Israeli tourism to Japan is experiencing dramatic growth, with an 88% increase in travelers expected for April 2025 compared to 2024, driven by favorable currency exchange rates, direct flights, and deep cultural connections between the two nations.
The Currency Advantage#
“The weakening of the yen against the shekel has made prices in Japan very attractive for Israelis,” observes Shirley Cohen-Orkaby, VP of Eshet Tours. “Although flights are not cheap, the vacation in Japan itself is certainly affordable.”
The favorable exchange rate has transformed Japan from an expensive dream destination into an accessible reality for Israeli travelers. This economic factor, combined with the peak cherry blossom season in April coinciding with the Passover holiday, has created perfect conditions for a tourism boom.
Beyond Economics: Cultural Affinity#
Cohen-Orkaby believes Israeli tourism will continue even if exchange rates change, citing deeper factors driving Israeli interest in Japan:
Direct Flights: The availability of non-stop service from Tel Aviv to Tokyo has eliminated one of the major barriers to Japanese tourism.
Cultural Fascination: Israeli interest in Japanese culture—particularly anime, manga, and traditional arts—has created a passionate base of travelers eager to experience Japan firsthand.
Personal Safety: Japan’s reputation for safety and low crime rates appeals to Israeli tourists.
Absence of Antisemitism: Unlike some European destinations where antisemitism has become a concern, Japan is perceived as welcoming to Jewish visitors.
Tradition and Progress: The unique combination of ancient traditions coexisting with cutting-edge technology fascinates Israeli travelers.
Japan’s Tourism Strategy#
Israel’s surge in tourism aligns with Japan’s broader strategy to become a major tourist destination. In 2023, the Japanese government launched a plan to reach 60 million tourists annually by the end of the decade, bringing in $100 billion.
The strategy is working: In the first ten months of 2025, 35.5 million tourists entered Japan, with October alone seeing 3.9 million visitors—a 17.6% increase compared to October 2024.
The China Factor#
Geopolitical tensions may create unexpected opportunities for Israeli tourism. In October 2025, Chinese tourists accounted for about 18% of total visitors to Japan. However, escalating tensions between Japan and China led to China issuing a travel warning for Japan in November.
If Chinese tourism decreases, Japan may accelerate assistance to the tourism industry, potentially benefiting visitors from other countries, including Israel.
A Transformed Market#
“Japan has always been a desirable destination,” Cohen-Orkaby notes, “but it was very expensive and it was awkward to get to. Today, with the opening of direct flights and the reduction in prices in terms of the Israeli currency, a vacation there is much more accessible.”
This transformation reflects broader trends:
Pre-2020: Japan was considered prohibitively expensive for most Israeli travelers, accessible primarily to wealthy tourists.
2020-2023: Covid restrictions limited all international travel.
2024-2025: The combination of direct flights, favorable exchange rates, and pent-up travel demand created perfect conditions for growth.
Significance for Israeli-Japanese Relations#
The tourism surge strengthens people-to-people ties between Israel and Japan:
Cultural Exchange: Israeli travelers return home with deeper understanding of Japanese culture, potentially strengthening business and cultural cooperation.
Economic Impact: Israeli tourists contribute to Japan’s economy while Japanese tourism infrastructure becomes familiar with Israeli needs (kosher food, Sabbath observance, etc.).
Anime Community: Many young Israeli travelers are motivated by love of anime and manga, connecting Israel’s thriving fan community with Japanese pop culture at its source.
Long-term Relationships: Tourism often precedes deeper connections—business partnerships, academic exchanges, and cultural collaborations.
For the Asian community in Israel, particularly Japanese expats and cultural organizations, the surge in Israeli visitors to Japan represents an opportunity to deepen cultural bridges and educate travelers about authentic Japanese traditions beyond stereotypes.
The 88% growth in tourism demonstrates that when barriers (cost, accessibility) are removed, the natural cultural affinity between Israelis and Japanese culture creates powerful momentum for connection.
