Russian Union of Travel Industry expects record numbers of Russian tourists to Japan in 2026

MOSCOW. Feb 12 (Interfax) - The opening of Japanese visa application centers in Russia and a more lenient visa policy are strengthening demand among Russian tourists for travel to the country; if this trend continues, tourist flow could reach 230,000-260,000 in 2026, the Russian Union of Travel Industry said.

"The opening of Japanese visa centers will not lead to substantial changes in the visa policy compared with 2024-2025 and the [application] approval rate will remain steadily high, at 96-98%. The key driver here is the already realized demand bolstered by existing connection flights via Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan and China. It is these factors that have ensured quadruple growth over two years," Mikhail Abasov, a Union expert and general director of VCP Travel general, was quoted by the Union's press service as saying.

Early bookings for sakura season (March-April 2026) are 30-35% ahead of last year's figures, while January's data from the Japan National Tourism Organization and flight occupancy are registering a sure start to the year (up 25-28% on January 2025), he said.

"In these conditions, the forecast for 2026 looks optimistic: if the current parameters remain in place, tourist flow from Russia could set a new record and reach 230,000-260,000 people, surpassing the 2025 figure by 28-43%. The biggest increase is expected during the spring and fall periods," Abasov said.

Japanese visa application centers opened in Moscow and St. Petersburg on Thursday. Previously, visa applications could only be submitted to the consulate.

In 2025, there were 194,900 tourist trips to Japan, almost twice as many as the year before (99,300). The average trip duration is 11-12 days.