Japan Faith-based Tourism Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

As per newly released data, the Japan faith-based tourism market is estimated at ~USD 548.3 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a significant CAGR of ~10.3% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034 and reach a market valuation of ~USD 1,461.4 million by 2034 end. The share of Japan's faith-based tourism market in its parent market (global faith-based tourism market) is approximately ~2% to 5%.

Attribute Details
Current Faith-based Tourism Market Size (2023A) USD 494.8 Million
Estimated Faith-based Tourism Market Size (2024E) ~USD 548.3 Million
Projected Faith-based Tourism Market Size (2034F) ~USD 1,461.4 Million
Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) ~10.3%

Key Points Covered in Japan Faith-based Tourism Market Survey

  • Market Estimates and Forecast 2019 to 2034
  • Key Drivers and Restraints Impacting Market Growth
  • Regional Analysis, Segment-wise, and Country-wise Analysis
  • Competition Mapping and Benchmarking
  • Brand share and Market Share Analysis
  • Key Product Innovations and Regulatory Climate
  • COVID-19 Impact on Japan's Faith-based Tourism Market and How to Navigate
  • Recommendation on Key Winning Strategies

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2019 to 2023 Japan Faith-based Tourism Market Outlook Compared to 2024 to 2034 Forecast

Sales in the Japan faith-based tourism market are projected to increase at a 10.3% CAGR during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034, compared to the 8.4% CAGR registered between 2019 to 2023.

Tourism plays a significant role in Japan’s economic output as significant portion of the country relies on the income from the travel and tourism sector. Culture, weather, religious places, and bio-diversity are some of the factors which make the natural beauty of Japan even more splendid. In addition, Japan as a nation with a distinct and diverse society in terms of food, people, and lifestyle is a major tourist attraction to most of the world.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, in 2023, the travel and tourism sector contributed a revenue share of 7.1% to Japan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), ranking third globally, behind the United States and China. Japan is an archipelago with nearly 7000 prime volcanic islands of which four main islands are the ‘Main Islands’ namely Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The Japanese people have embraced this topography in their way of life which continues to be entwined with water.

Key Dynamics in the Japan Faith-based Tourism Market

Key Factors Driving the Japan’s Faith-Based Tourism Market

Japan is one of the most attractive tourist destinations that has many unique attractions and thrilling experiences that cannot be obtained anywhere in the world. The country has a unique culture that is the mix of both the Eastern-rooted cultural identity and Western postmodern spirit which is seen almost at every turn.

Japan has a long history of development that has made it one of the oldest civilizations across the globe. The attractive, varied scenery with peaks and spectacular views is much appreciated by the Japanese and is rich in a variety of experiences, which attracts a global audience. In the case of tourism, Japan is the most striking form of tourism and it is appreciated by the growing number of global tourists and is expected to expand in the coming years.

Digital Advancement and Its Implication on the Tourism Sector and Economy in Japan

One of the important measures taken by the government to enhance the competitiveness of faith-based tourism in Japan has been to adopt DX (Digital Transformation) into the religious market with the help of innovative ICT (Information and Communication Technology) solutions for product, service, and business model differentiation.

For instance, in Kyoto, an area that has been grappling with over-tourism, AI is being employed to analyze a combination of past data and the number of tourists visiting tourist sites to provide customers with a traffic jam prediction and entice them to change their destination or the time they will be touring.

In addition, cases relating to staying connected with customers through virtual tours and achieving better hygiene standards at hotels and other similar places through offering non-contact services are gradually appearing in most areas of Japan due to the new form of travelling brought by COVID-19.

Sudip Saha
Sudip Saha

Principal Consultant

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Country Insight

What’s the Future of Faith-based Tourism Market in Japan?

Government Led Measures Will Further Enhance the Tourism Industry of Japan

The increase in inbound markets can be explained by the government’s proactive measures that have emphasized religious tourism as one of the strategic areas for growth in Japan’s tourism sector by proposing measures which include but are not limited to increasing consumption tax exemptions for foreign visitors and easing the visa regime as well as other incentives by private players that include enhancing transport accessibility through air, rail, and seaports, developing hospitable environment through the instalment of multilingual signs.

Further, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has been trying to ease the accessibility of information for foreign visitors coming to the country. Credited with the ability to quickly ramp up digital marketing and enhance the data utilization and segmentation necessary for the growth of the religious tourism business, government authorities are modifying the religious tourism industry in Japan.

Category-wise Insights

Which Tourist Type is Driving Sales in the Japan Faith-based Tourism Market?

Domestic Tourists to Account for a Dominant Share in the Market

Domestic tourism is an important element of the Japanese economy and culture. Unlike most other types of travel and tourism, religious tourism attracts people of all ages and financial levels, claiming the greatest market. Domestic visitors make for the lion's share of the business, and they are undeniably the industry's driving force in Japan.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, this is true in most countries. Domestic tourists accounted for nearly 80% of the market in 2019. Japan’s inbound tourist segment has also shown remarkable growth, because of government initiatives, 31.88 Million international visitors visited Japan in 2019.

What are the Future Prospects of the Online Booking Segment in the Target Market?

Developing a Brand Presence is Critical for Fueling the Growth of Travel Business

Internet booking is gaining popularity in the tourism industry. The online booking segment represented a significant share of the industry. Since the majority of people are foreigners, Internet portals are more effective for that purpose. Consumers are also able to make bookings at any time as the online booking system is available 24/7. A lack of an online system to book appointments may negatively affect the company and communicate reluctance to provide convenient services.

What Kind of Tourism Do Travellers in the Japan Faith-based Tourism Industry Prefer Most?

Religious and Heritage Trips Are Progressively Driving the Market in Japan

Cultural and historical tours are the most common types of tours, especially to other countries, as they provide individuals with an opportunity to engage with people of different faiths as well as learn their practices, beliefs, and history and even gain spiritual knowledge. The progressive growth of the target market is anticipated throughout the forecast period.

Japan has one of the most beautiful scenery in the world, as well as a rich culture and an overlong history. Factually, Japan has 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 19 Cultural Heritage Sites and 4 Natural Heritage Sites which deems it an interesting destination for travel enthusiasts and religious travelers.

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Competitive Landscape

Key industry players are attempting to give customers personalized travel solutions. The tailored tour trend will help top companies maintain their competitive advantage even further. For Instance, EXO Travel launched the Art & Culture Japan 15-day/14-night tour package.

Further, various new entrants are making a mark in the country’s travel and tourism sector, with small brands aiming to carve a niche in religious tourism. For instance:

  • In 2023, Deeper Japan company is one of the new entrants targeting niche, experience-based packaged tours that cater to both domestic and international travellers who seek Japan’s spiritual history. Other competitors in this line include Japan Travel KK and Japan Private Tour Co., Ltd., which are working towards the development of the target market by offering distinctive, engaging experiences that appeal to cultural and spiritual tourism.

Scope of Report

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2024 to 2034
Historical Data Available for 2019 to 2023
Market Analysis USD Million for Value
Key Region Covered East Asia
Key Countries Covered Japan
Key Segments Covered Tourism Type, Booking Channel, Tourist Type, Tour Type, Age Group, Consumer Orientation
Key Companies Profiled Japan Travel KK; Japan Private Tour Co. Ltd.; Across No.1 Travel Shinjuku ; EXO Travel Japan ; A Touch of Japan ; City Travel & Tour Co. Ltd.; The Japan Travel Company; Deeper Japan; Saiyu Travel; Rakuten Travel Experience; Japan Holiday; Hitotoki; Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel; The Hidden Japan; Green Tomato Co. Ltd; Travel Pal Co. Ltd.; The Art of Travel; I Love Japan Tours Co. Ltd.; Ayabex; Spirit of Japan Travel; Japan Private Tour Co. Ltd.; Saiyu Travel Co. Ltd.; Unagi Travel; My Tokyo Guide; Oku Japan KK; Other (as per request)
Report Coverage Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization & Pricing Available upon Request

Japan Faith-based Tourism Market by Category

By Tourism Type:

  • Day Trips & Local Gateways
  • Museums
  • Pilgrimages
  • Religious and Heritage Tours
  • Others

By Booking Channel:

  • Phone Booking
  • Online Booking
  • In-Person Booking

By Tourist Type:

  • Domestic
  • International

By Tour Type:

  • Independent Traveller
  • Tour Group
  • Package Traveller

By Consumer Orientation:

  • Men
  • Women
  • Children

By Age Group:

  • 15 to 25 Years
  • 26 to 35 Years
  • 36 to 45 Years
  • 46 to 55 Years
  • 56 to 65 Years
  • 66 to 75 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Japan faith-based tourism market value?

The Japan faith-based tourism market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 548.3 million in 2024.

What are the key trends driving the Japan faith-based tourism market?

Growing popularity of diving places, new tour launches, customized tours, and increasing mergers & acquisitions etc., are the key trends driving sales in the market.

Who are the leading players in the Japanese faith-based tourism market?

Leading players operating in the Japan faith-based tourism market are Japan Travel KK, Japan Private Tour Co., Ltd., Across No.1 Travel Shinjuku, EXO Travel Japan, A Touch of Japan, City Travel & Tour Co. Ltd., The Japan Travel Company, Deeper Japan, Saiyu Travel, Rakuten Travel Experience, Japan Holiday, Hitotoki, Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel, The Hidden Japan, Green Tomato Co. Ltd, Travel Pal Co. Ltd., The Art of Travel, I Love Japan Tours Co. Ltd., Ayabex, Spirit of Japan Travel, Japan Pri

What is the market share of the leading players operating in the Japanese faith-based tourism market?

Leading players in the Japan faith-based tourism market are estimated to account for approximately ~5%-10% of the total market share.

What is the faith-based tourism outlook for Japan?

Japan's faith-based tourism is anticipated to expand at a ~10.3% CAGR over the forecast period.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Growth Parameters
	3. Supply to Demand: Today’s Travel Distribution Network
	4. Type
		4.1. Total Supplier Market, Share by Segment (%), 2023
	5. Spending Type
	6. Target Market, 2023
		6.1. By Consumer Orientation
		6.2. By Tourist Type
		6.3. By Tourism Type
		6.4. By Tour Type
		6.5. By Booking Channel
		6.6. By Spending Type
	7. Market Gross Revenue
		7.1. Market Gross Revenue (USD Million) and Forecast (2024 to 2034)
		7.2. Target Market and Forecast (2024 to 2034)
		7.3. Total Spending Y-o-Y Growth Projections (2024 to 2034)
		7.4. Number of Tourists Y-o-Y Growth Projections
	8. Challenges & Looking Forward
	9. Market Stakeholders Landscape - Key Direct Suppliers
		9.1. Tour Operators
		9.2. Government Bodies
	10. Social Media Sentimental Analysis
		10.1. Travel Influencers: A New Phenomenon in the World of Tourism
		10.2. Social Media Platforms Preferred
		10.3. Trending #Hashtags
		10.4. Social Media Platform Mentions (% of Total Mentions)
		10.5. Trending Subject Titles
	11. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	12. Research Methodology
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