Wrapped up in warm coats and woolly hats, hundreds of people have braved Moscow's chilly spring weather to form an orderly queue. But they have not come to see a celebrity or an exclusive exhibition. What they want are Japanese visas.
With most of Europe having banned direct flights with Russia, and Japan offering free visas, Russians are exploring new holiday destinations and making the most of the strengthening rouble and a rise in real wages fueled by the economic recovery wrought by Moscow's heavy spending on the war in Ukraine.
Japanese airlines no longer have direct flights with Russia, but the Japanese embassy in Moscow said Russian visitor numbers were increasing along with the availability of connecting flights.
The number of Russians holidaying in Japan is set to double this year from around 100,000 in 2024, Dmitry Gorin, vice president of the Russian union of the tourism industry, told Reuters.
Queues at the embassy are understandable, Gorin added, as Japan's famous cherry blossoms in spring were a popular attraction.
"The most important thing is that there are no complicated visa formalities and there is an affordable flight," he said.
In November, Japan stopped requiring Russian visitors to submit documents in advance to confirm they had paid for hotels for their stay. Return tickets, often with connections in China, start from around 40,000 rubles ($477.64), Gorin said.
Elizaveta, who Reuters spoke to as she queued for her appointment at the Japanese embassy in Moscow, said the simpler visa process had encouraged her to buy tickets.
"We've wanted to go for a long time," she said. "Nowadays, it's more difficult to get to Europe. It only takes four to five days to get a visa to Japan, so we decided to go."
The people Reuters spoke to at the embassy declined to give their family names.
'LONG TIME DREAM'
Before Moscow launched the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, millions of Russians travelled to Europe every year.
Those trips, via indirect routes since most European airspace is closed to Russian carriers, have become more expensive. Current annual visitor numbers of around 300,000 people are about 90% below 2019 levels, according to Gorin.
Russia's economy contracted briefly under the weight of sanctions, but has since rebounded and soaring consumer demand, including on air travel, has contributed to overheating.
But the rouble's sharp appreciation this year - on hopes that improving ties between Washington and Moscow could lead to some kind of conflict resolution in Ukraine - has only helped Russians heading to Japan, and elsewhere.
International travel has mostly pivoted to countries that have not imposed sanctions on Moscow.
"The rouble's strengthening directly affects the cost of tours and consumer interest in holidays abroad," said Lyubov Voronina, head of international projects at tourism comparison site sletat.ru.
Depending on what they plan to do on their trip, tourists can currently save between 10% and 30%, Voronina said.
The combination of a higher disposable income and lower prices has come at the perfect time for some.
"It's been a long time dream for me, ever since I was a child," said Nikita at the embassy. "Now I have the money to come and decided to do. Moreover, the prices have now dropped."
The one obstacle for Russians is that long queue, but Anton, asked if he was worried he might run out of time to submit his application that day, simply said: "Well, I'll come tomorrow then."
© (Thomson Reuters 2025.
85 Comments
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Yrral
Typical Japanese sellout,as long as yen is involved
koiwaicoffee
Tourist visas should not be granted to citizens of countries at war.
I'veSeenFootage
Instead of いらっしゃいませ, Russian tourists should be greeted everywhere with "Slava Ukraini!"
blue in green
Strategically wise to welcome Russian tourists.
tooheysnew
disgraceful !
Russians should not be welcome anywhere in the world, as long as Putin is in power
TaiwanIsNotChina
Well definitely not to an invading fascist power.
MarkX
I really hope that the Japanese gov't doesn't think that by letting Russian tourists into the country Visa free will somehow help their cause getting the 4 northern islands back, because that ain't going to happen!
It does sound like Japan is now addicted to tourist money and they don't care where it comes from.
Jordi Puentealto
Some citizens such as those from Russia and Israel should not be allowed to enter Japan easily.
WoodyLee
Visa free should be available to all TOURISTS regardless of nation not only in Japan but the rest.
WoodyLee
That main photo needs some Cropping.
oldman_13
Good for them, Russians should be made to feel welcome. For the most part they are well behaved and stick to themselves. World politics have no business encroaching on everyday lives.
JJE
Haha. The "Russian economy is about to collapse" crowd have egg on their face yet again.
Ask them. They perceive the special military operation as a defensive police action, provoked by several outside factors.
Anyway, even the Japanese govt wants cashed up Russians to boost their own economy! Hilarious!
Hideyoshi.N
If the tourists are civilian why we shouldn't give them visa and welcome them like tourists from other countries? Putin started the war not them. Putin is not welcome, civilian tourists are ok. Foreign posters please don't tell us in Japan what we should do or not do.
Yokoso to Japan.
tooheysnew
@oldman
ha ! Obviously you haven’t been to Southeast Asia (Bali, Thailand etc)
asdfgtr
Except for the Russian invaders murdering and raping innocent civilians in Ukraine.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240620-raped-by-russian-soldiers-ukraine-women-speak-out-to-erase-stigma
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/03/1161281
stormcrow
In full agreement with koiwaicoffee.
Tourist visas should not be granted to citizens of countries at war.
GuruMick
Ambivalent.
Yes, tourists are not Russian Govt. officials...well I hope not...but Japan is supporting a country Russia has invaded.
I would want to see restrictions on Israelis as well, to make them think about their Govt. and the holocaust it is causing in Gaza.
wallace
Banned Russians will not receive visas.
JJE
Those calling for restrictions on 'tourist visas to citizens of countries at war' know full well the hypocrisy of it but won't say it out loud because they know it is an ugly wolf whistle.
They know US citizens, whose country is continually at war, or Israel would never face that (imagine the uproar from these very same people).
What they really mean is selective discrimination. It's a really nasty piece of work but consistent with the overall mindset.
Namahage
Where I live had a very close relationship with Russia before the attack on Ukraine.
It's a pity that ties have become broken due to the decisions of one person,but until he is ousted by his own people, they should not be allowed to visit.
GuruMick
JJE...agree but IF I were in charge...no dead sea pedestrians and no yanks...
CaptDingleheimer
If you people blame ordinary Russian citizens, who have absolutely zero say in the makeup of their own crappy government, for what’s going on over there, you need to get your head out of your rear ends and have some compassion.
They absolutely have a right to spend their hard-earned vacation money that they saved up to enjoy all of the world has to offer.
ian
Why's nobody saying fake news is this real
JeffLee
I would if this could lead to Russia’s oligarchs and other Putin buddies “discovering” Japan and then buying up large and luxurious properties, as what happened in the UK and other Western countries governed by globalization loving neo-libs. That turned out really well. Ugh.
zulander
I don't really get all this hostility towards the Russian tourists themselves..... rather unsettling.
asdfghjkl
They are better behaved hd respect the culture than most of the tourist that frequent Japan nowadays so welcome to them I say. For most of them, they have absolutely no say and no power in what their leaders are doing.
antibotter
Russians should not be admitted into Japan. The only way for them sheeples to put pressure on putler is to deny them freedoms like this.
asdfghjkl
Do you really things stopping tourists from entreating the country will change how their leaders behave. Please be realistic.
Blacklabel
Oh, really? Not what we have been hearing for years now.
asdfghjkl
“Some citizens such as those from Russia and Israel should not be allowed to enter Japan easily.” ….so if from Hamas, ISIS, Hezbollah…..that is OK?
Negative Nancy
I've got no personal beef with the Russian common man, or anyone else, according to the country where they happened to be born and live. As someone who came from one country to live in another, it would be rather silly for me to draw lines in the sand and like or dislike people according to their passport. They have just as much right to be here as I do. Now, if Putin himself came here as a tourist, then that's a different matter.
ThePunisher
Well I guess even the Taliban are being welcomed in Japan, so it's probably inevitable that Russians are too.
If you bring money, Japan will take anyone.
DanteKH
You know your curency doesn't have any value anymore, when a failed state like Russia, has a stronger curency than Japan...
Blacklabel
Or you are being lied to that Russia is a “failed state”…
Cephus
I thought Joe said the economic sanctions imposed on Russia will collapse their economy?
isabelle
Then, they are wrong in their perception.
It is a unilateral, unprovoked war of conquest by Putin.
JJE
As the article mentions, the figure is expected to double from 100k in 2024 - that is incredible and would not be surprised if that is an understatement. There are many flights with sensible carriers who still overfly Russia (giving them a competitive advantage). Some of the return flights are very reasonably priced indeed. Watch for sales of Shochu skyrocketing during cherry blossom time, helping regional distillers. Plenty of disposable income so they can stock up on all manner of goods, including electronics. Thermal hot-springs are a thing in decent Russia too, so get ready for some special relaxation soaking operations.
It's a win-win for everyone because it will also lift some of the slight inflationary pressure in Russia by allowing people to splurge their bundles of cold hard cash elsewhere.
High time the govt got ready to lift sanctions, unfreeze assets, compensate entities for losses and apologize unreservedly for all of the above - what decent neighbors do. More than half of local companies never really left anyway, as reported in another article here. The ones that foolishly did will be begging to get back in. Watch.
However, this specifically is a positive development. It further undermines the crumbling narrative on the booming Russian economy and their supposed diplomatic isolation.
chatanista
I doubt these tourists set Russian state policy, Putin does. Since they have nothing to do with it then nothing wrong with them visiting.
Tourist visas should not be granted to citizens of countries at war.
Damn, than as Americans we wouldn't get to travel all that much. I'd prefer it didn't come to that
The only way for them sheeples to put pressure on putler is to deny them freedoms like this.
How exactly could those tourists do that ?
Mr Kipling
How are those sanctions going? Japan is welcoming Russian tourists. The EU has given Russia more cash for oil and gas than it has given aid to Ukraine. I saw a group of Russian's enjoying themselves in Shibuya yesterday.
JJE
The elephant in the room here is J-govt has obviously eased up on restrictions on Russian bankcards somehow or at least bank accounts operated by decent citizens from there. Still gathering details here but all these hundreds of thousands of tourists can't be stuffing all their spending cash in their suitcases. Not only would that be in contravention of law, which they don't break, it would be unfeasible. The article mentions a visa requirement about documents relating to proof of hotel payment was scrapped recently - and this can only mean via electronic payment obviously - so there is more than meet the eye here.
People can greet them as they wish - considering the word 'slava' is Slavic origin, particularly Russian, one might add "russkoy armii" after it. Being polite to tourists is a no-brainer: it definitely opens their wallet!
Fighto!
Those kimono are not exactly flattering.
Ugh.
TokyoLiving
Welcome Russian brothers !!!...
JJE
Also, on the language thing, time to add Russian into the multi-lingual options available on tourist related support - menus, hotels, guides, signs etc etc. They should even expand instruction of it in the education sectors at school and academic level. There is a saying: even the guy next door can speak it. And it is true in many ironic senses!
For example, a popular seaside tourist town in Thailand recently put up signage in this language. This tourist boom from that decent Federation is not restricted to Japan by any measure.
The latter is just trying to surf the new multi-polar economic wave, starting with tourism. Other sectors will follow. Smart move.
isabelle
When exactly did Japan sanction Russian tourists?
(Hint: never)
The_Beagle
So, all the sanctions on Russia have crippled their economy and made them pay a heavy price for their special military operation, yeah.
OssanAmerica
Tourists from countries that start wars and invade others should not be allowed tourist visas. While it's true that the average civilian has little to do with the decisions and actions of their regimes, it's only when those average civilians become inconvenienced by their government's actions that they will become against it. Not to mention that in any civilian population a portion will invariably back the actions of their own government, regardless of how wrong it may be.
TokyoLiving
Russianns behave much better than some westerners from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean...
LOOOOOOL
TokyoLiving
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Fighto!
Japanese businesses reserve the right to refuse service to Russian customers.
DeeZee
Notice how the global south doesn't give a single toss about Ukraine? Maybe because they know it's inter imperialist and was sparked by NATO wanting war against Russia. The collective west has an inflated view of themselves. The vast majority of humanity doesn't care what the UK and EU thinks because they've imposed worse on them. Japan understands this dynamic that there's no interest in them fighting against Russia because there's Sakhalin-2 that keeps the gas flowing and avoiding the same thing as Germany with Nordstream.
JJE
No, they can't and no they won't.
If they refuse anyone on the basis of their race or nationality, that violates the 14th Amendment of Japan's Constitution and is ILLEGAL.
Moreover, a business would be committing economic self-harm by driving away cashed-up tourists.
JJE
OK - more about the bank cards thing. Appears many tourists, from that decent, historic country and great power, are employing a certain financial services company from a third country - which issues cards to Russians, that can be used in Japan. All of this is completely 110% legal.
They need to get with the program and make the Mir Payment System - a Russian developed alternative to other western controlled cards - operational, to unlock the full tourist potential. Currently over 10 have it and it will expand rapidly soon as the carve-up proceeds, and as a sanction-proof multi-polar world takes shape.
Fighto!
LOL. Sure.
Since when do Russians or their supporters believe in Rule of Law?
Their fascist leader is wanted by the ICC for war crimes. Fascist Russia ILLEGALLY invaded a sovereign nation, killing countless children and civilians.
Russians care nothing about Rule of Law. Some Japanese will refuse to do business with them.
Fighto!
LOL @ "Mir Payment System"!
What could possibly go wrong with trusting a Russian online payment system?
Most would sooner trust giving a Nigerian Prince their account details.
JJE
Watch businesses that discriminate against Russian tourists also find they are under boycott from Chinese and other groups of tourists. Watch them file for bankruptcy down the track. SM has a certain power you know. No decent person likes that kind of discriminatory fascist conduct - which is an affront to public decency - least of all cashed up tourists.
rainyday
Guy on the right is wearing a blue and yellow yukata.
stormcrow
Tourist visas should not be granted to the citizens of aggressive countries invading and killing peaceful neighbors. Period.
JJE
Fortunately, decent Russian tourists know that outspoken discriminatory fascist attitudes/conduct are more a thing for internet-keyboard-bigots/bullies than in everyday life. In other words, it is a vocal minority shouting words of hate and hypocrisy, as opposed to anything resembling the decent, overwhelming majority.
Not hard to see businesses wanting to tap into this gold-mine-style-bonanza flying their way soon: money talks. The Ruble is just as mighty as the Sword.
Hideyoshi.N
Guy on the right is wearing a blue and yellow yukata.
Yukatas come in many colors. Recently many more fashionable designs are available to people who are interested to buy or rent it. Many tourists wear yukatas and take photos at tourist spot like Asakusa.
falseflagsteve
No doubt they have better manners and make less noise pollution than your average American or Chinese tourist.
stickman1760
Japan selling out to the almighty tourist dollar, ruble, shekel, rupee
whatever currency, Japan will take it if there is a tourist involved. Sad.
stickman1760
@falseflagseteve
dont count on it
Phil
Meanwhile we are struggling with an increased costs of living due to Russia invading Ukraine. If I want to go and visit family back in the UK it is now a major decision because of the flight cost and increased travel times.
JJE
Never ever said that and the second part makes no sense, with no comment that meets that baseless assertion.
Looking forward to seeing more decent tourists helping the local economy. Keep in mind, Japanese fishery distribution companies, particularly small family-owned ones and northern island based, are entirely dependent on seafood imports from where this new multi-polar tsunami of tourists are coming from, just to stay afloat.
raincloud
It's not fair to dehumanise an entire population based on the decisions of their leader. If anything, promoting friendly relations between normal citizens will have positive long-term effects.
Negative Nancy
Nobody owes you that right. Frankly, flying across the world is a luxury. You should have thought about that when you came here.
JJE
Many quarters characterize the causes/merits of it in very different terms.
No doubt there will be some servicemen/women and their families coming for some well-deserved R&R. They have huge amounts of cash with all those contracts. Not to be missed: a golden opportunity for tourist-aligned businesses to make a killing. This will be a fantastic opportunity for Japanese people to re-build bridges, open their ancient culture to another ancient peoples, who are equally inquisitive and respectful of such cultures, which the Russian people are proven to be. Important to observe official diplomatic relations were established during the last Empires but go back earlier than that. In the future, it can only be more positive.
ian
You think america will agree to that ?
grc
Yet the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines has REDUCED the number of tourist visa applications for that country’s citizens. Not big enough spenders?
Baradzed
I had the impression that Russians and US of Americans are friends again (or as soon as they share some minerals).
ebisen
Who said murdering babies doesn't pay?
wallace
Hokkaido gets the most Russian tourists. The majority of Russians live in Tokyo, Yokohama, Sapporo, and Kobe. They only number about 11,000 people.
ClippetyClop
Possibly because their towns and homes are under occupation by the Russian invading army?
If Russia would kindly clear off I’m sure they’d be happy to go home.
None of this probably occurred to you.
Nathaw
Under Trump, US has been offering green card for business migrant who has asset for 5 millions for investing there. It is good for US economy with creating jobs for local people.
Some Russian Oligarchs are big spenders with business expertise. If they wish, Japan should offer them as long term residents as well. They are more attractive for Japan economy rather than average skilled migrants. Skilled migrants can not afford to invest in millions. Of course they have some contributions! It is not large scale contributions like business migrants.
In the business, there is no permanent enemy or friend according Trump. Trump is hugging and talking sweet with Putin despite he is the adversary in Geo Politic. Some Japanese northern islands were stolen by Russia. It does not mean Japan has to make enemy with Russian citizens.
Japan will never welcome war criminals Putin and Netanyahu who are baby and women killers. Ordinary citizens are innocent. If they come as tourists and abide the law of Japan, they are free to come and go.
The course of Japan tourism is not depending on other opinions.
JJE
In the economic sense: everyone knows it simply means to make a lot of money.
Japan tourism orientated businesses stand to rake it in (or 'make a killing') with this influx of well-to-do tourists.
Surely that is good news for the front line of the domestic tourist industry. Hopefully they can explore new territories too, fully seizing the land's charm, while soaking in those mineral springs, which are rare on earth, all the while helping strike up long range target packages of spend-per-head for incomings. Stocking up on some genuinely innocent gaming consoles could help other retailers and really bring a bang. If all things go to plan in this upcoming tourist campaign season, everyone is happy and treated well, this country may be voted 'best-must-go-to' tourist destination in the annual referendum of tourists in the future. More tourists will surely be mobilized then.
This will be a massive victory worthy of a parade in a square.
Mocheake
No doubt. Say one thing and do another.
Cephus
Glad to see the Russian having enough extra resources for luxurious travels to the Land of the Rising Sun!
GuruMick
Keep it simple...how else would a country signify disapproval of another countries actions ?
Don't punish individuals in "real terms " but make a statement, through Visa blocks, you cannot continue to think its "business as usual ". No visa ...sorry
Then, maybe, individuals in the restricted nations, might think about their situation, think about why their Govt. is creating these blocks .
How long has Putin been boss and what happened to the Russian constitution banning long term leaders.
Hideyoshi.N
Japan selling out to the almighty tourist dollar, ruble, shekel, rupee
whatever currency, Japan will take it if there is a tourist involved. Sad.
Japan wants good relationship with everyone and make good business. Your country does not welcome normal tourists from many countries? You don't have to feel sad about Japan government choice. In your country you can do what you want.
All good people from all countries are welcome in Japan , from Ukraine, Russia, Europe, US Asia and everywhere. Tourists don't decide government policy.
Instead of いらっしゃいませ, Russian tourists should be greeted everywhere with "Slava Ukraini!"
There are Russian tourists in Asakusa , please go tell them. Tell us your experience result. But don't tell us what we should greet or not. Thank you.
Nibek32
Russians should be denied entry. Russia continues an aggressive unprovoked invasion of a sovereign country. No way should Japan passively let their citizens vacation here.
Russians are not welcome here.
owzer
Charge Russians triple for everything. Give 1/3 to Ukraine. Keep extra 1/3 as payment for having to deal with Russians.
HopeSpringsEternal
World will be surprised at soon relations with Russia 'normalize'. Many reasons why, but the primary one being to strengthen currencies 'real asset' purchasing power = Global Economic Confidence & Trust
Putin engineered currency real asset purchasing power collapse, as one of his tools to wage geopolitical war, unleashing global inflation and political re-alignment.
Russian tourists a GREAT sign of Global normalizing taking place. Expect multi-national Corps to pour into not only Ukraine to help with rebuilding, but also Russia.
HopeSpringsEternal
World will be surprised at HOW soon relations with Russia 'normalize'. Many reasons why, but the primary one being to strengthen currencies 'real asset' purchasing power = Global Economic Confidence & Trust
Putin engineered currency real asset purchasing power collapse, as one of his tools to wage geopolitical war, unleashing global inflation and political re-alignment.
Russian tourists a GREAT sign of Global normalizing taking place. Expect multi-national Corps to pour into not only Ukraine to help with rebuilding, but also Russia.
Peter14
Russian tourists, what a disgrace!
Nicolò
Russian women are beautiful. All welcome