound tourist arrivals that year, it was the destination with the highest international tourism receipts worldwide, ranking ahead of Spain and the United Kingdom.

Contributing a staggering *** trillion U.S. dollars to China’s GDP in 2023, the travel and tourism industry proved to be a vital industry for the East Asian country’s economy. This pivotal industry provided huge GDP contributions to a number of countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Japan and India both saw impressive figures, while Southeast Asia alone has experienced constant GDP increases from the travel and tourism industry. Why Asia-Pacific The travel and tourism industry has made significant monetary additions to many developing economies throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Southeast Asia stands in the foreground as one of the regions which relies heavily on its tourism success. A success which could be inferred through the rising number of tourist arrivals to the ASEAN states. A likely reason why APAC has become one of the leading regions for tourism, could be related to its competitive prices. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are cheaper than the usual Western tourist hotspots, in this way, the region has begun to appeal to an increasing number of international travelers. Domestic tourism The Asia-Pacific region has not only attracted international tourists throughout recent years but has also received a great influx of domestic tourists. Growing economies in the region, resulting in an emerging middle class, have made the possibility of increased domestic travel a reality. Intra-regional tourism accounted for approximately half of APAC’s tourism.

The tourism sector GDP share in South Korea was forecast to continuously increase between 2023 and 2028 by in total 0.6 percentage points. The share is estimated to amount to 2.71 percent in 2028. While the share was forecast to increase significant in the next years, the increase will slow down in the future.Depited is the economic contribution of the tourism sector in relation to the gross domestic product of the country or region at hand.The forecast has been adjusted for the expected impact of COVID-19.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in more than 150 countries and regions worldwide. All input data are sourced from international institutions, national statistical offices, and trade associations. All data has been are processed to generate comparable datasets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the tourism sector GDP share in countries like Japan and China.