Russian Tourists Now Flock to Japan in 2025, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Visitor Numbers

Published on
November 19, 2025

In 2025, Russian travel to Japan hit 159,300 tourists within the first 10 months of the year, a level higher than before the pandemic, per JNTO data. This was a 100% increase over 79,533 Russian tourists in 2019, achieving a phenomenal uptick in travel in Japan. Prior to the pandemic, Japan recorded 120,000 Russian arrivals in 2019.

With two months left in the year the expected volume of travel is a continued attraction, particularly as destinations outside Europe and the West are sought. This is brought about to a considerable degree by the geopolitical situation following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine Feb 2022, which has made travel to traditional Western destinations more challenging to Russians.

Russian tourists are traveling to Japan because of the countries rich culture and beautiful scenery as Japan is one of the few countries that are easily accessible to them. The current tourism in Japan is in direct response to a more favorable yen to other currencies that further stimulates travel to Japan.

The Impact of Geopolitical Shifts on Travel Patterns

The sharp increase in Russian visitors to Japan comes as Western countries have become less accessible to Russian nationals due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions. In the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion, many Western countries imposed travel restrictions, including bans on certain airlines, restrictions on issuing visas, and other barriers that have complicated travel for Russian citizens.

As a result, Russian travelers have sought alternative destinations for both leisure and business trips. Japan, with its welcoming environment, rich cultural offerings, and proximity to Russia, has emerged as one of the preferred choices for those seeking new international experiences. The growth in Russian tourism also comes at a time when Japan is seeing a broader recovery in its tourism sector after the pandemic.

Japan’s reputation as a premier travel destination with world-class attractions—such as the ancient temples in Kyoto, the vibrant city life in Tokyo, and the natural beauty of Hokkaido—combined with its relatively easier visa processes for Russian nationals, has contributed to the influx of tourists.

Visa Policies and Speculation on Charges for Russian Tourists

While Japan’s tourism is experiencing a boom, particularly from Russia, the Japanese government has recently announced that visa issuance fees for foreign visitors will increase starting in 2026. Currently, the visa fee for a single-entry visa is around 3,000 yen (approximately $19), and for a double- or multiple-entry visa, it is 6,000 yen (around $38). The increase in fees raised speculation about whether Russian nationals would be subject to new visa charges.

However, the Japanese Embassy in Russia clarified that there are no plans to introduce visa fees for Russian tourists at this time. According to the embassy, Russian travelers will continue to apply for tourist visas for free, though they will be required to pay a service commission when applying through a new Japanese visa center set to open in Russia in January 2026. This visa center will streamline the process for Russian nationals applying for Japanese visas and will help accommodate the growing number of Russian visitors.

Tourism Surge Reflects Broader Growth in Japan’s Tourism Sector

The surge in Russian tourists is part of a broader trend in Japan’s growing tourism sector. The country has been experiencing a significant recovery in visitor numbers following the pandemic, with the weaker yen attracting travelers from all over the world. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, Japan has seen a broad increase in international arrivals, driven by travelers seeking both cultural experiences and natural beauty.

The increase in Russian visitors to Japan also aligns with the country’s efforts to boost its appeal as a cultural and tourism hub in the region. With Russian visitors growing at a faster rate than tourists from other nations, the Japanese government is keen to maintain this momentum while continuing to attract visitors from diverse global markets.

Future Outlook for Russian Tourism to Japan

Looking ahead, the trend of increased Russian tourism to Japan is expected to continue into 2026 and beyond. The Japanese government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure and simplifying visa processes for key markets like Russia will likely further contribute to the growth of this sector. The successful reopening of Japan post-pandemic, coupled with the visa-free access for Russian nationals, will ensure that the country remains a top destination for Russian travelers in the coming years.

With the Russian tourism market showing strong growth potential, Japan is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and further solidify its reputation as a leading global travel destination. The integration of Russian tourists into the diverse array of international visitors in Japan will add to the country’s cultural exchange and continue to promote cross-cultural understanding.