Vietnamese arrivals in Japan set record high in 11 months of 2023
The number of Vietnamese visitors to Japan in the first 11 months of 2023 reached a new record 536,800, surpassing the previous record of 495,051 visitors achieved in 2019, according to statistics of the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).
Vietnamese arrivals in Japan set record high in 11 months of 2023 (Photo: Flamingo Redtours)
Hanoi (VNA) 🗹– The number of Vietnamesevisitors to Japan in the first 11 months of 2023 reached a new record 536,800, surpassing the previous record of 495,051 visitors achieved in 2019, according to statistics of the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).
Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said he is happy about the figure, released by the JNTO Vienam office on December 20. He noted that 2023 is a special year, when Vietnam and Japan mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomaticrelations. He went on to say that the bilateral relationship is at the highest level in all fields, including politics,economy, and culture. At the meeting between Vietnamese President Vo VanThuong and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida in last November, the two sidesagreed to elevate their relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnershipfor peace and prosperity in Asia and the world”. He expressed his hope that the opportunity will start thegrowth of exchanges and travel between the two countries and further deepen therelationship between Japan and Vietnam. Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) Ha Van Sieu said that Japan is one of the top foreign destinations of Vietnamese holiday-makers while Vietnam is also popular among Japanese tourists. In the first 11 months of 2023, Vietnam welcomed nearly530,000 Japanese visitors. Yoshida Kenji, head ofJNTO representative office in Vietnam revealed that in 2024, the office willcarry out measures to increase the number of Japanese visitors to Vietnam. The office will also work with organisations and individuals in the industry to implement the JapaneseGovernment’s three new tourism strategies, including “sustainable tourismdevelopment”, “increase in tourism consumption” and “ regionalattraction” in order to promote tourist exchange between the twocountries./.
With efforts being made in recent times by the entire tourism industry to overcome the difficulties, the total number of international visitors to Vietnam has already far exceeded the 2023 annual plan. Of note, October was the fourth consecutive month Vietnam welcomed over 1 million foreign tourist arrivals.
Although Vietnam’s tourism has become more attractive and diverse after the COVID-19 pandemic, the country should do better in managing destinations, experts said.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
Vietnamese arrivals in Japan set record high in 11 months of 2023 (Photo: Flamingo Redtours) 
