Rising prices are changing summer travel plans across Japan

If you're an expat in Japan and planning a summer getaway, you're certainly not alone if you're feeling the pinch this year. A new nationwide survey has suggested that rising prices are shaping travel plans for people across the country, with many people adjusting their budgets or opting to stay closer to home.

According to research by Intage, the average summer holiday budget has risen to 58,902 yen, which is the first increase in three years, but it's not because people are splashing out. Nearly half of respondents said inflation and the weak yen were the main reasons their holiday spending had increased.

For those planning an overnight trip within Japan, the average budget has climbed to just over 109,000 yen, with soaring accommodation costs cited as the biggest factor. If you've been browsing hotels recently, that probably won't come as a surprise.

Interestingly, almost 39% of people said they planned to spend their summer holidays at home, while domestic travel remained steady at around 18%. Overseas travel also showed little change, with just 2.1% planning an international trip.

The survey also found that this summer's record-breaking heat is influencing people's decisions. Nearly 80% said they're concerned about extreme temperatures, with many scaling back outdoor activities. Bear sightings in parts of Japan and concerns over global events have also prompted some travelers to rethink their plans.

For us as expats, it may be worth booking accommodation early, looking beyond the usual tourist hotspots, and planning outdoor adventures for the cooler mornings or evenings (with bear safety in mind!)