Travel Trends in Golden Week 2023

The 2023 Golden Week in Japan, spanning from April 25 to May 5, has seen a significant surge in both domestic and international travel. Domestic travel is expected to reach 24.5 million travelers, marking a 153.1% increase compared to the previous year. This figure represents a recovery to 102% of pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong rebound in domestic tourism.

International travel has also shown a notable recovery, with 200,000 Japanese travelers expected to go abroad during this period. This is a 400% increase compared to 2022, though it remains at just 21.5% of pre-pandemic levels. The slow recovery in international travel is attributed to factors such as high travel costs, the depreciation of the yen, and reduced international flight capacities, which are currently at around 60% of 2019 levels.

Domestic Travel Preferences

Domestic travelers are showing a preference for short- to medium-distance trips, with popular destinations including the Kanto and Kinki regions. The use of private cars and trains has increased, while air travel has seen a decline. Accommodation preferences have shifted towards hotels, with a notable increase in stays at Japanese inns.

International Travel Trends

For those traveling abroad, Hawaii and South Korea are the most popular destinations. The relaxation of border controls and the resumption of international flights have facilitated this increase in international travel. However, the high cost of travel and the weak yen continue to be significant deterrents for many potential travelers.

Economic and Social Factors

The Japanese economy is currently facing challenges such as rising prices and a weak yen, which have impacted household budgets. Despite these challenges, there is a growing willingness to spend on travel, with 26.5% of respondents indicating a travel intention, a recovery to 2019 levels.

Future Outlook

The recovery in travel is expected to continue, with the ongoing impact of the national travel subsidy program and the relaxation of border controls. The reclassification of COVID-19 from a Class 2 to a Class 5 disease is also expected to further boost travel confidence.

Conclusion

The 2023 Golden Week has marked a significant step towards the recovery of Japan’s travel industry, with both domestic and international travel showing strong signs of rebound. However, economic challenges and the slow recovery of international flight capacities continue to pose challenges for the industry.

References
– UNWTO, “World Tourism Barometer January 2023.”
– Japan Tourism Agency, “Overnight Travel Statistics Survey.”
– Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), “Visitor Arrivals to Japan and Japanese Overseas Travelers.”
– Official Airline Guide (OIG), “Capacity Report.”