Mexican Tourists Top Foreign Spending in Japan, Outpacing US, China, Korea
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Mexican tourists emerged as the highest per capita spenders in Japan during Q2 2026, shelling out an average of 514,900 yen per trip, surpassing visitors from the United States, China, and South Korea. Middle Eastern tourists from countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE came second with 482,800 yen in spending, while British and Russian visitors rounded out the top four. The data reveals surprising trends in tourism spending patterns, with Hong Kong visitors showing notably short stays but high daily expenditures and a remarkable 90% repeat visitor rate.
Key Points
- Mexico topped the per capita travel spending ranking among 24 countries and regions surveyed, averaging 514,900 yen (HK$25,500) per trip during April-June 2026
- Middle Eastern tourists from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait ranked second with 482,800 yen (HK$23,900) per capita spending
- British tourists spent 456,500 yen (HK$22,600) while Russians spent 454,900 yen (HK$22,500), though Russia led in daily spending rates
- The high Mexican spending concentrated on transportation, entertainment, and services, with tourists visiting destinations beyond the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka corridor such as Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, and Kyushu
- Hong Kong visitors showed short stays but high daily spending, with approximately 90% being repeat visitors and benefiting from the Hong Kong dollar's strength against the yen
Why It Matters
- For Hong Kong travelers, the strong HK dollar pegged to the US dollar makes Japan increasingly affordable, potentially encouraging more high-spending visits beyond traditional tourist spots
- Russian tourists' high spending reflects the impact of international sanctions restricting access to luxury goods at home, driving demand for premium purchases in Japan
- The data suggests Mexico's wealthy minority views Japan as a once-in-a-lifetime luxury destination worth substantial investment, signaling untapped potential for Japanese tourism marketing in Latin American markets
- For Hong Kong travelers, the strong HK dollar pegged to the US dollar makes Japan increasingly affordable, potentially encouraging more high-spending visits beyond traditional tourist spots
- Russian tourists' high spending reflects the impact of international sanctions restricting access to luxury goods at home, driving demand for premium purchases in Japan
- The data suggests Mexico's wealthy minority views Japan as a once-in-a-lifetime luxury destination worth substantial investment, signaling untapped potential for Japanese tourism marketing in Latin American markets