How Japan’s 2025 tourism surge affects transport, taxis and transfers

This article reveals how Japan set a new tourism record in 2025 and what the surge—and a simultaneous drop in Chinese arrivals—means for transport, taxis and transfers.

Record arrivals and the China downturn

Japan reported a total of 42.7 million foreign arrivals in 2025, topping the previous record of nearly 37 million in 2024. The rise was driven by visitors from Europe, the United States and Australia, while arrivals from China plunged, particularly in December when numbers fell about 45% year-on-year to roughly 330,000 for the month.

The diplomatic friction that followed a comment by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about potential military intervention in defense of Taiwan prompted Beijing to advise its citizens against travel to Japan, denting Chinese outbound tourism even though Chinese arrivals still accounted for a significant share earlier in the year.

Numbers at a glance

Why visitors kept coming

Several factors combined to push arrivals higher: a weak yen that increased buying power, more flights and promotional campaigns that highlighted regional attractions from Mount Fuji to rural shrines and sushi bars, and a rebound in long-haul travel demand from Western markets. Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko noted that gains from Europe, the U.S. and Australia offset the late-year Chinese decline.

Local pressures: overtourism and responses

Popular destinations like Kyoto reported overcrowding, nuisance behavior around geisha districts, and pressure on transport and local services. Authorities responded with measures such as entry fees, daily caps for Mount Fuji hikers and local crowd-control steps—illustrating the delicate balance between welcoming tourists and preserving daily life.

What this means for taxis, private transfers and airport services

A tourism spike of this scale directly affects ground transport patterns. Cities and airports saw increased demand for:

• Airport pickups and drop-offs—more scheduled flights and arrivals mean longer peak periods for terminal traffic.
• Private transfers to rural and regional destinations as tourists seek less crowded experiences beyond Tokyo and Kyoto.
• Short-haul taxi trips in city centers facing congestion and higher fares during peak times.

For travelers with a mind to avoid uncertainty, booking transfers in advance can lock in the exact price, vehicle type and pickup time—important when local cabs are scarce or surge pricing applies.

Practical tips for airport and city transfers

• Book an airport transfer in advance to ensure a licensed driver and a guaranteed seat.
• Choose a vehicle that matches luggage and passenger needs—consider private sedan, 6-seater or a limousine if comfort and space matter.
• Confirm fare and cancellation policy to avoid surprises on how much a ride costs during peak seasons.
• Use platforms that display vehicle make, model and driver ratings so you know what to expect before you get in the car.

Business outlook and travel industry reaction

JTB, Japan’s largest travel agency, expects overall arrivals to be slightly lower than 2025 because of reduced demand from China and Hong Kong, but projects tourism income to increase thanks to higher prices for lodging and strong visitor spending. The shift toward repeat visitors and interest in rural areas could change taxi and transfer demand patterns, increasing intercity and door-to-door bookings.

The mix of surging visitors and pockets of decline shows how sensitive travel flows are to geopolitics, exchange rates and local management of tourist hotspots. Services that offer transparency—clearly listed fares, vehicle details and verified drivers—will be increasingly important to travelers and local transport companies alike.

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global tourism and travel map. While Japan’s record is significant for the region and for global bucket-list travel trends, its broader global impact is moderate; the main lesson is the resilience of popular destinations and the importance of nimble transport services. Japan’s experience is relevant to GetTransfer’s mission to stay abreast of changes and keep pace with the evolving world. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

Highlights: Japan’s tourism reached an all-time high of 42.7M arrivals, the weak yen helped spending power, and a late-year fall in Chinese visitors was offset by gains from Western markets. Overtourism pressures in Kyoto and Mount Fuji measures underline the need for thoughtful travel. Still, even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Benefit from convenient booking, affordable fares and a wide range of vehicle and add-on options—transparency and convenience are central to the platform. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

In summary, Japan’s 2025 tourism record demonstrates both opportunity and strain: increased arrivals boost the economy and create demand for taxis, private transfers and airport services, while geopolitical bumps and overtourism require better management and clearer transport options. Travelers should plan and book the exact transfer service they need—car type, driver license and fare—before arrival to avoid last-minute price hikes or delays. GetTransfer.com makes it easy to view vehicle makes and models, compare prices and driver ratings, and book reliable transfers across cities and airports worldwide, helping you get to your destination on time and with peace of mind.