Japan witnessed an all-time high in overnight stays at hotels and inns in 2024, reaching 651.49 million—a 5.5% increase from the previous year. This rise was mainly due to a sharp growth in foreign visitors staying in the country, driven by the weaker yen, making Japan a more affordable destination for international travelers.
However, domestic stays by Japanese residents slightly declined, signaling a slowdown in the post-pandemic travel boom. The government is now looking at ways to balance the increase in tourism and address the growing concerns of overcrowding in major cities.

Record-Breaking Overnight Stays in Japan
According to preliminary government data, the total number of overnight stays in Japan reached 651.49 million in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 617.47 million set in 2023. This number includes both Japanese residents and foreign travelers who stayed at hotels and traditional Japanese inns, known as ryokan.
The major factor behind this record-breaking number was the significant increase in foreign visitors’ stays, which grew by 38.8% compared to the previous year. In total, foreign travelers accounted for 163.48 million overnight stays in Japan in 2024.
One of the main reasons for this surge is the weak yen, which made Japan a more budget-friendly travel destination. The lower exchange rate allowed international tourists to get more value for their money, making Japan an attractive choice for vacations.
On the other hand, overnight stays by Japanese residents declined by 2.3% to 488.01 million. Experts suggest this drop is due to the waning effects of the post-pandemic domestic travel boom. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many Japanese citizens traveled within the country to explore different regions. However, as life gradually returned to normal, this domestic travel trend began to slow down.
Tourism Growth Concentrated in Major Cities
While Japan as a whole saw an increase in tourism, the majority of visitors focused on major urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi Prefecture. These cities have always been top tourist destinations due to their cultural attractions, entertainment hubs, and convenient transportation.
However, this concentration of tourists has raised concerns about overtourism, where too many visitors gather in one area, causing overcrowding, higher living costs, and pressure on local infrastructure.
To balance tourism more evenly across the country, the Japanese government is now working on strategies to promote regional travel. Encouraging tourists to explore lesser-known destinations can help relieve pressure on big cities while also boosting local economies in rural areas.
December Sees Strong Tourism Growth
Looking at the latest monthly data, December 2024 recorded 55.82 million overnight stays, marking a 6.3% increase compared to December 2023. Foreign visitors accounted for 15.29 million of these stays, showing continued strong international interest in Japan.
Additionally, revised data for November 2024 indicated that overnight stays by foreign visitors increased in 43 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures compared to the previous year.
Some of the regions that saw the highest growth rates included:
Tottori Prefecture (Western Japan) – 117% increase (21,610 stays)
Ishikawa Prefecture (Central Japan) – 116% increase (297,390 stays)
These numbers suggest that more foreign tourists are beginning to explore regional Japan, which aligns with the government’s push to spread tourism beyond major cities.
Understanding the Overnight Stay Data
The figures provided by the Japan Tourism Agency are calculated by multiplying the number of visitors by the number of nights they stayed in Japan. This means that if a single traveler stays for five nights, it counts as five overnight stays in the data.
This method helps to provide a clearer picture of tourism trends, as it shows not just the number of people visiting Japan but also how long they are staying.

Japan’s Tourism Outlook and Challenges
With tourism numbers hitting record highs, Japan’s hospitality industry is experiencing a significant boom. Hotels, ryokans, and other accommodation facilities are seeing higher occupancy rates, which is good for businesses and the economy.
However, there are some challenges that come with this surge in visitors:
Overtourism in Major Cities – Popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are struggling with large crowds, which can impact local residents’ daily lives and infrastructure.
Balancing Foreign and Domestic Tourism – While international tourism is rising, domestic travel has declined, requiring new strategies to encourage both.
Expanding Accommodation Options – With the increasing number of tourists, more hotels and lodging options are needed to accommodate demand.
Managing Costs and Resources – Increased tourism means higher demand for public transportation, food, and services, requiring better planning and resource allocation.

Future Plans to Improve Tourism
To address these challenges, the Japanese government is focusing on new policies to make tourism more sustainable and beneficial for all. Some of the strategies include:
Encouraging Regional Travel – Promoting lesser-known areas to distribute visitors more evenly across the country.
Improving Infrastructure – Expanding transport networks and hotel facilities to accommodate more tourists.
Eco-Friendly Tourism Initiatives – Encouraging responsible tourism practices to protect cultural and natural heritage sites.
Balancing Foreign and Domestic Travel Demand – Developing special travel promotions and discounts for Japanese residents to boost local tourism.
Japan’s record-breaking 651.49 million overnight stays in 2024 highlight the country’s growing popularity among foreign visitors, fueled by a weaker yen and strong international interest. However, with this rapid growth comes the need for better tourism management to ensure sustainable and balanced development.