Japan welcomed an estimated 3,437,000 foreign visitors in July, up 4.4 percent from the same month last year and marking the highest figure for the month, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported Wednesday.

The new record surpassed the previous July high of 3,292,602 set in 2024, fueled by an influx of travelers from mainland China, Taiwan, the United States, and France, coinciding with summer school holidays.

Mainland China accounted for the largest share with 974,500 visitors, a surge of 25.5 percent from a year ago.

It was followed by South Korea at 678,600, though arrivals from the country fell 10.4 percent amid social media rumors of a potential earthquake in Japan.

Taiwan contributed 604,200 visitors, up 5.7 percent, while arrivals from the United States climbed 10.3 percent to 277,100.

Meanwhile, arrivals from Hong Kong also saw a double-digit decline. (PNA)