More Japanese travellers will make overseas trips during the country’s extended holiday period this spring, aided by the ongoing recovery of international flights, increased incomes among some segments, and campaigns to stimulate demand, according to research by Japan’s largest travel agent.
Based on its survey of 1,846 people, JTB Corporation estimates 550,000 people will travel abroad between April 25 and May 7, also known as Golden Week, equating to a 10 per cent rise year-on-year.
Total spending on outbound trips could reach 147.4 billion yen (US$1.03 billion), up 9.6 per cent over the same period in 2024, but the average spend is predicted to remain about the same, at 268,000 yen.
The largest ratio of respondents (15.9 per cent) plan to spend between 100,000 and 150,000 yen on travel expenses.
Destinations chosen by respondents are South Korea (25.7 per cent), Taiwan (14.2 per cent), South-east Asia (10.6 per cent), Hawaii (9.7 per cent), and Europe (9.7 per cent). Within Europe, Italy, Spain, Portugal and France are the most popular countries.
The survey also found travellers are seeking longer trips than in previous years. Almost one third of those surveyed said their trip would span four days/ three nights, followed by five days/four nights (13.3 per cent), three days/two nights (14.2 per cent), and six days/five nights (14.2 per cent).
Domestic travel, however, is expected to drop 7.2 per cent from 2024 to reach 22.9 million, largely due to rising prices and cost-saving intentions among households, fuelled by economic uncertainty globally, as well as a desire to avoid crowded places, according to JTB.
