KUALA LUMPUR - Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on January 21 released its latest statistics on inbound visitors to Japan for December 2025.

The number of visitors from Malaysia reached 100,600, a 40.4% year on year increase.

This was the highest figure ever recorded for the month of December, with Malaysia posting the fastest growth rate among all source markets.

On an annual basis, the number of Malaysian visitors to Japan in 2025 rose 25% from the previous year to 636,600, also marking a record high.

While the total number of inbound visitors to Japan in 2025 reached a historic total of approximately 42.68 million, data show that Malaysia’s growth rate stood out among Asian markets.

JNTO cited several factors behind the surge, including the continued popularity of visa-free travel for Malaysian travelers and improved air connectivity. 

In particular, the increase in direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and the Kansai region is believed to have supported demand.

JNTO also noted that several other Southeast Asian markets, including Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, recorded their highest-ever December figures, underscoring the region's growing importance in Japan’s inbound tourism recovery.

Visitor numbers from Western countries also increased.

Meanwhile, the number of Chinese visitors fell to 330,400, marking a 45.3% year-on-year decline. 

The drop was attributed to a travel advisory issued by the Chinese government following remarks made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.