Rajasthan Sees Rising Japanese Tourists

Rajasthan is witnessing a sharp increase in tourist visits from Japan, with growing interest in solo travel, wildlife, rural experiences, local culture and the Palace on Wheels.

Japanese tourist visits to the state increased from 4,659 in 2022 to 16,229 in 2023 and 25,748 in 2024. The figure stood at 25,250 in 2025, around 5.4 times the 2022 level.

The trend was highlighted at Tourism Expo Japan in Tokyo from September 24 to 27, where Rajasthan Tourism engaged with Japanese travellers, tour operators and travel trade representatives.

Solo travel emerged as one area of interest, with some Japanese women travellers seeking information about independent travel, safety and arrangements in Rajasthan. Tourism officials provided information about available tourist assistance mechanisms, including police support, the Tourist Assistance Force and women police personnel.

Interest from Japanese visitors is also expanding beyond Rajasthan’s traditional forts, palaces and desert attractions. Travellers and tourism representatives sought information on wildlife, rural life, folk culture, handicrafts and local cuisine.

Japanese tour operators discussed package itineraries covering destinations including Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ranthambore and Shekhawati. Discussions included connectivity, travel times, accommodation and costs.

The Palace on Wheels also attracted attention, with visitors seeking information about its interiors, travel experience and booking process.

Rajasthan Tourism held discussions with the group travel division of JTB, while representatives from Sakura Hotel and the Japan Association of Travel Agents visited the state pavilion. Japanese travel media professionals and content creators also expressed interest in developing digital and video content focused on Rajasthan.

Several Japanese tour operators and influencers expressed interest in participating in the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) 2027.

Tourism cooperation between India and Japan is also being pursued through the India-Japan Joint Working Group on Tourism, with areas of cooperation including Buddhist tourism, student travel, exchanges between tourism institutions, familiarisation visits for travel trade and media, and air connectivity.