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JTB Foreign Travel Report 2025: An Insight into Japan's Overseas Travel Dynamics

On August 19, 2024, JTB Corporation (located in Shinagawa, Tokyo) released its latest edition of the "JTB Foreign Travel Report 2025 - All about Overseas Travel in the Japanese Market." This marks the 38th issuance of the report since its inception in 1988. Compiled by the JTB Institute of Tourism, it integrates various statistical materials and unique survey results to analyze and interpret trends in Japan's overseas travel market.

Key Findings from the 2025 Report

1. A Significant Milestone: Over 10 Million Travelers

For the first time in five years, Japan's outbound travelers are anticipated to exceed 10 million, with projections indicating 13.07 million overseas travelers in 2024. However, this marks a 35.2% decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, indicating an ongoing sluggish recovery in travel demand. When looking at East Asia, countries like South Korea and Taiwan exhibit remarkable rebounds—recovering to 99% of their pre-COVID traveler numbers—highlighting Japan's lag in tourism revival compared to its neighbors.

2. Dominance of Young Female Travelers

Notably, the report identifies that young women in their 20s constitute a significant portion of the outbound traveler demographic, with their travel rate reaching 29.4%, compared to 10.5% overall for 2024. Although the total number of travelers hasn't fully rebounded to match 2019 figures, these young women are leading the resurgence of Japan's overseas tourism market. Conversely, the previously strong segment of men in their 30s to 50s is showing stagnation in traveler numbers, which raises concerns about the broader demographic dynamics.

3. Younger Travelers and Currency Exchange Sensitivity

The report further elaborates on a survey regarding the impact of currency exchange rates on travel intentions. Findings reveal that younger individuals exhibit less sensitivity to foreign exchange rates compared to those aged 30 and above. Notably, 45% of males under 30 expressed a willingness to travel, regardless of exchange rates, while a similar percentage of females in the same age group indicated uncertainty regarding currency implications. This suggests that younger generations may propel immediate recovery in travel demand, unaffected by current currency exchange pressures.

Conclusion

The "JTB Foreign Travel Report 2025" serves as an essential tool for understanding the dynamics shaping Japan's outbound travel market. It underscores the resilience and evolving trends within the industry, with younger demographics significantly influencing future tourism trajectories. With increasing interest from the youth and a gradual recovery of international travel, stakeholders can leverage these insights to adapt their strategies for the coming years.

For those interested in obtaining a copy of the report, it is available for purchase on the JTB website. The report is priced at 13,200 yen (including tax). For inquiries related to media relations or book sales, please refer to JTB's contact form.