News Japan still a popular destination for Russian tourists

With direct flights to Russia banned across most of Europe and Japan now offering visa-free entry, Russian travellers seek new holiday destinations. They are also benefiting from a stronger rouble and rising real wages, driven by Moscow's heavy wartime spending, which has fuelled economic recovery. While Japanese airlines no longer operate direct routes to Russia, the Japanese embassy in Moscow has reported a rise in Russian visitor numbers as more connecting flights become available.

According to Dmitry Gorin, vice president of the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry, the number of Russians visiting Japan is expected to double in 2025, surpassing the 100,000 recorded in 2024. Long queues at the embassy were unsurprising, as Japan's cherry blossoms in spring remain a major draw. He emphasised that the key factors attracting Russian tourists were Japan's simplified visa process and the availability of reasonably priced flights.

Japan eased entry requirements for Russian travellers in November, removing the need to submit proof of hotel payments in advance. Gorin added that return flights, often with stopovers in China, start at approximately 40,000 rubles ($477.64).

the rouble's sharp appreciation this year - on hopes that improving ties between Washington and Moscow could lead to some kind of conflict resolution in Ukraine - has only helped Russians heading to Japan, and elsewhere. International travel has mostly pivoted to countries that have not imposed sanctions on Moscow. "The rouble's strengthening directly affects the cost of tours and consumer interest in holidays abroad," said Lyubov Voronina, head of international projects at tourism comparison site sletat.ru. Depending on what they plan to do on their trip, tourists can currently save between 10% and 30%, Voronina said. The combination of a higher disposable income and lower prices has come at the perfect time for some.

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Source: Cherry blossom, free visas and stronger rouble see Russians flock to Japan