New data shows that foreign visitors to Japan spent more money than ever in 2023. The total surpassed pre-pandemic levels and the government's annual target of 5 trillion yen.

Preliminary figures from the Japan Tourism Agency show that travelers from abroad spent nearly 5.3 trillion yen, or about 36 billion dollars, during their stays in the country. The total includes accommodation fees.

The amount was up almost 10 percent from the previous record, set in 2019.

Average spending per visitor stood at 212,000 yen, or around 1,400 dollars, up one-third from 4 years earlier.

The Japan National Tourism Organization estimates the number of overseas arrivals was just over 25 million last year. That's nearly 80 percent of the 2019 record and a roughly 6-and-a-half-fold rise from 2022.

Visitors from mainland China used to make up the largest group by country or region. But they are still visiting and spending below pre-pandemic levels.