Where Do Foreign Visitors Actually Stay in Japan? Top 10 Prefectures by Overnight Stays
Official tourism agency data on where international visitors stay overnight in Japan, and what it means for planning a solo trip.
Quick answer
According to Japan's Tourism Agency, overnight stays by international visitors are heavily concentrated in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, followed by Hokkaido and Fukuoka. Okinawa, Chiba, Kanagawa, Aichi and Ishikawa round out the top 10.
Top 10 prefectures by international overnight stays
| Rank | Prefecture | Overnight stays | Why it's popular |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | ~47.43 million | Main international gateway, wide range of sightseeing, shopping and food |
| 2 | Osaka | ~22.66 million | Kansai's hub, strong food culture and theme parks |
| 3 | Kyoto | ~14.09 million | Dense concentration of temples and traditional sights |
| 4 | Hokkaido | ~9.28 million | Strong resort and ski demand from other parts of Asia |
| 5 | Fukuoka | ~6.84 million | Good access from South Korea, Taiwan and China |
| 6 | Okinawa | ~4.38 million | Popular for beach resorts |
| 7 | Chiba | ~4.34 million | Home to Narita Airport and Tokyo Disney Resort |
| 8 | Kanagawa | ~3.84 million | Yokohama and other sights near Tokyo |
| 9 | Aichi | ~3.52 million | Nagoya, the Chubu region's hub |
| 10 | Ishikawa | ~1.78 million | Kanazawa's brand draws visitors well beyond what its population would suggest |
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, Accommodation Statistics Survey (e-Stat G7102, FY2024 data, published as of June 25, 2026).
Where are visitors coming from?
Tourism agency and JNTO estimates put the number of international visitors to Japan in June 2026 at roughly 3.15 million. South Korea (about 787,000), Taiwan (about 670,000) and the United States (about 355,000) were the largest source markets, alongside a growing number of visitors from Europe.
What this means if you're planning a solo trip
- The top cities have the most options. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Fukuoka all have a wide range of accommodation, including single rooms and hostels suited to solo travelers.
- Resort destinations are seasonal. Hokkaido and Okinawa see large swings in visitor numbers depending on the season (snow, beach weather) — worth factoring in if you'd rather avoid crowds.
- Mid-sized cities can be worth considering. Places like Kanazawa (Ishikawa) draw visitor numbers well above what their population would suggest, and can offer a calmer alternative to the biggest cities.
This site currently covers solo-friendly hotel guides for Tokyo (Tokyo Station, Ueno, Asakusa) and Fukuoka (Hakata, Tenjin, Nakasu). More area guides, including Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido, are planned.
Frequently asked questions
Which prefectures are easiest for a first solo trip?
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Fukuoka have the widest range of accommodation, making it easier to find single rooms and solo-friendly plans.
Does this ranking include domestic Japanese travelers?
No. These figures are specifically for foreign visitors' overnight stays, based on the Japan Tourism Agency's Accommodation Statistics Survey.
Data reflects the Japan Tourism Agency's Accommodation Statistics Survey (FY2024, as published on June 25, 2026). Check the agency's official site for the most current figures.
