Japan tourism surges, flights disrupted
Japan is experiencing a tourism surge this spring, with record-breaking visitor numbers exploring beyond Tokyo and Kyoto [https://www.euronews.com/travel/2026/03/12/japan-tourism-is-booming-as-travellers-look-beyond-tokyo-and-kyoto]. The 2027 Green Expo in Yokohama is expected to stimulate interest in natural and cultural sites [https://www.euronews.com/travel/2026/03/12/japan-tourism-is-booming-as-travellers-look-beyond-tokyo-and-kyoto]. However, over 20 flights to and from major cities have been canceled by airlines like Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines [https://travelandtourworld.com/news/article/travel-disruptions-in-japan-as-qatar-airways-japan-airlines-air-do-and-more-airlines-cancel-over-20-new-flights-affecting-routes-to-tokyo-osaka-hokkaido-fukuoka-okinawa-and-more].
The surge is driven by a weak yen, making Japan an affordable destination, and pent-up demand after the pandemic. However, a diplomatic spat with China has led to a decline in Chinese visitors, though growth from other markets like Taiwan, South Korea, and the US has offset this. Japan is also actively encouraging travelers to explore lesser-known regions to alleviate pressure on popular spots like Tokyo and Kyoto. Airlines like Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines are canceling and reducing flights to major Japanese cities, impacting both international and domestic routes. Qatar Airways is operating a limited global schedule, reducing capacity to Tokyo and Osaka. Japan Airlines is fine-tuning frequencies across its domestic network, affecting routes to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. To combat overtourism, Japan is implementing new measures, including raising the departure tax and considering higher entry fees for foreign visitors at cultural sites. Kyoto has already approved a steep hike in its accommodation tax. These measures aim to improve infrastructure, manage visitor numbers, and protect cultural heritage.
