Japanese visitor numbers to Uzbekistan climb almost 50% in 2026

More than 36,600 Japanese tourists visited Uzbekistan during the first nine months of 2026, an increase of nearly 50% compared with the same period last year, Uzbekistan's UzA news agency reported. The figures point to growing interest in the country among travellers from Japan.

Key facts

• Period covered: the first nine months of 2026
• Visitors: more than 36,600 Japanese tourists
• Change: an increase of nearly 50% year on year
• Reported by: UzA, Uzbekistan's news agency

What is behind the increase?

UzA linked the rise to stronger cultural and economic ties between Uzbekistan and Japan, together with initiatives aimed at promoting Uzbekistan as a tourist destination in Japan.

Three factors were named: the launch of regular direct flights between the two capitals, Uzbekistan's active participation in the Tourism EXPO Japan exhibition in Tokyo, and familiarization tours of the country organised for leading Japanese tour operators.

What this means for travellers

For travellers from Japan, the source points to regular direct flights now operating between the two capitals as one reason for the growth in visitor numbers. The source does not give the launch date of these flights, the airlines involved, or the frequency of the service.

The source reports tourism statistics only. It does not set out any change to Uzbekistan's visa, passport or entry requirements for Japanese citizens, and it gives no information on fees, permitted length of stay or how to apply.

No further figures, targets or upcoming announcements were given in the report.