Planning a year-end break? The Land of the Rising Sun beckons

NOW may be one of the best times for Malaysians to visit Japan as the national currency has appreciated against the yen in one of the biggest shifts in recent years.

It was reported that​​ the Japanese Yen (JPY) recorded a new low in recent history against the Ringgit (RM), with RM1 equalling JPY37.94 as of last month, and this may see a record number of outbound tourism to Japan.

Malaysian Association of Travel and Tour Agents (MATTA) Penang chapter chairperson Carolyn Leong noted that Japan remains one of the top outbound markets for Malaysians.

"Especially during the school holidays; we have an adoration for many Japanese items from its pristine snow to food as well as its culture. There is the family amusement parks and innovation as well as the arts," said Leong.

She noted that MATTA outbound agencies have significant engagements with their Japanese counterparts to tailor holiday plans for Malaysian tourists.

Her counterpart - MATTA chairman Nigel Wong says that Japan is one of the top outbound destinations for Malaysian travellers.

Wong said that it is not just the currency appreciation factor, as year-end has become a traditional time for Malaysians to engage in outbound tourism.

"Malaysians mostly travel during the school holidays. So for this year-end, we expect a spike in visits to Japan," said Wong.

It was also reported that the Land of the Rising Sun welcomed the highest number of tourists from Malaysia at 506,800 for the better part of this year.

Japan is therefore on track to break the record for most tourists from Malaysia this year, while the decades-old policy of Look East by the Malaysian government is also exposing young students to Japan's way of life, and many come home liking it.

So, upon working, they revisit Japan with their families and friends.

According to Bank Negara Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, the

ringgit appreciated against the currencies of most of its trading partners in the third quarter of 2025.

"In the third quarter of 2025, the ringgit appreciated by 0.8 per cent on a nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) basis against the currencies of Malaysia's major trading partners," he said during the bank's quarterly public briefing.

The ringgit appreciated by 8.2 per cent against the US dollar, 7.8 per cent against the Korean won, 6.8 per cent against the Japanese yen, and 3.6 per cent against the Singapore dollar.

Abdul Rasheed added that the ringgit's movement was driven by a mix of both domestic and external factors.

A weaker yen has given the impulsion on the part of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) to work closely with Malaysian travel partners to promote diverse and authentic Japanese experiences beyond popular cities.

The strong ringgit against the Japanese Yen has made Japan a more affordable and attractive destination, directly contributing to increased visitor numbers.

Among the incentives, are a "halal" guide for Muslim tourists; from food to lodging and places of interests, while advocating that Japanese customs are now sensitive to the needs and practises of Muslims.

Other attractions on offer to Malaysians, are the  Shitamachi Tanabata Festival and the Sumida River Fireworks Festival.

There is also Nishiarai Daishi Wind Chime Festival, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is wooing tourists through social media by pledging to post their social media postings on their own platforms to encourage interactions.

Through its official social media accounts, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government shares a wide range of updates about life in Tokyo. 

And to make holidays more inspiring, Japan is also hosting many state of the art conferences and events such as the SusHi Tech Tokyo, Asia’s largest innovation conference.

It is held annually in Tokyo around April and May, SusHi Tech Tokyo is Asia’s largest innovation conference, envisioning the future of sustainable cities.

The next SusHi Tech Tokyo is scheduled to take place from April 27 to April 29, next year, bringing together startups, investors, corporations, cities, and students from around the world to exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions to urban challenges. 

The local government of Tokyo also urged tourists to listen to international residents on life in Tokyo.

"What makes it an easy city to work and live in, and what unique charms they’ve discovered from an international perspective.

“A woman from India currently pursuing her PhD in Japan, shared how she has experienced Tokyo’s diversity, openness, and abundance of business opportunities, as well as the chance to gain valuable internship experience in an international academic environment." – December 2, 2025