According to Shirley Cohen-Orkaby, Vice President of Eshet Tours, Israeli travel to Japan experienced a significant rise in April 2025. "The peak of the tourist season in Japan (for Israelis) is in April, the cherry blossoms there and the Passover holiday here, and for that month we see an increase of 88% between 2024 and 2025," she stated.
The yen's decline against the shekel has made Japan more budget-friendly for Israeli travelers. "Although flights are not cheap," Cohen-Orkaby remarked, "the vacation in Japan itself is certainly affordable." She added that Israeli interest in Japan extends beyond currency advantages, citing factors like direct flights, cultural appeal, safety, and the blend of tradition with modernity.
Japan's Tourism Strategy and Global Dynamics
Japan's broader tourism policies are also influencing these trends. In 2023, the government launched a plan to attract 60 million annual tourists by 2030, aiming to generate $100 billion in revenue. By October 2025, Japan had welcomed 35.5 million visitors, with October alone seeing 3.9 million—a 17.6% increase from October 2024.
However, geopolitical tensions could impact these numbers. In October 2025, Chinese tourists made up about 18% of Japan's total arrivals. Following rising tensions, China issued a travel warning for Japan in November 2025, potentially affecting future tourism. This situation might prompt the Japanese government to enhance support for the industry to maintain visitor levels.
Cohen-Orkaby highlighted that Japan's appeal has grown due to improved accessibility. "Japan has always been a desirable destination," she noted, "but it was very expensive, and it was awkward to get to. Today, with the opening of direct flights and the reduction in prices in terms of the Israeli currency, a vacation there is much more accessible."
