Kansai Tourism Soars in Early 2026, Exceeding Pre-Pandemic Spending

The Kansai region, encompassing Osaka, has experienced a substantial increase in tourism spending during the first quarter of 2026, outperforming pre-pandemic figures from 2019. This surge is largely attributed to a weakened yen, which has boosted the purchasing power of international visitors by approximately 40% osakaa.net.

Foreign tourist expenditure in Kansai reached an estimated ¥580 billion in Q1 2026, marking a 30% increase compared to Q1 2019. The average spend per visitor also rose significantly, from approximately ¥150,000 in 2019 to over ¥210,000 in early 2026 osakaa.net.

Travelers to Kansai are increasingly favoring experience-based purchases, known as "koto-shohi." This trend includes activities such as private cooking classes, local crafts, premium dining, and stays in luxury ryokan. Sectors benefiting from this shift include retail (especially luxury goods and cosmetics), high-end dining, unique experiences, and accommodation offering cultural richness osakaa.net.

The tourism boom has generated positive economic impacts, including job creation, strengthened local supply chains, and increased tax revenues. These revenues are being reinvested into infrastructure and cultural assets. The region anticipates sustained momentum through 2026, partly due to the upcoming 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo and continued demand osakaa.net.