In 2024, GCC nationals visiting Japan reached 44,700, marking a significant increase of 1.4 times compared to the previous year. With the continued expansion of flight connectivity, growing interest in Japan and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, this upward trend is expected to persist into 2025, TTN learns in conversation with Daisuke Kobayashi, Head of the Middle East Region at Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).
“Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, is a major global event that will bring Japan into the spotlight, presenting an exceptional opportunity to showcase the country’s appeal as a travel destination,” says Kobayashi. “At JNTO Dubai Office, we see this as a crucial time to promote travel not only to Osaka and the surrounding Kansai region but also to other destinations across Japan. Throughout the Expo’s duration, we will continue our promotional efforts to encourage more visitors from the Middle East to explore the diverse experiences Japan has to offer.” Japan’s greatest strength as a travel destination lies in its diversity. No matter who you are, when you visit, or where you go, Japan offers unique experiences that cater to every traveller’s preferences, says Kobayashi. “For visitors from the Middle East, we particularly recommend immersing in Japan’s breathtaking natural beauty, which changes with the seasons and its deep-rooted cultural traditions. These elements combine to create experiences that are truly exclusive to Japan.” Historically, most visitors from the Middle East to Japan have been first-time travellers and their journeys often centred around popular destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto, explains the head of the regional office for JNTO. “While these iconic cities provide an excellent introduction to Japan, the country is home to 47 prefectures, each with its own distinct attractions. We encourage repeat visitors to go beyond the well-trodden paths and explore new regions, where they can discover a different side of Japan’s heritage, nature and hospitality.” New luxury hotels will welcome visitors to different parts of Japan this year, including but not limited to: Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, which opened in August last year and Patina Osaka expected to open next month; Rosewood Miyakojima, which opened just last month in Japan’s Ryukyu Islands; and the nature inspired 1 Hotel Tokyo (under Starwood Capital Group), set to open later this year. “Japan has long been regarded as a dream destination by travellers from the Middle East. However, we are now witnessing a shift–Japan is no longer just a place on a ‘someday’ travel list but a concrete and immediate travel choice. “We encourage first-time visitors to experience the magic of Japan, and for those who have already visited, we hope to inspire them to return and explore new destinations. “At JNTO, we remain committed to working closely with our partners to showcase Japan’s endless discoveries and unparalleled travel experiences to the Middle Eastern market,” concludes Kobayashi. * Find Japan National Tourism Organization on stand AS8150EXPO 2025 OSAKA, KANSAI After the huge success of Expo 2020 Dubai, the global mega-event’s 2025 edition is all set to open doors this April in Osaka. An estimated 28 million visits are expected during the 184 days of the event, which is themed Designing Future Society For Our Lives. Opening on April 13, 2025, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will feature country pavilions and thematic pavilions, as well as national day celebrations, musical performances, anime exhibitions, talks, and plenty to eat and drink around the site. The Yumeshima Station, a new train station to ensure ease of access on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, will be located in front of the East Gate of Expo 2025, providing easy and direct access to the event, with one train operating every two-and-a-half minutes during the busiest times. The Osaka Metro Chuo Line runs through the centre of Osaka from west to east, connecting sites like Osaka Bay Area, home to Kaiyukan Aquarium and the Giant Ferris Wheel, as well as other popular areas of the city. There’s also a wide selection of Expo 2025 Official Experiential Travel Guide experiences available in and around Osaka that introduce visitors to the region’s culture, crafts and cuisine. Join a cooking class and learn how to cook healthy wellness-focused dishes, learn how to make traditional wazarashi snowflake pattern tie-dyed fabrics, or learn how to write your own Japanese characters with an artistic calligraphy class.