Hong Kong people's enthusiasm for traveling to Japan is among the highest in the world. According to the latest data from the Japan National Tourism Organization in 2023, as many as 36.3% of Hong Kong people have visited Japan 10 times or more, ranking first among all surveyed regions. This proportion is more than twice that of the overall tourists. So compared to other countries and regions, Hong Kong people really have a special affection for Japan.
Looking at the data from other places, the one closest to Hong Kong is Taiwan, where 23.5% of Taiwanese have been to Japan 10 times or more. Then the overall data shows that only 14.8% of tourists have been to Japan so many times. Looking at other countries, Thailand has 13.8%, South Korea has 13.4%, while Singapore and Italy have 11.9% and 11.8% respectively. Among European countries, the proportions in Germany and Spain are even lower, at only 1.5% and 0.8% respectively (see figure).
Figure: Proportion of 10 or more daily trips to each surveyed country/region in 2023 
Source: Japan National Tourism Organization
The proportion of Hong Kong people visiting Japan for the first time is much lower than the global average
What’s even more interesting is that when we look at the proportion of first-time tourists to Japan, there is a clear gap between Hong Kong and the overall data. Overall, 32.3% of tourists were visiting Japan for the first time, but among Hong Kong people, only 8.5% were visiting Japan for the first time. This data shows that Hong Kong people are actually very familiar with Japan, and may even consider Japan as their second home.
Among tourists who have visited Japan 2-3 times, the proportion of Hong Kong people is 18.5%, slightly lower than the global figure of 26.9%. However, when the number of visits to Japan increased to 4-9 times, the proportion of Hong Kong people rose sharply to 36.7%, far higher than the global average of 25.9%. These data show that after Hong Kong people have visited Japan for the first time, they will continue to go there again and again, and even return to this place again and again, and discover new experiences every time.
Cultural and economic ties drive Hong Kong people to visit Japan again
Why are Hong Kong people so keen to revisit Japan? First of all, the geographical proximity makes traveling to Japan very convenient. Whether it is the flight time, flight selection, or the convenience of visas, these are the reasons that drive Hong Kong people to visit Japan many times. In addition, cultural similarity is also a significant factor. Japan and Hong Kong have many similarities, whether it is food, shopping or entertainment, both can easily attract Hong Kong people.
In addition, with the development of the economy and tourism industry, Japan has always been a popular tourist destination in the minds of Hong Kong people. Whether it is the natural landscape with distinct four seasons or the ancient cities and monuments full of history and culture, Hong Kong people will never get tired of them no matter how many times they visit.
Future Outlook
As exchanges between the two places become more frequent, it can be expected that the number of Hong Kong people's revisits to Japan will only continue to increase in the future. For Hong Kong people, Japan is not only a place for tourism, but also a second home worth exploring again and again. I believe that this special feeling and connection will make Japan's position in the hearts of Hong Kong people more solid.