Japan Culinary Tourism Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Activity Type, Tour Type, Age Group, Mode of Booking, and Region, 2026-2034

Japan Culinary Tourism Market Overview:

The Japan culinary tourism market size reached USD 73,419.85 Million in 2025. The market is projected to reach USD 2,35,818.23 Million by 2034, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.84% during 2026-2034. Japan’s culinary tourism market is growing through immersive regional food trails, technology-enhanced experiences, and a focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Travelers increasingly seek authentic, hands-on interactions with local cuisine, while digital tools improve accessibility and engagement. Eco-conscious practices and community-based initiatives strengthen cultural preservation and support local economies. These developments enhance visitor satisfaction and promote repeat tourism, positioning Japan as a premier destination for gastronomy-focused travel and contributing to an increase in Japan culinary tourism market share.

Japan Culinary Tourism Market Trends:

Emergence of Regional Food Trails

Japan's culinary tourism market development is being more and more driven by visitors in pursuit of genuine regional dining experiences away from the conventional city-based trails. Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kyushu, and Shikoku are emerging as popular regions with their unique local food cultures, ancient cooking traditions, and culture-based dishes. Consumers are now venturing out to discover seasonal delicacies, local specialties, and craft products that reflect the distinctiveness of these places. Culinary trails incorporate guided tours of local markets, food festivals, and cooking classes, providing an experiential learning process and hands-on experience. These regional experiences not only enhance visitors' appreciation of Japan's culinary diversity but also benefit local economies, generating sustainable income sources for rural communities. As per sources, in October 2024, Japan Airlines and Hoshino Resorts launched the “All-time Favorite vs. Hidden Gems” campaign to boost inbound tourism in less-visited Japanese regions, showcasing unique destinations, seasonal attractions, and regional accommodations for international travelers. Moreover, by promoting direct contact between producers, chefs, and food artisans, these culinary trails intensify the authenticity of travel experiences. Consequently, the appeal of such tours is continuously growing, largely driving the overall growth and vibrancy of the Japan culinary tourism market trends.

Embedding Technology in Culinary Experiences

The use of technology is revolutionizing the way in which tourists interact with Japan's food scene. Mobile apps, web sites, and online restaurant booking systems are making it easier for travelers to access restaurants, cooking classes, and guided food tours, and they can tailor experiences based on individual choice. New technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are being utilized to present immersive cooking demonstrations, virtual market tours, and interactive sessions on the history of food, bridging tourists with cultural stories around every dish. QR codes, AI recommendations, and electronic loyalty programs also increase engagement, especially among young travelers who are technologically savvy. Through the intersection of convenience with educational enrichment, technology takes the culinary experience from mere tasting adventures to full gastronomic exploration. The implementation of these digital solutions is widening market reach, promoting repeat visitation, and increasing customer satisfaction, ultimately driving the development of Japan's culinary tourism industry while highlighting the changing Japan culinary tourism market development.

Focus on Sustainable and Local Sourcing

Sustainability is becoming an important trend for Japan's culinary tourism market. Consumers increasingly look for experiences with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, environmentally friendly production, and sustainable consumption. Farm-to-table eateries, farmers' markets selling organic produce, and local farm and fishery tours enable visitors to have direct contact with regional, season-specific products and learn about their eco-footprint. Culinary tours now frequently promote biodiversity conservation, the empowerment of local farmers, and the lowering of carbon footprints through sustainable practices. Chefs and owners stress regional authenticity, so the food served correctly expresses the culture, history, and biotic environment of origin. By embracing sustainability, Japan culinary tourism serves not only environmentally friendly tourists but also supports community-based economic growth and cultural heritage. Incorporation of eco-friendly practices has been transforming visitor choice-making into a determinant, fueling greater interaction and sustained involvement in gastronomy tourism. These efforts continue to inform Japan culinary tourism market trends and support responsible tourism.

Japan Culinary Tourism Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2026-2034. Our report has categorized the market based on activity type, tour type, age group, and mode of booking.

Activity Type Insights:

• Culinary Trails
• Cooking Classes
• Restaurants
• Food Festival and Events
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the activity type. This includes culinary trails, cooking classes, restaurants, food festival and events, and others.

Tour Type Insights:

• Domestic
• International

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the tour type have also been provided in the report. This includes domestic and international.

Age Group Insights:

• Baby Boomers
• Generation X
• Generation Y
• Generation Z

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the age group. This includes baby boomers, generation X, generation Y, and generation Z.

Mode of Booking Insights:

• Online Travel Agents
• Traditional Agents
• Direct Bookings

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the mode of booking have also been provided in the report. This includes online travel agents, traditional agents, and direct bookings.

Regional Insights:

• Kanto Region
• Kansai/Kinki Region
• Central/Chubu Region
• Kyushu-Okinawa Region
• Tohoku Region
• Chugoku Region
• Hokkaido Region
• Shikoku Region

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Kanto Region, Kansai/Kinki Region, Central/Chubu Region, Kyushu-Okinawa Region, Tohoku Region, Chugoku Region, Hokkaido Region, and Shikoku Region.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

Japan Culinary Tourism Market News:

• October 2025: The Toyama Tourism Organization has launched a seasonal culinary campaign, inviting global travelers to experience Japan’s most exclusive seafood from Toyama Bay, featuring Firefly Squid, White Shrimp, and Yellowtail, while highlighting sustainable fishing practices and the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
• July 2025: Klook has partnered with Hoshino Resorts to offer a “Stay+” package combining ryokan stays and transportation, making Japan’s countryside accommodations and onsen experiences more accessible for international travelers. The collaboration aims to decentralize inbound tourism, enhance local experiences, and will expand to other resort brands and day-trip offerings.
• February 2025: JTB Corp. announced the launch of a new business addressing chef shortages in regional accommodations. Beginning March 1 in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, skilled chefs will be dispatched to enhance local dining experiences, promote regional ingredients, and boost Japan’s culinary tourism market growth.

Japan Culinary Tourism Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the Japan culinary tourism market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the Japan culinary tourism market on the basis of activity type?
• What is the breakup of the Japan culinary tourism market on the basis of tour type?
• What is the breakup of the Japan culinary tourism market on the basis of age group?
• What is the breakup of the Japan culinary tourism market on the basis of mode of booking?
• What is the breakup of the Japan culinary tourism market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the Japan culinary tourism market?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the Japan culinary tourism market?
• What is the structure of the Japan culinary tourism market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the Japan culinary tourism market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC's industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Japan culinary tourism market from 2020-2034.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Japan culinary tourism market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Japan culinary tourism industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.