5,675,100 Koreans Visited Japan in the First Half of 2026
From January through June 2026, 5,675,100 South Koreans visited Japan. According to figures released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number was up 18.6% from the same period a year earlier, making South Korea Japan’s largest source market by country or region.
Japan welcomed a total of 21,084,800 international visitors during the same period, down 2.0% year on year. South Koreans accounted for approximately 26.9% of all arrivals—more than one in four foreign visitors to Japan.
South Korean Arrivals Rise as Chinese Visitor Numbers Fall
The performance of Japan’s inbound tourism markets varied widely in the first half of 2026. Arrivals from South Korea rose 18.6%, while visitors from Taiwan increased 20.9% year on year to approximately 4 million.
By contrast, the number of visitors from China fell 56.4% to roughly 2.06 million. Although overall arrivals to Japan declined, growth from markets such as South Korea and Taiwan helped offset part of the drop.
June Saw a Record Monthly Number of South Korean Visitors
According to the JNTO, 3,148,600 international visitors traveled to Japan in June 2026, a 6.8% decrease from the same month a year earlier. However, 15 markets—including South Korea, Taiwan, the United States and India—recorded their highest-ever visitor numbers for June.
The growth in South Korean arrivals was evident not only in the first-half total but also in the monthly figures. Japan’s tourism industry expects the sustained volume of visitors from South Korea to drive demand for air routes, accommodation and multilingual information at tourist attractions.
Response from Japan’s Tourism Industry and the Market Outlook
Given South Korea’s geographic proximity to Japan and the active flow of tourism between the two countries, the rise in South Korean visitors could serve as a key indicator for Japan’s inbound tourism industry. Department stores, duty-free retailers, hotels and local governments are likely to step up Korean-language services and online promotions as they compete to capture demand from South Korean travelers.
Still, it is too early to draw conclusions about full-year visitor numbers based solely on first-half data. Results in the second half could vary depending on flight capacity, exchange rates, public holidays and travel demand in both countries, as well as international developments.
What South Koreans Should Check Before Traveling to Japan
Those planning a trip to Japan should check airfares, hotel rates and crowd levels at major attractions in advance, particularly during peak travel periods. In popular destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, reservations for certain dates may fill quickly as the number of South Korean visitors rises.
Before departure, travelers should check the latest information on entry and quarantine requirements in Japan, as well as transportation schedules. It is also advisable to prepare travel insurance and emergency contact information in case of natural disasters or severe weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How many South Koreans visited Japan in the first half of 2026?
A. A total of 5,675,100 South Koreans visited Japan from January through June 2026, an increase of 18.6% from the same period a year earlier.
Q. What share of all visitors to Japan were South Korean?
A. South Korean visitors accounted for approximately 26.9% of the 21,084,800 foreign visitors to Japan.
Q. How many international visitors traveled to Japan in the first half of 2026?
A. Japan received 21,084,800 international visitors in the first half of 2026, down 2.0% from the same period a year earlier.
Q. Which major markets saw visitor numbers rise besides South Korea?
A. Visitors from Taiwan rose 20.9% year on year to approximately 4 million. In June, 15 markets, including South Korea and Taiwan, recorded their highest-ever monthly visitor numbers.
Q. What should travelers check when preparing for a trip to Japan?
A. Before departure, travelers should check airfare and hotel availability, crowd levels at tourist attractions, transportation schedules, the latest entry requirements, and weather and disaster information.
