US, China, South Korea, India, Singapore, and Germany Tourists Flock to Japan as Visitor Numbers Reach Over Twenty-One Million in Just Six Months Despite Rumor-Led Travel Collapse from Hong Kong
Home»CHINA TRAVEL NEWS» US, China, South Korea, India, Singapore, and Germany Tourists Flock to Japan as Visitor Numbers Reach Over Twenty-One Million in Just Six Months Despite Rumor-Led Travel Collapse from Hong Kong
Thursday, July 17, 2025
US, China, South Korea, India, Singapore, and Germany are leading the wave of international tourism to Japan, helping the country achieve a historic milestone of over 21.5 million visitors in just the first six months of 2025. This record-breaking growth is attributed to increased travel demand during school holidays, improved flight connectivity, and Japan’s enduring appeal as a cultural, culinary, and seasonal destination. While these nations drove the tourism surge, Hong Kong experienced a sharp 33% drop in visitor numbers in June, following the spread of unfounded online earthquake predictions that triggered widespread travel hesitation. Despite this isolated decline, Japan’s tourism momentum continues to accelerate, bringing the nation closer to its ambitious goal of attracting 60 million tourists annually by 2030.
Summer Surge Boosts Travel in June
Tourist arrivals in June 2025 alone soared to 3.4 million, an impressive 7.6% increase over the same month last year. According to Japan’s tourism authorities, the summer school holiday season played a critical role in encouraging families and students to visit, resulting in a surge of bookings during the early summer period.
Strong growth was noted from several international markets including China, South Korea, Singapore, India, the United States, and Germany—all of which recorded significant increases in traveler volume compared to 2024.
Hong Kong Market Suffers Sharp Decline Amid Disaster Speculation
While most markets saw gains, tourist arrivals from Hong Kong dropped dramatically by 33.4% in June. The sudden decline was linked to the circulation of unverified online posts predicting a large earthquake in Japan during July, which caused unease among potential visitors.
These posts gained traction on social platforms, even referencing fictional stories that forecasted natural disasters based on dreams or fictional content. Despite the speculative nature of such predictions, widespread fear led to a measurable decline in outbound travel to Japan from Hong Kong.
Over the six-month period, the total number of visitors from Hong Kong declined slightly by 0.4% to 1.27 million, signaling a notable contrast to the strong recovery seen in other regions. This is in stark contrast to the 2.7 million trips from Hong Kong to Japan in 2024.
Japan’s official agencies have emphasized that earthquakes cannot be predicted with precision, and the viral rumors have no scientific backing. Authorities reassured international travelers that Japan maintains rigorous monitoring systems and disaster preparedness protocols, encouraging tourists not to rely on speculative or misleading information when making travel decisions.
Vision 2030: Doubling Tourism Through Smart Growth
Japan remains committed to its long-term goal of attracting 60 million international visitors annually by 2030. To achieve this, officials are promoting a strategy that balances growth with sustainability, aiming to distribute tourists beyond major cities and reduce pressure on over-visited attractions.
Popular areas such as Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka often experience surges in visitor numbers during seasonal highlights like sakura (cherry blossom) season in spring and autumn foliage viewing. To prevent congestion, the government is incentivizing travel to rural prefectures, coastal towns, and underexplored regions that offer cultural richness and natural beauty.
Managing Overtourism: A Growing Challenge
Even as the tourism boom drives economic gains, it has also stirred concern among local communities. Residents in certain cities have voiced worries about crowding, environmental strain, and loss of traditional character, similar to tensions seen in destinations such as Venice.
In response, Japanese planners are exploring tourism caps, time-based visitation systems, and regional promotion campaigns to help preserve cultural integrity while ensuring the travel experience remains enjoyable and authentic for visitors.
Tourism Performance Snapshot: January–June 2025
Category
Statistic
Total International Visitors
21.5 million
Half-Year Growth Rate
+21%
June Arrivals
3.4 million (+7.6% YoY)
Strong Growth Markets
China, South Korea, Singapore, India, US, Germany
Drop from Hong Kong (June)
-33.4% due to viral quake rumors
Total Hong Kong Visitors (H1)
1.27 million (-0.4% YoY)
2024 Hong Kong Visitors (Full Year)
2.7 million
Tourism Target by 2030
60 million annually
Conclusion: Tourism Rebound with a Balanced Vision
Despite temporary setbacks in select markets, Japan’s broader tourism outlook remains highly positive. The first half of 2025 not only set a new record for visitor arrivals but also reaffirmed the country’s global appeal across diverse traveler segments. With strategic planning focused on regional development, digital readiness, and traveler reassurance, Japan is paving the way for a sustainable tourism future—one that balances cultural preservation with economic opportunity.
As travel demand continues to surge globally, Japan stands at the forefront of innovation and resilience in the tourism sector, ready to welcome millions more in the years ahead.
Pakistan will play all their matches, including their clash against India on October 5th, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
File Photo | AP
New Delhi: Pakistan will not participate in the ICC Women’s World Cup opening ceremony scheduled to be held in Guwahati on September 30. The grand event will precede the tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka, who are co-hosting the competition. Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal is set to perform at the ceremony.
According to sources cited by Geo News, neither Pakistan captain Fatima Sana nor any representatives from Pakistan will travel to India for the opening ceremony. Pakistan’s absence appears linked to a recently adopted policy by both India and Pakistan during the buildup to the Champions Trophy, wherein the two nations agreed not to cross borders to compete against each other at ICC tournaments for the next three years.
Due to ongoing strained political relations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy, but India refused to cross the border to participate because of the geopolitical situation between the two neighbours.
Consequently, Pakistan will play all of its World Cup fixtures at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Their campaign will begin against Bangladesh on October 2, with India and Pakistan scheduled to face off on October 5. Should Pakistan advance, Colombo will also host the semifinals and final later in October and November.
Pakistan secured their berth in the tournament by remaining unbeaten in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers, winning all five matches hosted on home soil.
Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 includes captain Fatima Sana, vice-captain Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Sidra Nawaz, and others. Non-travelling reserves include Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, and Waheeda Akhtar.
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Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), led by GMR Aero, has partnered with global intercity operator FlixBus to launch India’s first luxury bus service linking Delhi Airport with Noida and Greater Noida. The service, starting in the coming days, marks a major step in boosting airport connectivity and offering a premium public transport option.
The service will be available 24×7 at an affordable fare of INR 199 per trip. It is designed to provide air travellers with a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to private transport, ensuring both comfort and affordability. The routes will cover key areas like Sector 16, Botanical Garden, Golf Course Road, Jaypee Wishtown, Gaur City, and Pari Chowk.
Travel time is expected to range between 130 and 180 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. With Noida and Greater Noida emerging as major hubs, this service aims to reduce travel hassle for passengers and ease congestion caused by private cabs and vehicles.
Each bus will be equipped with world-class amenities such as plush reclining seats, real-time tracking, CCTV surveillance, USB charging ports, and ample luggage space. FlixBus and DIAL emphasized that the initiative is not only about comfort but also about creating a safe, tech-enabled travel experience.
According to DIAL, nearly 20% of Delhi Airport’s passengers already use public transport. The addition of this luxury bus strengthens its transport network and aligns with its sustainability goals of lowering carbon emissions. CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar highlighted that this collaboration sets new benchmarks for eco-friendly airport mobility.
Tickets can be booked conveniently through the FlixBus app, website, or platforms like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, and Paytm. Offline counters will also be available at airport terminals. With this initiative, Delhi Airport joins leading global hubs offering integrated and world-class airport-to-city bus services.
Mountains in India You Can Climb Without Being a Pro (Image Credit: Canva)
Climbing mountains is not just about the physical challenge; it is about the sense of accomplishment, fresh mountain air, and the breathtaking views that make all the hard work worth it. These are the perfect places for first-timers or people who just want to go on a casual hike. If you have been dreaming about reaching a base camp without taking on Everest-level challenges, then these mountains should be a part of your bucket list.
Triund, Himachal Pradesh (Image Credit: Canva)
Triund, Himachal Pradesh
Triund is a very popular destination for many first-time trekkers, and it is easy to see why. It is located near McLeodGanj in Dharamshala, and this trek is around 9 kilometres one way with gradual inclines and breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar ranges. You don’t need any technical gear for this, and camping at the top makes it even more magical. Sunrise over the mountains here is definitely worth the effort.
Nag Tibba, Uttarakhand (Image Credit: Canva)
Nag Tibba, Uttarakhand
Nag Tibba, or ‘Serpent’s Peak’, is one of the easiest treks in Uttarakhand, and that is what makes it perfect for beginners. The trek is about 6 kilometres from the base, and the trail is well-marked. From the summit, you get a stunning 360-degree view of the Gangotri peaks. The climb is challenging enough to feel like an achievement, but not so hard that you will be gasping for air through the last stretch.
Sandakphu, West Bengal (Image Credit: Canva)
Sandakphu, West Bengal
If you want a Himalayan experience without the extreme technicality of it all, then Sandakphu is the place for you. It is located in the Singalila ranges, and this trek offers the rare chance to see four of the world’s highest peaks, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu on a clear day. The trails of this trek are beginner-friendly, though you will want to have decent stamina for the multiple-day trek.
Churdhar, Himachal Pradesh (Image Credit: Canva)
Churdhar, Himachal Pradesh
Churdhar is the highest peak in the outer Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. This trek begins from villages like Nauradhar or Kyari, and the trail passes through dense forests, open meadows and small streams. It is a moderately easy trek, and reaching the top rewards you with a beautiful view of the Shivalik ranges.
Har Ki Dun, Uttarakhand (Image Credit: Canva)
Har Ki Dun, Uttarakhand
This trek is more than just a trek; it is a journey into history and nature. Har Ki Dun is nestled in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and is known for its lush valleys, wooden bridges and homely villages. This trek is beginner-friendly with a gradual incline. You can enjoy the local culture, camp in the lush valleys and experience that Himalayan magic that you see on Instagram without needing any ropes or professional gear.
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