Spring break survey finds 70% of Japan-fams are planning outings

A new survey from the IkoYo Research Institute has offered a snapshot of how families across Japan are planning to spend the 2026 spring break season, with a strong appetite for outings as the weather warms and the school year transitions.

According to the survey, roughly 70% of households are planning some kind of leisure outing during spring break. Day trips are the most common choice, with 42% of respondents saying they plan to go out for the day only. 

For those planning longer trips, accommodation bookings are typically made well in advance. The most common timing for hotel reservations is between one and two months ahead of the trip, accounting for 26% of respondents. However, early planning is also common, with around 25% of households securing accommodations three months or more in advance. At the same time, nearly one in five families say they plan to book within two weeks to one month before traveling, showing that last-minute plans remain part of the mix.

When it comes to destinations, classic family attractions dominate. Theme parks and amusement parks rank as the most popular outing spot, chosen by 39% of respondents. Parks and large green spaces follow at 34%, while zoos and safari parks come in at 24%. 

Cherry blossom viewing also remains an important seasonal activity, although many families are keeping things simple. Half of respondents said they plan to enjoy the blossoms casually at nearby parks or walking paths rather than traveling to see them. Meanwhile, about one in four households are planning a more traditional hanami gathering with friends or family, often involving reserving a spot in advance.

The survey was conducted online between February 12th and February 18th, 2026, and gathered responses from 507 members of the IkoYo platform, which provides information on family-friendly outings across Japan.