Russian tourism to Japan soars in 2026 despite frozen economic ties
Russian tourism to Japan has surged in 2026, with nearly 200,000 visitors recorded last yearâtwice the number from 2024. The first quarter of 2026 alone saw a 40% increase in arrivals. Yet despite growing travel ties, Tokyo has dismissed reports of renewed economic cooperation with Moscow.
In 2025, Japan remained the largest buyer of Sakhalin Energyâs liquefied natural gas (LNG), accounting for 58% of its exports. China followed with 23.9%, while South Korea took 17.5%. Meanwhile, Japanâs grain importsâexceeding 30 million tons annuallyâhave seen a drop in Russian shipments.
Earlier claims of a Japanese business delegation visiting Russia in late May to discuss joint projects proved false. Cabinet Secretary General Minoru Kihara later clarified that no new cooperation was under consideration, citing current geopolitical conditions. Russia also confirmed it had not received any requests from Tokyo for high-level talks at international events. Some Japanese firms, however, still show interest in the region. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is exploring a return to Primorsky Kraiâs ports, driven by shifts in global logistics. The company had previously considered a grain terminal project there in 2020, though it never progressed. Earlier, from 2010 to 2015, Mitsui & Co. ran a joint venture with Sollers in the same region, assembling Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs. Air travel links, once active, have also stalled. Japan Airlines (JAL) had operated regular flights between Tokyo and Vladivostok starting in 2020 but suspended them after sanctions took effect.
While Russian tourism to Japan grows, official economic and diplomatic engagement remains limited. Japan continues to import significant volumes of Russian LNG but has reduced grain purchases. Business interest in Primorsky Krai persists, though no concrete projects have moved forward. Flights between the two countries remain halted for now.
