Japan recorded a 5.5% drop in visitors during April. Arrivals from eight Middle East nations fell sharply by 21.4% to 22,300 amid flight cancellations and reductions.
Japan recorded a 5.5% drop in visitors during April.
Arrivals from eight Middle East nations fell sharply by 21.4% to 22,300. The decrease reflected flight cancellations and reductions affecting the region.
The figures highlight ongoing challenges in certain international travel routes to Japan.
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Tokyo stocks declined for a third consecutive day as tensions escalated in the Middle East over Iran. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda warned of significant potential impacts on the economy, while the government stated there would be no immediate disruptions to oil supplies.
Nearly half of planned flights between China and Japan were cancelled in March, totalling 2,691 flights, as a diplomatic feud between Beijing and Tokyo—sparked by tensions over Taiwan following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments late last year—persists. Only 2,711 flights operated, down sharply from 5,512 the previous year. Chinese tourist arrivals in Japan plunged 55.9% year-on-year to 291,600.
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Chinese tourists visiting Japan declined in February, marking the third consecutive month. Previously the biggest source of tourists to Japan, Chinese travelers have now been overtaken by South Korean visitors.
Roads, train stations and airports in Japan congested on Saturday as the five-day Golden Week stretch began. Travelers headed to hometowns or domestic and overseas vacations. JR East reported disruptions on the Yamagata Shinkansen due to strong winds and a fallen tree.
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One month after initial reports of plummeting bookings amid the 2026 Middle East War, French travelers continue delaying summer vacations—even domestic trips—due to the Iran conflict since February 28. Industry leaders report adaptations like destination swaps amid rising fares and cancellation fears.
Cuba's National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) reported 298,000 tourists arriving in January, February, and March 2026, a 48% drop from 573,300 in the same period of 2025. The energy crisis, worsened by geopolitical tensions, has severely impacted the sector. Airlines have suspended flights and internal transport faces major limitations.
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Tokyo stocks plunged on March 9, 2026, as surging oil prices fueled by escalating Middle East tensions rattled investors. The Nikkei 225 average fell 5.2% to close at 52,728.72, after dipping as much as 7.6% intraday. Fears of inflation and economic slowdown intensified amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.