Tokyo–Almaty Route Sparks Tourism Talks Between Japan and Kazakhstan

The biggest tour operators from Japan have recently held meetings with Kazakhstan’s tourism sector ahead of the planned direct flight between Tokyo and Almaty.

The direct route, operated by Air Astana, is set to launch next March, marking a milestone in Kazakhstan-Japan travel and tourism ties, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Around 5,000-7,000 Japanese tourists are projected to visit Kazakhstan in the first year of the route.

The event was organized by Kazakh Tourism National Company, Air Astana and the Almaty Tourism Department, bringing together Japan’s top ten tour operators-covering cultural, ecological, premium travel, and meeting, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segments.

Japan is considered a strategic tourism market for Kazakhstan. The new flight aims to unlock fresh avenues for cooperation and mutual interest between the two nations.

The Tokyo‑Almaty route is part of a larger push by Kazakhstan to expand its global connectivity and boost inbound tourism, aligning with the national strategy to diversify and grow its travel sector.