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Visiting from 2020 to early 2023 Japan was a distant dream for most travelers.
As the country grappled with the fallout from a health crisis, most foreign tourists were routinely denied entry, including U.S. passport holders.
However, after almost three years, the country finally opened its doors and began welcoming visitors again without restrictions. It’s no surprise that it goes straight to the top ten of Google’s most searched destinations, in a position it hadn’t held for some time.
Bookings for Japan have increased dramatically since then latest travel trends is there anything to do, it could be a truly phenomenal 2024.
Amid renewed Japanophilia, you may still be wondering why the East Asian country is suddenly so popular again, especially when other Asian countries that have also implemented restrictive measures, such as China, have yet to see as strong a recovery on the international tourism front to see. .
Why is Japan so popular now?
Japan has traditionally been one of the top destinations for Americans on the Asian continent, due to their close historical ties, unwavering Japanese-American camaraderie and, of course, the country’s awe-inspiring culture.
This is all old news.
We’re not here to rehash previously written pieces about how exciting Tokyo is, Osaka’s world-class museums, or Kyoto’s picturesque cobblestone alleys and ancient temples that are left virtually untouched through two devastating world wars.
Of course, Japan’s perennial attractions are playing an important role in the country’s revival, but that alone doesn’t explain the country’s record-breaking return to pre-crisis tourism levels. just a few monthsas the wider reopening didn’t happen until last April.
So why are there tourists suddenly? so invested in Japan?
Obviously, part of it has to do with the restored air links between Japan and America, Europe and most of the world, after several years of severed ties and thus a drastic reduction in travel demand. but we’re digging a little deeper here.
Japan is preparing for the relaunch after the crisis enormously diversifying its tourist offer.
Japan is more incredible than it ever was
Overtourism was a major concern for Japanese authorities before the pandemic hit, especially since travel demand was limited to three major destinations, with all the ‘ultimate’ Japanese itineraries including the aforementioned Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto trio, and they’re keen to do so to avoid.
Now the government is promoting a lot of them lesser known places that tourists were previously unaware of.
Some of the new focus areas include Ishikawaone of the country’s unsung foodie hotspots and perhaps the best destination for sampling Japanese seafood and all its variations, and Wakayamawhich marks the beginning of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
Surrounded by untouched nature, this mountainous footpath crosses the Kii Peninsula and leads to all the Three Great Shrines of Kumano, a trio of hugely important religious sites dating back centuries, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating its 20th anniversary. celebrates. 2024.
As Miho Oguri, marketing and communications manager at JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) says, their focus next year will be on promoting Japan’s “regional areas” to “show travelers more of the variety of cultures in depth.”
Other initiatives include the opening of no less than 370 km of walking route at least three national parks iin eastern Hokkaido, which provides access to traditional villages and unheard of natural wonders, helping adventure tourists reach ‘deep Japan’.
Japan’s growth in popularity can also be explained by seasonal travel fatigue.
A destination for the whole year
Japan has been known as a spring destination for years, as the cherry blossoms burst into their vibrant colors and much of the country’s inbound tourism concentrates between the months of March and May.
In 2023, that dynamic changed.
Summer has brought more vibrant outdoor festivals; a sudden spike in bookings was observed during the autumn period, which has been called the ‘new spring’ for Japan due to its smaller crowds and beautiful foliage, which rivals cherry blossoms in beauty, and even winter travel is gaining popularity.
Japan is not a widely known snow and ski destination, but it is the weaker one yenand Japan’s largely underdeveloped highlands are now attracting more investors, with several infrastructure projects and tourist facilities emerge.
This December, a new 78-key ski resort opens its doors in Furano, in the so-called “navel” of northern Hokkaido, featuring minimalist design and rooms in comforting wood tones that are sure to get American visitors in the mood for a winter vacation in Japan.
The Nozo Hotel belongs to the Japanese most highly anticipated openings this year, as it is set against the pristine white landscape of the mountainous north of Hokkaido island, and features a spa, where cold-water pools and saunas are available, and chic restaurants and cocktail bars.
Nozo is a two-hour drive from Chitose International Airport, which serves Sapporo, and an even shorter hour’s drive from Asahikawa Domestic Airport.
More luxury retreats will follow in 2024, including Japan’s first-ever Rosewood Listed on the tropical island of Miyakojima, famous for its golden sands and turquoise seas, and a Six Senses in charming Kyoto.
As Oguri reiterated, authorities are pushing for Japan to “destination all year round‘.
Finally, there is the fact that traveling in Japan is becoming cheaper and cheaper.
Cheaper prices
Not only has the government greenlit a number of projects that will make it easier for tourists to explore Japan on a budget, such as a new one-day travel pass for destinations in the East, but also the Japanese currency itself – the yen – is now weaker than before 2019.
As for the new pass, it is a all you can drive ticket for all lines operated by JR East.
Unfortunately, these don’t cover the typical Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima route, but you can enjoy unlimited travel between destinations such as Aomori, Sendai, Kanazawa, Nagano, Niigata and Morioka, six of Japan’s most fascinating off-road gems.
With tickets starting at just 10,000 yenor only $70.53 at the current exchange rate you can even on one shinkansen bullet train line to get to your favorite destinations faster.
Concerning the yenThis year, the currency has hit a new low against the dollar, reaching a trading threshold of ¥150, while in 2019, before the health crisis, it was just ¥109.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
