Japan travel trends for 2026

Are you planning to travel much this year? A new survey by GeNiE Co., Ltd. has suggested that many Japan dwellers are holding back. Around 70% of respondents said they're not currently considering travel this year, and for me that hesitation feels relatable. With the weak yen and rising everyday costs, I think travel can start to feel very much like a luxury rather than a given.

Just to note, this was a more general survey about travel trends rather than anything only pertaining to the Golden Week holiday period coming up.

For those who are planning trips, the trend is clearly leaning toward short domestic getaways. One to two night trips within Japan are the most common choice, with longer holidays taking a back seat.

As I expected, cost was the biggest factor, but it wasn't only about how much a trip costs overall. The requirement to pay upfront in a single lump sum is proving to be a major sticking point, and for many, it's the timing of that payment rather than the total price that makes travel feel out of reach. I also thought it was interesting that around 70% of respondents said they'd reconsider their travel plans if more flexible payment options were available.