The year 2024 witnessed a remarkable resurgence in interest in Japan, with a record number of foreign visitors. According to data from JBS (the Ministry of Tourism), the number of tourists in 2024 exceeded 2019 figures by 60%. Notably, French visitors increased by more than 50% compared to 2019.
Japan seems more popular than ever, making 2025 the perfect year to explore the Land of the Rising Sun.
Why Book a Trip to Japan in 2025?
A Favorable Exchange Rate
The inflation of 2023 left its mark on the global economy, but Japan adopted a monetary policy that kept the yen relatively weak against the euro. This situation offers a significant advantage to European travelers.
As of August 10, 2024, the exchange rate was 1 € to approximately 160 yen, making Japanese services and products much more affordable for European visitors.
For example, a meal at a typical Japanese restaurant costs about 1,500 yen, roughly 9 €, while a similar meal in France might cost between 15 and 20 €. This means that, aside from the initial airfare (around 1,000 €), dining in Japan is nearly half the cost of dining in France.
By booking accommodations through Booking.com, which allows payment in yen, and using a no-foreign-fee credit card, you can maximize this financial advantage. Your purchasing power in Japan could be up to 45% higher than that of a local Japanese resident, further boosted by Japan's 10% VAT compared to France's 20%.
Attend the 2025 Osaka World Expo (April 13, 2025 - October 13, 2025)
Japan is gearing up to host this major event from April to October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Ôsaka. This same city had already hosted the 1970 Universal Exhibition.
2025 will be marked by a significant international event: the Osaka World Expo. This event will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Ôsaka. The expo’s theme, "Designing Future Societies for Our Lives," invites global reflection on humanity's future, highlighting essential topics like health, technology, and sustainability.
The Expo revolves around three main themes:
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Saving Lives: Focused on protecting human lives, covering topics like public health, disaster safety, and harmonious coexistence with nature.
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Inspiring Lives: Aiming to enhance quality of life and maximize human potential through technological innovation, remote education, and the use of AI and robotics.
- Connecting Lives: Emphasizing community-building and strengthening social bonds through advanced communication technologies and international partnerships.
The Osaka World Expo promises to draw millions of visitors from around the world, making 2025 a particularly vibrant year for the city and Japan in general.
Book your place at Expo 2025 Osaka today for €25.
Potential Downsides of a 2025 Japan Trip
Despite the many benefits, a few factors might dampen your enthusiasm for visiting Japan in 2025.
Crowds, Lots of Crowds
As mentioned earlier, Japan has seen a massive influx of tourists since 2024, a trend that could continue or even intensify in 2025. Even outside peak seasons, popular tourist spots across Japan, including secondary cities, are now bustling with visitors. If you plan to visit during cherry blossom season, expect even larger crowds.
During a trip we took in January 2024, we noticed that popular attractions, even in secondary cities, were quite crowded, despite winter being the low season for Japanese tourism. We can only imagine the crowds during cherry blossom season.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Japanese locals were already expressing concerns about overtourism. With the resurgence of tourism in 2024, these concerns have reemerged. The Japanese government might even consider measures to limit the number of visitors, which could complicate your travel plans.
Additionally, the Osaka World Expo is expected to attract around 28 million visitors between April and October 2025, further contributing to the overcrowding of tourist sites.
Economic Shifts: Winds of Change
While European purchasing power was high in 2023/2024, this situation could change quickly. The Bank of Japan is starting to adjust its interest rates, which could lead to an appreciation of the yen. For example, at the end of July 2024, the yen moved from 175 yen per € to 160 yen per €. If the Bank of Japan continues to raise rates, we could quickly return to a more normal exchange rate of around 120 yen per €.
Moreover, a new practice is emerging in some tourist areas: some restaurants offer different prices depending on whether you view the menu in Japanese or English. While this practice is currently limited, it could become more common, increasing costs for foreign tourists.
Conclusion: Should You Visit Japan in 2025?
2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year to visit Japan, with clear economic advantages and major cultural events like the Osaka World Expo. However, it’s essential to plan your trip carefully to avoid the downsides of massive crowds and shifting economic conditions.
By choosing your travel dates wisely and venturing off the beaten path, you can fully enjoy your stay in Japan.