Japan is still one of the most popular vacation spots in the world, even after hosting the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, when the nation quickly built new facilities like the Shinkansen bullet train and hotels like the Hotel New Otani Tokyo to accommodate the expected influx of foreign visitors. The first half of 2024 saw 17.78 million foreign tourists, surpassing the previous high of 16.63 million set in 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. And there are no indications that this trend will slow down: by 2030, Japan hopes to nearly double its end-of-year record of 31.88 million visitors, reaching an incredible 60 million yearly.
Although there are many factors contributing to Japan's ongoing appeal, such as its delicious regional food and secure public transit, the latest spike is mostly attributable to a decline in the value of the Japanese yen. Although the yen has somewhat rebounded over the last two months, the dollar is still quite strong in Japan, having fallen to its lowest level since 1990 in early July.
Although there are many factors contributing to Japan's ongoing appeal, such as its delicious regional food and secure public transit, the latest spike is mostly attributable to a decline in the value of the Japanese yen. Although the yen has somewhat rebounded over the last two months, the dollar is still quite strong in Japan, having fallen to its lowest level since 1990 in early July.
At a July second-quarter earnings call, Delta president Glen Hauenstein stated, "I think it was very difficult to be able to afford to go see Japan and all the great things that Japan has to offer when the yen was 83 [to $1]." "With the yen at 160, it's a very different world for U.S. travelers, and they seem to be taking great advantage of that." (The currency has somewhat rebounded recently; at the time of publication, $1 USD was worth about 145 Japanese yen.)
Flights to Japan are, of course, in high demand. "In 2023, Expedia data showed that the most popular international flight route was LAX to Tokyo, with a 430% increase over the previous year," Christie Hudson, an Expedia travel expert, told TPG. "This fall, Tokyo continues to be a trending destination, with a 50% increase in flight searches."
Although more people may now travel to Japan than ever before, there is a drawback: obstinate crowds. In reaction, the local government has imposed a tourism levy on climbers on Mount Fuji, put up obstacles to prevent Instagram-worthy vistas of the same mountain, and blocked access to some private passageways in Kyoto's Geisha district.
By using these suggestions, you can lessen crowds and yet enjoy your holiday in Japan.
Visit the most well-liked locations in Japan during the off-season.
The busiest travel seasons in well-known cities like Kyoto and Osaka are spring and fall. Consider taking a vacation during the off-season to avoid the throngs that arrive at certain times to take in the breathtaking cherry blossoms and fall foliage. In addition to avoiding traffic and lines, you'll be able to quickly reserve additional dining options and activities and discover more affordable lodging.
Even though Osaka is at its warmest and rainiest, summer is a wise season to visit, according to Alastair McAlpine, general manager of the brand-new Four Seasons Hotel Osaka.
"Visiting Osaka in the summer allows travelers to immerse themselves in local culture and traditions — making it a particularly exciting time to explore the city," McAlpine stated. Every summer, Osaka hosts a number of exciting events, such as the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival in August and Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals, in July.
Summer is also a great time to visit world-class museums and cultural centers like the National Museum of Art or the architect Tadao Ando's Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest, when there are fewer tourists and you may explore the city on picturesque river cruises. For street sellers preparing regional delicacies like okonomiyaki, there are also shorter lineups.
However, as the winter days turn chilly and gloomy, Kyoto glows even brighter. "You'll be able to discover peaceful Zen moments in Kyoto's temples — where the tranquil atmosphere is heightened by a delicate dusting of snow if you're lucky — and more intimate glimpses of its historic sites," mentioned Fanny Guibouret, general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto.
Warm up in a communal ofuro, a Japanese wooden bathtub, or a local hot spring after a day of exploring. Additionally, you may anticipate indulging in wintertime favorites like fugu (puffer fish), oden (fish cake stew), and yudofu (tofu stewed in boiling broth).
Steer clear of the obvious and look for alternatives to significant landmarks.
Another straightforward but useful strategy for avoiding visitors is to "avoid the obvious," according to Prairie Stuart-Wolff, the creator of Mirukashi Salon, a restaurant that specialized in small-group, intimate culinary retreats in rural Japan.
"If you must go to a place like Kyoto, forget seeing the Golden Pavilion in a slow-moving mob of 10,000 other foreign tourists and seek out temples and gardens that limit the number of visitors each day," she said. "The small effort of planning ahead and making reservations is well worth the effort."
Located in a peaceful area of northern Kyoto, Shoden-ji Temple is a favorite of David Bowie and is open without reservations. It has a fascinating dry pebble garden and views of Mount Hiei. Additionally, Stuart-Wolff suggests Shugakuin Imperial Villa. "It's just far enough outside of town that reservations aren't snatched up as quickly as the other imperial properties," she explained. When you need to unwind, avoid the crowded Starbucks and go to Tearoom Toka, a small, six-seat organic tea shop.
Accept your jet lag and go as early as you can.
Take advantage of your jet lag and leave as early as you can to escape the crowds that build up later in the day if this is your first time in Japan and you feel that your trip won't be complete if you don't see the main attractions. You can see two of Japan's most well-known Shinto shrines at their most serene if you go before 7 a.m., for instance, as Tokyo's Meiji Jingu opens at sunrise and Kyoto's Fushimi Inari temple is always open.
Discover Japan's lesser-known regions.
Since the majority of visitors stay in Japan's well-known cities, there are many hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered. Take a look at these three lesser-known locations:
Kii Peninsula
The Kii Peninsula, which includes the prefectures of Mie, Wakayama, and Nara, is considered to be the spiritual birthplace of Japan. It is the location of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, which consists of a network of routes that connect three holy locations: Yoshino and Omine, Kumano Sanzan, and Koyasan. These beloved locations, which are surrounded by dense forests with a view of the Pacific Ocean, combine adventure and peace.
In 2024, the Kumano Kodo commemorated its 20th year as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to Shiori Ono, a representative of Tourism Exchange Japan, "it is over a millennium old and one of only two pilgrimage routes worldwide designated as a World Heritage Site." "The surrounding area is a special place where Japan's unique Shinto religion and Buddhism meet."
Nasu Highlands
Ono also recommended the Nasu Highlands, which are easily accessible from Tokyo by bullet train and situated on the northern part of Tochigi. "This serene mountainous area offers a refreshing escape from Japan's more tourist-heavy regions," said Ono. The Nasu Highlands, which include Mount Nasu, the nation's most active volcano, and some of Japan's most well-known hot springs, are equally perfect for a quick day trip or a longer retreat.
Setouchi
The Setouchi region, which spans seven prefectures (Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Kagawa, and Ehime) and is situated along the southwest coast of Japan, has something to offer all types of tourists. Shimanami Kaido, a picturesque 43-mile path that connects the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, is accessible by bicycle for outdoor enthusiasts. Known as "Art Island," Naoshima offers a tranquil environment for taking in modern architecture and art at locations like Benesse House and the Chichu Art Museum. (In 2025, the islands will host the next Setouchi Triennale art event.) Setouchi is also known for its sour-sweet lemons, which are used by local cooks to flavor everything from desserts to tonkatsu ramen.
Japan is a more popular destination than ever before. If you travel in the off-season, look for lesser-known areas and attractions, and schedule visits to important monuments during slower hours, you can still have an exciting vacation in Japan even though there have been complaints about crowding.
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