A stronger yen as a result of US-Japan currency interventions could incentivise more Japanese to travel overseas, especially to short-haul destinations such as Thailand, while Thai travellers should not be discouraged from visiting Japan, according to tourism operators.
Yoshida Masahiro, a committee member of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said a sharp rise in the yen could persuade more Japanese tourists to travel overseas as a result of cheaper tour packages.
The Japanese currency has rebounded from 40-year lows near 164 to the US dollar to reach a range of 155-157, as America is collaborating with Tokyo to intervene in the yen as the nation struggles with high import costs and mounting public debt.
According to Mr Yoshida, Japan tourism operators are promoting two-way travel, encouraging them to travel abroad after Japan recorded the highest number of international arrivals last year, partly due to a weak yen.
Over the past few years, a weak yen prompted Japanese tourists to scale down their trips, such as cutting their stays from five- to four-star hotels, he noted.
"The impact of a stronger yen may become clearer as early as next year, since many tourists have already booked and paid their travel packages for the upcoming months, and the currency just entered the early ramp-up period," said Mr Yoshida.
Other factors are encouraging the Japanese to travel overseas, such as the Nikkei closing at an all-time-high in June, lifting the spending of many Japanese companies organising overseas meetings and group incentives for their employees.
"Thailand should reap benefits from this trend as the country remains a popular destination for short-haul travelling from Japan, especially during summer like this month, while long-haul trips are being pressured by high airfares and the prolonged Middle East crisis," Mr Yoshida said.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects 1.1 million Japanese arrivals this year, relatively unchanged from 1.09 million reported last year, partly due to the war in the Middle East.
Pattaranong Na Chiangmai, deputy governor for Asia and South Pacific Markets at TAT, said the agency may increase the projection later this year if the Japanese economy improves and the yen continues to appreciate.
This could encourage more Japanese to spend money and travel abroad, including to Thailand, she said.
Kanlayanee Assanee, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, said the rebounding yen should not significantly impact Thai tourists in the short term since travellers have already booked their trips ahead of time.
Mrs Kanlayanee said Japan remains among the top outbound destinations for Thai tourists, due to its infrastructure, safety, and its year-round weather, although China is catching up in attracting tourists thanks to visa-free schemes, alongside new attractions and cost-effectiveness.
Tour operators are still able to manage their expenses and offer promotions to maintain package prices, she said.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 704,600 Thai travellers visited Japan during the first half of 2026, up 3.5% year-on-year.
If the yen continues to strengthen for a longer period, Mrs Kanlayanee said it may affect the decisions of Thai tourists and their purchasing power.
"Some travellers may reduce their budgets or choose other destinations they view as better value," she said.
