In 2026, the percentage of Japanese citizens traveling abroad is approximately 12% to 15% annually, a figure that is still recovering toward the pre-pandemic highs of 2019 (when about 20 million people, or roughly 16% of the population, traveled overseas). According to recent JTB and JNTO data, while domestic travel is thriving, international outbound travel has faced headwinds due to a persistently weak Yen and rising fuel surcharges, which have significantly increased the cost of foreign vacations. Interestingly, there is a generational divide: younger Japanese "Gen Z" travelers are showing an increased interest in short-haul destinations like South Korea and Taiwan, while older "silver" travelers—who traditionally fueled the outbound market—are becoming more cautious. As of 2026, roughly 24% of Japanese citizens hold a valid passport, which is one of the lowest rates among G7 nations. This suggests that while Japan is a top destination for the world, its own citizens remain relatively domestic-focused, often citing the high quality of food, safety, and scenery within Japan as reasons to stay close to home.