Last year saw a total of 36,869,900 arrivals in Japan, the highest number ever recorded. Of this, 506,800 visitors were from Malaysia, up 21.9% from the 415,712 Malaysian arrivals recorded in 2023.

In December alone, the year-on-year increase stood at 17.8%, with 71,600 Malaysians visiting the Land of the Rising Sun versus 60,806 in December 2023.

According to the JNTO, factors such as the rising ringgit against the yen, as well as Japan’s unique appeal, led to the increase in Malaysian numbers.

Indeed, locations such as Osaka City and Toyama Prefecture have ranked in the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025”, further solidifying Japan’s position as a must-visit destination.

In addition, chartered flights from Malaysia to the Tohoku region, introduced in 2022, have significantly boosted the region’s visibility among Malaysian tourists.

Known for its rich history, seasonal beauty, and warm hospitality, Tohoku’s draw as a tourist destination lies in its mountainous regions and reputation for skiing activities, among others.

“We are thrilled to witness the continued and growing interest among Malaysian travellers to Japan,” JNTO KL executive director Kenichiro Ozaki said in a statement.

“This remarkable growth in numbers not only underscores the strong bilateral ties between Japan and Malaysia, but also highlights the evolving preferences of Malaysian tourists who seek authentic cultural experiences, diverse attractions, and memorable journeys.”