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It’s tough resisting the allure of Japan – and the numbers speak for themselves. Last year, it was reported that a record-breaking 691,100 Singaporeans visited Japan in 2024. And if you thought that was going to be a one-off high, wait till you hear about 2025’s data. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), a whopping 726,200 Singaporeans travelled to Japan in 2025, setting yet another all-time record for tourism with a 5.1 percent increase.
Where exactly in Japan has everyone been traversing? Unsurprisingly, Kansai – which encompasses prefectures such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara – is the most popular region among us. Other regions in high demand include Hokkaido, Kanto (including Tokyo and Kanagawa), Kyushu (including Fukuoka and Nagasaki), and Tohoku (including Aomori and Akita).
Zooming in on the specific Japanese prefectures that Singaporeans want to visit, we have Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Okinawa – again, no surprise there.
Been there, done that? JNTO has revealed the most underrated prefectures among Singapore travellers: Nagasaki, Saga, Yamaguchi, Okayama, and Shimane. Pencil these spots on your list if avoiding the tourist throng and seeking new experiences are priorities for your next vacation in Japan.
The keen interest in exploring Japan isn’t expected to die down anytime soon. Japan has been pinpointed as one of the top three value-for-money destinations for Singaporeans in 2026. The trick is to venture beyond the usual spots – like how we did in the Hokuriku region – and you’ll discover a more peaceful side of the country, with sights you likely wouldn’t come across in the big cities.
Find out more about JNTO’s Singapore-specific travel rankings here.
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