Japan’s Tourism Breakthrough In May Defies Regional Setbacks As Hong Kong Caves To Earthquake Hysteria And Travel Disruption

Japan set a new tourism record in May with soaring arrivals, even as Hong Kong visitor numbers dropped due to viral earthquake rumors affecting travel sentiment.

Japan recorded an all-time high in international tourist arrivals for the month of May, continuing its post-pandemic tourism boom with impressive year-on-year growth. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the country welcomed 3,693,300 inbound visitors last month—a surge of 21.5 percent compared to the same period in 2023. This marks the eighth consecutive month in which Japan has hosted over 3 million foreign travelers, underscoring its growing appeal as a top global destination.

Japan welcomed approximately 18.14 million overseas visitors between January and May 2025, marking a 23.9 percent jump compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. These figures highlight a consistent upward trend, positioning Japan as one of the most sought-after destinations in Asia, driven by a mix of cultural heritage, seasonal events, advanced infrastructure, and high safety standards.

Surge in Visitor Numbers from Key Markets

South Korea continued to lead the list of Japan’s top inbound markets, with 825,800 visitors in May alone—an 11.8 percent year-on-year increase. China followed closely with 789,900 travelers, posting a substantial 44.8 percent rise from May 2023. Taiwan also contributed significantly with 538,400 tourists, marking a 15.5 percent gain compared to the previous year.

These increases are indicative of improving bilateral travel relations, relaxed visa policies, enhanced flight connectivity, and pent-up travel demand following the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, rising travel confidence among Chinese tourists—one of Japan’s traditionally strongest markets—signals a critical rebound.

Hong Kong Records Unanticipated Decline in Travel to Japan as Earthquake Speculation Spreads

Despite the overall positive trend, Hong Kong was the only region to record a decline in outbound tourism to Japan in May. The number of travelers from Hong Kong dropped by 11.2 percent year-on-year to 193,100 visitors. This contraction is especially notable given the general resurgence of international travel across Asia.

The decline has been linked to a widely circulated social media rumor claiming that Japan will experience a major earthquake in July. This speculation, reportedly fueled by both local and Japanese sources, including speculative fiction and unfounded predictions, has stirred anxiety among some Hong Kong residents.

Although no scientific evidence supports the prediction, and Japan’s government has reassured the public that earthquakes cannot be forecasted with such accuracy, the rumor has nonetheless taken hold. Travel demand from Hong Kong to Japan has remained unexpectedly low since the predictions began circulating, with flight bookings showing stagnation despite seasonal promotions and travel deals.

Government Reassures Tourists of Safety

In response to the concerns, Japanese authorities have actively dismissed the rumor, reiterating that seismic activity is inherently unpredictable and that no credible scientific method currently exists to pinpoint exact earthquake dates. The Japanese government emphasized the country’s robust disaster preparedness systems, modern early warning networks, and high resilience, particularly in major tourism hubs.

Japan is internationally recognized for its advanced safety protocols and rigorous building standards, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. The reassurance has been echoed by travel industry stakeholders, including airlines, travel agencies, and hospitality partners, all of whom are urging tourists to focus on verified information and avoid panic-driven decisions.

Tourism Outlook Remains Strong

Despite the temporary dip from Hong Kong, Japan’s broader tourism outlook remains firmly optimistic. The country continues to benefit from strong interest across Asia and beyond, with major upcoming events and seasonal attractions expected to draw millions more international visitors in the coming months.

Cultural festivals, scenic landscapes, world-class cuisine, and increasingly diversified regional tourism offerings—from Hokkaido to Okinawa—are helping to sustain momentum. Coupled with targeted promotional campaigns, improved air access, and a favorable exchange rate, Japan is well-positioned to maintain its growth trajectory.

While unverified rumors temporarily disrupted travel patterns from Hong Kong, Japan’s overall tourism performance in May stands as a milestone, reflecting the country’s resilience, global appeal, and steady return to pre-pandemic levels of international travel.