Tourism Boom in Japan Sees 55% Increase - 17 million in First 6 Months 2024
Japan has seen a remarkable surge in tourism in 2024, and it has become a significant focus for Pie VAT's VAT refund services. By September 2024, visitor spending had already surpassed the total for 2023, setting the stage for a record-breaking year in tourism, so far Japan welcomed a record 17.78 million visitors in first half of 2024.
This makes Japan a key market for Pie VAT and tourists looking to take advantage of tax refunds during their shopping experiences.
Take a look at the rules for Japan.
Record Tourism Figures in Japan
Japan’s tourist numbers have skyrocketed, with a 54.7% increase to 26.9 million visitors by the end of September 2024. In September alone, foreign tourist arrivals surged by 31.5%, reaching 2.87 million, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Every month since February has seen record-breaking visitor numbers, including July’s all-time monthly high of 3.29 million. If these trends continue, Japan is poised to surpass its 2019 tourism peak.
Challenges and Opportunities in Japan’s Growing Tourism Market
While Japan’s increasing popularity has overwhelmed some attractions, such as Mount Fuji and the iconic Shinto shrine on Itsukushima Island, efforts are being made to manage the influx. Tourist taxes and entry fees have been introduced to control crowds and preserve Japan's cultural landmarks. Despite these challenges, Japan's tourism commissioner, Ichiro Takahashi, has expressed optimism, aiming to double visitor numbers to 60 million annually by showcasing the country’s lesser-known destinations.
Top Source Markets and Tourism Spending
South Korea remains Japan’s top source market, providing 656,700 tourists in September 2024, a 15% increase. Close behind, 652,300 visitors came from China, followed by Taiwan with 470,600 tourists, a 22.2% rise. The U.S. ranked fourth, sending 191,900 visitors, up by 22.5%.
As visitor numbers grow, so does their spending. Between July and September, the average tourist spent ¥223,000 (€1,372) on accommodation, shopping, and travel expenses. Italians topped the spending list, followed by visitors from Spain and Russia. Foreign tourists spent a staggering ¥5.8 trillion ($39 billion) in the first three quarters of 2024, surpassing 2023's total of ¥5.3 trillion. With a weakened yen boosting visitors’ purchasing power, tourism is now one of Japan’s top export sectors, second only to the car industry.
Pie VAT’s Role in Japan’s Tourism Growth
As Japan’s tourism continues to flourish, Pie VAT is perfectly positioned to support international visitors with its digital-first, fast, and easy VAT refund services. Let's first address a possible first question to newcomers - A VAT refund is essentially getting some money back on your purchases, there is more to it than that of course but we try to simplify it as much as possible with our app.
By partnering with retailers across Japan, Pie VAT ensures tourists can enjoy maximum savings and streamlined tax-free shopping experiences. With Japan rapidly emerging as a top travel destination, Pie VAT plays a crucial role in enhancing the shopping experience for millions of visitors.
Japan loves tax free and duty free. Pie VAT is designed to simplify the VAT refund process in a way that benefits both travelers and retailers.
Here's why Pie VAT is the leading solution for tax refunds
Digital-First Experience: No more long lines, paper forms, or weeks of waiting. Pie VAT’s mobile app lets you handle everything digitally—from uploading receipts to receiving refunds quickly.
Faster Refunds: Traditional VAT refund providers can take weeks or even months to return your money. With Pie VAT, most refunds are processed within 24 hours, letting you enjoy your savings faster.
Lower Fees: Many VAT refund providers take hefty cuts of your refund—up to 50% in some cases. Pie VAT operates with transparent, lower fees, ensuring you keep more of your money.
Global Reach: Pie VAT partners with retailers across major global shopping destinations, including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Japan, Germany, and more. Whether you’re shopping in Europe or Asia, Pie VAT has you covered.
User-Friendly App: The Pie VAT app is intuitive, easy to use, and packed with features that make tax refunds a breeze. The app guides you through each step of the refund process and even provides shopping tips, exclusive deals, and more.
Headed overseas? Download the app and get some great offers and simple processes with Pie VAT. Happy shopping.
