Winter tourism to Japan from India rises 15%

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Japan has witnessed a 15% increase in winter tourism from India this season, according to a report by CNBC-TV18, driven by growing interest in cherry blossoms, winter festivals, and scenic snowfall experiences across the island nation. The spike in travel marks a shift in outbound tourism trends, as more Indian travellers explore colder international destinations during year-end holidays.

Popular hotspots such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hokkaido are seeing strong demand, especially for curated experiences like hot spring visits, heritage site tours, and culinary trails. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has also intensified its India-focused campaigns with partnerships and roadshows, making it easier for travellers to discover offbeat attractions and plan thematic itineraries.

Visa relaxations, enhanced air connectivity, and rising cultural curiosity are fuelling this uptick. Travel operators are responding with tailor-made packages for Indian audiences, including vegetarian dining options, Bollywood-style photo tours, and seasonal highlights like the Sapporo Snow Festival and Mount Fuji excursions.

This renewed interest reflects a broader trend of Indians seeking immersive experiences over traditional sightseeing. The demand is also being amplified by influencers and digital content that showcase Japan’s winter charm—from temple visits under snow-draped landscapes to café-hopping in Tokyo.

With travel sentiment strong and Japan positioning itself as a high-quality, safe, and culturally rich destination, industry experts expect this upward momentum to continue through 2026.