Japan is drawing a growing number of Russian tourists, with arrivals from Russia rising 24.7% in the first half of 2026, according to new figures from the Japan National Tourism Organisation. The country received 104,400 visitors from Russia in the first six months of the year, up from 83,700 in the same period last year.
Tour operators say sales of Japan packages have risen even faster, with gains ranging from 20% to 41% at several firms. Industry executives say cheaper travel conditions, easier visa processing and more flight options via China have helped shift Japan’s image away from being too expensive and difficult to reach.
Japan also reported a 7.1% rise in Russian arrivals in June alone, to 12,800, while total foreign visitor numbers reached 21.08 million in the same period. South Korea, Taiwan and China were the biggest source markets overall.
Russian tour operator Russkiy Express said sales of Japan trips were up 41% year on year. Space Travel reported growth of 30%, PAC Group and ITM Group said sales rose 25%, and Corona Travel said business increased by about 20%.
Space Travel said the change in perception has been crucial. The company said Japan is no longer seen as an expensive and hard-to-reach destination, adding that this was the main reason for the rise in demand.
Operators say the weaker Japanese yen and stronger rouble have also lowered the cost of trips for Russian travellers. They add that many people who previously chose Europe are now looking to Asia instead.
Repeat visits are becoming more common too, according to tour companies. Travellers who first visit Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are now returning to explore places such as Kamakura, Nikko and the Izu Peninsula.
Demand is also growing for themed trips that focus on food, tea ceremonies, stays in traditional ryokan inns and visits to hot springs. Some travellers are choosing to organise shorter Tokyo-based trips themselves rather than book full package tours.
Bookings for autumn have already started to fill up, tour operators said. Interest in September, October and November trips began in spring, and by mid-summer many popular hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto were already close to full for November.
Operators say demand for the autumn leaf season, when red maple trees attract large crowds, is running ahead of last year. They are advising travellers to book early if they want to secure space during one of Japan’s busiest tourism periods.
