#51 Preparing for the High Season: Insights on Japan's Tourism Revival
Insights on Cruise Tourism, Chinese Travelers, and Traveling Tips for Autumn in Japan
In the western suburb of Tokyo where I live, petals of cherry blossoms are falling like a snowstorm. For the Japanese, watching the petals of cherry blossoms fluttering down has long been considered the best of all worlds, and now is the perfect time for it. Yesterday I came across the “Sakura (cherry blossom) Festival” in my area, and I found the park filled with lots of people. For three years, these events have been either canceled or postponed due to the pandemic and we’ve all been waiting for this year, for the return of the Sakura Festivals.
Nobody seems to have an objection that this flower season is the symbolic moment of the tourism recovery. Japan seems to be a popular destination for revenge tourism1. We’re all trying to make up for our lost time. This week, I’ll write about the current state of tourism in Japan as well as how to prepare for the upcoming high seasons in Japan.
More foreign travelers and more out-going Japanese locals
Recently, I have noticed an increase in the number of travelers from overseas carrying giant suitcases at major terminal stations. Every time I see a group of foreigners gathering for organized tours, it reminds me of this trend. Last October, when the Japanese government eased its border measures, the number of foreign visitors started to increase, initially with business visitors and then gradually including tourists from Europe and the US.
Since March 13th, wearing masks has been optional at the discretion of individuals, except in some places. This is due to the decision that from May 8th, the coronavirus will be treated similarly to the seasonal flu, and the mitigation measures have been adjusted accordingly.
At the same time, these changes have encouraged the Japanese, who have been more conservative in responses to COVID-19. As soon as wearing masks became optional, the number of people going out increased. This week, major events such as preparations for the new school year, spring break, and cherry blossom viewing, which were held back for the past three years, are seeing significant enthusiasm.
Revival of cruise tourism in Japan
Last week, I had the chance to give tours to passengers of foreign cruise ships. You may remember that there was a corona outbreak on the Diamond Princess on a large passenger line in the early days of the pandemic. It is not only this ship but also other major cruise ships that resumed operations in Japan, and I think it is quite a symbolic movement since this sector of tourism is the most conscious of the pandemic situation.
Passenger ship terminals in Tokyo, Yokohama, and elsewhere are frequently busy with large cruise ships to accommodate thousands of foreigners recently. The sudden increase in cruise ship operations resulted in a serious shortage of tour guides in Japan. During the pandemic, many tour guides are said to have given up their jobs. It was like fishing in waters where there are no fish. Major Japanese tour operators are now desperate to find tour guides to fill the high demand for cruise ships from overseas. It is needless to say that the situation is more serious in rural cities since it is more difficult to find tour guides from their area. (I heard that a tour guide based in Hokkaido was asked to support one tour in Kyushu. )
A surge in Chinese travelers
One important factor for the travel industry's outlook later this year is the recovery of Chinese tourists. Before the pandemic, Chinese travelers accounted for the largest portion of the industry, but the movement was halted due to restrictions. The recent resumption of visa issuance for individual travel in China, the increase in flights from China since late March, and the absence of PCR checks and quarantine measures when returning to China from Japan may lead to an increase in the number of Chinese visitors entering the country in the future. This shift towards individual travel may coincide with the current trend seen in visitors from Europe and the US, leading to new patterns and movements in the tourism industry never seen before the pandemic.
This Autumn will be the busiest time to travel, for everybody
Traveling season in Japan is all year round, but the high season is spring and autumn. Cruise ships come to Japan for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Chinese tourists missed the spring flowers due to restrictions, but they will start coming back as early as this summer. In addition, domestic travel is said to increase this year. This autumn is going to be the first time to travel freely substantially for everybody.
For instance, the season of Mt Fuji normally starts on the 1st of July. Huts on the trail will be booked up quickly once they open for booking. Kyoto, which has a high reputation for the autumn visit, will be very crowded. I strongly advise you to book your accommodations as early as possible. The price will be higher by dynamic pricing as your date approaches.
The autumn leaves in Kyoto can usually be seen from early November to early December. But global warming makes it so difficult to judge the best time to travel as was with the cherry blossoms which bloomed much earlier than usual this year. I’m planning to visit Kyoto this autumn and I have already booked my accommodation and I recommend you do the same!
Preparing for the high season: Traveling Tips for Autumn in Japan
So toward the next high season in autumn, my advice is as follows:
Plan as early as possible.
Avoid major tourist attractions.
Avoid weekends not to overlap with Japanese domestic travelers
Sakura (and other spring flowers!)
I regret that I couldn’t make the Sakura bike ride last weekend. But I’d like to share some of the images that I took when I joined #99 Tamagawa Chuo Kouen Parkrun.
At this venue this week cherry blossoms and tulips welcomed us, and it was a very pleasant run. Next week will mark the memorable 100th event. We meet in Tamagawa Central Park every Saturday at 8 am. So please join us if you happen to be in Tokyo!
What do you want me to write about more? Let me know in the comments below or answer the poll below!
Revenge tourism refers to the phenomenon of people traveling more frequently and extravagantly to make up for lost time after a period of travel restrictions or lockdowns due to COVID-19.