Although inbound visitors to Japan in May slightly declined, several markets set new records. As the summer travel peak approaches, Kansai Airport has completed its renovation and reopened to strengthen its international passenger handling capacity.
OSAKA, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – While Japan saw a slight year-on-year decline in inbound visitors in May, several key markets still recorded all-time highs. As the summer travel season approaches, Japan is strengthening its airport infrastructure, with Kansai International Airport’s Terminal 1 reopening after a five-year renovation to better accommodate growing international demand.
Japan welcomed approximately 3.5 million foreign visitors in May 2026, down 3.6% from the same period last year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). However, 19 markets—including South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, and Malaysia—recorded their highest-ever arrivals for the month of May, while the Middle East and India also reached new monthly records, underscoring Japan’s continued appeal as a leading travel destination in Asia.
May, positioned between the cherry blossom season and the summer peak, is typically a relatively stable travel period. Despite some market fluctuations caused by airline schedule adjustments, outbound travel to Japan continued to grow across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Notable increases were seen from South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, the United States, and Germany.
To prepare for the upcoming summer surge, Kansai International Airport’s Terminal 1 reopened on June 2 following a large-scale renovation that began in 2021. This marks the first major overhaul since the airport opened in 1994, aimed at addressing the rapid growth in international passenger traffic.
The renovated international departure area has been significantly expanded and redesigned with an integrated layout combining duty-free shopping, dining, and passenger flow, enhancing convenience and the overall travel experience. The airport also stated that the upgraded facilities will support new routes to emerging markets such as India, meeting rising inbound demand across Asia.
In addition to passenger service improvements, the renovation includes upgrades to nearly 30-year-old infrastructure, such as reinforced ceilings, escalators, and disaster-prevention systems to improve resilience against major earthquakes and other natural disasters. The duty-free area has also been expanded, introducing more retail brands and character-themed stores, with interior design elements inspired by traditional Japanese wagasa umbrellas, enhancing both commercial value and cultural experience.
Kansai Airport Terminal 1 was originally designed for 13 million domestic passengers and 12 million international passengers annually. However, driven by the inbound tourism boom, international traffic surged past 20 million passengers in fiscal 2018, far exceeding initial capacity projections and highlighting the need for expanded international handling capabilities.
At the newly reopened duty-free and dining areas, a visitor from Taiwan, Ms. Wang, said this was her second trip to Japan this year. “The space feels much more spacious, and there are more shopping and dining options. It’s very convenient to shop and enjoy food before boarding,” she said.
First-time visitor Michael from the United States noted that Kansai Airport left a strong modern impression. “The integration of shopping, dining, and resting areas is very well done. It makes waiting for a flight much more enjoyable,” he said, adding that he hopes to visit other regions of Japan in the future to experience local culture.
The Consumer Aesthetics and Cultural Tourism Society Japan stated that airports are no longer just transportation hubs, but increasingly serve as spaces that showcase Japanese culture and consumer aesthetics. It noted that Kansai Airport’s renovation, which integrates retail and cultural design elements, helps enhance visitor experience and spending intent, reflecting Japan’s shift toward experience-based tourism as a key international competitiveness strategy.
Media Contacts:
The Consumer Aesthetics and Cultural Tourism Society Japan
PR Agency:
MERXWIRE INC.
Ada Huang
pr@merxwire.com
SOURCE: The Consumer Aesthetics and Cultural Tourism Society Japan
