Kansai Tourism Soars Past Pre-Pandemic Spending Records
Published June 15, 2026
Kansai’s tourism economy is experiencing a significant boom, with foreign tourist spending in early 2026 surpassing pre-pandemic levels from 2019, driven by a weakened yen and a shift towards experience-based travel.
Kansai Region Achieves Record Tourist Spending
In the first quarter of 2026, inbound tourism spending in Japan’s Kansai region reached record levels, exceeding pre-pandemic figures from 2019. Total foreign tourist spending in Kansai approximately reached ¥580 billion, which is about 30% higher than the first quarter of 2019, according to osakaa.net (Source 1).
Weak Yen and Experiential Travel Fuel Spending
This surge in spending is largely attributed to a weak yen, which was trading around 155 JPY/USD in early 2026, compared to approximately 110 JPY in 2019. This provides international visitors with over 40% more purchasing power (Source 1).
Visitor behavior has also shifted towards experience-based spending, known as koto-shohi. This includes activities such as private classes, craft workshops, exclusive dining experiences, and luxury accommodations, in addition to traditional shopping. Per-visitor spending increased from around ¥150,000 in 2019 to over ¥210,000 in early 2026 (Source 1).
Key Sectors Benefiting from Tourism Influx
Several sectors are experiencing significant benefits from the increased tourism. These include retail, particularly luxury goods and cosmetics; dining, with a focus on premium experiences like sake and Kobe beef; and the experiences and accommodation sector, encompassing cultural activities, private tours, and high-end hotels, which are reporting near-full occupancy (Source 1).
Key Takeaways
- Kansai’s foreign tourist spending in Q1 2026 surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic records by approximately 30%.
- A weak yen (around 155 JPY/USD in early 2026) has significantly boosted international visitors' purchasing power.
- Visitor spending has shifted towards experience-based activities (koto-shohi), including private classes, exclusive dining, and luxury stays.
- Per-visitor spending rose from approximately ¥150,000 in 2019 to over ¥210,000 in early 2026.
- Retail, dining, and high-end accommodation sectors are key beneficiaries of this tourism boom.
Sources & further reading
- Kansai’s Tourism Economy Booms, Shattering Pre-Pandemic Spending Records in Early 2026 | Osakaa — osakaa.net (June 10, 2026)