Japan has witnessed unprecedented tourism growth over the past year, with the total amount of travel consumption soaring to record-high levels. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, domestic travel spending reached 25.1 trillion yen ($230 billion) in 2024, marking an impressive increase of 14.6% compared to the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic figures by 14.5%.
This increase was fueled by rising numbers of Japanese travelers, with 540 million recorded last year, resulting in substantial economic activity throughout the country. Overnight trips accounted for approximately 20.3 trillion yen, reflecting an 18.4% increase compared to 2019 figures, whereas day trips contributed about 4.8 trillion yen, up slightly by 0.5% over the same period.
One innovative response to catering to this influx of tourists is the introduction of hands-free luggage services, which enable visitors to travel more comfortably without the burden of heavy bags. These services, already being implemented by companies such as Central Japan International Airport Co. and Nagoya Railroad Co., allow tourists to drop off their luggage at designated points and have it transported directly to their accommodations or final destinations.
For example, during recent tests in January, travelers on direct flights to Hong Kong were able to check their bags at the airport or train stations. The luggage was then transported via express trains and delivered to the respective airports at their destinations. The fee for this convenience was set at 3,000 yen per item, which users found reasonable, especially considering the comfort it provided. Kazuo Mizuno, director of the NPO Alliance of Research for Advanced Technology at Airports, emphasized, "It’s necessary to separate people and baggage to reduce congestion and ease local traffic."
Similar services have also been tested for events like the Sapporo Snow Festival, providing attendees with easy luggage drop-off points at railway stations. By paying 2,000 yen, participants could enjoy local attractions without being encumbered by their belongings, which were sent off to airports for collection at the end of their trip.
Another exciting development is the upcoming launch of drone services aimed at enhancing tourist experiences even more. JTB, alongside drone operator Fly and Japan Airlines, announced the introduction of video recording services at popular tourist spots. Customers will soon be able to capture high-quality aerial footage of their experiences by simply scanning QR codes at various locations and completing their payments through the associated website.
The initiative starts on August 1 at Shodo Island's national park, with testing phases currently underway. Customers can expect to receive their edited videos—about one to two minutes long—within 30 minutes after recording. Each use will cost approximately 2,000 yen, and the firms aim to expand this service to ten locations by 2026, eventually covering all 47 prefectures by 2027.
These technological advancements aim to not only streamline and improve visitors' experiences but also to combat issues arising from Japan's tourism boom, including congestion and the managing of foot traffic at popular sites. The overall goal of these initiatives aligns with Japan’s strategy to manage tourism growth effectively and sustainably, ensuring visitors can fully enjoy their journeys.
Currently, the Japanese travel market is set for continuous growth, with significant investment pouring off the back of increased tourism. With new services like the drone video offerings and innovative luggage solutions, Japan is working hard to maintain its appeal to both domestic and foreign travelers alike. The focus remains on enhancing the usability and enjoyment of travel across the nation, all the more important as the country seeks to not only attract more visitors but also offer accessible experiences to enjoy Japan’s many diverse offerings.
Going forward, these advancements could serve as models for leveraging technology within the tourism sector, balancing convenience with the need to safeguard the local infrastructure and environment—reflecting the evolution of travel norms across the globe.