Indonesian Tourists Flood Japan; Nearly 300,000 Visits in First Half of 2024

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia is one of the countries that contributes the largest number of tourists to Japan. According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of Indonesian tourists visiting the Land of the Rising Sun between January and July 2024 reached an impressive 293,400. This surge propelled Indonesia to the 12th spot among countries contributing the most tourists to Japan in 2024.

Compared to the same period in 2023, Indonesian tourist visits to Japan increased by approximately 27.5%. The total number of Indonesian visitors for the entire year of 2023 was 400,000.

Indonesian Spending Soars in Japan

Yoshiko Iwamoto, Senior Director of the JNTO Jakarta Office, revealed that Indonesian tourists spent a significant 85.2 billion yen or approximately Rp9 trillion during their trips to Japan in 2023. This figure represents a substantial 58% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, which stood at 53.9 billion yen or around Rp5.7 trillion in 2019.

“The total consumption of Indonesian visitors to Japan in 2023 amounted to 85.2 billion yen. Considering that there were 400,000 Indonesian tourists last year, this spending amount is quite significant,” said Yoshiko following the opening of the Japan Travel Fair 2024 in Jakarta on Friday, August 30, 2024.

Tokyo Remains a Top Destination for Indonesians

Yoshiko revealed that the Tokyo area remains the most popular destination for Indonesian tourists, particularly during the cherry blossom season, which typically occurs in April.

“Based on our latest data, the peak period for Indonesian travel to Japan is between Eid and the Sakura season. In 2023, since Eid and Sakura coincided, April was a particularly popular month for Indonesian visitors,” explained Yoshiko.

In addition to cherry blossoms, Indonesian tourists also express a strong interest in culinary tourism and exploring Japan's natural beauty. The country is renowned for its world-famous culinary delights, including sushi, ramen, tempura, and takoyaki, and iconic natural landscapes, such as Mount Fuji, unique waterfalls, and islands.

ANTARA

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