Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and Japan have discussed expanding cooperation in tourism, promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism potential in the Japanese market and increasing the number of visitors from Japan.
The talks were held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan with Yuji Hara, Chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) and President of Kaze Travel Co., Ltd., the Dunyо news agency reported.
The parties discussed ways to strengthen ties between tourism companies in the two countries and promote Uzbek tourism products in Japan.
The Japanese side noted growing interest among travellers in Uzbekistan’s historic cities, national culture and gastronomic heritage. It also gave a positive assessment of a familiarisation trip organised in Uzbekistan for Japanese travel companies in June 2026.
Particular attention was paid to the international tourism exhibition Tourism EXPO Japan. The participants discussed opportunities to showcase Uzbekistan’s tourism products at the event and make the country more attractive to Japanese travellers.
The development of direct air links between the two countries was another topic. The sides highlighted their importance in increasing tourist flows from Japan and exchanged views on expanding business contacts between tour operators and sharing professional experience.
Japan remains a promising market for Uzbekistan’s tourism industry. According to the figures cited, around 32,000 Japanese citizens visited Uzbekistan in 2025. In January–September 2026, the number exceeded 36,000, up 53.3% from the same period in 2025.
Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their interest in further developing tourism ties and raising awareness among the Japanese public about travel opportunities in Uzbekistan.
