Japan sees record Indian tourist arrivals in 2025, travel expands beyond cherry blossoms

• Japan recorded over three lakh Indian tourists in 2025, the highest annual figure, indicating a shift from cherry blossom-centric travel to year-round tourism.
• Booking trends show a nearly 30% increase in departures between April and September, with summer becoming a primary travel window for families and first-time international travellers.
• Indian tourists are exploring beyond Tokyo–Osaka–Kyoto, showing interest in regions like Hokuriku, rural Honshu, Hakone, and Takayama.
• Growth is driven by young couples, families, and first-time international travellers (55–60% of bookings), influenced by digital discovery and pop culture.
• Experiential travel, culinary exploration, pop-culture attractions, and responsible tourism are gaining priority, moving beyond traditional landmarks.