The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has announced a significant increase in the number of international visitors traveling to Japan, with Türkiye emerging as one of the fastest-growing source markets.

According to the latest JNTO statistics, the number of international visitors to Japan reached 42,683,837 in 2025, representing an increase of 15.8% compared to the previous year and setting a new annual record. During the same period, the number of visitors arriving from Türkiye rose to 107,730, marking a remarkable 73.5% increase year-on-year. This growth positioned Türkiye among the fastest-growing outbound markets for Japan worldwide and highlighted the rapidly expanding interest in Japan among Turkish travelers. (*1)

As global demand for travel to Japan continues to increase, Türkiye has emerged as a key growth market, driven by travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, unique seasonal attractions, and immersive culinary journeys.

The upward trend continued into 2026, with interest from Turkish visitors remaining exceptionally strong thanks to Japan’s diverse seasonal offerings, rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and expanding air connectivity between the two countries. (*2) In May 2026, the number of visitors from Türkiye reached 24,300, representing an increase of approximately 160% compared with the same month of the previous year.

JNTO noted that its ongoing promotional activities in Türkiye have helped strengthen Japan’s position as a premier travel destination for Turkish travelers seeking extraordinary experiences, seamless comfort, authentic cultural encounters, and a safe travel environment.

The organization emphasized that growing awareness of Japan’s tourism offerings, combined with improved accessibility and enhanced airline connections, has contributed significantly to the increasing popularity of the destination among Turkish tourists.

Expanding Air Connectivity Supports Growth

Air connectivity between Türkiye and Japan has improved substantially in recent years. In February 2025, All Nippon Airways (ANA) became the first Japanese airline to operate direct flights between Tokyo Haneda and Istanbul. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines has continued to expand its services to Japan. As of 30 March 2026, the airline increased its Narita flights from seven to ten weekly services, and on 16 June 2026, further expanded operations to twelve weekly flights.

With the addition of flights to Tokyo Haneda and Osaka, the total number of weekly flights between Türkiye and Japan reached 26, significantly improving accessibility and supporting the continued growth of tourism between the two countries. (*2)