The year-end holiday season is just around the corner, and with it, new travel trends emerge for those celebrating the transition to 2024. This year, many Japanese travelers seem eager to embrace traditional customs along with exploring both domestic and international destinations.
According to JTB, travelers this year might enjoy extended holidays from December 28 to January 5, potentially leading to up to nine consecutive days off. Amid economic factors such as the weakening yen and rising prices, the insights from JTB indicate domestic travel is holding steady compared to last year, with international travel seeing slight increases. Many are gearing up to reconnect with traditions such as visiting temples where the tolling of bells marks the new year and enjoying meals like soba noodles during this festive period.
Kyoto stands out as a prime destination during the New Year. With its plethora of temples—the city boasts around 1,700—bells are set to ring out significantly on New Year’s Eve at places like the renowned Chion-in Temple. Visitors hoping to immerse themselves can experience the symbolic sound of the 108 bell tolls, each meant to chase away the earthly desires said to trouble humanity. The temple also celebrates the 850th anniversary of its founding by Honen Shonin, highlighting its cultural importance.
Recent travel preference analyses conducted by Booking.com show Japanese travelers are particularly interested in nearby Asian countries for their international getaways. Interestingly, Thailand tops the list of sought-after destinations from December 31, 2024. Following closely are Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam, indicating the preference for accessible and budget-friendly trips, perfect for short vacations.
Travelers pointed to the appealing weather during this period, especially since Thailand and Vietnam experience their dry season. Shorter flight times to destinations like Taiwan and South Korea also cater to those wishing to maximize limited vacation days. Meanwhile, the trend extends to longer excursions to European destinations during extended holiday times, with France, Italy, and the UK being among the top international spots of interest.
On the more localized side of travel, CarLifeJapan has announced it will host its special 'Year-End Road Trip Tour' starting from December 30, 2024. This initiative allows participants to explore the natural beauty of the Nagano and Gifu prefectures, providing visitors with unique experiences such as camping and connecting with local culture. The tour includes visiting renowned sites like the award-winning cider-producing Marukame Orchard and the Medallion Berglabia Resort, ensuring participants enjoy delicate local cuisine and activities aimed at celebrating the New Year.
CarLifeJapan focuses on promoting community-centered travel experiences, connecting participants with the enticing outdoors alongside varied local cultures. Interests have shifted toward these engaging and immersive itineraries as traditional travel methods, including hotels and ryokans, face scrutiny for declining visitor satisfaction, influenced by over tourism issues.
Festivities will include traditional barbecues featuring locally sourced ingredients cooked over applewood gathered from the orchard, exploration of golf resorts, sunrise welcoming from beautiful mountaintops, and participation in the New Year’s shrine visit to Nakayama Shrine, fostering community spirit.
This year's travel trends clearly reflect shifting desires among Japanese citizens, indicating resilience amid economic uncertainties. With the blend of cultural activities and the potential for reconnecting with nature, 2023 is shaping up to be full of meaningful experiences and diverse adventures. Travelers are encouraged not only to enjoy their time away but to wholeheartedly participate, reigniting the deep-rooted traditions of the Japanese New Year.
