Japan’s Tourism Story Goes Beyond Cherry Blossom: 3 Lakh+ Indians Travelled in 2025; Cox & Kings Sees Strong All-Season Momentum for 2026

 Japan’s appeal among Indian travellers is extending well beyond its iconic cherry blossom season, with 2025 witnessing a historic high of over 3 lakh Indian visitors. According to booking insights from Cox & Kings, the world’s first and India’s most iconic travel house. Japan is steadily establishing itself as a year-round destination, with summer and extended-season travel gaining significant traction.

With no official travel advisory in place, Cox & Kings is seeing a nearly 30% incremental rise in summer departures between April and September, reinforcing Japan’s position as a peak-season favourite among Indian travellers. While spring has traditionally been associated with sakura-led travel, select cherry blossom events have seen adjustments this season. However, overall travel demand from India remains steady, with many travellers choosing to explore Japan’s alpine regions, culinary trails, hot spring towns, and cultural circuits beyond the traditional blossom hotspots.

Indian tourists are increasingly venturing beyond the classic Tokyo–Osaka–Kyoto circuit. Regions such as Hokuriku, rural Honshu, Hakone, and Takayama are witnessing growing interest, driven by scenic rail journeys, alpine landscapes, preserved cultural towns, and wellness-led experiences. Coastal routes and heritage towns are emerging as strong alternatives for travellers seeking immersive and crowd-light itineraries.

The surge in Japanese travel from India is being driven primarily by young couples, families, and first-time international travellers, who account for nearly 55–60% of bookings driven by pop culture, food exploration, immersive experiences, and digital-first discovery. Small-group travel continues to remain popular, while customised itineraries are gaining traction among travellers looking for deeper engagement rather than fast-paced sightseeing.

“Japan today offers a rare balance of ancient tradition and modern efficiency. What we are witnessing is a shift from checklist tourism to curiosity-driven travel. Indian travellers want stories, not just stamps, and Japan delivers that across seasons,” said Karan Agarwal, Director Cox & Kings.

Beyond Sakura: Offbeat Regions Gain Momentum

While cherry blossom season remains one of Japan’s most iconic draws, Indian travellers are increasingly venturing beyond the traditional Tokyo–Osaka–Kyoto circuit, seeking depth, authenticity, and lesser-known experiences. Cox & Kings data reflects growing interest in regions such as Hokuriku and rural Honshu, known for scenic rail journeys, alpine landscapes, and preserved cultural towns.

Hot spring destinations like Hakone and Takayama, coastal regions, mountain towns, and historic rural routes are seeing rising demand as travellers prioritise wellness, local interaction, and crowd-free exploration. This trend aligns closely with Japan’s broader tourism strategy to disperse visitors away from overtourism hotspots and promote sustainable regional growth.

Experience-Led Travel Shapes Modern Itineraries

Japan’s appeal today goes far beyond landmarks. Indian travellers are increasingly planning trips around experience-led journeys, from culinary discovery and artisan encounters to immersive cultural rituals. Food has emerged as a core driver of travel decisions, with regional sushi, ramen cultures, tea ceremonies, and ‘sake’ experiences forming an integral part of itineraries rather than being treated as add-ons.

Japan’s growing pop-culture influence is also translating into real-world travel. Attractions such as the world’s largest Naruto & Boruto Shinobi-Zato theme park on Awaji Island are drawing anime enthusiasts and younger travellers, pushing tourism into newer geographies and expanding Japan’s appeal beyond conventional sightseeing.

Conscious Travel and Cultural Sensitivity Take Centre Stage

Another notable trend among Indian travellers is a growing awareness of local customs and etiquette, from silent public behaviour and respectful dining practices to community-led experiences. This evolution reflects a broader move toward conscious, respectful travel, aligning naturally with Japan’s cultural values of harmony and social responsibility.

With an ambitious target of 60 million international visitors by 2030, Japan is investing heavily in infrastructure, heritage preservation, and regional tourism development. For Indian travellers, this translates into better connectivity, richer experiences, and access to parts of Japan that were once overlooked.

As global travellers seek destinations that offer meaning, immersion, and authenticity, Japan stands out as more than just a place to visit; it is a destination to be experienced deeply and thoughtfully. With rising demand from India, diversified travel patterns, and a strong policy push toward sustainable tourism, Japan is poised to be one of the defining travel stories of the year.